HMS Anne Galley was an 8-gun fire ship of the Royal Navy, launched in 1739 and in active service during the War of the Austrian Succession against Spain and France.

[7] She was also part of a small three-vessel squadron sent to the Bay of Ajaccio under Vice-Admiral Thomas Mathews to investigate reports that a single Spanish ship of the line was anchored there for repairs.

[3] France entered the war against Britain in 1743, leaving the Royal Navy's Mediterranean fleet at risk from the combined French and Spanish forces.

[10] Seizing the opportunity, Mathews ordered Commander Mackie to bring Anne Galley forward to set the Spanish flagship ablaze.

[11] Mathews had expected that the 70-gun HMS Essex would provide covering fire for Anne Galley but her captain, Richard Norris, refused to do so.

"[12] The Spanish observed Anne Galley's unsupported approach and opened fire with the remaining guns aboard Real Felipe as well as those of the 70-gun Hercules.

To avoid casualties Commander Mackie ordered all but five of the crew to take to the boats, which were trailed on the far side of the ship to shelter them from enemy fire.

Eventually, Real Felipe's gunfire hit Anne Galley's bows and may have ignited the loose gunpowder scattered about the fire ship's hold.

[11][16] Those of Anne Galley's crew who had already taken to the boats before the explosion survived the fire ship's sinking and were able to make their way back to the British line.

[11] Naval historian William Clowes describes Mackie's handling of Anne Galley at Toulon as demonstrating "great ability and gallantry.