In April 1809, Allemand's insufficiently strong defensive positions gave Admiral Gambier an opportunity for a strike, leading to the Battle of the Basque Roads. The resulting loss of four ships and two frigates was blamed on captains, four of whom were court-martialed with one relieved of duty and one, Laffon, of "Calcutta", executed by firing squad, but Allemand's role was never questioned, much to the outrage of the officers. Martin openly expressed his disapproval of the verdict.