In February 1797, a French naval expeditionary force landed near Fishguard, Wales, intending to spark a larger uprising against British rule. The invasion force consisted of around 1,300 troops under the command of Colonel Jean Humbert, dispatched as part of the French revolutionary effort to destabilize Britain. The expedition was poorly equipped and quickly faced challenges due to insufficient provisions and logistical support. The local Welsh population, alerted to the invasion, rallied together to confront the French troops, forming an impromptu militia which included soldiers and civilians alike. This grassroots defense played a crucial role in repelling the invasion with remarkable speed. However, the British military, alerted to the situation, began mobilizing resources, drawing in reinforcements to further bolster local defenses.

The ensuing confrontations were characterized by a mix of military skirmishes and popular resistance. Under the leadership of figures such as Major William Abergavenny and Admiral Sir William Vernon, British forces quickly gained the upper hand against the French. Additionally, reports of the local women dressing as soldiers to intimidate the invaders further contributed to the successful defense of Fishguard. By March of that year, the expedition had effectively been neutralized, with many of the French soldiers surrendering due to hunger and lack of hope for reinforcements. This marked one of the last serious attempts at invading Britain via its coasts during this tumultuous era of the Revolutionary Wars.