In 1759, during the Seven Years’ War, a French fleet led by the Comte de Conflans quitted Brest en route for the Atlantic. The manoeuvre was spotted by smuggler Harry Paulet, who cut short his unlawful business and sailed to where he knew Admiral Hawke’s Royal Navy fleet lay, eager to inform him.

Thus warned of the French fleet’s moves, Hawke was able to pin the enemy down in Quiberon Bay. A sharp sea-battle followed, in which Paulet insisted on joining. After victory was secure, Paulet retired from smuggling to become a pub landlord, thanks to a purse of gold which Hawke gave him along with a letter of commendation.

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