The initial force included three Highland regiments and Madras troops, supported by warships such as Suffolk and Centurion. A failed attempt to secure peaceful occupation was followed by the loss of HMS Diomede on an uncharted rock, though her crew and passengers survived. Heavy seas delayed disembarkation until 13 August, and the advance toward Trincomalee began several days later. Eighteen-pounder guns borrowed from Suffolk helped open a breach in the walls. The garrison of fewer than 700 men surrendered with roughly one hundred cannon, and nearby Fort Oostenberg followed on the same terms. Dutch trading posts along the coast then surrendered in quick succession as detachments from the 22nd and 52nd Regiments joined the campaign.
Chapter · 31:12-37:02
Landing north of Trincomalee and forcing its surrender
After an unopposed landing north of Trincomalee, British troops and naval guns created a breach that compelled the undermanned Dutch garrison to surrender.