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Notes
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When Spain entered the American War of Independence (1775–1783) in 1779, it began besieging Gibraltar which had been captured by the British in 1704. The garrison, commanded by General Augustus Eliott (later 1st Baron Heathfield), was repeatedly attacked. The siege reached crisis point in September 1782 – when already weakened, the Rock was bombarded both from land and also close-to from the sea. The Spanish fleet included a number of specially-built floating batteries, ships with double-hulls for protection carrying heavy artillery to attack. British gunners fired back with red-hot shot, risking death from exploding cannon. They set the batteries on fire, causing two to explode. The Spanish fleet retreated and the garrison was able to keep up its resistance until the close of hostilities in 1783.
Title
General Eliott (1717–1790), and His Officers Observing the Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 14 September 1782
Date
1784
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 153 x W 258.5 cm
Accession number
NAM. 1996-07-107
Acquisition method
purchased from the Army Museums Ogilby Trust with aid from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Society of Friends of the National Army Museum, the Art Fund, the Esmée Fairbairn Charitable Trust and the Mercers’ Company, 1996
Work type
Painting
National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England
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