Walcheren Campaign
In July 1809, the British government made a desperate decision to seal the Scheldt estuary. They feared the port of Antwerp would become a base for French ships attacking England directly. The primary goal was to destroy the French fleet thought to be hiding in Flushing. This mission also aimed to provide a diversion for Austria during their struggle against France. However, the Battle of Wagram had already occurred before the campaign began. Austria had effectively lost the war by the time the British forces even set sail. John Pitt, 2nd Earl of Chatham received orders to capture both Flushing and Antwerp. He needed to enable British ships to safely traverse the Scheldt River after clearing the way.
A massive force of 39,000 troops crossed the North Sea on the 28th of July 1809. They departed from The Downs with 37 ships under Sir Richard Strachan's command. This was the largest British expedition of that year, surpassing even the army serving in the Peninsular War. Commanders included Hugh Downman, Edward Codrington, Amelius Beauclerk, William Charles Fahie, George Cockburn, and George Dundas. The British seized the swampy island of Walcheren at the mouth of the river Scheldt. They also took South Beveland island, which sits within present-day Netherlands. The full expeditionary force represented the greatest number of vessels ever to leave England for such an operation.
Within a month of seizing the island, over 8,000 men fell ill with what became known as Walcheren fever. Symptoms likely combined malaria, typhus, typhoid, and dysentery into one deadly mix. Medical provisions proved inadequate despite reports that an occupying French force had lost 80% of its numbers years earlier due to similar sickness. More than 4,000 British troops died during the expedition while only 106 were killed in action. By October, only 5,500 of the original force remained fit for duty. Almost 12,000 soldiers were still ill by February 1810. Many survivors remained permanently weakened after returning home.
John Pitt combined initial tactical successes with eventual strategic retreat but errors overshadowed his early gains. Once it was decided to garrison Walcheren Island in September 1809, Pitt was replaced by Lieutenant-general Eyre Coote. Coote served briefly before being replaced himself by Lieutenant-general George Don in October. The campaign involved little fighting yet heavy losses from disease caused the failure. The medical situation deteriorated rapidly as summer turned to autumn. Reports indicated the French had suffered heavily from disease a few years prior, yet no lessons were learned. The leadership changes reflected a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking operation.
Napoleon approved the appointment of Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte on the 10th of August 1809. He arrived to defend the Netherlands after resigning his command following displeasure at the Battle of Wagram. His arrival gave the French a much-needed unity of command over divided forces. Bernadotte brought genius for organization and training to the chaotic defense. Although British troops captured Flushing on the day of his arrival after ferocious bombardment, he had already ordered the fleet to Antwerp. He heavily reinforced that city while surrounding towns fell on the 15th of August. The main objective for the British, Antwerp, remained out of reach despite their capture of Flushing.
The British government spent almost £8 million on this failed campaign. Along with the 4,000 men who died during the expedition, many others remained permanently weakened. Those sent to the Peninsular War to join Wellington's army caused a permanent doubling of sick lists there. This debacle became a source of acute political embarrassment for Lord Castlereagh. Peter Finnerty, a former United Irishman, accompanied the expedition as a special correspondent for The Morning Chronicle. He heaped blame upon Castlereagh regarding the disaster. The plant known as Thanet cress was introduced to Britain in the bedding of sick men. The financial cost and human toll created lasting consequences for both military and political spheres.
Common questions
What was the primary goal of the Walcheren Campaign in July 1809?
The British government aimed to seal the Scheldt estuary and destroy the French fleet thought to be hiding in Flushing. This mission also intended to provide a diversion for Austria during their struggle against France.
How many troops participated in the Walcheren Campaign expedition on the 28th of July 1809?
A massive force of 39,000 troops crossed the North Sea from The Downs with 37 ships under Sir Richard Strachan's command. This represented the largest British expedition of that year.
Why did over 8,000 men fall ill within a month of seizing Walcheren Island?
Over 8,000 men fell ill due to what became known as Walcheren fever which likely combined malaria, typhus, typhoid, and dysentery into one deadly mix. Medical provisions proved inadequate despite reports that an occupying French force had lost 80% of its numbers years earlier due to similar sickness.
Who commanded the French defense forces after Napoleon approved Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte on the 10th of August 1809?
Napoleon approved the appointment of Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte who arrived to defend the Netherlands after resigning his command following displeasure at the Battle of Wagram. He brought genius for organization and training to the chaotic defense while heavily reinforcing Antwerp.
What was the financial cost and human toll of the Walcheren Campaign for the British government?
The British government spent almost £8 million on this failed campaign while more than 4,000 British troops died during the expedition. Only 106 were killed in action yet many others remained permanently weakened or caused a permanent doubling of sick lists in the Peninsular War.