This folk ballad / sea shanty refers to the action of 19-24 August 1702, between Admiral Benbow and the French squadron under Admiral du Casse off the coast of Santa Maria in the West Indies. Benbow, deserted by two of his ships, the Greenwich and Defiance, engaged and defeated the French. Severely wounded, he returned to his base where he caused Captains Kirby and Wade to be shot for desertion. He later died from the wounds he received. Benbow was affectionately known to his men as the ‘Brother Tar’ because of his service before the mast as an ordinary seaman before his promotion.
