How delay defeated the Rochefort expedition

British ships quickly bombarded and captured the fort on Ile d'Aix, creating an opportunity for an immediate advance on Rochefort. Army leaders instead debated the state of a ditch, the landing ground, and the amount of naval support they might receive. James Wolfe pressed for action while the expedition remained unexpected, but each new council consumed the advantage created at sea. By the time troops landed near Chatelaillon, the French had used roughly a week to organize their defenses. Edward Hawke's ultimatum could not recover the lost tempo, making Rochefort a case study in how indecision can defeat an amphibious operation before a major battle occurs.