Fifth Epoch - The Great Mutiny

Powgen - Aldesk - Horpers - Sopy - Abosot

The troops all except the 12^th +18^th Foot which were at Chatham, and the 13^th + 9^th + 25^th Foot at Lorkal were now at Horpers Barracks. On the 6^th Sept H.I.M. left with the Grenadier + Dragoon Guards for Chatham. Captain Ernest who had distinguished himself at the battle of Lasterne was elected by competition in command of N^o. 4 Div. at Horpers. On the morning of the 7^th he assembled the troops of the div for Drill. A private of the 33^rd Regt manifesting a spirit of insubordination Ernest struck him and immediately the whole Regt surrounded him. The 8^th HG coming up at the moment Col Hasher demanded his return.

On their refusal to give him up, Hasher ordered the Battalion to disperse them. But forming line they in a resolute manner repelled the attack + Hasher fell back pending the arrival of the other Corps. Disaffection, rapidly spread. The Battalion C[oldstream] G[uards] retreated before a large force from N^o. 4 Div. The whole of N^o. 3 was in arms. In N^o. 3 the Irish also joined the outcry. Hasher having exasperated the rebels by his attempt by force to subdue them, they united and drove him from the Barracks. He took up head quarters at Aldesk and Maj General Campbell took command. Several cavalry skirmishes took place on the 9^th.

The rebels having petitioned his Majesty, H.I.M. refused to enter into any negotiations unless they gave up their arms + marched out of Horpers. This they refused to do + prepared for hostilities. The 12^th L[ancers] + the 13^th H + 25^th + 19^th H at Jorkal joined + seized Powgen a military town fortified on behalf of the mutineers. As this was of importance to H.I.M. the whole of the force at Aldesk in obedience to orders joined H.I.M. + the united forces marched to Powgen. They had however been anticipated, the rebels leaving a small force in Horpers had proceeded to Powgen where they arrived late on the 12^th. H.I.M. arrived before the town on the 13^th, his army numbering about 200 Infantry and 80 Cavalry: that of the enemy about 300 infantry and 70 Cavalry. Six hundred and twenty men now faced each other about to enter upon a bloody conflict. The enemy’s left wing stretched along the Left Bank of the river Abasot. The Right extended from Powgen some distance.

The battle commenced at one o’clock by an attack on the enemy’s Right. DA created such a panic by its murderous fire that the reserves of that army were brought up to support, but they too were thrown into disorder and before the reserves were rallied the troops ruched forward crossed the river + maintained their position on the Left bank. The enemy’s Cavalry were repulsed in their endeavour to drive them back. The Grenadier Guards, preceded by the Tirailleurs of the Guard (23^rd Welch Fusiliers) followed and proceeded to turn the left of the rebels’ position.

General Black who commanded determined by one grand movement to recover the lost ground and decide the day. The Left wing was marched to the Right, and the whole of the Cavalry including the reserve under LG Hasher dashed headlong on H.I.M.’s advancing column. The extreme right, under the command of Drouot, fell back, DA and the other guns alone remaining. The Guards under Major General Cambridge formed line and delivered a series of rolling fires on the advancing horsemen.  When within 50 yards the artillery opened fire. Lancers Cuirassiers Hussars Dragoons mingled in the death struggle on the grassy turf. The remainder dispersed and H.I.M. rested for the night on the field of battle.

The following day Sunday that 4^th September the sun shone brightly on the two forces. H.I.M. however was up and active. He with the officers attended Divine Service in the morning, Colonel Herbert taking Sacrament. The troops were under arms by 6 am and H.I.M. rode to the right and viewed the approaching conflict. Mercury Chief of Staff on the 13^th now superintended the Right attack which immediately commenced. The 8^th DG at the same time attacked the Right of the enemy who stood their ground firmly till the reserves and elite of the army withdrew by the road to Herbert under the personal command of General Black head of the insurrection LG Hasher being left in command. An immediate assault on the town was ordered. Mercury sent forward therefore the 3^rd Battalion of the G[renadier] G[uards], but they received such a galling fire that he ordered them to retreat, perceiving the rashness of such an endeavour. On the Left the RH Guard received in like manner being forced to retire. The enemy were however now in and around Powgen without hope of escape. H.I.M. at once commenced to lay siege to the place.

  

The veteran Drouot had died previous to the mutiny of Sept 3^rd. His constitution had given way in August. His loss was deeply affected by H.I.M. and the whole army. He was the oldest and highest officer in the army. A brief history of his career may not be unacceptable to our readers. He enlisted in the 3^rd Bavarian Dragoons, where he rapidly advanced to the rank of Col[onel]. At H.I.M.’s desire he in June 1872 quitted Germany and entered the service as Col[onel] of the Young Guard. His bravery at the battle of Smatsche rendered him conspicuous, and under the eye of H.I.M. he rapidly rose to the rank of general where his career was stopped as death overtook him. He died of an influenza from a cold taken at the battle of Lasterne. He had fought in the battles of Smatsche, Huzmers, Recknot, Littleton, Nukhelhunder, Furban, Emburg + Lasterne. His exploits were chiefly as Colonel Commander of the Battery of Artillery of the Guard which after a while took the name of Drouot’s artillery. DA under his superintendence became far famed the sharp boom of the guns carrying death + consternation in the enemy’s ranks. His successor was his son Drouot + by H.I.M.’s order G Collard late 14^th Cuirassiers. This officer had risen from the rank of private in the 1^st Life Guards under the able tuition of his father. He first commanded at Powgen on 18/9/78

Sept 15^th 1873. Receiving intelligence on the 26^th of the assembly of the Corps under General Black at Horpers he on the 22^nd despatched Maj Gen Cambridge to attack him at that place with a larger one under his command including the third fifth and seventh battalions Foot Guards and the Fifth dragoon guards. Brigadier General Mercury being second in command. The force arrived at the town of Aldesk on the 24^th and immediately marched forward. At Aldesk it was joined by four battalions [of] foot ­­­­­­raised by Captain Ernest who had escaped from the rebels the day of the outbreak. These were called the Aldesk Volunteers, and, afterwards the 29^th, 30^th, 31^st ₊ 32^nd Regiments. The enemy had ­­­­­­­­­­­­­occupied the heights above Horpers in a great force. The position was very strong + protected by a powerful Artillery. Against this, he (Cambridge) advanced with 111 Infantry and 16 Cavalry, the force of the enemy was rather less but superior in Cavalry.

The whole line advanced at six o’clock in spite of a vigorous fire which was answered along the whole line. The position was carried by the Guards in the centre, MG’ Campbell’s division on the Right, and BG Mercury’s division of Aldesk Volunteers on the Left. The enemy had posted his reserves too far behind and his lines were in the hands of H.I.M. troops before the reserves could reach the disputed points. Three tremendous cavalry charges were rendered ineffectual by the repulse and defeat of the attacking horsemen, on the right by Col MacConnal concentrated musketry fire, on the Left by Brigadier General Mercury’s well directed fire, altho’ one Regiment being unformed being routed with great loss (29^th); and by the centre under Captain Ernest comm[ander] of Brigade pro tem forming square till the arrival of the Dragoon Guards who quickly cleared the field.

The whole army now advanced but the reserves of the rebels discharging a furious that they were ordered back and the enemy immediately fell back to Horpers leaving 35 dead upon the field. One standard, that of the 22^nd Regiment, and 16 prisoners with 3 guns were the trophies of the victories. The loss on the other side had been also heavy 29 being hors de combat. Of these 10 were Guards. The officers were for immediately storming Horpers but the Duke of Cambridge apparently satisfied with his victory entered into correspondence with the mutineers in Horpers, and on the 26^th Sept signed the Convention of Horpers allowing them a free passage from that place. This exasperated his officers who saw that they must have fallen an easy prey to the victorious and ­­­­­­­­­­enraged army, and Mercury who had been deputed to carry out the terms of the convention resolved to let no opportunity slip which should serve to renew hostilities.

The evacuation took place on the 27^th and an altercation took place about ammunition which was not mentioned in the convention. Mercury refused to allow it to be taken and attempted to take it by force. The enemy resisted and drew it off. On this and their refusal to give it up he dispatched a courier to Head Quarters at Aldesk and immediately commenced a vigorous cannonade on the enemy at two o’clock. On securing intelligence of the outbreak of fresh hostilities the Duke of Cambridge despatched the gun boat “Percy” with the 45^th Sherwood Foresters on board to the scene of strife. This gun boat was the first of a powerful fleet ordered by H.IM. designed and built by Messrs F Nicholson & Co Ship Builders, Toby. The Percy carried 2 guns + the second, the Wonder frigate of 8 guns.

The Percy arrived off Horpers at 8.10 pm. In the meantime Cambridge hurried to the field with the Coldstreams and reserves. The Grenadiers Fusiliers and DA had already reached the field and commenced attacking the Right. Mercury pressed in on the centre and the 45^th having disembarked charged the Left and took the ammunition waggon with the stores, which, catching fire burnt with indescribable fury and finally blew up. The enemy were in direful condition when Cambridge again interfered and they were allowed to march off leaving all their guns in the hands of the victor.* (Such however was their direful condition that out of the splendid army they entered Horpers with only a fortnight before but 43 out of the original 120 original complement remained).

In the interim, the enemy at Powgen discovered the small force bloc[k]ading sallied out, on which H.I.M. retreated to the vicinity of Powgen. On the [left blank] October the enemy having reorganised the multitude in Powgen advanced against the lines which H.I.M. had erected before his position at Sopy. At the same time a strong column proceeded along the Sea Coast towards Hictown to take H.I.M.’s Left Wing. H.I.M. was early on the field, altho’ the foe had taken advantage of the right which was not so dark as they could have desired, and a torrent of orders apparently unconnected poured forth. Immediately the “Percy” with DA and CG set sail.

The force in Sopy marched for the front where the attack apparently was strongest. The Grenadiers and Fusiliers gallantly held the Camp, the Left was ably held by the 23^rd Welsh Fusiliers. But the column proceeding to the flank attack being within a mile and a half of Sopy, they sent forward the Cavalry to take the Camp in rear. Already were the Dragoons penetrating the midst of the tents, and H.I.M. was aware of the fact. He instantly ordered the Life Guards to charge. With alacrity they took to horse and being formed by their Colonel (Herbert) in squadrons dashed on with an irresistible force but being attacked by fresh foes (Cuirassiers and Lancers) in succession they being overwhelmed by numbers they were compelled to give way tho’ but slowly. H.I.M. with his great military eye had forseen and [unreadable] flying like the wind.

Quarter of an hour later the 10^th H were mingling shoulder to shoulder with the Life Guards in the deadly struggle. Having arrived off the coast where the enemy’s flanking column was proceeding the “Percy” disembarked the troops on which the column retreated to the Left and effected a junction with the army, followed by DA. The Scots Greys who were also distant asked at once made for the raging cavalry fight at full speed. Assaulting in close squadrons the centre of the fight they completely cut off a force of dragoons who surrendered and being now in great superiority over the enemy drove them back within their lines pursuit being prevented by the impenetrable phalanx. With this all fighting ceased and the conflict which had been raging 3 hours was over by 10 pm.

During the night H.I.M. drew off his forces and took up his position in Sopy. The enemy immediately commenced to scour the country round. H.I.M. however having finished the war in Aldesk the enemy having been driven out of that quarter through the victories of his General Cambridge at Aldesk and Horpers was now joined on the 4^th October by the army of Aldesk, BG Mercury having been left at Horpers razing the fortifications with his division. The troops arrived in the new frigate the Wonder. H.I.M. had now 130 men under his command. Owing to the bad state of the weather his projected attack on the rebels was postponed and the enemy perceiving the great strength of H.I.M.’s forces withdrew to the protection of their stronghold. The weather clearing up H.I.M. immediately commenced on the great military movements which brought to a close this bloody insurrection. As a precaution, the conscription had been called out and was now in training.  H.I.M. however hoped to be able to finish the war with the forces comprising his army.

On the morning of the 1^st October the frigate “Wonder” set sail with a strong force chiefly the army of Horpers being the Highland brigade and 3^rd + 5^th Battalions Foot Guards and 2^nd North British Dragoons. Proceeding southward along the coast they embarked at 10 pm about 15 miles below Sopy. H.I.M. being informed of their safe arrival immediately marched with his army for Powgen, the “Percy” and “Royal George” proceeding into the River Abosot protecting the advance of the columns, having Drouot’s Artillery on board. Arrived before Powgen at 6 pm. They advanced in line upon that hitherto invincible fortification, the key of H.I.M.’s dominions in the North.

The rebels had thrown up entrenchments before Powgen by the Left Bank of the river. Behind these and extending through the town to the rearward a considerable force, but on the Right bank of the river which was unfortified either by Nature or Science, the great bulk of the army reposed. H.I.M. therefore advanced with his army consisting of Guards alone against the entrenched position. DA on the opposite (Right) side of the river occupied the strongest part of his army assisted by a vigorous fire from the “Percy” with her bow and stern chasers the distance being great. The well directed discharges from the guns of the Artillery of the Guard decimated those battalions in front of the Rebel line.

The attack of the Guards was met by a strong cannonade which caused great loss to the Grenadiers + Fusiliers who led the way. At this junction the troops from the “Wonder” after a toilsome march appeared on the Right Bank. With irresistible ardour they advanced and joining DA attacked with the bayonet the shallow lines of the rebels and driving before them both reached the bridge which crosses the river, and enters by the road into the town. Here the rebels made a determined stand and for a long time defeated all who ventured to approach and Battalion after Battalion of Highlanders was forced back in a vain effort to gain possession. At length the Brigade of Guards under Captain Ernest with the 79^th Regiment under Colonel MacConnal who had shown great military skill and commanded the whole of the force from the “Wonder”, superceding his late superior MG Campbell, gained a footing on the Bridge immediately strengthening themselves by the advance of a Battery of Artillery.

This with a charge of the Scots Greys throwing the mutineers into disorder prepared the way for a grand assault by the whole of the Corps on that Bank of the river which was eminently successful altho’ this was in a measure owing to the want of Cavalry on the part of the rebels; all their Cavalry being then engaged in a deadly combat with the Cavalry of H.I.M. This cavalry encounter was the most furious and bloody that had ever been witnessed no mercy being given on either side – at length the Heavy Brigade carried all before them.

While this fight continued on the Left of Powgen H.I.M. with the Guards advanced to storm the fortress and Col MacConnal with Drouot’s Artillery having effected the passage of the well contested bridge advanced upon it from behind driving their foes before them till they arrived before the gate of the town. Their ponderous weight was blown to pieces by a discharge from Drouot’s Gun No. 1. The troops formed in columns rushed forward: and the Guard under the Duke of Cambridge, having taken the entrenchments, and stormed the fortification in front; the two armies overturning all who opposed them met in the centre of the town, and after a blockade of 21 days, during which 2 pitched battles had been fought. There were captured 39 prisoners 5 banners; one standard and a vast amount of Stores, Ammunition, Guns etc., with 2 Generals.

This victory decided the complete overthrow of all rebellious machinations altho’ attended with a great sacrifice. A few statistics may be instructive to the reader. The 1^st Corps d’armée out of 119 men lost 39. The second Corps lost 13 men. The Heavy Cavalry of the Guard lost above ½ of their number. The Life Guards who went into action 11 strong came out with but 5, the Guard lost 24 out of 90 men, the Highlanders 11 out of 25. The town (Powgen) was given over to the soldiery + a scene of pillage to attendant upon such scenes was continued by Official decree by H.I.M. for 3 days. Powgen paid severely for the hospitable treatment she gave to the army who held her for such a time. H.I.M. immediately commenced strengthening Powgen when the Fredrichsburg War interrupted his peaceful slumbers.

We cannot conclude the Mutiny without bestowing a passing glance to that fine regiment the “Fifth Dragoon Guards” or Heavy Dragoons of the Guard. Their banner with this campaign was full of names, and they had been engaged in every battle except that of “Sopy”; from the Battle of Recknot downward to this ____. These are the names that decorate their glorious flag. “Recknot” – “Huzmers” – “ Nukhel” – “Emburg” -  “Lasterne” – “Hisban” – “Powgen” – “Aldesk” – “Horpers” – “Abosot”.

VII Epoch - Faschellic War - Routsbach - Desundra - Dulivea - Ardel

While the contending armies were manoeuvring in the South of Georland the allies of Fredrichsburg raised 2 armies of 100 men each. One under the command of the Kaiser of Kaiserlich having attacked Routsbach was overthrown + defeated by the garrison of Routsbach. On Nov 30^th 1873 28^th 29^th 30^th 31^st 32^nd 33^rd 15^th + 16^th Hussars under Lt Col Ernest who following up his victory burnt Befforalski, but on the approach of the 2^nd army, which had been marching to the siege of Cidex but had returned south to retrieve the disaster of Routsbach, he returned to the shelter of the walls of Routsbach. The allies immediately commenced to besiege that place but H.I.M. by the victory of Ponville having freed the northern part of the kingdom had at his disposal for the field full 200 men.

Lieutenant General Mercury was given the command of a force of 60 men + ordered to Routsbach. By a skilful flank movement he suddenly came upon the Left flank of the Faschellan army which abandoned its guns Camp equipage + fled leaving its prisoners in the hand of their victors. The Kaiserlich army besieging Routsbach from the south was forced, by the defeat of their attack to retreat precipitately leaving their heavy Batteries in the hand of LG Mercury Dec 25^th.

Leaving the 2 Battalions of Foot Guards to retain Routsbach LG Mercury with the whole of his force followed the retreated Faschellans + the 29^th arrived before Dulivea which he immediately layed siege to. Between Dulivea + Ardel an army was however collecting for offensive movement against LG Mercury’s flank and he urgently wrote to H.I.M. for reinforcements. H.I.M. having entered Drouot’s Artillery on Roughrider left with that Regt + many others for the scene of strife. With 60 men he joined Mercury and they advanced on the 2^nd January 1874 upon the new assembled army near Desundra. H.I.M. retaining his position DA, LG Mercury commanded.

He had to oppose the enemy 60 infantry + 15 Cavalry: 90 infantry + 24 Cavalry. The enemy centre was protected by a Battery the Right flank the weakest. Accordingly Major General Drouot with the 71^st + 92^nd Regiments advanced on that part of the enemy’s line. The 91^st however being attacked by a body of Kaiserlich Hussars formed up but being cut through + through by the fire of a battery they were thrown into disorder + lost in 5 minutes six men. Drouot was among the wounded + was taken prisoner by the Kaiserlich Hussars who dashing on the broken Regiment cut down almost all.

The 92^nd altho’ ably commanded by Major Cameron shared a similar fate. But the Scots Greys coming up cut down the hussars and in the space of 12 minutes 25 human beings bit the dust. Drouot’s Artillery now advanced to the Left + opening (fire) on the foe forced them to give way. To keep up their line, the enemy so weakened the Left + Centre that the former was gained by the 6^th Inniskilling Dragoons, the latter after much hard fighting in which the 42^nd lost 9 men. By the 42^nd 93^rd etc. the Right then surrounded broke + fled + the victory was complete with the loss of 26 wounded + 8 killed.

The army here took up its quarters and recounted its strength. On the night of Tuesday the 6^th of January 1874 Dulivea was stormed the column having to surmount innumerable obstacles. They were twice repulsed + would have given way but Col Ernest at the head of the 30^th + 32^nd Foot restored confidence + the stronger side of Dulivea was gained at the cost of 11 killed + 24 wounded. The 20^th + 25^th each lost 9 men + the 33^rd 7. The forlorn hope was annihilated. The following night before H.I.M. could attack the remaining side of the town, the enemy after blowing up the magazines abandoned the town + retreated along the road to Laros pursued by the 15^th Hussars.

H.I.M. divided the army. A division of the Guard receiving fresh reinforcements advanced on Ardel, the capital of Faschel, under Major General Drouot. The Lord of Faschel having refused to accept the terms H.I.M. offered, the Major General Drouot, with great alacrity prepared for the siege. On the 17^th January the bombardment commenced. Drouot’s own + the Artillery of the Guard ably assisting the besiegers. Ardel being open to access from all sides soon became a prey to the flames which by the 21^st had consumed nearly ½ of the capital. The Faschel therefore signed the treaty of Ardel by which he ceded to H.I.M. Holocha £7,000,000 + other concessions. The chief town was taken possession of while the greater part of the army left for Routsbach en route for Georland arriving at Pelito January 29^th and entering Fredrichsburg joined the army of Lieut Genl Mercury at Cetoy Feb 5^th 1874.

VIII Epoch - Kaiserlich War

With the remaining division of the guard + a few line battalions H.I.M. embarked at Tilopa Jan 19^th + arrived off Swartzburg on the 20^th. Kaiserlich being in a totally defenceless state the Kaiser reluctantly signed the treaty of Swartzburg from 21^st hoping to regain the ceded territory. H.I.M. leaving forces in possession of Swartzburg + Meritel returned to Routsbach. The Guards (with the exception of the Scotch Fusilier Guards, which garrisoned Ardel) went on to Georland with the division from Ardel under Major General Drouot. The day after the treaty of Swartzburg before it was known, Brigadier general Ernest with the 91^st + 92^nd Foot depot battalions captured Nadzem by a night surprise altho’ garrisoned by 40 men.

The 91^st were eager to avenge their disaster at Desundra + they carried the place at the point of the bayonet losing 2 men wounded only. Large quantities of stores ordnance ammunition etc. were captured with 11 prisoners. H.I.M. now incorporated his captured province + organised them as one kingdom which he called Tertsche after the old kingdom that ruled Hocosia so long. This pleased the people and on the 5th of February 1874 he crowned himself Hershcal of Tertsche, and immediately left for Georgetown after appointing BG Ernest Governor General of Tertsche, + Baron Routsbach: Lt Gen^l Mercury Baron Nukhelhunder, Viscount Faschel and Major General Drouot Baron Fiskin.

Epoch XI B - The South Georland Campaign

At the close of Chapter XB it is stated that after H.I.M. defeated the enemy marching for the siege of Powgen + Judisel they returned to Sopy + H.I.M. being too weak to attack them retired.

After Mercury had been forced to retreat out of Fredrichsburg (X A) a ponderous force was sent by sea to attack H.I.M.’s flank and assist the invasion which was knocked on the head by H.I.M. at Napoleon. This force landed at Sopy + Toby for the siege of Powgen Percy + Judisel which places had been much strengthened (vide Plate) [i.e. see map]

The vanguard of the Toby Army under General Schnapps having occupied Ponville,+ Major General MacCully with the 4^th Corps on the 2^nd June stormed the place; but on the advance of General Steinmetz with the main army he fell back to Fiskin where he was ordered to stay + oppose the further advance of the Prussians.

General Mercury, who had arrived at Percy to take command of the Army now ordered M G MacCully to retire + induce the foe to pursue him toward Campon so that General Mercury with the 3^rd Corps could cut them off by occupying Fiskin and their Rear. This was put into effect on the 30^th June altho’ the 3^rd Battalion of 87^th Regt had to be sacrificed. The Prussians had no sooner passed through Fiskin along the Campon Road than the 3^rd Corps attacked, took + held it against all attempts to regain it +

After this victorious prelude to the Campaign General Mercury now commenced operations for the relief of Gishiel + Judisel + the rescue of Toby where the enemy had entrenched themselves.

The dispositions of the enemy forces were as follows

Preparing for the siege of Bourgen + at Sopy IX + XIX Corps about 40,000

Judisel + Toby         5^th Corps Bavarians about 26,000

At Reckurt covering the sieges 6^th Rhineland Divⁿ about 14,000

Total 80,000

Of these the Army at Reckurt first received the attention of Lord Mercury.

Lieut Genl Ernest was sent accordingly with a force of around 2,000 men against it, + found at Skerielasche about a mile before Reckurt. He at once attacked. The village of Skerielasche was, after a bloody struggle taken, but all attempts to gain the crest of the heights behind it were in vain; a desperate charge of the Scots Greys alone preserving one column from destruction, till the flank of the foe was turned + broken by the 10^th Brigade some 1100 strong.

Appearing unexpectedly they sent a volley amidst the flank companies of the German battalions, + charging at once, so completely disordered them that on the advance of the line in front they gave way at all points leaving 2,750 killed + wounded + 2150 prisoners 7 guns + 3 colors in the hands of Genl Ernest whose loss was only 1900 killed. Sending Major General MacCully with a light column in pursuit Lt Genl Ernest joined General Mercury with the rest of the army. General Mercury now projected the capture of Toby.

His army moved direct from Percy on Toby General Drouot with the Guards moved from Georgetown towards Toby whilst Maj Genl MacCully with his light column from Reckurt marched on the opposite side of the River [blank] to Toby north which he took on Sunday the 15^th July in the morning.

The opposite side of the town was in the afternoon attacked on the all sides by the united Armies of General Mercury + Drouot who had swept all opposition before them.

Whilst the 3^rd + 4^th Corps under General Mercury stormed the upper entrenchments, General Drouot with the 5^th + 1^st Corps forced the lower entrenchments.

Hard fighting, + all was over – Toby was retaken at the expense of 582 killed + 2,104 wounded.

The loss of the Prussians was enormous; no less than 20,500 men were left on the field of whom 1,715 were killed + 14,507 wounded. A battalion of Prussian Guards (the 6^th King’s Grenadiers) before the surrender were shot down in one of the streets by order of General Brown 31^st Foot. Their standard was emblazoned with many titles of their prowess in former actions as “Leipzig” “Sedan” + “Paris”. 189 guns + 69 colors were taken with 14,507 prisoners.

General Mercury now advanced to Judisel and entered that town on the 18^th July having defeated a small Prussian army that attempted to bar his progress at Centreville, about 4 miles from Judisel on the 17^th. The Prussian force at first near 20,000 was dispersed after a severe + short struggle in which the 6^th Dragoons were deeply engaged, leaving 4,800 prisoners in the hands of the victors. A numerous number of stragglers, siege guns + transport was also taken. General Mercury was now created a Marshal of Georland + Earl Toby for his late triumphs. It is a good thing these honors were so promptly bestowed for within a week General, now Marshal, Mercury was a prisoner within the fortress of Powgen.

Immediately after his entry into Judisel he departed for the relief of Powgen which place had held out bravely under the command of Col Sanbow who had forced his way into the city at the commencement of the siege. He found himself in the command of a garrison of 5,700 men. Since the Mutiny Powgen had been greatly strengthened three outlying forts now defended the town itself. The Prussians had driven the garrison out of the town + were besieging the forts when Marshal Mercury advanced on that place [+] changed the siege to a Blockade. For, General v Kirchbach having collected an army of some 35,000 men at La Plume Lord Mercury whose army, now reduced by losses to scarce 15,000 fell back to a position on a low range of heights extending from Fort Retaliate (the northern fort of Powgen) to Judisel. The village of Ampus is situated on the top of the Left of this height. Here the Marshal superintended his tactics.

His forces consisted of the 3^rd + 4^th Corps of Infantry 9,700 + the 4^th 5^th 6^th 7^th + 8^th Cavalry Brigades 3,400. His whole force was only 13,870 men. General v Kirchbach also had been joined by a Brigade from Toby under Voight Rhietz advanced against Marshal Mercury at the head of 42,000 men.

Such an overwhelming superiority of numbers could hardly fail to ensure success and after a long + bloody struggle Marshal Mercury’s Right being turned he was forced to take refuge in Powgen his retreat being covered by Genl Ernest who commanded the Right. The 15^th + 16^th Hussars were overthrown + fled before a numerous force of the enemy’s Cavalry whose pursuit was checked by a daring charge of the 6^th Dragoons whose loss was 300. The total losses were Georland 1587 Prussian 2780.

Lieut Genl Might with the 10^th Divⁿ of the 5^th Corps repulsed every effort of the enemy to turn the Left + so encompass + “Sedan” the army under General Mercury who was thus enabled to reach Powgen where he assembled + reorganised the broken relics of his defeated army. In the battle of Ampus (25^th July) he left neither a gun nor a Color in his enemy’s hands.

His position was now one of great danger. The Prussian hosts swarmed round Powgen + it was evident to all that unless some help from without came soon Powgen with the late victorious army must surrender.

At this juncture every eye turned to H.I.M. who had as yet taken no active part in the field being engaged at Georgetown finding reserves etc.

As soon as the defeat of Marshal Mercury became known the whole country took alarm. Stocks ran down from 90½ to 27 3/8^ths in 3 days. The Reds became clamorous for the dethronement of H.I.M. and nothing but some extraordinary decided victorious turn in events could keep the country from Anarchy + Revolution. This event H.I.M. was now destined to perform.

Immediately collecting every available man he joined General Drouot who with the Guard Corps had fell back to Toby on the re-investment of Judisel which place they now again bombarded.

Marshal Mercury in the meantime had burst out of Powgen at the head of a small force of 5000 leaving his Cavalry + Heavy Guns behind him and by a circuitous route he joined the Imperator at Toby on the 20^th August. With all his forces now altogether 30,000 the Imperator marched straight on the Prussians attacking Judisel who now abandoning their siege operations faced round and took up a strong position over some 8 miles.

Judisel was on the eve of succumbing although its brave commander Maj Gen^l Tierney had offered a stout resistance and made several sorties with his garrison to which he had added 3 Regiments of Volunteers raised in the town. With these he issued from the town with Marshal Mercury’s Army and joined the Imperator at Toby.

His Majesty attacked the enemy on the 22^nd August the Right + centre advanced. The village of Herbert lay in the centre of the enemy position + was stoutly defended and after repeated repulses was finally taken by the Highlanders. The centre had also met a severe resistance and but for the distinguished bravery of several of its leaders would have been unable to establish any superiority over the foe. As it was, however Ferenjeuse Hall + Park after a stubborn conflict fell into their hands. The Prussian general von Moltke with his tactical genius was not to be easily overcome however. He drew back his force + advanced the Prussian guards on to a rising ground where he collected + formed all his Artillery in the tremendous line. He saw that not fewer than 44 pieces of cannon were here at one time. Behind these were placed the Infantry of the Prussian Guard. The Cavalry was still more to the rear.

It was impossible for H.I.M. to break this impenetrable phalanx. Linesmen + Highlanders alike were swept out of the range of their sweeping fire.

One thing remained to be tried. That was H.I.M.’s opinion. It was the opinion of the whole army. That was the Guards who had hitherto been in the Rear. The order was given + all was turned to those on whom rested Victory or Defeat, Power or Shame, Victory or Annihilation. Suddenly 10,000 bearskins moved telling of their advance straight upon the foe. The fire opens, roar after roar is followed by file after file of squashed corpses. Heedlessly they press on till at the cannon’s mouth. The 1^st battⁿ Grenadier Guards + 23^rd Fusiliers are almost blown away by the fire but the Battalions in the rear press o’er them + on the Prussian Infantry. Tremendous scene, - 25 minutes of agonising uncertainty shows Blue Coats flying before the Bloody Bayonets of Georland Guards. The Prussian Cavalry now advance to pressure their foeman and in overwhelming numbers bear down upon the 5^th Drag[oon] Gds + 1^st Life Guards who undismayed offer a firm resistance, but the numbers of the foe were already pressing them back when the arrival of MG Bing with the 11^th Hussars turned the scale + the Prussians were everywhere overthrown. The Georland Cavalry of the Line were now let loose upon them. Hussars Enniskillens + Greys flew on like the wind scattering the broken Prussians like chaff before the wind.

General von Roon now driven to distress signed a capitulation immediately after the action + immediately left Toby with the Prussian fleet.

This glorious victory may be said to conclude the war for with the exception of a small action fought by M Slasher at Jerr the triumphant march of H.I.M. through Fredrichsburg after relieving Powgen + his subsequent entry into Kidde was without any opposition.

By the terms of the convention the Prussians immediately quitted the kingdom never to return.

The Peruvians also entered Kidde and the death of Kaiser Fredrich rendering the throne vacant. The Kingdom was divided the greater part being given to H.I.M. Peruni took a large piece and Myjiji with an extensive country around was created a Duchy and given to Marshal Mercury who was the hereditary heir to the Fredrichsburg throne. What remained was given to the Fredrichsburgan General Duke Albrecht who was nominated Grand Duke of Fredrichsburg. After staying some time at Kidde H.I.M. left for Georland followed by the army. It appears from returns that the total loss of H.I.M.’s army during the whole campaign was 10,425 killed + 26,065 wounded.

Plans to illustrate preceding campaign.

2nd Afghan War

No sooner had the Georland troops left India than the Afghans rose again + destroyed the Residency with all in it. Rahez Khan the Indian General in command of the Indian Brigade having marched to Kabul was shut in there by hordes of tribesmen. The Indian Chiefs at once renewed the subsidy with H.I.M. who sailed March 1880 with the 8 H, 17 l, 1+2/21, 2/25, 3/60, 3/28 F.A. + a number of officers to raise a force of Native Corps which by May was ready as follows

3 Regts Deccan Horse, 1 Poonah + 2 Sind Horse, 4 Bns Hyderabad 4 Sikh, 1 Mahratta, 2 Byapur Inf, 2 Balooch Rifles.

 H.I.M. decided to move through Afghanistan on Kabul as follows

Column under Marshal Ernest 17 L, Puna Horse, 3 HI, 3/60 1/21 from Quetta Ismail Khan 14th June on Ghuzani

Column under LG Elliott 8 H, 17 L, 2 DH, 3 DH, 3/60, 2/25, 1 + 2 HI from Quetta on “. The latter occupied Kandahar on 6th June + moved N meeting the enemy ay Khelab on 10th June + defeating him with a loss of 107 K[illed] + 373 w[ounded] reached Ghuzani 27th June.

Meanwhile Marshal Routsbach’s column having advanced was attacked 20th June in the Ab–i-Takht pass but forced the Kotal + joined hands with LG Elliott’s force before Ghuzani 27th June.

The united columns were organized thus for the siege of Ghuzani under M[arshal] Routsbach.

The camp was attacked on 8th + 12th July. 2nd 3rd + 4th Brigades + 2 CB (Cavalry Bde) cross R(iver) Joga on 15th in face of enemy. A parallel cut + Batteries made 18th - 2nd parallel cut 22nd July. On 23rd enemy made a sortie driving 2HI out of 2nd parallel but 2nd Brigade turned out + drove them back. On 24th bombardment commenced + a breach made in SE of Mahmund Redoubt. On 25h Ghuzani was stormed – the 4th 15th blew in + stormed Kabul gate – the breach by 2nd + 3rd Bgdes followed by the 17th Lancers – the 1st Brigade entered with 1st Cav Bgde – the Kandahar gate which had been opened by the 4th Bde. The Georland total loss during the siege was 393 k + 60 wounded.

This day a despatch was received from Genl Rahez Khan at Kabul to say that Yakub demands he had handed the city over to him + was retiring.

H.I.M. accordingly ordered his forces to return to India + sent off a Divn 2nd C[avalry] Bgde, 3rd + 2nd Bgde, + 3 Divn via Kabul to Peshawar but receiving news that Ayub Khan a pretender to the Afghan throne had advanced on Candahar [sic] overwhelming on 15th. Genl McPherson had taken to oppose him at Maiwand 39th July 1897 he marched with the 17th L 1/21, PH, 3HI + a Divn of Robey Khan’s from Kabul for Kandahar 12th August and, reaching Khandahar (sic) 4th Sept attacked + routes Ayub’s force on the 6th Sep 1897. Leaving a force in Kandahar H.I.M. returned to India through the Bolan Sep 1880.

During the winter H.I.M. was busily engaged in organizing his Native Levies + was reinforced by the arrival of troops from Georland + Nithrinko 7th H, 14 H, 2/27 2/33 2/44. In April he moved AHQ [Army Headquarters] to Kohat and thence with a small force led a punitive expedition to Makin in the Mahsud Waziri country May 1881 (3/60 5 PI, 6 PI 2 DH 4 PI 9DR 2 In B

The Muranzi Valley being disturbed H.I.M. on July 19th sent from Kohat with the 17th L 1?h 1 sq[uadron] each 3 cos 3/27, 4/Sikhs 2 Cos + 5 PI 5 Cos under MG Jervis + followed next day to Murrakinela for where the tribesmen unsuccessfully attacked a piquet on Spirgual Spur (17 L 3/37+ 5 PI) on 25th. The valley having been overrun the force returned to Kohat 30th.