THE BATTLE OF GRAND PORT 1810 In 1810

THE BATTLE OF GRAND PORT (1810)

In 1810 the British attacked the French at Grand Port. First they captured Ile De La Passe where there were fortifications and cannons. Once the British warships were inside the bay, they were attacked by the French. A long battle was fought during the day and at night. During the battle the British warships found it difficult to move in the Bay. Finally the French were victorious. Many British and French soldiers were wounded or killed. Others were taken prisoners.

During the Battle of Grand Port, both French Captain Duperre and English Captain Willoughby were wounded. They were treated in the resistance of Mr Robillard. This building is now a museum. Many items of the Battle are shown here.

Grand port is named after the village of old grand port which is the actual place where the first Dutch landed and is also the first port of the island. The vieux grand port historic site is located in the south east of Mauritius and encloses the ruins of the oldest stone structures ever built on the island. The Dutch headquarters were on this site from 1638 to 1710.

A fortress was built, which they named “frederik hendrik”, in honor of their ruler. It is buried roughly one metre below ground level. Built by the dutch and later taken over by the french, the town is a reminder of the colonial past of the island. In 1722, when the french occupied grand port, another lodge was constructed on the same site. It was their main center of activity prior to the beginning of the 19 th century when it was transferred to mahebourg.

Presented by students of Form 4 S 2, Bon Accueil State College, Mauritius Pertaub, Reedoye, Ramjeet, Bhunjun, Bahadoor, Sanassy