Invasion of Fishguard

Background. French general Lazare Hoche devised a three-pronged attack on Britain in support of the Society of United Irishmen. A December 1796 expedition to Bantry Bay was scattered by atrocious weather, and in January 1797 bad North Sea weather, mutiny and poor discipline stopped the force bound for Newcastle. The third invasion went ahead: on 16 February 1797 four French warships left Brest, flying Russian colours and bound for Wales.

Landing and Campaign. The brief campaign ran from 22 to 24 February 1797 and is often called the "last invasion of mainland Britain", being the most recent landing on British soil by a hostile foreign force. The French forces were instructed to live off the land, but convicts deserted on landing and began looting local villages and hamlets. After brief clashes with hastily assembled British forces and the local civilian population, Tate was forced into unconditional surrender on 24 February.

Surrender and Aftermath. Lord Cawdor, bluffing with his superior force, issued an ultimatum: Tate had until 10 a.m. on 24 February to surrender unconditionally on Goodwick Sands or be attacked. After brief imprisonment, Tate was returned to France in a prisoner exchange in 1798 with most of his invasion force.