Heritage Open Day: Let us tell you A Little Story about a Big Battle that took place off the Yorkshire Coast in 1779 during the American War of Independence. We will bring to life this significant event during our 246th Anniversary Annual Festival. Dur. 20-30mins The Battle of Flamborough Head has gone down in American folklore as that battle in which the father of the US Navy, John Paul Jones exclaimed, Surrender? I have not yet begun to fight!.
The Americans have always claimed they won the battle despite the sinking of their ship, the Bohomme Richard. The Franco-American squadron did capture the two Royal Navy escort ships - HMS Serapis and Countess of Scarborough. However, it isn't that simple or clear-cut.