Six hours later, with no clear response from the Maltese, Napoleon's impatience grew. The time for negotiation had passed, and he had no choice but to proceed with a naval invasion. French troops, ready for the assault, began their landings at four strategic locations across the Maltese Islands: St. Paul's Bay, St. Julian's, and Marsaxlokk on mainland Malta, and the area surrounding Ramla Bay on Gozo.
Leading the landing in St. Paul's Bay was General Louis Baraguey d'Hilliers, a seasoned commander with a reputation for tactical brilliance. His troops handpicked for their combat prowess and discipline, stood resolute as they prepared to disembark onto Maltese soil.
Armed with the latest rifle of the French Army, the 1895 Krag–J?rgensen or Bonaparte's repeating bolt-action rifle, d'Hilliers' forces possessed a formidable advantage in firepower. The advanced weapon allowed for rapid and precise firing, giving the French soldiers a distinct edge over their Maltese counterparts.
Meanwhile, the Maltese defenders who stood guard in the area were armed with primitive muskets. Their weapons, although steeped in history, paled in comparison to the modern firepower wielded by the French. However, what the Maltese lacked in advanced weaponry, they made up for with their unwavering determination and a deep-rooted desire to protect their homeland.
The atmosphere in St. Paul's Bay was tense as the French landing crafts approached the shore. As the landing crafts finally touched the sandy shores, the French soldiers disembarked and immediately formed their ranks.
The Maltese defenders, witnessing the arrival of this formidable force, understood that their peaceful days were now behind them. Their resolve would be put to the ultimate test, as they stood against an invading army that sought to claim their homeland.
"Let them get in range in our muskets," The Maltese General ordered, holding his troops steady. "Fire on my sign—"
Before the Maltese General could complete his sentence, he felt something piercing his chest. He looked down and saw blood trickling from his wound. Widening his eyes in surprise, the General stumbled backward, struggling to comprehend what had just transpired. How could the enemy have fired from such a distance? The French troops were armed with muskets, just like the Maltese defenders. Yet, the devastating impact of the enemy's shots told a different story.
As the General glanced toward the ranks of the French, a disturbing realization dawned upon him. They were not armed with muskets, because their operations were different. Instead of the French pulling out a stick to insert musket balls in the barrel, they are cocking something more sophisticated. The Maltese General's widening eyes fixated on the French soldiers as they swiftly worked the mechanisms of their rifles. With each shot, the French soldiers would cocked their rifles leading to an ejection of spent ammunition, and firing again almost simultaneously.
Losing consciousness, the Maltese General collapsed to the ground, his body succumbing to the pain and the shock of his grievous wound. The battle raged on around him, but his presence in the fight was no more.
The troops that he commanded fell into confusion and panic. Adding the mysterious yet powerful rifles of the French army, they had no other choice but to raise a white flag, indicating their surrender. The Maltese defenders, disheartened by the loss of their General and overwhelmed by the enemy's advanced weaponry, reluctantly laid down their arms.
At Marsaxlokk, the same situation unfolded. One of the troops under the command of General Desaix was permitted to use the new weapon, the Bonaparte's Machine Gun.
Pulling the trigger, the machine gun sprayed a deadly hail of bullets toward the Maltese formidable walls. Though it wouldn't penetrate its walls, it sure sowed panic and confusion in the Maltese troops inside the fort.
The sound of the bullet crashing on the walls continued to echo throughout the fortified structure, amplifying the chaos within. Minutes later, they too were forced to surrender to the French, waving a white flag.
At St. Julian's, the Order's navy composed of a galley, galleots, and a chaloup tried preventing the landings of the French troops, but they too were caught under the intense rain of bullets from the French machine guns fired from frigates.
The wooden body of their naval ships splintered from the relentless impacts of the machine gun fire. They too had no choice but surrender.
In Gozo, the French forces consisted of the 3rd Company of Grenadiers and the 95th Demi-Brigade. They landed on Redum Kebir, located between the Ramla Right Battery and the Sopu Tower. The French forces were led by Jean Reynier and Jean Urbain Fugière.
The defenders opened fire on the French, supported by artillery from the batteries at Ramla and the Sopu Tower. In response, the French ships of the line returned fire with great accuracy. This was made possible by a forward observer equipped with a portable spark gap radio among the troops that had landed.
Desperate to break through the French ranks, the defenders attempted a cavalry charge. However, before they could even reach their targets, the French machine guns unleashed a devastating barrage of bullets. The hail of bullets tore through the charging cavalry, resulting in a grim scene of fallen horses and riders scattered across the battlefield.
Thirty minutes later, the Maltese defenders began to comprehend the gravity of their situation. They faced the daunting reality that they couldn't withstand the overwhelming firepower of the French. Unlike their muskets, which had limited range, the French rifles possessed superior reach. The French soldiers could rain bullets upon the defenders from a distance, without needing to approach them, delivering a shocking blow to their morale.
Not only that, they were also experiencing significant casualties, primarily inflicted by French snipers and sharpshooters. The forts that had been providing support were reduced to rubble and debris. Faced with these dire circumstances, the General commanding the defenders saw no alternative but to surrender.
***
On June 12th, 1798, the Maltese finally realized the futility of their resistance. A ceasefire was declared, bringing an end to the fighting between the French forces and the Maltese.
Napoleon was inside the Admiral quarters of the L'Orient. Standing in front of him was Murat who still can't get over the guns they used in the invasion.
"General…I must admit these again, the rifles and the machine guns are so effective against the enemy. Thanks to that our forces suffered no casualties. Would we get a lot more of it from the government?"
"That's likely Murat, taking into account your and the General's testimonies. You can utilize them to convince the Directory to procure those weapons from my company. However, considering the current financial strain on the government due to the war against the coalition, I doubt they can allocate resources to equip every soldier with these rifles."
"But the weapons are made by your company right?"
"Yes, Murat, but you must understand that this is a business, and it relies on sales to sustain itself. Additionally, there is the risk of these weapons falling into enemy hands. That's why we initially produced a smaller quantity," Napoleon explained.
"I see," Murat hummed understandingly.
Moments later, a knock on the door was heard.
"Who is it?"
"It's Berthier, General Bonaparte. The Grandmaster and members of the State Congregation have just arrived on the deck."
"Great, let them come in so we can talk about the terms," Napoleon ordered.
Minutes later, Grandmaster Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim entered the quarters along with his members of the State Congregation.
Napoleon rose to his feet and extended his hand, offering a handshake. "Sir, welcome aboard the flagship of the French Navy, the L'Orient."
The Grandmaster shook Napoleon's hand and gestured for him to take a seat. With that, the negotiation commenced, lasting nearly two hours.
During the negotiation, the terms were clearly laid out. The Order agreed to capitulate Valletta and the fortifications of the Maltese Islands, thus ceding sovereignty to the French. In return, the French pledged to acquire a principality for the Grand Master as compensation for the loss of Malta. Furthermore, they assured the protection of private property for individual knights and the Maltese people.
Pensions were granted to the Grand Master and the French knights, and arrangements were made to secure similar pensions for knights from other Republics. The agreement established specific deadlines for the surrender of various fortifications, including Fort Manoel, Fort Tigné, and Fort St. Angelo, as well as the lines of Birgu, Senglea, Santa Margherita, and Cottonera. Additionally, the fortifications of Valletta, Floriana Lines, Fort Saint Elmo, Fort Ricasoli, and others were to be surrendered within specified timeframes.
The Order's navy was to be handed over to a French officer, marking the final step in the transfer of power. The terms also acknowledged the significant captures made by the French, encompassing artillery pieces, muskets, and gunpowder, as well as ships and galleys belonging to the Order.
After careful deliberation and consideration, both parties reached an agreement and proceeded to sign the convention, effectively bringing an end to the conflict between the French and Malta.
Napoleon and the Grandmaster rose up once more and exchanged a handshake. With these settled, Napoleon can now focus his sights on Egypt.
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