Key Facts
- Duration of campaign
- 10 days (18–28 December 1778)
- Prior French action
- France captured British Dominica in September 1778
- Key naval engagement
- Battle of St. Lucia: British fleet defeated French fleet
- Key land engagement
- Battle of Morne de la Vigie: British troops defeated French forces
- Post-campaign status
- St. Lucia remained under British control
Strategic Narrative Overview
Between 18 and 28 December 1778, British land and naval forces conducted a combined-arms campaign against Saint Lucia. The British fleet engaged and defeated a French naval force sent to reinforce the island during the Battle of St. Lucia. British troops then defeated the French garrison at the Battle of Morne de la Vigie. Aware that British reinforcements were imminent, the French commander judged further resistance futile.
01 / The Origins
In September 1778, French forces conducted a surprise invasion and captured the British-held island of Dominica in the Caribbean. Britain responded by launching an offensive against the French colony of Saint Lucia, seeking to reassert dominance in the region. The broader context was the American Revolutionary War, during which France had allied with the American colonies against Britain, intensifying competition for strategic Caribbean islands.
03 / The Outcome
Recognising the untenable position, the French garrison surrendered. The remaining French troops were evacuated from the island, and the French fleet withdrew to Martinique. Saint Lucia passed into British hands and remained under British control. The capture gave Britain a valuable deep-water harbor close to the principal French Caribbean base at Martinique, strengthening its strategic position in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.