The Whitehaven Battery. The only unfriendly American invasion of Britain occurred at Whitehaven in the early hours of 23rd April 1778. John Paul Jones, who apprenticed in the town, led men of the Continental Navy ashore and spiked the harbour's defensive guns before making his getaway. At a ceremony witnessed by representatives of the US Navy on 27th June 1999, Jones was formally pardoned by the Commissioner of the Harbour of Whitehaven, on behalf of the people of the town.