Siege of Guadeloupe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Guadeloupe
Part of War of the Spanish Succession
Guadeloupe; the English landed on Basse-Terre
Date 19 March – 15 May 1703 (8 March to 4 May, O.S.) Location Guadeloupe, French West Indies Result French victory
Belligerents
France	England
Commanders and leaders
Charles Auger Nicolas de Gabaret	Christopher Codrington Charles Wills
Strength
1,000 - 1,800 12 ships	4,000 troops and militia 45 ships

The Siege of Guadeloupe was an important battle that happened between March and May in 1703. It was part of a bigger fight called the War of the Spanish Succession. During this time, the English sent a group of soldiers to Guadeloupe, an island in the French West Indies.

The English force was led by Christopher Codrington. They tried to take over Basse-Terre, which was the main town on the island. The French governor, Charles Auger, defended the town. He later got help from Nicolas de Gabaret and more soldiers from Martinique.

The French used smart tactics to win. They destroyed their own supplies and a fort so the English couldn't use them. This made it very hard for the English soldiers. Because they ran out of food and many got sick, the English had to leave in May.

What Happened During the Siege?

In March 1703, English soldiers landed on the west side of Guadeloupe. They came ashore near Basse-Terre, the island's main settlement. Their leader, Christopher Codrington, began to attack Fort St Charles. This fort was defended by French soldiers led by Charles Auger.

While some soldiers attacked the fort, others were sent out. Their job was to burn and destroy houses, farms, and plantations. They also had to find food and supplies for the English army. This was because the English did not have enough provisions.

French Tactics and Reinforcements

On April 3, help arrived for the French. Nicolas de Gabaret, the governor of Martinique, came with more soldiers. He took charge of the French defense. Gabaret decided to use a clever plan. He ordered his troops to blow up Fort St Charles. This meant the English couldn't capture and use it.

He also used a "scorched earth" tactic. This means destroying everything useful before the enemy can get it. The French burned crops and supplies. Then, they moved into the island's center. From there, they kept bothering the English soldiers. This made it very difficult for the English.

English Struggles and Retreat

By the end of April, many English soldiers started getting sick. Christopher Codrington himself became ill and had to leave. His second-in-command, Charles Wills, took over. The English were running out of supplies and losing many soldiers to disease.

In early May, Wills decided they had to leave. The remaining English soldiers were taken away by ship. Before they left, they set Basse-Terre town on fire. They also took any cannons they had captured. Then, the English fleet sailed away to St Christopher's Island. The French had successfully defended Guadeloupe.

Images for kids

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  A map showing the island of Guadeloupe.