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The bombardment of Fort Desaix, Martinique, February 1809
On the morning of 19th February 1809 the bombardment of Fort Desaix opened and continued day and night without ceasing. During the next five days some 4,000 shot and 10,000 shell were fired into the fort. The effect of this constant bombardment from all directions must have imposed a terrible strain on the French garrison. At noon on 23rd February a flag of truce came into the British lines to offer capitulation, but the terms suggested were not acceptable to General Beckwith and the bombardment was resumed at 10pm. At 6am next morning a shell penetrated the main magazine of Fort Desaix resulting in a tremendous explosion. The enemy then surrendered.
I have depicted 24-pounder siege guns in the battery at Folleville, above the town of Fort Royal, in the early morning. Beyond Fort Desaix is the high ground of Morne des Capuchins, where another British battery was located. Other batteries were at the left (out of the picture). In the distance can be seen Pigeon Island; upon it is a fort which was bombarded and surrendered on 4th February. Throughout the campaign to capture Martinique it had been mostly raining, and the ground would have been muddy.
In red coats are men of the 63rd Foot, whose officer looks over the parapet. The black soldiers belong to the 3rd West India Regiment. At left, in a green uniform, is a soldier of the York Light Infantry Volunteers. All these regiments were in the 2nd Division, positioned on the west side of Fort Desaix.
This painting was commissioned by 13 (Martinique 1809) Field Battery Royal Artillery. In 1809, when they took part in the campaign, they were called Captain RS Brough's Company, 7th Battalion Royal Artillery.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: 13 (Martinique 1809) HQ Battery Royal Artillery
Price(s): £70
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