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French sword, Fishguard invasion, 1797

Contributed by Tenby Museum

French sword, Fishguard invasion, 1797

This sword was taken from the surrendered French forces during the invasion of Fishguard in 1797.

It carries on each side of the blade engravings of sun, moon and stars above the inscription "Cassaguard Fourbissier du Roy a Nantes", thus recording that the royal swordsmith had made the weapon at Nantes. The word "Roy" has been almost obliterated by punched dots made by a revolutionary who objected to this reference to the king.

1400 French troops landed near Fishguard on Wednesday 22 February 1797. Lord Cawdor rallied 660 men together made up of the local militia, fencibles and yeoman cavalry plus 400 Welsh women volunteers all robed in red flannel. The French surrendered their arms to Lord Cawdor at Goodwick Sands on 22 February. In memory of the part played by the Yeomanry, the War Office gave them permission in 1853 to add 'FISHGUARD' to their badge as an honour.

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France

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68cm
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