The landings and outflanking of Basse-Terre

The expedition landed in two divisions and advanced on separate routes toward Basse-Terre. French militia abandoned positions or watched the British bypass their fortifications, while the fleet moved one column around the island's coast to outflank the strongest defenses. Naval brigades put guns ashore and began bombarding the capital. General Ernouf counterattacked the British army and initially drove it back, but superior numbers and a northern flanking attack forced his retreat. Beckwith also avoided being drawn into a reported French mine trap during the fighting. While Ernouf was occupied outside the town, Commodore Fahie landed Royal Navy and marine forces behind him and seized Basse-Terre, converting tactical resistance into operational defeat.