Overview:
This detailed account of the 1794 British campaign in the West Indies chronicles the triumphs and tribulations of conquering Martinique, St. Lucia, and Guadaloupe. The text paints a vivid picture of the campaign’s successes under the leadership of Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis, highlighting the unified cooperation between the army and navy. The author, Rev. Cooper Willyams, served as chaplain on the Boyne, providing first-hand insights into the day-to-day challenges and strategic maneuvers.
However, the narrative shifts to reveal the darker side of the campaign, focusing on the loss of Guadaloupe and the resulting accusations of greed and tyranny levied against the Commanders-in-Chief. Willyams refutes these accusations, showcasing the Commanders’ noble intentions and the complexities of wartime operations. The author also explores the devastating impact of the Yellow Fever, which decimated the British forces and ultimately contributed to the loss of Guadaloupe.
Key Findings:
- The campaign was a remarkable display of unified cooperation between the army and navy, crucial to the initial successes.
- The capture of Martinique was a pivotal victory, but the smaller army was subsequently divided to garrison the islands, leaving them vulnerable.
- The Yellow Fever proved a devastating force, ultimately contributing to the loss of Guadaloupe.
- Accusations of greed and tyranny against the Commanders-in-Chief are refuted by the author, who emphasizes their efforts to maintain order and fairness.
Learning:
- Military Cooperation: The text highlights the significance of cooperation between branches of the military for successful campaigns, as demonstrated by Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis.
- Details: Their combined efforts and shared vision were instrumental in securing initial victories in Martinique and St. Lucia.
- The Impact of Disease: The account underscores the destructive power of disease, particularly the Yellow Fever, in military campaigns.
- Details: The Yellow Fever epidemic decimated the British forces, weakening their defenses and ultimately leading to the loss of Guadaloupe.
- Wartime Governance: The text explores the challenges of establishing and maintaining control in conquered territories during wartime.
- Details: The Commanders-in-Chief faced the difficult task of balancing British interests with the need to appease the newly acquired population, ultimately leaving the islands under their pre-revolution systems of governance.
Historical Context:
This text provides a glimpse into the ongoing conflict between Britain and France during the French Revolution. The capture and subsequent loss of the French West Indies islands reflect the broader struggle for dominance in the Caribbean, a region of significant economic and strategic importance to both nations.
Facts:
- Yellow Fever: The Yellow Fever epidemic was a major factor in the British losses, particularly in Guadaloupe.
- Reason: The tropical climate and the harsh conditions of the campaign weakened the soldiers’ immune systems, making them vulnerable to the disease.
- Capture of Martinique: The capture of Martinique was a major achievement, showcasing British military prowess.
- Reason: The island was considered the most important French possession in the Caribbean, boasting a formidable fortress, Fort Bourbon.
- Importance of Pigeon Island: Pigeon Island, or Islet aux Ramieres, was strategically important because it blocked access to Fort Royal Bay.
- Reason: It allowed the French to defend Fort Royal, but its capture by the British opened the bay to the British fleet, enabling them to supply their troops and launch attacks.
- Capture of St. Pierre: St. Pierre, the capital of Martinique, was captured by the British after a series of maneuvers.
- Reason: The British forces, under General Dundas, skillfully outmaneuvered the French, forcing their surrender.
- Capture of Fort Louis: Fort Louis, a key fortification in Martinique, was captured by a combined sea and land attack.
- Reason: Captain Faulknor’s daring maneuver in the Zebra sloop, followed by the storming of the fort by British troops and sailors, secured the victory.
- Capture of Fort Fleur d’Epée: Fort Fleur d’Epée, a significant stronghold in Guadaloupe, was captured by a daring assault by British forces.
- Reason: The British used a three-pronged attack, overwhelming the fort’s defenses.
- Capture of Point à Pitre: Point à Pitre, the capital of Guadaloupe, fell into British hands after the capture of Fort Fleur d’Epée.
- Reason: The enemy forces, lacking the support of the fort, were forced to retreat.
- Contributions and Confiscations: The British practice of levying contributions on conquered territories was a common practice during wartime.
- Reason: It was seen as a way to compensate the victors for their losses and expenses.
- Opposition to Contributions: The inhabitants of the conquered islands often resisted the payment of contributions.
- Reason: They saw it as an unjust burden, especially since they had initially offered the contributions as a compromise.
- Importance of the West Indies: The West Indies held significant economic and strategic importance to both Britain and France during this period.
- Reason: The islands were major sources of sugar, rum, and other valuable commodities, as well as key locations for trade and military operations.
- The Role of Emigrants: Many French royalists who had fled to the islands during the revolution actively participated in the British forces.
- Reason: They saw an opportunity to restore the monarchy and regain their lost possessions.
- The Yellow Fever’s Impact on Guadaloupe: The Yellow Fever outbreak decimated British forces in Guadaloupe, leaving them vulnerable to the French counterattack.
- Reason: The epidemic weakened their defenses and resulted in heavy casualties, ultimately leading to their withdrawal from the island.
- The French Counterattack: A French squadron, led by commissioners from the National Assembly, arrived in the West Indies and launched a counteroffensive.
- Reason: The French were determined to regain control of their lost territories.
- The Death of General Dundas: The death of General Dundas, a key figure in the campaign, left the British forces in Guadaloupe without a strong leader.
- Reason: His death occurred at a critical juncture, as the French were mounting a major counterattack.
- The Fall of Camp Berville: The loss of Camp Berville, a key British outpost in Guadaloupe, was a significant setback.
- Reason: The French, using a combination of tactics, surrounded the camp and forced its surrender.
- The Massacre of Royalists: The French, after their victory at Camp Berville, brutally massacred the royalist prisoners of war.
- Reason: They sought to eliminate any remaining support for the monarchy and establish their dominance.
- The Surrender of Fort Matilda: Fort Matilda, the last British stronghold in Guadaloupe, surrendered to the French after an eight-week siege.
- Reason: The fort’s defenses were weakened by the constant bombardment, the garrison was depleted due to disease and casualties, and no reinforcements were available.
- The Loss of Guadaloupe: The loss of Guadaloupe was a major blow to the British campaign, signaling the decline of their hold on the French islands.
- Reason: The combination of disease, a weakened army, and the French counteroffensive led to their withdrawal from the island.
- The Role of Victor Hughes: Victor Hughes, the French commissioner, proved a formidable adversary for the British.
- Reason: He effectively mobilized the black population and led a successful counterattack.
- The Resignation of Grey and Jervis: Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis resigned their command and returned to Europe, ending their involvement in the campaign.
- Reason: The lack of reinforcements and the deteriorating situation made it difficult to continue their campaign.
Statistics:
- Initial Force: The initial British force embarking for the attack of Martinique was 6,085 men, with 224 sick and 977 left behind at Barbadoes.
- Pigeon Island Garrison: The Pigeon Island garrison comprised 203 men when the British batteries opened fire.
- Pigeon Island Ordnance: Pigeon Island held 11 forty-two pounders, 6 thirty-two pounders, 4 thirteen-inch mortars, and one howitzer, along with an abundance of stores and ammunition.
- Fort Bourbon Garrison: The garrison of Fort Bourbon initially consisted of 1,200 men.
- Fort Bourbon Garrison at Surrender: At the time of surrender, the garrison of Fort Bourbon numbered 900 men.
- French Garrison at Fort St. Charles: The French garrison at Fort St. Charles (Fort Matilda) consisted of 55 regulars and 818 national guards.
- Men Capable of Bearing Arms in Guadaloupe: The number of men capable of bearing arms in Guadaloupe at the time of its capture was 5,877.
- Firearms Delivered Out in Guadaloupe: The number of firearms actually delivered out to troops in Guadaloupe was 4,044.
- French Force at Guadaloupe: The French squadron that arrived at Guadaloupe comprised two frigates, one corvette, two forty-fours armed en flute, and two other ships, with 1,500 land forces on board.
- British Casualties at Fort Fleur d’Epée: The British suffered 54 killed and wounded in the capture of Fort Fleur d’Epée.
- French Casualties at Fort Fleur d’Epée: The French lost 250 men in the battle for Fort Fleur d’Epée.
- Casualties in the Attack on Camp Berville: The British lost around 20 men in the defense of Camp Berville, while the French lost 700.
- British Casualties in the Attack on Point à Pitre: The British suffered heavy casualties in the failed attack on Point à Pitre, losing 38 officers, 43 serjeants, and 611 privates.
- French Troops at Guadaloupe: The French force attacking Guadaloupe comprised 500 regular troops, a mixed force of mulattoes and negroes, and some seamen.
- Casualties at St. Ann’s Fort: The British lost one wounded man, while the French lost 400 men in the attack on St. Ann’s Fort.
- French Ships Lost in the Campaign: The French lost seven ships of the line in the Battle of June 1, 1794, as reported by Sir Charles Grey.
- British Casualties at Fort Matilda: During the siege of Fort Matilda, 17 men were killed and 79 were wounded.
- Blanche and La Pique casualties: The Blanche lost ten men, including Captain Faulknor, and 24 were wounded in the battle with La Pique, while the La Pique lost 67 dead and 110 wounded.
- Transport Casualties: Captain Shank reported the deaths of 46 transport masters and 1,100 men due to the Yellow Fever.
- Broderic Transport Casualties: The Broderic transport lost all but one crew member to the Yellow Fever.
Terms:
- Charaibé Islands: Refers to the Caribbean islands, often inhabited by the Carib indigenous people.
- Amuzette: A small cannon, typically mounted on a light carriage.
- En flute: A ship stripped of its armament and used for transporting troops or supplies.
- Langrege: A type of artillery shot filled with iron scraps or other heavy materials.
- Fascine: Bundles of brushwood used for fortifications.
- Abbatis: A defensive obstacle made from felled trees, often used in fortifications.
- Carenage: A sheltered harbor or bay where ships can undergo repairs.
- Sortie: A sudden attack made by a besieged force against the besiegers.
- Feu de joie: A celebratory discharge of firearms, typically by troops.
- Gabarre: A small flat-bottomed boat used for ferrying passengers or goods across rivers or waterways.
Examples:
- Capture of Pigeon Island: The capture of Pigeon Island was a significant event as it opened the bay of Fort Royal to the British fleet.
- Capture of St. Pierre: The British captured St. Pierre without significant resistance due to the enemy’s retreat, showcasing their determined attack and rapid movement.
- Capture of Fort Louis: The daring attack of Captain Faulknor in the Zebra sloop, followed by the storming of the fort by British troops and sailors, exemplifies the bravery and coordination of the forces.
- Attack on Fort Fleur d’Epée: The three-pronged assault on Fort Fleur d’Epée illustrates the strategic planning and unified effort of the British forces.
- Battle of Camp Berville: The defense of Camp Berville despite the odds showcases the tenacity and courage of the British forces.
- Siege of Fort Matilda: General Prescott’s resolute defense of Fort Matilda highlights the resilience and determination of the British in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Capture of La Pique: Captain Faulknor’s daring attack and capture of the La Pique frigate exemplifies the determination and skill of the British navy.
- The Yellow Fever Outbreak: The epidemic of Yellow Fever in Guadaloupe, despite the initial success, highlights the devastating impact of disease in warfare.
- The Massacre of Royalists: The French massacre of the royalist prisoners demonstrates the brutality and ruthlessness of the republican forces.
- The Resignation of Grey and Jervis: The decision of Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis to resign their command reveals the strain and difficulty of the campaign.
Conclusion:
The British campaign in the West Indies in 1794 was a remarkable journey of victory and defeat. The initial successes, particularly in capturing Martinique, demonstrate the power of unified military cooperation and strategic planning. However, the devastating impact of the Yellow Fever epidemic and the subsequent French counterattack highlight the complexities of warfare and the unforeseen challenges that can arise. While the Commanders-in-Chief successfully captured several key islands, their ultimate goal of securing British dominance in the region was ultimately thwarted by the combined forces of disease, the French counteroffensive, and the difficult realities of maintaining control in conquered territories. The text ultimately serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of war and the heavy cost of victory.