Capture of St. Lucia

Capture of St. Lucia
Part of the American Revolutionary War

View from the island of St. Lucia in December 1778 taken by the squadron and the troops of Medows standing.
Date18–28 December 1778
Location13°52′54″N 60°58′06″W / 13.8817°N 60.9682°W / 13.8817; -60.9682
Result British victory
Belligerents
 Great Britain  France
Commanders and leaders
James Grant
William Medows
Comte d'Estaing
Marquis de Bouillé,
Claude Anne Gui de Micoud
Strength
1,400 men 9,000 regulars and militia
Casualties and losses
25 killed and 255 wounded[1] 500 killed,
1,100 wounded

The Capture of St Lucia was the result of a campaign from 18–28 December 1778 by British land and naval forces to take over the island, which was a French colony. Britain's actions followed the capture of the British-controlled island of Dominica by French forces in a surprise invasion in September 1778. During the Battle of St. Lucia, the British fleet defeated a French fleet sent to reinforce the island. A few days later French troops were soundly defeated by British troops during the Battle of Morne de la Vigie. Realising that another British fleet would soon arrive with reinforcements, the French garrison surrendered. The remaining French troops were evacuated, and the French fleet returned to Martinique, another French colony. St. Lucia stayed in the hands of the British.

  1. ^ A Historical Memoir of the 35th Regiment, p. 59 cites the flank cos casualties. The Historical Record of the Fifth Regiment of Foot, pp. 50-51 cites the senior commander wounded and casualties for the 5th Regiment.