 There were a number of transports and bomb vessels holding 6,000 troops commanded by Major-General John Wade.The expedition was also intended to demonstrate to the Spanish that Allied forces could strike along their vulnerable coastline with ease, and was co-ordinated with a French offensive on eastern Spain, in the hope that this would force Spain to the peace table.On 21 September the British expedition left Falmouth, and arrived at Vigo eight days later.