Battle of Alexandria
Near Alexandria, Egypt
What happened
A British army under Sir Ralph Abercromby fought the French army in Egypt under General Jacques-François Menou. Britain landed an army at Aboukir Bay in March 1801 to drive the French out of Egypt. Near Alexandria, the French attacked before dawn, and the British held them off after several hours of fighting, helped by gunfire from British ships. Abercromby was badly wounded in the fighting.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a British victory over the French army left in Egypt. The French were driven back into Alexandria.
What came next
Abercromby died a week later. The British besieged Alexandria, and the French garrison surrendered on 2 September 1801.
Did you know?
One British regiment was attacked from front and rear at once and afterwards wore a second badge on the back of its caps, the 'Back Number'.
Timeline
- 7 October 1734Ralph Abercromby is born.
- March 1801British troops land at Aboukir.
- 21 March 1801The British win near Alexandria.
- 28 March 1801Abercromby dies.
- 2 September 1801The French in Alexandria surrender.