Maine and encamped at Aschaffenberg, where King George II. and His
Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland joined the army.
Leaving Aschaffenberg on the morning of the 16th of June, the
army moved in columns along the banks of the Maine to join the
Hanoverians and Hessians at Hanau. The French under Marshal
Noailles crossed the river, and taking up a formidable position
between the Maine and the mountains near _Dettingen_, prepared
to oppose the march of the allies: at the same time the French
commander seized the bridge at Aschaffenberg, to cut off the
retreat of his opponents. These movements brought on a general
engagement, and the INNISKILLING dragoons had an opportunity of
signalizing themselves under the eye of their sovereign.
While the allied army was forming for battle, the INNISKILLING
dragoons and other cavalry covered the operation, and were exposed
to the enemy's cannon. The French household troops, headed by the
princes of the blood, became impatient of inactivity, and quitting
their advantageous position, galloped forward to commence the
action. The British cavalry advanced to meet their antagonists, and
were repulsed; but a volley from the British infantry destroyed
several French squadrons, and the English troopers returning to
the charge, drove back their opponents. The battle extended along
the line, and the British, Austrian, and Hanoverian infantry,
fiercely encountering the French battalions, gained advantage
after advantage, until the fortune of the day was so evidently in
their favour that the result was no longer doubtful. Meanwhile
the charges of the cavalry were frequent and sanguinary. Bland's
(third) dragoons, and the INNISKILLING troopers charged and
overpowered a superior body of horse, then rushed sword in hand
upon a line of French cuirassiers, whose polished armour proved
ineffectual against the prowess and resolution of the British
dragoons fighting in the presence of their King. The life-guards,
blues, King's horse (now first dragoon guards), and Ligonier's
troopers (now seventh dragoon guards), behaved nobly; the royals
and greys captured each a standard[14]; and Rich's (fourth) and
Cope's (seventh) dragoons had their share in the combat. Unable to
withstand the fury of the charging Britons, the French gave way,
and were driven across the Maine with such precipitation, that many
men were drowned in the river.
The INNISKILLING dragoons returned from the pursuit and bivouacked
near the scene of conflict. Their loss was two men and eighteen
horses killed; and one man and nine horses wounded. On the
following day they continued their march to Hanau, where they were
encamped until the beginning of August, when they proceeded towards
the Rhine, and having passed that river, were employed in West
Germany; the King having his head-quarters at the episcopal palace
of Worms, and afterwards at Spire. In October His Majesty marched
the army back to Mentz, from whence the INNISKILLING dragoons
continued their route to Flanders, where they passed the winter.
[Sidenote: 1744]
The regiment served the campaign of 1744 with the army commanded by
Field-Marshal Wade; and after encamping for some time behind the
Scheldt, was employed in an incursion into the French territory,
and in collecting contributions. In October the regiment went into
winter quarters at Ghent.
[Sidenote: 1745]
Having been withdrawn from their cantonments in April, 1745, the
INNISKILLING dragoons encamped near Brussels, where they were
reviewed by the Duke of Cumberland, and subsequently advanced with
the army commanded by His Royal Highness to attack the French, who
had commenced the siege of Tournay with an immense body of troops
under the command of Marshal Saxe. One squadron of the regiment
formed part of the force which drove in the enemy's out-guards, on
the 28th of April (O.S.).
The French occupied a fortified camp, protected by immense
batteries, near the village of _Fontenoy_; and the INNISKILLING
dragoons supported the infantry in their attacks on this formidable
position; on which occasion the English foot-guards, and several
regiments of the line, displayed signal valour and intrepidity, and
carried the enemy's trenches in gallant style; but the Dutch having
failed in their attempt on the village of Fontenoy, and the French
battery in the wood of Barri not having been stormed according
to order, the troops, which had forced the position, were unable
to maintain their ground. Towards the close of the action, the
cavalry was ordered forward, and several corps charged with great
spirit and resolution, but were unable to retrieve the fortune of
the day; and a retreat having been ordered, the army withdrew to
Aeth. In this action the INNISKILLING dragoons evinced the same
forward bearing and firmness as on former occasions. Their loss was
Quarter-master Baird, three men, and nineteen horses killed; eleven
men and seven horses wounded.
The army encamped on the plains of Lessines; and while the
INNISKILLING dragoons were at this camp, their Colonel,
Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair, was removed to the Scots greys,
and was succeeded by John Earl of Rothes, by commission dated the
29th of May, 1745.
After the surrender of Fontenoy the French army advanced, and
having an immense superiority of numbers, the allies withdrew, and
took up a position to cover Brussels. The INNISKILLING dragoons
encamped near Meerbeck, and subsequently on the canal between Ghent
and Brussels.
[Sidenote: 1746]
Meanwhile a rebellion, headed by Charles Edward, eldest son of the
Pretender, had broken out in Scotland, and many British regiments
were ordered to return home. The INNISKILLING dragoons marched,
during the winter, to Williamstadt, in North Brabant, and towards
the end of February, 1746, embarked for England; but the transports
were driven by tempestuous weather back into the harbour, and the
troops disembarked. The rebellion having been suppressed shortly
afterwards, the order for their return was countermanded, and they
went into quarters on the frontiers of Holland.
Quitting their cantonments in the spring of 1746, the INNISKILLING
dragoons were employed in the operations of the army commanded by
Lieutenant-General Sir John Ligonier. In May they were encamped
behind the Dyle: the French having a great superiority of numbers,
the allies were forced to retire towards Antwerp; subsequently to
Breda; and many fortified towns were captured by the enemy. In
July, Prince Charles of Lorraine took the command of the army, and
the British dragoons were employed in manœuvring and skirmishing
with the French cavalry, in order to retard the operations of the
adverse army.
During the forenoon of the 1st of October (O.S.), the allies were
in position on the plain of Liege; several villages were occupied
by the infantry, and the INNISKILLING dragoons stood in line on
some open ground near the village of _Roucoux_. About mid-day
numerous columns of the enemy appeared advancing under Marshal
Saxe; and being emboldened by their superior numbers, their
artillery opened a tremendous cannonade, and about fifty battalions
attacked three villages on the left of the allied army with great
fury. Having carried the villages, the French infantry diverged
upon the open ground, where the Greys, INNISKILLING, and Seventh
dragoons appeared in line, headed by the gallant Earls of Rothes
and Crawford. As the enemy advanced in crowds, as if confident of
success, the three regiments dashed forward, overthrew the opposing
ranks, and chased the French musketeers to the hedges and thickets
near the village in gallant style. A retreat having been ordered,
the army withdrew across the river Maese, and encamped near
Maestricht.
The regiment was commended in orders for its conduct on this
occasion; it had three men wounded: and six horses killed and seven
wounded: one horse fell into the hands of the enemy.
After encamping a short time in the province of Limburg, the
regiment went into quarters in the country along the Lower Maese.
[Sidenote: 1747]
During the campaign of 1747 the allied army was commanded by the
Duke of Cumberland; and after encamping a short time near the
banks of the Scheldt, the INNISKILLING dragoons were employed in
operations on the Great Nethe, and on the Demer. The 1st of July
was passed in skirmishing near the frontiers of Liege; the two
armies confronted each other, and on the following day a sharp
action was fought, on which occasion the regiment acquired new
laurels.
Under the cover of a heavy cannonade, the French infantry attacked
the village of _Val_, which was occupied by four battalions (three
British and one Hanoverian), and the INNISKILLING dragoons were
formed behind the houses. Eventually the village was captured,
and the enemy broke the centre of the allied army. The cavalry
of the left wing was led forward by Sir John Ligonier, and
charged the French horsemen with signal intrepidity. The Greys
particularly distinguished themselves. The INNISKILLING dragoons,
vying in heroism with the Scots troopers, overthrew and routed the
squadrons opposed to them; and a sanguinary sword fight ensuing,
the British horsemen made great havoc among the discomfited ranks
of their opponents. Following up their first success, the Greys,
INNISKILLING, and other British dragoons, dashed forward; a volley
from some French musketeers posted on the low grounds, and behind
hedges, emptied several saddles; but the survivors rushed upon the
infantry and chased them from behind the hedges and from the low
grounds, with dreadful carnage. While pursuing the fugitives, a new
line of combatants appeared; but, with ranks confused and blended
together, the British dragoons galloped forward and dispersed these
also. This astonishing gallantry of the British cavalry produced
important results; but the enemy having broken the centre of the
allied army, the Duke of Cumberland ordered a retreat.
When the INNISKILLING, and other British dragoons, faced about to
retire, the enemy came down upon them in crowds, and they sustained
considerable loss. The army retreated to Maestricht, where it
arrived in the evening.
The casualty-return of the regiment on this occasion exhibited a
serious loss, viz., Lieutenant Armstrong, Quarter-master Seaman,
forty men, and twenty-two horses wounded; Lieutenant Gordon, Cornet
Hay, seventy-eight men, and ninety-eight horses killed and missing.
The conduct of the British cavalry on this occasion, was highly
commended in the accounts of the battle published at the time.
The INNISKILLING dragoons were subsequently encamped at Richel,
near the Maese, in the province of Limburg; in October they
proceeded to North Brabant, and pitched their tents behind the
lines at Terheyden; and at the end of the campaign they went into
cantonments among the Dutch peasantry.
[Sidenote: 1748]
A strong remount of men and horses having joined to replace the
losses of the preceding year, the regiment took the field to
serve the campaign of 1748 in a high state of efficiency, and
according to the publications of that date its warlike appearance
was much admired. It was employed in the province of Limburg, and
was encamped a short time near Ruremonde. Meanwhile preliminary
articles for a treaty of peace had been agreed upon; the regiment
proceeded to North Brabant, where it remained a short time, and
during the winter, returned to England.
[Sidenote: 1749]
After the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle the establishment was reduced
to two hundred and eighty-five officers and men.
[Sidenote: 1750]
The Earl of Rothes was removed in January, 1750, to the Royal
North British dragoons, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of
the INNISKILLING dragoons by Major-General the Honourable James
Cholmondeley from the Third Irish horse, now Sixth dragoon guards.
[Sidenote: 1751]
In 1751 a regulation was issued for insuring uniformity in the
clothing, standards, and regimental distinctions of the British
army, from which the following particulars have been extracted
relating to the INNISKILLING DRAGOONS.
COATS,--scarlet; double-breasted; without lappels; lined with _full
yellow_; slit sleeves, turned up with full yellow; the button-holes
worked with narrow _white lace_; the buttons of white metal, set
on two and two; a long slash pocket in each skirt; and a white
shoulder-knot, or aiguillette, on the right shoulder.
WAISTCOATS AND BREECHES,--full yellow.
HATS,--bound with silver lace; and ornamented with a white metal
loop and a black cockade.
BOOTS,--of jacked leather, and reaching to the knee.
CLOAKS,--of scarlet cloth, with a full yellow collar and lined with
yellow shalloon; the buttons set on two and two upon white frogs,
or loops, with a blue stripe down the centre.
HORSE FURNITURE,--of full yellow cloth; the holster caps and
housing having a border of white lace with a blue stripe down the
centre; the castle of Inniskilling embroidered upon a red ground
within a wreath of roses and thistles, on each corner of the
housing; and on the holster caps the king's cipher and crown, with
VI. D. underneath.
OFFICERS,--distinguished by silver lace; their coats and waistcoats
bound with silver embroidery; the button-holes worked with silver;
and a crimson silk sash worn across the left shoulder.
QUARTER-MASTER,--to wear a crimson sash round the waist.
SERJEANTS,--to have narrow silver lace on the cuffs, pockets, and
shoulder-straps; silver shoulder-knots, or aiguillettes, and yellow
and white worsted sashes tied round their waists.
DRUMMERS and HAUTBOYS,--clothed in full yellow coats lined with
scarlet, and ornamented with silver lace with a blue stripe down
the centre; their waistcoats and breeches of scarlet cloth.
GUIDONS,--The first or King's guidon to be of _crimson_ silk,
embroidered and fringed with gold and silver: in the centre the
rose and thistle conjoined and crown over them, with the motto
_Dieu et mon Droit_ underneath: the white horse in a compartment
in the first and fourth corners, and VI. D. in silver characters on
a yellow ground in a compartment in the second and third corners.
The second and third guidons to be of _full yellow_ silk, in the
centre the castle of Inniskilling within a wreath of roses and
thistles on a crimson ground; the white horse on a scarlet ground
in the first and fourth compartments, and VI. D. within a small
wreath of roses and thistles upon a scarlet ground in the second
and third compartments.
[Sidenote: 1752]
During the succeeding seven years, the regiment was employed
on home service in Great Britain, and was distinguished as an
efficient and well-conducted corps.
[Sidenote: 1755]
[Sidenote: 1756]
In 1755, when the aggressions of the French in North America led
to acts of open hostility, the establishment was augmented one
corporal and fifteen men per troop. Shortly afterwards a _light
troop_ was added on the same principle as light companies to
infantry corps: and the regiment consisted of six heavy troops
and one light troop. The light dragoons were sometimes styled
_hussars_. A periodical of this date (June, 1756) has the following
paragraph: 'On Monday morning the newly-raised light horse, or, as
they are commonly called, hussars, were exercised in Hyde Park, as
were also some life guards and horse grenadiers. The hussars in
particular made a very pretty and genteel appearance; went through
their peculiar method of exercise, both on horseback and on foot,
with the greatest vivacity and exactness, to the satisfaction of
many thousands of spectators.'
War was proclaimed, and the French monarch made such extensive
preparations for invading England, that some alarm was occasioned.
[Sidenote: 1757]
These preparations being continued in 1757, the country was
placed in a posture of defence. Seven battalions were encamped on
Barham Downs under the Duke of Marlborough; five at Chatham under
Lord George Sackville; six at Amersham under Lieutenant-General
Campbell; a regiment of cavalry and six battalions of infantry at
Dorchester under Sir John Mordaunt; another camp was formed on
the Isle of Wight; and the INNISKILLING dragoons, with the third
dragoon guards, and first, third, fourth, and eleventh dragoons
were encamped on Salisbury plain, under Lieutenant-General Hawley.
The formidable attitude assumed by the government, with the
increased military power prepared to oppose the invasion, induced
the French monarch to lay aside his design of landing troops on the
British coast, and he resolved to attack the possessions of his
Britannic Majesty in Hanover.
[Sidenote: 1758]
The increased naval and military establishments of Britain enabled
King George II. to assail the coast of France, and an expedition
was prepared for that purpose under the command of Charles Duke
of Marlborough. The light troop of the INNISKILLING dragoons
was selected to take part in this enterprise, and having been
encamped some time on Southsea Common, and formed in brigade with
the light troops of eight other regiments, under the command
of Brigadier-General Eliott, (afterwards Lord Heathfield,) it
embarked towards the end of May, 1758, and sailed for the coast
of France on the 1st of June. On the evening of the 5th a landing
was effected in Cancalle Bay, in the province of Brittany; on the
7th the troops advanced to Paramé; and during the following night
the light dragoons and piquets of the infantry regiments proceeded
to the harbour of _St. Maloes_, and destroyed by fire one hundred
vessels with extensive magazines of maritime stores. The light
cavalry afterwards advanced to the town of Dol, and evinced signal
intrepidity in skirmishing with detachments of French troops. After
remaining five days in France the British re-embarked, and severe
weather rendering another descent impracticable, they returned to
Portsmouth. The light troop of the SIXTH dragoons having landed,
was encamped a short time at Portsmouth, and subsequently on
Southsea Common. In the beginning of August it sailed on a second
expedition under Lieutenant-General Bligh. A landing having
been effected in the Bay des Marées, _Cherbourg_ was taken, and
the fortifications and vessels in the harbour were destroyed.
The troops returned on board the fleet, and another landing was
effected in the bay of St. Lunar; but no advantage resulted from
this enterprise, and before the whole were re-embarked, the enemy
attacked the rear with such fury that the grenadiers and foot
guards sustained considerable loss. The expedition returned to
England, and the light troop of the SIXTH dragoons went into
cantonments in villages along the coast.
Disastrous events had, in the mean time, occurred in Germany; the
Hanoverian, Hessian, and Brunswick troops commanded by the Duke of
Cumberland, had been subject to a capitulation, and the electorate
of Hanover was taken possession of by the enemy. The French having
violated the conditions of the capitulation, the Hanoverians,
Hessians, and Brunswickers reassembled under Prince Ferdinand of
Brunswick; a body of British troops was sent to Germany under
Charles Duke of Marlborough; and the six heavy troops of the SIXTH
dragoons were selected for this service. The light troop of the
regiment was left in England on coast duty; and it was subsequently
employed in the travelling escort duty for the royal family.
The regiment was reviewed on Blackheath by King George II., who
expressed his royal approbation of its appearance and discipline;
it embarked at Gravesend on the 27th of July; and landed on the
3rd of August, a few miles above the city of Embden in Germany,
where it encamped two days, and subsequently marched up the
country to join the Hanoverians, Hessians, and Brunswickers. The
regiment joined the army at Coesveldt on the 17th of August, and
was reviewed on the 20th, with the other British corps, by His
Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, who expressed his
admiration of the condition of the several regiments after the
march. After taking part in the movements of the army, the regiment
went into winter quarters in the bishopric of Paderborn.
[Sidenote: 1759]
The INNISKILLING dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward
Harvey, took the field in the spring of 1759, and were formed in
brigade with the Blues and first dragoon guards; the British were
commanded by Lord George Sackville, and the allied army by Prince
Ferdinand of Brunswick. The French monarch sent an immense body of
troops to Germany, under the Duke de Broglio and Marshal Contades;
and the allies, being so very inferior in numbers, were compelled
to retire before their opponents.
After a series of retreats and occasional skirmishes, the enemy
occupied a strong position near _Minden_, and the allied army
encamped on Petershagen heath. Prince Ferdinand advanced, and
having succeeded in drawing the French from their formidable post,
a general engagement was fought on _Minden_ heath on the 1st of
August, when the astonishing valour of the British infantry decided
the fortune of the day. The British cavalry were posted behind a
wood on the right of the army, and towards the close of the action
they were ordered forward to charge the French legions; but a
misunderstanding on the part of Lord George Sackville occasioned
some delay; the INNISKILLING and other British dragoons, who were
panting for an opportunity to distinguish themselves, were detained
in a state of inactivity, and the victory was rendered less
decisive than it otherwise would have been. The Marquis of Granby
was afterwards appointed to the command of the British troops in
Germany.
The allied army moved forward in pursuit of the enemy, whose
line of retreat might be traced by scenes of devastation and
the smoke of burning villages. The INNISKILLING dragoons formed
part of the division commanded by the Hereditary Prince of
Brunswick, who harassed and attacked the French during their
retreat, occasioning them serious loss on several occasions;
especially at _Grubenhagen_, _Eimbec_, and in the defiles of
_Minden_. On the 25th of August the SIXTH dragoons, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel EDWARD HARVEY, arrived, with the remainder of
the Hereditary Prince's division, at Schonstadt. During the night
between the 27th and 28th of August, the INNISKILLING dragoons,
with a detachment from the first dragoon guards and a battalion
of English grenadiers, commanded by Colonel Beckwith, marched
in the direction of _Wetter_ to surprise the corps commanded by
the celebrated Colonel FRISCHER, amounting to about two thousand
men, in quarters at that town. FRISCHER'S men were alarmed, and
attempted to make resistance, but the gallant Colonel HARVEY rushed
upon them at the head of the INNISKILLING dragoons, and Beckwith's
grenadiers, drawing their swords, joined in the charge;--the
French were overthrown; sixty were killed on the spot; many were
wounded; about four hundred were made prisoners; and the remainder
fled in confusion, towards Marpurg; leaving their camp-equipage,
baggage, and a number of horses in possession of the conquerors.
Lieutenant-Colonel HARVEY, of the INNISKILLING dragoons, had a
personal encounter with FRISCHER'S brother, whom he slew with his
broadsword; and both the dragoons and grenadiers distinguished
themselves in a particular manner[15].
The pursuit of the French army was continued a distance of nearly
two hundred miles; and operations were not suspended during the
winter. The weather becoming severe, the INNISKILLING dragoons went
into cantonments in the villages near the river Lahn.
[Sidenote: 1760]