BATTLE // September 16, 1779
Siege of Savannah
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Siege of Savannah was a failed Franco-American attempt to retake the city of Georgia that had fallen to a British expeditionary corps the previous year. A major assault on October 9 against the British siege works was repulsed, and the allied force abandoned the siege entirely. The defeat left Savannah in British hands until July 1782, effectively denying the Continental alliance control of Georgia for nearly three years and through most of the remaining war. The action also resulted in the mortal wounding of Casimir Pulaski, who commanded the combined allied cavalry during the assault. The British retention of Savannah sustained their hold on the Deep South and demonstrated the limits of Franco-American combined operations in the southern theater.
Tactics
The allied effort took the form of a formal siege, running from September 16 to October 18, 1779. On October 9, the Franco-American force launched a major assault against the British siege works. During this attack, Pulaski led the combined cavalry forces on the American side and was mortally wounded. The assault failed, prompting the abandonment of the siege.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- United States7,722medium
- Great Britain4,813medium
United States fielded a 1.6 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- France244–584medium
Commanders (7)
Great Britain
United States
Benjamin Lincolnmajor general
Curt von Stedingkgeneral
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Related
6 sibling battles · 6 factions