Vernon dispatched a captain to inform King George when the outer defenses had been passed and the fleet entered the inner bay. That incomplete success was treated as victory, producing medals and commemorative china while the decisive fortifications remained intact. The images presented the campaign as a naval triumph before San Lázaro had even been taken. The episode captures how optimism and distant reporting outran the operational reality of the siege.
Notable Point · 2:08:17-2:09:08
Victory medals minted before the defeat
News sent after entry into the inner bay triggered British victory medals and commemorative ware before Cartagena had actually fallen.