Perry's Holdout

Written and edited by Zach Batson

After the declaration of war by the British, Admiral Matthew Perry was deployed to defend American assets in the Pacific, establishing a forward base in Manila Bay. Perry was familiar with the region after he aided in overthrowing the Spanish remnant there two decades prior. Unfortunately, his fleet had not developed further since that conflict, featuring the same retrofitted frigates that accompanied him on the maiden voyage of the navy’s first air-ships. The British in contrast utilized the entirety of the Colonial Raj Fleet, which amassed near the island of Sri Lanka. Perry was outnumbered four to one.

Perry’s strategy was to use his sea assets to defend headquarters in Manila, while his zeppelins harassed the invading fleet. The bay forced British vessels to either funnel in a tight pattern or commit to long range bombardment, the latter of which proved ineffective due to Perry’s air skirmishes on anchored vessels. The less experienced Admiral Gordon was forced to keep his fleet moving to avoid raids, straining fuel resources and morale. His hesitancy to commit to a full assault only allowed Perry more time to prepare.

For two over months the British shelled the island of Luzon, while smaller operations attempted to dislodge American forces from Panay and Samar. Perry sent the air fleet on sporadic raids, causing chaos thanks to the lack of reliable anti-aircraft weapons. Perry’s frigates however continued to receive damage in Gordon’s bombardments. The repair demands for the ships were growing, and the cautious British were forming up for a final push as fuel ran low. Perry decided to cannibalize his fleet’s weapons, moving what he could on shore, and leaving his fleet a floating mass of dead steel. He also mined the mouth of the bay, hoping to slow the British further.

On November 10th, Gordon ordered an assault on the bay. His fleet pushed in, opening fire on the ghost ships anchored in open water. After the first volleys, Perry’s shore batteries opened fire, capsizing multiple vessels. The aged Admiral himself led the air raids on retreating vessels, dropping modified mines on the ships below. Gordon’s failed assault cost him half of his remaining fleet, as well as the respect of his men. After news of American reinforcements arrived, he was relieved of command, and his fleet retreated to India.

Conflict: The Anglo-American Island War Location: The Philippines, United States of America

Start Date

August 20th, 1861

Ending Date

November 23rd, 1861