Baptism of Fire

The 42nd Foot was taking their turn at providing an escort for the Royal Artillery battery posted on a small but steep hillock overlooking the main road. As the morning mist began to clear,  the beat of drums heralded the approach of a French attack. A courier was quickly sent back to call forward the main body while the advance guard braced themselves knowing that the French would be there long before the supports could come up.

The first assault was slowed by heavy and accurate fire while a rash charge up the steep slopes by the Black Hussars was easily thrown back by the Highlanders.

The French artillery was also slow and they barely got off one road before The York Hussars, eager to  show their metal in this, their first fight, rode them down,  

Undeterred by their heavy losses, the French infantry pressed forward overrunning the British guns and forcing the Black Watch back. They had taken too long though and the allied reinforcements were on hand before the French could consolidate their hold on the hill.

In minutes it was all over.