Battle of Abukir (1801) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Abukir
Part of the French Campaign in Egypt and Syria during the War of the Second Coalition
The landing of British troops at Aboukir, 8 March 1801 by Philip James de Loutherbourg
Date 8 March 1801 Location Abu Qir, Egypt, Ottoman Empire 31°18′38″N 30°04′06″E / 31.31056°N 30.06833°E / 31.31056; 30.06833 Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	France
Commanders and leaders
Ralph Abercromby Sidney Smith	Louis Friant
Strength
6,000	1,800-2,500
Casualties and losses
740 killed, wounded, or missing	400 killed, wounded, or missing

The Battle of Abukir on March 8, 1801, was an important fight during the French campaign in Egypt and Syria. It took place near Abu Qir on the Mediterranean coast, close to the Nile Delta. This battle was part of a bigger plan by the British to either defeat or force out the French troops who were still in Egypt. These French soldiers were part of Napoleon's earlier invasion of Egypt, which had not gone as planned.

The British sent a large group of soldiers, known as an expeditionary force, led by Sir Ralph Abercromby. Their fleet, commanded by Baron Keith, included many warships and transport ships. Bad weather, with strong winds and rough seas, delayed their landing for several days.

The Daring Landing

In the early morning of March 8, 1801, the British landing force got ready. About 5,230 soldiers were packed into landing boats by 2 AM. They rowed quietly towards the shore, getting into their assigned positions. By 8 AM, each group of soldiers was in place.

At 9 AM, a signal rocket was fired from the Admiral's ship, telling them to advance. The boats quickly moved forward. Lighter warships protected them by firing at the French positions on the beach. The British troops landed under heavy fire from French cannons and muskets. About 2,500 French soldiers were waiting on high sand dunes.

Despite the intense enemy fire, the British soldiers bravely got out of their boats. They quickly formed lines, fixed their bayonets (knives attached to their muskets), and advanced. General Moore led them as they struggled up the steep, soft sandy ground.

The French soldiers appeared at the top of the dunes and fired a powerful volley of musket shots. But the leading British troops, from the 42nd Regiment, reached the top before the French could reload. They charged with their bayonets, pushing the French back in confusion. The French tried to counter-attack with cavalry (soldiers on horseback), but a second bayonet charge by the 42nd Regiment made them run away.

On the left side of the landing, the British Guards were attacked by cavalry, and the 54th Regiment faced an infantry bayonet charge. Both attacks were bravely fought off. The British now controlled the beach and began to move further inland. The French soldiers left their cannons and retreated. This was a clear victory for the British. By evening, the British Navy had landed the rest of the army, and they had full control of the area around Abukir.

What Happened Next?

The French soldiers in Alexandria, led by General Louis Friant, had about 2,000 troops and ten cannons. They caused many casualties among the British as they landed. However, the British quickly charged and overwhelmed the French defenders. This allowed the rest of the British army, which was about 17,500 strong, to land safely with all their equipment.

This battle was a warm-up for the bigger Battle of Alexandria that followed. In this fight, the British lost about 730 soldiers who were killed, wounded, or missing. The French retreated, losing at least 300 soldiers and eight cannons.

Later, Napoleon himself said that the British landing was "one of the most vigorous actions which could be imagined." This means he thought it was a very strong and brave military action.

See also

• Battle of the Nile or Battle of Abukir Bay (1798)
• Battle of Abukir (1799)