Key Facts
- Duration
- 3 days (22–24 February 1797)
- Last invasion of mainland Britain
- Yes — most recent hostile foreign landing
- Outcome for invaders
- Unconditional surrender on 24 February 1797
- Naval losses (French)
- 2 vessels captured (1 frigate, 1 corvette)
Strategic Narrative Overview
Adverse weather and ill-discipline thwarted two of the three French columns. The third, commanded by Irish-American Colonel William Tate, landed in Wales near Fishguard on 22 February 1797, intending to march on Bristol. Hastily assembled British regular forces and armed local civilians confronted the invaders. Poor discipline among the French troops, many of whom were convicts, rapidly undermined cohesion and any prospect of a sustained advance.
01 / The Origins
During the War of the First Coalition, French general Lazare Hoche devised a three-pronged assault on Britain to support the Society of United Irishmen. The plan called for two diversionary landings in Britain while the main force struck Ireland. Rooted in Revolutionary France's ambition to destabilise British power and encourage Irish rebellion, the scheme reflected broader French strategy to open a second front against Britain.
03 / The Outcome
Tate was compelled to accept unconditional surrender on 24 February 1797 after just three days. British naval forces separately captured a French frigate and corvette involved in the expedition. The invasion caused brief panic but inflicted negligible lasting damage. It stands as the final instance of a hostile foreign force landing on the British mainland, cementing its place in British and Welsh historical memory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Colonel William Tate, Lazare Hoche.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.