Adriatic Campaign

French control of the eastern Adriatic threatened trade and provided naval bases after the reorganisation of the Illyrian Provinces. British frigates operated from island bases, attacking convoys and supporting local resistance.

The campaign depended on aggressive small squadrons and intelligence networks rather than large battle fleets. Success helped isolate French garrisons and weaken Napoleon’s hold on the coast.

Balkan Glory sends Kydd’s frigate squadron into this theatre while Renzi conducts diplomacy in Austria. Naval action and European coalition politics converge in the approach to battle.