Loss of Fort St David

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Loss of Fort St David
Part of 3rd Carnatic War
Seven Years War
Date: 2 June 1758
Location: Fort St David
Presidency: Madras
Co-ordinates: 11.741357°N 79.78214°E
Result: British surrender
Combatants
British French
Commanders
Captain Paul Philippe Polier Comte de Lally
Strength
600 British
1,600 sepoys
2,500 French
2,500 sepoys
Casualties

This was an event during the 3rd Carnatic War

Summary

Comte de Lally arrived in command of the French expedition to India and at once opened hostilies on land against the British. Following the Loss of Cuddalore, he besieged Fort St David which had a weak garrison and little water supply. From 30 April he increased his forces and on 16 May began an artillery bombardment. On 17 May the outer defences were driven in and the British sepoys deserted. Manoeuvring of the opposing naval squadrons resulted in the French fleet entering the roads. Captain Polier capitulated on 2 June and the garrison was taken prisoner.

Biographies

Entries in the Dictionary of Indian Biography 1906
Comte de Lally (1700-66)

External Links

Carnatic Wars Heritage History
3rd Carnatic War Wikipedia
Account of the loss of Fort St David Google Books
Fort St David Nick Balmer's Blog