Fishguard Fort was a locally financed response to earlier coastal threats, with the government supplying Woolwich gunners while the community provided the position and local support. The arrangement left responsibility for cannon shot unclear enough that the fort had powder but no proper ball when the French arrived. Because the expedition's ships were ordered to avoid unnecessary damage, even the possibility of effective fire helped push the landing around the headland to Carregwastad Point. The garrison fired blank powder charges to suggest a functioning battery. A modest coastal position therefore altered an enemy landing plan despite a serious ammunition failure, illustrating deterrence through location, appearance, and uncertainty.
Notable Point · 24:38-29:05
Fishguard Fort deters a direct harbor landing
A locally funded fort with government gunners shapes the French landing even though its cannon lack proper shot when the expedition arrives.