Raking fire

Historically, a stern rake tended to be more damaging than a bow rake because the shots were less likely to be deflected by the curved and strengthened bow,[1] and because disabling the exposed rudder at the stern would render the target unable to steer and thus manoeuvre.

However, achieving a position to rake a single enemy ship was usually very difficult unless the opponent was unable to manoeuvre due to damage to its sails or rudder; it was easier if the enemy ship was required to maintain its position in a line of battle.

Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve survived, and although he was not captured for three hours, the raking put Bucentaure out of the fight.

In the Royal Navy's Glorious First of June (1 June 1794) battle, Admiral Richard Howe ordered his British fleet to turn through the French line and rake the opposing ships.

While only a small proportion of captains and ships achieved this, it was decisive enough to turn the battle.