One of the first actions of the…

One of the first actions of the war of Jenkins’ Ear is the British capture, on November 22, 1739, of Porto Bello, a silver-exporting town on the coast of Panama in an attempt to damage Spain's finances and weaken its naval capabilities.

The poorly defended port is attacked by six ships of the line under Vice Admiral Edward Vernon, who captures it within twenty-four hours.

The British occupy the town for three weeks before withdrawing, having destroyed its fortifications, port and warehouses.