English School, 18th century English School, 18th century The battle of Algeciras, Spain inscribed 'Arjel', pen and ink and watercolour 43 x 90cm In July 1801, there were two naval battles between a British squadron under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir James Saumarez and a smaller French squadron supported by Spanish gun batteries. Although the French and Spanish fleets, despite heavy losses, were able to reach Cadiz, the battles were to prove decisive in establishing British control of the Mediterranean.