'Landing of HM's Forces near Baccurano, Island of Cuba, June 7th 1762'

Line engraving by Mason after D Serres. One of 13 line engravings after D Serres from views taken on the spot by an officer in the Navy.

Havana, the chief town of the Caribbean island of Cuba, was held by Spain, an ally of France in the later stages of the Seven Years War (1756-1763). In June 1762, a British force of 12,000 men, commanded by the Earl of Albemarle and supported by naval forces under the command of Admiral Sir George Pocock, landed at Bacuranao and advanced on nearby Havana.

The town surrendered in August, after an eight-week siege. The actual siege operations cost the British less than 1,000 casualties, but a further 5,000 men died from disease during the campaign. At the close of hostilities, Britain exchanged Havana for territory in Florida.