In 1703, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the Inniskillings were part of the Garrison in Antigua. The local commander, General Codrington, planned an expedition for March 1703 against the French held island of Guadeloupe. On 12 March 1703 two parties of troops landed.

Whereas the first group soon dispersed the minor French opposition, the second group, which included the majority of the Inniskillings, faced vigorous resistance from the French troops manning some breast works. Before long the British overcame the defenders and took possession of the town of la Bayliffe.

That night another British attack defeated the French troops who were holding a line of defences along the Jacabine River.

On 13 March 1703, the British captured the town of Basse Terre and laid siege to the castle and fort, a siege which continued until 2 April 1703 when the French, having blown up the strong points, fled and dispersed into the countryside.

The action on Guadeloupe was the Inniskillings’ only active service during their first tour in the West Indies, which for them must have been a welcome break from the otherwise monotonous Garrison routine. On 7 May 1703, taking their booty with them, the troops re-embarked and sailed to St Christopher’s.