The Moro Breached

The caption to this contemporary print reads: To the Hon William Keppel, Colonel of his Majesty’s 56th Regiment of Foot and Major General on the expedition under the command of the Right Honourable the Earl of Albermarle. This perspective view entering the breach of the Moro Castle by storm, the 30th of July 1762, between the hours of 1 and 2 in the afternoon. Also a view of His Majesty’s ship Alcide & a number of flat boats manned & armed; is most humbly inscribed by his most devoted humble servant, Philip Orsbridge. The storming party can be seen lined up on the cliff and filing into the breach created by a mine explosion. The rest of the castle, however, looks remarkably unscathed from artillery fire. The print is dedicated to Major-General Keppel, who was, from Dec 1761 to June 1765, Colonel of the 56th, later the 2nd Bn Essex Regiment. He was also the commander of the force detached for the siege of the Moro. The 56th were part of the force in the whole campaign against Havana and the only regiment to be granted the battle honour MORO.