Invasion of the Cape Colony

Background. The Cape Colony, established by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, was the only viable South African port for ships travelling from Europe to the East Indies. British and Dutch trade routes were threatened by French warships and privateers from Isle de France, but protected off the Southern African coast by the Dutch colony.

Outbreak of War and the French Overrun of the Dutch Republic. The War of the First Coalition began in April 1792 and expanded on 1 February 1793 when Revolutionary France declared war on the Dutch Republic and Britain. In winter 1794, during the Flanders campaign, French troops overran the Dutch Republic, transforming it into the French client Batavian Republic.

British Expedition and Arrival. At Sir Francis Baring's urging, Secretary of State for War Henry Dundas authorised an expedition to occupy the Cape Colony and eliminate its potential threat to British trade with the East Indies. Two squadrons sailed on 3 April 1795 under Vice-Admiral Sir George Elphinstone and Commodore John Blankett, carrying 515 troops of the 78th Regiment of Foot under Major-general Sir James Henry Craig.

Aftermath. Elphinstone returned to Britain in October 1796 and was awarded the title Baron Keith for his service in the capture and defence of the Cape. At the Peace of Amiens in 1802 the colony was returned to the Batavian Republic, but after the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars a second British invasion in 1806 secured victory at the Battle of Blaauwberg.