Battle of Jersey

Battle of Jersey
Part of the Anglo-French War (1778–1783) and American War of Independence
The Death of Major Peirson, 6 January 1781, John Singleton Copley
Date 6 January 1781 Location Saint Helier, Jersey 49°10′57″N 2°06′27″W / 49.18238°N 2.10749°W / 49.18238; -2.10749 Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
Francis Peirson †	Philippe Rullecourt †
Strength
2,000	1,400
Casualties and losses
71 killed and wounded[1]	158 killed and wounded 600 captured[2]

The Battle of Jersey took place on 6 January 1781 when French forces during the Anglo-French War (1778–1783) and the American Revolutionary War unsuccessfully invaded the British-ruled island of Jersey to remove the threat it posed to French and American shipping. Jersey provided a base for British privateers.

The French expedition was defeated, losing nearly half its force, including its commander, Baron Philippe de Rullecourt, who died of wounds sustained in the fighting. The battle is often remembered for the death of the British commander, Major Francis Peirson, and a painting based on his final moments by John Singleton Copley.