Weimar, and the Imperialists, under Jean de Wert. The Duke was besieging
Rheinfeldt, when he was attacked by de Wert, and forced to raise the
siege and retire. After retreating, however, a short distance only,
unpursued, he suddenly retraced his steps, and taking the Imperialists
by surprise, inflicted upon them a severe defeat, dispersing their army
and capturing de Wert. In this action fell the veteran Duc de Rohan.
Rhodes (Ottoman Wars).
This place, defended by the Knights, under their Grand Master, Pierre
d’Aubusson, was besieged May 23, 1480, by a Turkish army, under Meshid
Pasha, aided by a fleet of 160 ships. The siege lasted three months, and
was raised after the failure of the second assault, the Turks having by
that time lost 10,500 killed and wounded.
A second and successful siege was begun July 28, 1522, by Solyman the
Magnificent. The Knights, under Villiers de L’Isle Adam, held out until
December 21, repulsing numerous attacks, but at last, worn by famine,
they were compelled to surrender. The Turks are stated to have lost by
disease and battle over 100,000 men. This siege is notable as being the
first in which the Turks used explosive bombs.
Riachuelo (Paraguayan War).
Fought June 11, 1865, between the fleets of Paraguay and Brazil. After a
sanguinary engagement the advantage rested with the Brazilians.
Richmond (American Civil War).
Fought August 30, 1862, between the Confederates, about 6,000 strong,
under General Kirby Smith, and 8,000 Federals, under General Manson. The
Federals were routed and driven headlong into Richmond, where 5,000
prisoners, 9 guns and 10,000 stand of arms were captured. The
Confederate losses were slight.
Richmond (American Civil War).
In the neighbourhood of this place were fought the final actions of the
war, when Lee, with the army of Virginia, endeavoured to break through
the ring of Grant’s troops by which he was surrounded, and being
everywhere repulsed, was compelled to surrender March 8, 1865, on which
date he had but 10,000 effectives under his command.
Rich Mountain (American Civil War).
Fought July 12, 1861, between 15,000 Federals, under General McClellan,
and 6,000 Confederates, under General Garnett. The Federals stormed the
heights of Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill, and drove the Southerners from
their positions, with a loss of about 1,000, including prisoners. During
the pursuit on the following day, General Garnett was killed in a
cavalry skirmish.
Rietfontein (Second Boer War).
Fought October 24, 1899, between 4,000 British, under Sir George White,
and the Free Staters, who were advancing to interrupt the retreat of
Colonel Yule from Dundee. The enemy occupied a range of hills about
seven miles from Ladysmith, where they were attacked by White. After an
indecisive action the British retired to Ladysmith, with a loss of 111
killed and wounded, but the object aimed at was attained, for the Boers
were prevented from interfering with Colonel Yule’s march.
Rieti (Neapolitan Rising).
Fought March 21, 1821, between 12,000 Neapolitans, under General Pepe,
and the Austrian invading army, 80,000 strong. As long as he was
opposing only the advance guard, Pepe made a most resolute resistance,
but on their being reinforced from the main body, the Neapolitans were
overpowered by superior numbers, and finally driven in confusion from
the field. Two days’ later the Austrians entered Naples, and reinstated
Ferdinand on the throne.
Riga (Thirty Years’ War).
This place was invested by the Swedes, under Gustavus Adolphus, in the
early part of August, 1621, and was defended by a garrison of 300 Poles.
A resolute defence was made, and several determined assaults repulsed,
but a large breach having having been effected by September 11, the
garrison, now reduced to a handful, had no option but to surrender, and
the town was entered by the Swedes, September 15, 1621.
Rimnitz (Ottoman Wars).
Fought September 22, 1789, when 25,000 Austrians and Russians, under the
Duke of Coburg and Suwaroff, routed an army of 90,000 Turks, under the
Grand Vizier. The Turkish losses were enormous, the whole army being
killed, captured, or dispersed.
Rinya (Ottoman Wars).
Fought July 21, 1556, between 40,000 Turks, under Ali Pasha, and a
comparatively small force of Austrians and Hungarians, under Thomas
Nadasdy. The Turks were defeated with heavy loss, the Christians losing
300 men only.
Rio Seco (Peninsular War).
Fought July 14, 1808, when Marshal Bessières, with about 14,000 French,
defeated 26,000 Spaniards, under Cuesta. The Spaniards lost about 6,000,
while the French loss was only 370 killed and wounded. Following upon
this victory, Joseph entered Madrid.
Rivoli (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).
Fought January 14, 1797. when the Austrians, with five divisions, under
Alvinzi, attacked Napoleon’s position on the heights of Rivoli. The
position proved too strong to be carried, and Napoleon’s superb handling
of his troops resulted in the total defeat of the assailants. The fifth
Austrian division, which had not taken part in the frontal attack,
appeared in the rear of the French position after the battle was over,
and being forced by overwhelming numbers, laid down its arms. Masséna,
who had specially distinguished himself, took his title from this battle
when later ennobled by Napoleon.
Roanoke Island (American Civil War).
This island, which commanded the entrance to Albemarle Sound, North
Carolina, and which was defended by 1,800 Confederates, under General
Wise, was attacked February 7, 1862, by three brigades of Federals,
under General Burnside, aided by 26 gunboats. On the 8th the Federals
landed, overpowered the garrison, and occupied the island, losing 235
killed and wounded. The Confederates lost 91 killed and wounded. Of 7
Confederate gunboats employed in the defence, 5 were captured or
destroyed.
Rocoux (War of the Austrian Succession).
Fought 1747, between the French, under Maurice de Saxe, and the
Imperialists, under Charles of Lorraine. The French won a signal
victory, as the result of which they occupied Brabant.
Rocroi (Thirty Years’ War).
Fought May 19, 1643, between the French, 22,000 strong, under the Great
Condé, and 27,000 Spaniards, under Don Francisco de Melo. The battle was
sternly contested, and at first went against the French, their left wing
being repulsed, and the centre shaken. Want of cavalry, however,
prevented Melo pressing home his advantage, and the French, rallying,
broke the Spanish line, and severely defeated them. The Spaniards lost
9,000 killed, and 6,000 prisoners in the infantry alone. The French only
admitted a loss of 2,000, but it was doubtless considerably heavier.
Roliça (Peninsular War).
Fought August 17, 1808, when Wellington, with 14,000 British and
Portuguese, of whom only 4,000 came into action, attacked the French,
3,000 strong, under Laborde, and after a half-hearted resistance drove
them from their position, with a loss of 500 men. The allies lost about
400.
Rome (First Invasion of the Gauls).
The first siege of Rome by the Gauls, under Brennus, took place B.C.
387. No attempt was made to defend the city, which was seized and burnt
by the barbarians, the greater part of the population fleeing to Veii
and other neighbouring cities. The Capitol, however, was held by the
leading Patrician families, and it is said withstood a siege of six
months, when Brennus accepted a heavy ransom and withdrew his army.
Rome (Second Gothic Invasion of Italy).
The city was besieged in 408 by the Goths, under Alaric, and after being
brought to the verge of starvation and losing many thousands from
famine, the Romans capitulated, but retained their freedom on payment of
a heavy ransom, whereupon Alaric retired northward in 409. In the course
of the year, however, Alaric seized Ostia, the port of Rome, and
summoned the city to surrender. In the absence of the Emperor Honorius,
the populace forced the authorities to yield; and Alaric, after deposing
Honorius, and bestowing the purple on Attalus, withdrew his troops. In
410, during the month of August, Alaric for the third time appeared
before the walls, and on the night of the 24th the Salarian gate was
opened to the besiegers by some sympathisers within the city, and Rome
was given over to pillage and massacre, in which thousands perished.
Rome (Ricimer’s Rebellion).
The rebel Count Ricimer, with a large army of Burgundians, Suevi and
other barbarians, laid siege to Rome in 472, and after a defence of
three months the besiegers entered the city by storming the Bridge of
Hadrian, and sacked it.
Rome (First Gothic War).
In March, 537, the city was besieged by the Goths, under Vitiges, and
defended by Belisarius. After a determined resistance, during which a
vigorous assault was repulsed, and several successful sorties made, with
heavy loss to the besiegers, Vitiges in March, 538, was compelled to
raise the siege.
Rome (Second Gothic War).
In May, 546, Totila, King of Italy, at the head of an army of Goths,
laid siege to Rome, which was defended by a garrison of 3,000, under
Bassas. An attempt to relieve it by Belisarius was on the point of
success, but Bassas failed to co-operate with the relieving force, and
Belisarius was forced to retire, whereupon the city surrendered,
December 17, 546.
It was recovered by Belisarius in the following February, but was again
besieged by Totila in 549. On this occasion it was defended by a
garrison of 3,000 troops, under Demetrius, who, aided by the
inhabitants, made a gallant resistance, but the Gate of St. Paul was
opened to the besiegers by some Isaurian sympathisers within the walls,
and Totila thus made himself master of the last Italian city excepting
Ravenna, which had resisted his victorious army.
In 552, after the defeat of Totila at Tagina, Rome was invested by the
Imperial army, under Narses, who, after a brief siege, stormed the
defences, and finally delivered the city from the Gothic domination.
Rome.
In the course of dispute with Pope Gregory VII, who had refused to
recognize him as emperor, Henry III of Germany laid siege to Rome in
1082. After two interruptions to the siege, the city was finally
surrendered to him by the Roman nobles, March, 1084. Gregory was
deposed, and the anti-Pope Clement III set upon the pontifical throne,
Henry at the same time assuming the Imperial purple.
Rome (Wars of Charles V).
The city was taken by storm May 9, 1527, by the Imperialists under the
Constable de Bourbon, who fell in the assault. A massacre followed, in
which 8,000 of the inhabitants perished. The Pope retired to the Castle
of St. Angelo, where he held out until November 26, when a treaty
between him and Charles V put an end to the conflict.
Rome (Italian Rising).
After the proclamation of a Roman republic by Garibaldi and his
adherents in 1848, a French army, under General Oudinot, was sent to
restore the papal rule. On April 30, 1849, the French, 7,000 strong,
attacked the Porta San Pancrazio, where they were encountered by the
Republicans, under Garibaldi, and repulsed, with a loss of 300 killed
and wounded and 500 prisoners. The Garibaldians lost 100.
On June 3 of the same year the French, under Oudinot, 20,000 strong,
made a night attack upon the Garibaldians, who brought up about 8,000
men to oppose them. The Garibaldians were repulsed, with a loss of over
2,000, including 200 officers. Oudinot then laid siege to the city,
which, after a terrible bombardment, surrendered July 2, 1849.
Romerswael (Netherlands War of Independence).
Fought January 29, 1574, between the “Beggars of the Sea,” under Admiral
Boisot, and a Spanish fleet of 75 ships, under Julian Romero. The
“Beggars” grappled the enemy’s ships in a narrow estuary, and after a
very severe encounter, in which the Spaniards lost 15 vessels and 1,200
men, Romero retreated to Bergen-op-Zoom.
Roncesvalles.
Fought 778 between the Franks, under Charlemagne, and the Basques and
Gascons, under Loup II. The army of Charlemagne, retreating from Spain,
was caught in the defile of Roncesvalles, in the Pyrenees, and the
rearguard was totally annihilated, among those who fell being the famous
Paladin, Roland.
Roncesvalles (Peninsular War).
One of the actions known as the “Battles of the Pyrenees,” fought July
25, 1813. Soult, at the head of Clauset’s division, attacked the
British, consisting of three brigades, under General Byng, but was
unable to carry their position, and after severe fighting was repulsed
with a loss of 400. The British lost 181 killed and wounded.
Rorke’s Drift (Zulu War).
On the night of January 22, 1879, after the disaster of Isandhlwana,
this outpost, held by a company of the 24th Regiment and details, in all
139 men, under Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard, R.E., was attacked by a
force of Zulus, estimated at 4,000. After a most heroic defence, in
which many acts of heroism were performed, especially in the removal of
the sick from the hospital, which was fired by the Zulus, the assailants
were beaten off, leaving over 400 dead on the field. The little garrison
lost 25 killed and wounded. Eight Victoria Crosses and nine
Distinguished Conduct medals were awarded for this affair.
Rosbach (Seven Years’ War).
Fought November 5, 1757, between 80,000 French and Austrians, under
Marshal Soubise, and 30,000 Prussians, under Frederick the Great.
Frederick, who occupied the heights of Rosbach, was attacked by the
allies. The Prussian cavalry, however, under Seidlitz, charged down upon
the Austrians, and threw them into disorder, and the infantry falling
upon the broken columns utterly routed them, with a loss of 4,000 killed
and wounded, 7,000 prisoners, including 11 generals and 63 guns. The
Prussians lost 3,000 only.
Rosbecque.
Fought 1382 between 50,000 Flemings, under Philip van Arteveldt, and the
French, under Charles VI. The Flemings at first drove back the French,
but were overwhelmed by the charges of the French cavalry on their
flanks, and were in the end utterly routed. Thousands fell in the action
and subsequent pursuit, amongst them van Arteveldt.
Rostock (Dano-Swedish Wars).
Fought June, 1677, between the Danish fleet, under Admiral Juel, and the
Swedes, under Admiral Horn. The Swedes were completely defeated.
Rotto Freddo (War of the Austrian Succession).
Fought July, 1746, when the rearguard of the retreating French army,
under Marshal Maillebois, was attacked by the Austrians, under Prince
Lichtenstein, and after a gallant resistance defeated with heavy loss.
In consequence of this defeat the French garrison of Placentia, 4,000
strong, surrendered to the Imperialists.
Rouen (Hundred Years’ War).
This city was besieged 1418, by the English, under Henry V. After a
gallant defence the garrison surrendered January 15, 1419, the city
paying a ransom of 300,000 crowns.
Roundway Down (Civil War).
Fought July 13, 1643, when the Parliamentarians, under Waller and
Hazlerigg, attacked the Royalists, under Prince Maurice, who was
advancing to the relief of Devizes. The Parliamentarians were totally
defeated, their attack on Prince Maurice being repulsed, while at the
same time they were taken in the rear by a sortie from the town. Of
1,800 infantry, 600 were killed and the rest taken prisoners.
Roncray-St.-Denis.
_See_ Herrings.
Roveredo (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).
Fought September 4, 1796, between 25,000 Austrians, under Davidowich,
and the main body of Napoleon’s army. Napoleon attacked the Austrian
entrenched position, and in spite of a determined defence, carried it,
driving the enemy out of Roveredo with heavy loss, including 7,000
prisoners and 15 guns. This victory enabled Masséna to occupy Trent, and
the remnants of the Austrian army were driven headlong into the Tyrol.
Rowton Heath (Civil War).
Fought September 24, 1645, when a body of Royalist cavalry, under Sir
Marmaduke Langdale, which was endeavouring to prevent the investment of
Chester, was attacked by the Parliamentary horse, under Colonel Poyntz.
The first attack was repulsed with loss, but Poyntz receiving infantry
support, rallied his troops, and drove the Royalists from the field,
with a loss of 300 killed and wounded and 1,000 prisoners.
Roseburgh (Scottish Wars).
This town, defended by an English garrison, was besieged by the Scots,
under James II of Scotland, in 1460, and after a stubborn defence was
captured and destroyed. This is the first occasion on which artillery
was used by the Scots. During the siege the Scottish king was killed by
the bursting of a gun of large calibre, August 3, 1460.
Rullion Green (Covenanters’ Rising).
Fought November, 1666, between the Covenanters, under Colonel Wallace,
and the Royal troops, under General Dalziel. The Covenanters were
defeated.
Rumersheim (War of the Spanish Succession).
Fought August 26, 1709, between the French, under Marshal Villiers, and
the Imperialists, under Count Mercy. Mercy was defeated and driven out
of Alsace.
Ruspina (Civil War of Cæsar and Pompey).
Fought January 3, 46 B.C., between Julius Cæsar, with three legions, and
a force of Pompeians, composed entirely of cavalry and archers, under
Labienus. Cæsar’s troops were surrounded, but behaving with extreme
steadiness, were able to retire to Ruspina in good order, though with
very heavy loss.
Rynemants (Netherlands War of Independence).
Fought August 1, 1578, between the Dutch Patriots, 20,000 strong, under
Count Bossu and François de la Noue, and the Spaniards, numbering about
30,000, under Don John of Austria. Don John crossed the Demer, and
attacked Bossu in his entrenchments. He was however repulsed, after
severe fighting, and retired, leaving 1,000 dead on the field. He
offered battle in the open on the following morning, but Bossu declined
to leave his lines, and Don John was indisposed to renew the attack, and
fell back upon Namur.
S
Saalfeld (Campaign of Jena).
Fought October 10, 1806, between 7,000 Prussians, under Prince Louis of
Prussia, and a division of Lannes’ corps, under the Marshal himself. The
Prussian infantry was broken and driven under the walls of Saalfeld,
whereupon the prince put himself at the head of his cavalry, and charged
the advancing French. The charge was repulsed, and the Prince refusing
to surrender was cut down and killed. The Prussians lost in this action
400 killed and wounded, 1,000 prisoners, and 20 guns.
Sabugal (Peninsular War).
Fought April 3, 1811, between three British divisions, under Wellington,
and the French, consisting of Reynier’s corps. Reynier held the salient
angle of the French position on the Coa, and was driven back after less
than an hour’s fighting, with a loss of about 1,500. The British lost
200 only.
Sacile (Napoleon’s Wars).
Fought April 16, 1809, between 45,000 Austrians, under the Archduke
John, and 36,000 French and Italians, under Eugène Beauharnais, Regent
of Italy. After hard fighting, in which little generalship was shown on
either side, a flank movement of the Austrians, which menaced the French
line of retreat, forced Eugène to retire, victory thus resting with the
Austrians. The losses were about equal on the two sides.
Sacripontus (Civil War of Marius and Sulla).
Fought B.C. 82, between the legions of Sulla and the army of the younger
Marius, 40,000 strong. Sulla’s veterans were too steady for the newer
levies of Marius, and the latter was routed, with the loss of more than
half his army killed or captured. After this victory Sulla occupied
Rome.
Sadowa.
_See_ Koeniggratz.
Sadulapur (Second Sikh War).
Fought December 3, 1848. After the failure of his frontal attack on the
Sikh position at Ramnugger in November, Lord Gough despatched a force
under Sir Joseph Thackwell, to cross the Chenab and turn the Sikh left.
An indecisive action followed, which Lord Gough claimed as a victory,
but though the Sikhs retired, it was slowly, and only to take up a fresh
position, which Thackwell did not consider himself strong enough to
attack.
Sagunto (Peninsular War).
This fortress, held by a Spanish garrison, was besieged by the French,
22,000 strong, under Soult, September 23, 1811. Built on the heights
above Murviedro, the place was accessible on one side only, and an
attempt to escalade this was repulsed September 28. A regular siege was
then commenced, and a second unsuccessful assault was made on October
18. On the 25th General Blake, with 30,000 Spaniards, made an attempt to
relieve the place, but was defeated with a loss of 1,000 killed and
wounded and 4,000 prisoners, the victory costing the French about 800
men. On the following day the garrison surrendered.
St. Alban’s (Wars of the Roses).
Two engagements were fought here in the course of the war. On May 22,
1455, 2,000 Lancastrians, under Henry VI, posted in the town, were
attacked by 3,000 Yorkists, under the Duke of York. The Duke pierced the
Lancastrian centre, and drove them out of St. Alban’s with heavy loss,
among those who were killed being the Earls of Somerset and
Northumberland.
The second battle took place February 17, 1461, when the army of
Margaret of Anjou, led by Somerset, Exeter, and others, attacked the
Yorkists, under Warwick, Warwick withdrew his main body, leaving his
left unsupported to withstand the Lancastrian attacks, and these troops,
after a feeble resistance, broke and fled. Henry VI, who was a prisoner
in Warwick’s camp, escaped and rejoined the Queen, and a rapid advance
on London would probably have led to his reinstatement. Warwick,
however, took such prompt measures as to render the Lancastrian victory
practically fruitless.
St. Aubin du Cormier.
Fought 1487, between the Royal troops, under La Tremouille, and the
forces of the rebel Princes, under Marshal de Rieux. The rebels were
totally defeated, and a large number of nobles made prisoners, including
the Duc d’Orléans and the Prince of Orange.
St. Charles (French-Canadian Rising).
Fought 1837, between the Loyalists, under Colonel Wetherall, and the
Canadian rebels. The latter were defeated.
St. Denis (Second Civil War).
Fought November 10, 1567, between the Catholics, under the Constable
Montmorenci, and the Huguenots, under the Prince de Condé. Victory
rested with the Catholics, but at the cost of the Constable, who was
killed, and the battle had no decisive effect upon the course of the
war.
St. Denis (French-Canadian Rising).
Fought 1837, between the Canadian rebels, and a force of British and
Canadian troops, under Colonel Gore. The rebels were victorious, but the
results of their victory were unimportant.
Ste. Croix (Napoleonic Wars).
This island, held by a small Danish garrison, was captured by a British
naval and military force, under Admiral Sir A. J. Cochrane and General
Bowyer, December 25, 1807, but little resistance being offered.
St. Eustache (French-Canadian Rising).
Fought 1837, between the rebels, under Girod, and the Government troops,
under Sir John Colborne. The rebels were completely defeated, and the
rebellion was suppressed.
Ste. Foy (Seven Years’ War).
Fought April 27, 1760, between 3,000 British troops, under General
Murray, and 8,000 French, under the Chevalier de Lévis, who was
approaching from Montreal, with the object of recapturing Quebec. Murray
marched out to attack Lévis, but was defeated and driven back into
Quebec with a loss of over a third of his force. The French lost about
800.
St. George (Ottoman Wars).
This place, the capital of the island of Cephalonia, was besieged in
October, 1500, by the Spaniards and Venetians, under Gonsalvo de Cordova
and Pesaro. The garrison consisted of 400 Turks only, but being veteran
soldiers they made a most gallant defence; but at the end of two months
the place was stormed from two quarters simultaneously, and the
survivors of the garrison, some 80 only, laid down their arms.
St. Gothard (Ottoman Wars).