Anglo-Russian occupation of Naples facts for kids

The Anglo-Russian occupation of Naples was when soldiers from Britain and Russia were stationed in the Kingdom of Naples. This happened from the summer of 1805 until January 1806, during a big conflict called the War of the Third Coalition. It was a time when European countries were often fighting Napoleon of France.

Why They Were There

Before this, in 1799, British and Russian forces had worked together. They helped end a state called the Parthenopean Republic in Naples. Later, in 1801, the Kingdom of Naples signed a peace treaty with France. This treaty, called the Treaty of Florence, made Naples close its ports to British ships. It also allowed French soldiers to stay in important trading cities in southern Italy.

In 1805, the French Emperor Napoleon was getting ready for a big fight with Austria and Russia. He wanted to make sure his southern side was safe. So, he offered to give back the French-held cities in southern Italy to Naples. In return, he wanted Naples to stay neutral in the upcoming war. King Ferdinand of Naples agreed and signed a deal with Napoleon.

What Happened

However, after getting his cities back, King Ferdinand quickly changed his mind. He secretly joined forces with Britain and Russia, who were enemies of France. With Ferdinand's permission, British and Russian troops landed in Naples. Their goal was to protect Naples from a possible French invasion. They also planned to attack Napoleon's states in central and northern Italy.

The British forces, about 7,000 soldiers, were led by General James Henry Craig. He was not in good health at the time. The Russian troops were commanded by Maurice Lacy and Roman Anrep. Together, their army was not very strong. They did not have enough soldiers or good equipment to stop a serious attack from France.

A major battle happened on December 2, 1805, called the Battle of Austerlitz. Napoleon's army won a huge victory against the combined armies of Austria and Russia. This win meant that 30,000 French soldiers were now free to attack Naples.

After this defeat, Tsar Alexander I ordered his Russian troops to leave southern Italy. They were to go to Corfu, an island. The Russian commander, Lacy, got this order on January 7, 1806, and his troops left.

Meanwhile, General Craig was waiting for new instructions from Britain. He had received his last orders back in October. The British ambassador, Hugh Elliot, warned that leaving Naples would make the French attack. But Craig's British troops were greatly outnumbered. So, he decided to leave Naples and sail to the island of Sicily. They left on January 10, 1806. This ended the Anglo-Russian occupation. The Neapolitan army was left to defend its kingdom alone. The British ships reached Messina on January 22, and the soldiers got off the ships.

British Soldiers in Naples

The British forces were led by Lieutenant-General Sir James Henry Craig.

• His army included different types of soldiers:
  • Light infantry and grenadiers
  • Special units like the Royal Corsican Rangers and Chasseurs Britanniques
  • Regular infantry regiments like the 20th Regiment of Foot and 27th Regiment of Foot
  • Artillery units with cannons and howitzers
  • Cavalry (horseback soldiers) from the 20th Light Dragoons
  • Support teams like the Royal Staff Corps and Royal Engineers

What Happened Next

After his big win at Austerlitz, Napoleon decided to punish King Ferdinand for breaking their agreement. He gathered his forces to take over all of southern Italy. French troops invaded the Kingdom of Naples starting on February 8, 1806. They conquered the kingdom by July 18, 1806.