This Day in History: 1781-01-06

In 1781 the battle of Jersey was fought and won by the English.

France invaded Jersey on the night that Jersey celebrated ‘old Christmas night’ in an attempt to take the British by surprise. But the alarm was raised by a resident of the capital Saint Helier Edward Combs and the British defeated the French attack.

Jersey, located in the Channel Islands, was a key British possession near the French coast. Its proximity to France made it a target for French forces, who sought to weaken Britain by disrupting its military and economic control over the region.

A French force of approximately 1,400 soldiers, led by Baron de Rullecourt, launched a surprise attack. They landed in the early hours of January 6, 1781, near St. Helier, the island’s capital. The French aimed to seize control quickly, relying on the element of surprise and a proclamation to persuade the islanders to surrender.

Despite the initial shock, British forces, led by Major Francis Peirson, quickly organized a counterattack. Peirson, only 24 years old, rallied local militia and regular troops to defend the island. The two sides clashed in the streets of St. Helier, particularly around the market square.

The British forces succeeded in repelling the French. Although Peirson was killed during the battle, his leadership inspired his troops, who ultimately forced the French to surrender. Baron de Rullecourt was mortally wounded in the fighting.

The Battle of Jersey was the last time foreign forces attempted to invade and occupy British soil. The victory bolstered British morale and demonstrated the resilience of local forces and their ability to defend against external threats.

The battle is commemorated in John Singleton Copley’s famous painting, “The Death of Major Peirson”, which vividly depicts the young officer’s heroism and the intensity of the conflict.