The sortie made by the garrison of Gibraltar on November 27, 1781, was a significant military action during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. This siege, which lasted from 1779 to 1783, involved the forces of Spain and France attempting to capture Gibraltar from the British.
The sortie was led by Lieutenant General George Augustus Eliott, later known as Lord Heathfield. Eliott meticulously planned the operation to disrupt the construction of Spanish and French siege works. The garrison's objective was to destroy the enemy's forward batteries, which were nearing completion and posed a significant threat to Gibraltar.
Eliott's forces were divided into three columns for the sortie. The central column was commanded by Brigadier General Ross, the right column by Colonel Hugo, and the left column by Colonel Trigge. The troops were composed of various units, including the 12th, 39th, and 58th Regiments of Foot, along with artillery and engineers.
The attack commenced at night, leveraging the element of surprise. The British troops advanced silently and swiftly, using bayonets to minimize noise. They encountered fierce resistance from the Spanish and French soldiers, but the well-coordinated assault allowed the British to overcome the defenders.
One of the most notable aspects of the sortie was the use of fire ships. These were vessels loaded with combustibles, aimed to set the enemy's floating batteries ablaze. The fire ships played a crucial role in the operation, causing significant damage to the enemy's naval assets.
The sortie resulted in the destruction of several enemy batteries and the capture of valuable artillery pieces. The British forces also inflicted substantial casualties on the Spanish and French troops while sustaining relatively minor losses themselves. The success of the sortie boosted the morale of the Gibraltar garrison and demonstrated the effectiveness of well-planned offensive actions, even when outnumbered and under siege.
Interestingly, the sortie was later depicted in a famous painting by John Trumbull, capturing the dramatic and heroic nature of the event. The painting is a valuable historical record, providing visual insight into the uniforms, weaponry, and tactics of the period.
The sortie made by the garrison of Gibraltar is a fascinating example of military strategy and bravery, showcasing how a well-executed operation can turn the tide even in dire circumstances. The event remains a significant chapter in the history of Gibraltar and British military heritage.