The Friends of General Haig - Dettingen
Check out this fine site
to read about the real battle which is of course famous for being the
last time the reigning monarch took to the field. (I guess there
are some Jacobites that may disagree with this, but let us gloss over
that for now.)
The French (Paul and Dave) plan was to deploy their foot in a strong
position, slightly North of the historical position, on rising ground
with their front protected by a small stream and marsh, and their right
flank anchored on the village of Dettingen itself and the Main
river. The French horse were to be sent on a wide out
flanking move which, if all went well, would mean that they would
arrive in the British rear! Ouch. The French great guns
were all positioned on the west bank to enfilade the British position
The British (Phil and Andy) had to break through the French position
and head Northwards. The British knew they were outnumbered
and the French also had better quality horse. The British plan
was to fall on the French left flank, while refusing their own
left. All of this had to be executed with some speed otherwise
the French superior numbers would begin to tell. This was
also necessary, as it turns out to avoid the French horse.
At the start of the battle, looking south from behind the French
position, with the village of Dettingen in the background.
Looking South from behind the French left flank. This is where
attack would fall.
The French centre. What, no cavalry?
Looking North from behind the British second line.
The French master gunners take aim.
The French defending Dettingen.
Looking along the French line. A grinning French general in the
background, obviously looking forward to the battle!
The British advance. They attempted to mask the point of their
intended attack until the last minute and so advanced toward the French
centre. They need to hurry, the lack of French horse must mean
they are skulking ready for a surprise!
George II amongst his brave lads, Gawd Bless 'im!
"On, on my brave boys!"
The French prepare to meet the British attack.
The British Foot Guards cross the stream and head for the French under
a hail of musket and gun fire.
While the Foot Guards' attack develops the British left is suffering
from the French fire from Dettingen as well as fire from their front.
The Guards go in with the bayonet. "They don't like it up 'em,
the Froggies!" But the French hang on stubbornly, while British
dragoons race to aid the Foot Guards.
At this point the Duke of Cumberland was wounded while bravely leading
forward the British infantry in the centre to support the Foot Guards
attack. A British unit in the background is retreating - shame,
eternal shame!
Unfortunately the pictorial record falls blank at this point. We
had to finish the game as it was fast approaching our tea time.
The French horse did arrive and would probably have caught the British
rear, although the British had started to break through the French
left. I blame the Guards commander - he almost blubbed at the
start of the battle to be given their command, and then when the time
came for iron resolve he wavered and had to be encouraged to renew the
attack at the point of the Duke of Cumberland's sword!
The brave generals of both sides and the even braver umpire. What
a fine body of men!