Battle of Martinique (1794) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Martinique
Part of the War of the First Coalition
'The Capture of Fort Saint Louis, Martinique, 20 March 1794' painting by William Anderson
Date 5 February – 24 March 1794 Location Martinique 14°40′N 61°0′W / 14.667°N 61.000°W / 14.667; -61.000 Result British victory Occupation of Martinique until 1802
Belligerents
Great Britain	French Republic
Commanders and leaders
John Jervis Charles Grey	Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur
Strength
6,000 men 3 ships of the line 5 Frigates	900 troops or militia

The Battle of Martinique was a big fight where the British army successfully took over the island of Martinique. This island was a French colony in the West Indies. The battle happened during the French Revolutionary Wars. The British stayed on the island until 1802. That's when the Treaty of Amiens gave Martinique back to France.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

Before this battle, a war had started between Great Britain and the French Republic. A French planter named Louis-François Dubuc asked the British for help. He wanted Martinique to be protected by the British.

This was because the French government was planning to end slavery in its colonies. This law was passed just one day before the British attacked Martinique.

The British Attack

On February 5, 1794, a British fleet arrived at Martinique. Admiral Sir John Jervis led the ships. Sir Charles Grey was in charge of the soldiers.

They landed on the island and began to capture it. French planters who supported the British helped them.

Taking Forts

By March 20, only two forts were still held by the French. These were Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal. Admiral Jervis ordered some ships to capture Fort Saint Louis.

The ship HMS Asia could not get close enough to the fort. So, the smaller ship HMS Zebra went in alone. Its captain was Richard Faulknor.

Despite heavy cannon fire from the French, Captain Faulknor sailed Zebra right up to the fort's walls. He and his crew then used the ship's small boats to land. The British soldiers stormed the fort and took control of it. Zebra only lost one person killed and four wounded.

At the same time, the rest of the British fleet captured Fort Royal. Two days later, Fort Bourbon also gave up.

What Happened After the Battle?

The French Governor General of Martinique, Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, surrendered to Sir Charles Grey. The British then took over Martinique.

They controlled the island until 1802. That's when the Treaty of Amiens was signed. This treaty returned Martinique to French control.