Belle Île: adapting an amphibious assault

After the first landing failed, Pitt ordered more troops, boats, and military stores to Belle Île. He diverted transports intended for the West Indies even though that risked delaying the planned attack on Martinique. The renewed assault used two demonstrations, and Lambert had permission to turn his diversion into an attack if he found an opening. He landed beneath cliffs the French considered sufficient protection, and grenadiers and marines reached the heights before the defenders responded. Stanhope sent armed boats to support the success, while Crawford abandoned his own attack and brought troops around to reinforce it. By five o'clock the whole force had landed, and before night Hodgson held a position three miles inland.