Edward Vernon's worst campaign does not define his entire record. He had served in the capture of Gibraltar, the Battle of Málaga, and the siege of Barcelona, and he had won a celebrated victory at Porto Bello in 1739. Those credentials made him an experienced naval officer, but not an effective commander of a contested landing and siege. His attempt to take Havana after Cartagena ended in another defeat, reinforcing the distinction between competence at sea and skill in amphibious warfare.
Notable Point · 1:14:46-1:18:24
Vernon's record did not make him an amphibious commander
Vernon had fought at Gibraltar, Málaga, Barcelona, and Porto Bello, but Cartagena and the failed Havana sequel exposed the limits of applying ordinary naval experience to combined operations.