| Summary: | This chapter explores the expulsion of the Acadians from their Canadian settlements by the British in 1755, with particular focus on Newfoundland and the forcible deportation of French fishermen that took place several weeks beforehand. It argues that the Newfoundland incident was driven by the way English and French fisheries were perceived by naval authorities; the circumstances and opportunity of the moment; and the motives of the Captain John Rous, who orchestrated much of the operation. It charts the events in detail, and concludes that the deportation of the fishermen of Port aux Basques and Codroy could conceivably be seen as a ‘dry-run’ for the larger deportation to come. It also suggests that the maritime career of John Rous requires further investigation, as existing records leave many questions about his role in the deportations unanswered.
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