2026-05-142026-05-141796https://archive.parliament.gov.za/handle/123456789/8022Oracle Asset ID: 169048 Accession no.: 91The capitulation of Saldanha Bay was the surrender to the British of a Batavian expeditionary force sent to recapture the Dutch Cape Colony in 1796. On 15 August 1796 British Vice-Admiral Sir George Elphinstone's larger fleet discovered Engelbertus Lucas' squadron and trapped it in the bay. Aware that resistance would be futile and with his crews in open revolt, Lucas surrendered unconditionally.enSaldanha Bay (South Africa)-HistorySouth Africa-mapsMap