The American Revolution in India - Bellecombe and the Third Siege of Pondicherry
Once the French joined the American Revolution they began fighting Great Britain all over the world.
The Siege of Pondicherry was the farthest reaching part of the Revolutionary War...spreading all the way to India.
The Governor of Pondicherry, Guilaume de Bellecombe, was essentially fighting with the Revolutionaries despite being on the other side of the Earth.
The Anglo-French War
After the Battle of Saratoga, the French finally decided to support the Patriots in the American Revolution.
This decision consisted of more than just sending supplies and soldiers to North America. In fact, Britain and France once again began fighting a war between each other.
Usually referred to as the Anglo-French War, the hostilities began breaking out all over the world.
Guilaume de Bellecombe
By 1778, Guilaume de Bellecombe had served France all over the world.
He had fought in Canada during the French and Indian War, became an Adjutant in Martinique and ruled as Governor of Reunion (an island off Madagascar).
Finally, he had been appointed Governor of Pondicherry, one of France’s largest colonies in India.
This was his situation when word arrived that France had declared war.
Fortification
Knowing this meant he would soon be attacked by the British Navy, Bellecombe jumped into action.
He quickly fortified the city’s defenses which were in severe disrepair.
Additionally, he prepared the men for a fight. This included arming citizens and readying the sepoys (native Indian soldiers).
Then, on August 21, the British arrived.
The Siege of Pondicherry
The American Revolution had made it to the other side of the world.
With France helping British colonies throw off the Mother Country, Great Britain though they could at least take some French colonies in return.
The British Navy laid siege to Pondicherry for two and a half months.
Despite being outnumbered 20 to 1, Bellecombe was able to prevent the city from being taken for a shockingly long time.
Unfortunately, they could not hold out forever and the enemy eventually took control. They were kind enough to allow the French to leave the city unmolested and return to Europe.
Afterward
As for Bellecombe, he would shortly thereafter be appointed Governor of Saint Domingue (or as we know it today, Haiti).
Bellecombe worked with the Black elite in Haiti to make reforms that attempted to given them equal treatment under the law.
Unfortunately, this only included wealthy Black people and that nation’s slaves grew full of discontent. The
Haitian Revolution followed just a few years after Bellecombe’s retirement.
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