The Battle of Fishguard was a military invasion of Great Britain by Revolutionary France during the War of the First Coalition. The brief campaign, on 22–24 February 1797, is the most recent landing on British soil by a hostile foreign force, and thus is often referred to as the "last invasion of mainland Britain".
The French general Lazare Hoche had devised a three-pronged attack on Britain in support of the Society of United Irishmen. Two forces would land in Britain as a diversionary effort, while the main body would land in Ireland. Adverse weather and ill-discipline halted two of the forces but the third, aimed at landing in Wales and marching on Bristol, went ahead.
After brief clashes with hastily assembled British forces and the local civilian population, the invading force's Irish-American commander, Colonel William Tate, was forced into unconditional surrender on 24 February. In a related naval action, the British captured two of the expedition's vessels, a frigate and a corvette.
1797Feb, 22
The last Invasion of Britain begins near Fishguard, Wales.
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Events on 1797
- 14Feb
Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)
French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of Cape St. Vincent: John Jervis, (later 1st Earl of St Vincent) and Horatio Nelson (later 1st Viscount Nelson) lead the British Royal Navy to victory over a Spanish fleet in action near Gibraltar. - 2Mar
Bank of England note issues
The Bank of England issues the first one-pound and two-pound banknotes. - 17Apr
Veronese Easter
Citizens of Verona begin an unsuccessful eight-day rebellion against the French occupying forces. - 12May
Napoleon I of France
War of the First Coalition: Napoleon I of France conquers Venice. - 21Oct
USS Constitution
In Boston Harbor, the 44-gun United States Navy frigate USS Constitution is launched.