Redmond's Reasons Part III, the Night Battle

     Although this battle took place in the late evening of January the 12th, 17-- the combatants gave it various names such as the Siege of Fort St Phillip, or more famously, the Night Battle. It had by turn of events, a rather profound effect on the course of the war up to that point. Namely, the acquisition of that part of the Lorraine by the forces of His Majesty, King George II, and a singular commanding position from which to anchor the assault against Louis XV's armies in both Germany and France. What follows is a brief synopsis of the pivotal battle which Mr. Redmond Barry, Esq. had doubtless taken part....

 

Evening of January 12th, the Duke of Ely leading the British army advances toward the river crossing and to the fort, while the Prince d'Rhone directs artillery to fire on the British to little effect.

 

Sundown, the British Dragoons gallop towards the La Sarre regiment holding the ford, thundering into their ranks and causing much havoc, as the French artillery suffer an early panic in morale and lose several men to cowardice! (Luck of the draw on the card deck)

 

The next turn the French gunners rally and send shells flying into the midst of the British column. Barry's regiment takes a dreadful hit.

 The French artillery fire throws the column into confusion and the men delay advancing a turn while the officers sort out the mess.

 

Poor supply planning leaves one of the regiments without powder so they cannot shoot this turn. Which really doesn't matter since they are in column of march!

 

The fighting grows fiercer around the river ford, more British Dragoons from the rear attack De Clare's Irish regiment, slamming into them with great ferocity as the dragoons are Ulster Scots.

The Royal Guards regiment holds the fort.

 

 

Another artillery barrage strikes the rear of the column.

 

The British Dragoons charge off the field after the routing French regiments one after the other. The Irish Wild Geese are the last to break and flee, pursued by the Inniskilling Dragoons.

 

The Regiment De Berry begins to back off towards the road in an orderly retreat, which quickly turns into a rout as they take heavy fire from the British line.

 

High tide of the battle, the British advance is slowed as the French are driven off the field but the tangle of woods leaves units mixed up and stranded, His Grace calls a halt until the matter is sorted out. The Prince retreats to the fort and directs artillery to the center of the British line.

 

The Duke orders a general advance to take the fort.

The French artillery routs while the Royal Guards hold their ground. A call for surrender is made and the Prince, after some deliberation, surrenders the fort to the Duke in exchange for safe conduct to French lines.

 

The Duke of Ely graciously accepts the surrender of Fort St Phillip from the Prince d'Rhone.