Loss of Fort St David
| 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