Battle of St George’s Caye

This was a short military engagement that lasted from 3rd to 10th September 1798, off the coast of what is now called Belize. The name is used for the final battle that took place on 10th September. It is a national public and bank holiday in Belize. The battle took place between an invading force from Mexic, attempting to assert Spanish claims to present-day Belize, and a small force of resident woodcutters called Baymen, who fought for their livelihood assisted by black slaves. After the final two and a half hour battle, ravaged by sickness, the Spaniards withdrew.