22 February - The Last Invasion of Britain

[7eat51]

On 22 February 1797, French forces landed at the bay of Carregwastad under the command of Colonel William Tate, an Irish-American who fought against the British during the American Revolution/War of Independence. His forces, numbering 1,400 and known as La Legion Noire, were met by British resistance composed of civilians, reservists, militia, and navy personnel. The British defeated Tate's expeditionary force, resulting in the unconditional surrender of the French invaders.

Four French warships, under the command of Jean-Joseph Commodore Castagnier, partook in the invasion: La Vengeance and La Resistance (both frigates), La Constance (a corvette), and Le Vautour (a lugger).

A local shoemaker named Jemima Nicholas captured 12 Frenchman, becoming a local heroine. H.L. Williams, a Fishguard Volunteer, recorded the incident in his memoirs: "On her approach she saw in a field, about twelve Frenchmen; undaunted she advanced to them, and whether alarmed al her courage, or persuaded by her, she conducted them to and confined them in, the guard house in Fishguard Church."



For more on the story:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Invasion_of_Britain
http://www.fishguardonline.com/Last_Inv.html

[Volunteer]

Ha, ha, ha, ha........this is exactly the historical entry I just signed on to post Eric. Very good! Oops, I forgot to say Mister Sir!
Guess I'll have to find something else. I bet William James will have something.