THE LAST INVASION OF BRITAIN.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 118, 10 April 1897, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE LAST INVASION OF BRITAIN.

February, the 24th, was the hundredth auuivci'siry of the last invasion of Great Britahi, when, in 1797, a sea captain espied five French ships of war off the Pembrokeshire coast, flying British colours. Shortly afterwards 1500 armed Frenchmen landed at Carreg G wastad, near Fishguard. Despatches wore at once SRUt around for reinforcements, aud their command was committed to the Earl of Cawdor. Thousands of Welshmen, armed with improvised weapons, stood ready to obey commands. The French Adnrral, non-plussed by the force so speedily raised, sent a flag of truce to Lord Cawdor, who, however, would not agree to anything but unconditional surrender. This was complied with on February '2-3, 1707. Public demonstrations were, accordingly, held at Fishguard to commemorate the surrender, aud a thanksgiving service was held oi the sands. The day was set apart as a treneral holiday in the district, and thousands of people assembled to take part in the ceremony. A stirring speech was delivered on the san Is by the Rev. Parry Davies, vicar of L'auyclner, and a prayer of thanksgiving was offered by the Rev. D. J. Symonds, of Fishguard, The Welsh and English National Anthems and a speci-ally-composed " Centenary March''were also sung, 'file town was gaily decorated with bunting and illuminated ; and in the evening a banquet was held at the Commercial Hotel, the High Sheriff of Pembrokeshire presiding. The whole day's proceedings weroniost enthusiastic. In July, when the weather is more favourable, Festivities will Le held on a huge scale at Fishguard.. The extensive preparations have already attracted widespread attention, and the expectations of the promoters are high. Commemorative medals have already been struck ; aud in-July a suitably inscribed monument will hi erected on a cairn at Carreg (r wastad, near the snot r/herc the French landed. The President, the Karl of Cawdor, the local members of Parliament, and all the foremost personages in Pembrokeshire, will attend a banquet on July oth. Mr W. Abraham, M.P. iMalxui), "ill conduct a large Eisteddfod in tiic district.