The Battle of Minorca (May 20, 1756), a naval battle between French and British fleets, is the opening sea battle of the Seven Years' War in the European theater.
Shortly after the war begins, British and French squadrons meet off the Mediterranean island of Minorca.
The French win the battle.
The subsequent decision by the British to withdraw to Gibraltar hands France a strategic victory and leads directly to the Fall of Minorca.
The British failure to save Minorca leads to the controversial court-martial and execution of the British commander, Admiral John Byng, for "failure to do his utmost" to relieve the siege of the British garrison on Minorca.
