 On 3 August , with negotiations fruitless , Rainier and Stuart ordered the invasion to go ahead . The troops landed 4 nautical miles ( 7 @.@ 4 km ) north of Trincomaleee unopposed and advanced slowly though the sandy terrain . Due to heavy surf and high winds the disembarkation was not completed until 13 August , and the first emplacements approaching Trincomalee were not begun until 18 August . Throughout this period the Batavian garrison made no effort to oppose or impede the advance British forces . After five days the British forces had emplaced eight 18 @-@ pounder long guns and a number of smaller cannon , some borrowed from Suffolk in firing positions , opening a heavy fusilade which by the following day had created a sizeable breach in the walls of Trincomalee . Preparations were made for an assault and messages sent to the fort 's commander demanding his surrender . 
