Transport vessels for the British invasion of the Dutch Cape Colony (1795)

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In 1795 the British government decided to mount an Invasion of the Cape Colony.

The

Sir James Henry Craig. (A contingent of EIC troops from Saint Helena
also joined this force.)

A larger force under General Alured Clarke was instructed to follow these squadrons on 15 May with troops and supplies for a longer campaign, with orders to hold at Salvador until requested.

Most of the transport vessels of the larger force were

East Indiamen of the British East India Company (EIC) that were going on to India and China. The fleet left Portsmouth on 24 May. They gathered at St Salvador in early July, and sailed on 13 July under the escort of Sphinx. However, Sphinx ran into Warren Hastings and both vessels returned to port, Exeter accompanying them.[1]

The vessels were:[2]

The fleet (including Exeter and Warren Hastings), arrived at Simons Bay on 3 September. The troops they brought were from the 95th and 98th Regiments of Foot, and the 2nd Battalions of the 78th and 84th Regiments of Foot.[3] A small contingent of eight guns and a howitzer provided the force with its artillery.[4]

After they had landed their troops, the East Indiamen continued on their voyages to India and China.

In addition, one (Orpheus), or more merchant vessels returning from India apparently participated as well.

Citations

  1. ^ Lloyd's List №2762.
  2. ^ Theal (1897), pp.121 & 125.
  3. ^ Theal (1897), p.38.
  4. ^ Theal (1897), p.111.

References

  • Theal, George McCall, ed., (1897) Records of the Cape Colony: Feb. 1793-Dec. 1796. (Government of the Cape Colony).
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