Raid on Cherbourg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Raid on Cherbourg
Part of Seven Years' War
Raid in Cherbourg 1758
Date 7–16 August 1758 Location Cherbourg, France Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Bligh Richard Howe	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	3,000
Casualties and losses
Light casualties	Light casualties

The Raid on Cherbourg was a military attack that happened in August 1758. It was part of the Seven Years' War, a big conflict involving many European countries. During this raid, soldiers from Britain landed on the coast of France. Their goal was to attack the French town of Cherbourg. This attack was part of a British plan to launch surprise attacks along the French coast. These attacks were called "descents."

Why the Raid Happened

The British government decided to use its strong navy to attack the French coast. This plan started in 1757. The main idea was to distract France. By attacking French coastal towns, Britain hoped to force France to move its soldiers and resources away from Germany. In Germany, Britain's allies, like Prussia and Hanover, were fighting hard and needed help.

In 1757, a British attack on Rochefort in France captured an island. But they did not manage to take the main town. In 1758, the Duke of Brunswick, a German ally, asked Britain to try these coastal attacks again. He needed France to be busy elsewhere. So, Britain gathered a large naval fleet and many soldiers in southern England. This force was led by George Anson, a top naval officer.

In June 1758, the British launched another raid on St Malo. People thought this raid was a success. Because of this, they planned another attack. It was even announced that Prince Edward, the younger brother of the future King George III, would join the mission.

The Attack on Cherbourg

The British soldiers were commanded by Lieutenant General Thomas Bligh. The naval ships were led by Richard Howe. Their ships sailed along the coast of Normandy, France. They made it look like they might attack several different ports.

Finally, on August 7, they arrived outside Cherbourg. The weather was good, which helped them. They were able to land their troops successfully at Urville-Nacqueville beach. Once the British soldiers were on land, they quickly pushed aside the small French force defending Cherbourg. They then stormed the town and captured it.

After taking Cherbourg, the British began to destroy the town's defenses and port facilities. They stayed for exactly one week. On August 16, the British forces left Cherbourg and got back onto their ships.

What Happened Next

News of the successful raid made people in Britain feel very proud. Newspapers reported that it was the first time Britain had made such a big landing in France since the Hundred Years War. This type of coastal attack was a favorite idea of William Pitt, a powerful British leader. He wanted more raids to happen along the French coast.

In September 1758, General Bligh tried to capture St Malo again. However, bad weather meant he could only land some of his soldiers. These soldiers quickly faced a much larger French force. Bligh tried to get his troops back to the ships. He eventually did, but many British soldiers were lost in the Battle of Saint Cast.

This difficult battle ended Britain's policy of "descents." Britain decided to send more soldiers to fight in Germany instead. They did not want to risk another failed raid.

Even with the later difficulties, the raids had some success. They made the French feel worried. France realized that even parts of its own country could be attacked by the powerful British navy. Because of this, France later planned a major invasion of Britain. Their goal was to force Britain out of the war. But this invasion plan had to be stopped because of French naval defeats.

Learn More

• Naval Descents