First Madagascar expedition

First Madagascar expedition
(1883–1885)
Part of the Franco-Hova Wars

Tamatave, bombarded and occupied by the French under Admiral Pierre, on 11 June 1883. Le Monde illustré, 1883.
DateMay 1883 – December 1885
Location
Result

French victory

Belligerents
France France Merina Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
France Adm. Pierre 
France Adm. Galiber
France Counter-Adm. Miot
Ranavalona II
Rainilaiarivony
Strength
2 cruisers (Flore, Forfait)
1 scout ship (Vaudreuil)
1 aviso (Boursait)
1 gunboat (Pique)
1 aviso transport (Nièvre)
unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown unknown
unknown

The First Madagascar expedition was the beginning of the Franco-Hova War and consisted of a French military expedition against the Merina Kingdom on the island of Madagascar in 1883. It was followed by the Second Madagascar expedition in 1895.