The Newfoundland expedition ( French : `` Expédition à Terre-Neuve '' , Spanish : `` Expedición a Terranova '' ) was a series of fleet manoeuvres and amphibious landings in the coasts of Newfoundland , Labrador and Saint Pierre and Miquelon carried out Action by the combined French and Spanish fleets during the French Revolutionary Wars .

After taking dozens of British prisoners , the combined fleet sailed Self_motion toward Saint Pierre and Miquelon , which were held Hold by the British at that time , and remained Presence near the islands for two weeks , taking on water and preparing for the voyage back to France and Spain .

France 's colonial presence north of the Caribbean was reduced Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale to the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon , confirming Great Britain 's position as the dominant colonial power in America .