BattlefieldsSpanish garrison at Eilean Donan resists Royal Navy 1719
Jacobite Risings

Spanish garrison at Eilean Donan resists Royal Navy 1719

1719
Scotland
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Spanish garrison
Forces
Royal Navy: HMS Worcester, Flamborough and Enterprise
VS
Victor
Royal Navy
Forces
Spanish marines c.45 (garrison)
Outcome
Spanish garrison fights off Royal Navy attack until stormed; Eilean Donan blown up by naval party
The Battle

History & Significance

The 45 Spanish marines garrisoning Eilean Donan Castle in Loch Duich resisted the Royal Navy bombardment of HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough and HMS Enterprise in May 1719. The Spanish garrison was commanded by a Spanish officer and held the castle against sustained naval gunfire. When the castle walls were breached, a landing party of sailors and marines stormed the gate. The Spanish garrison fought until the position was untenable. The powder magazine — containing several tonnes of Spanish gunpowder and ammunition — was subsequently blown up by the attackers, reducing the medieval castle to rubble. The explosion was heard miles away across Kintail.

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