In early 1694, ministers in the government of William III resolved to augment the Royal Navy's offensive capacity through provision of bomb vessels to attack French ports.

However, by April 1694 only eight such vessels were available, to which Admiralty then added the sixth rate sloop Julian Prize to form the expanded bomb group.

In company with other purchased and converted bomb vessels, she was attached to Admiral John Berkeley's squadron for action against both merchant shipping and the fleets of privateers that were operating from French ports.

[1][3] Wright was superseded as commander when Endeavour reached her station in Berkeley's force, replaced by Captain (and later vice admiral) James Mighells.

[3][4] Naval historians have subsequently described Endeavour and her sister ships' contribution to Berkeley's squadron as a "great disappointment" to the British,[4] with their port bombardments representing little more than "nuisance raids" due to the inaccuracy of their fire.