Siege of Flushing · Walcheren Campaign: British landing and evacuation, July–December 1809

Chatham chose to besiege Flushing for two weeks rather than advance directly to Antwerp, leaving a 21,000-man force idle at Bath and stalling the expedition; the British nonetheless captured Flushing.

Despite a 40,000-man corps, Lord Chatham's decision to besiege Flushing for two weeks rather than advancing directly to Antwerp left a 21,000-man force idle at Bath, stalling the expedition. During the siege the French were able to reinforce Flushing via a pontoon bridge between Walcheren and Cadzand until 8 August, a consequence of the Cadzand Column's mistaken landing on South Beveland on 31 July. British troops captured Flushing, but the Austrians had already been decisively defeated at Wagram in early July and were suing for peace.

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