The expedition had 31 warships, 49 transports, and ten battalions, while Wolfe's reconnaissance judged the French garrison weak enough for a landing. Wolfe even offered to take the town with 500 men, but General John Mordaunt delayed for days before the force withdrew. Mordaunt escaped conviction at court martial by pointing to orders that did not absolutely require a landing, yet he never again received senior command. Hawke, Wolfe, Cornwallis, and the future Admiral Howe all pressed for action, while the failure also damaged Conway and Cornwallis. Rochefort shows that strategy needs resources and plans, along with leaders prepared to implement them.
Chapter · 1:57:43-2:03:13
Rochefort: strategy still needs decisive commanders
The aborted Rochefort expedition shows that ships, troops, and reconnaissance are useless if commanders cannot decide to act.