by Griff Hosker
“Sharp, grab a spare horse and follow me. Jones, keep sounding recall.”
The artillery had unlimbered now and began to hurl cannon balls at us. I knew they were not aiming specifically at me, but it felt like it. I saw Von Doren’s horse stumble and begin to fall. I was close enough to be able to shout, “Jump clear!”
Just in time, he leapt from the horse. I could see another regiment of Dragoons leaving the flanks and riding towards us. I wheeled Badger around. I leaned down, took my foot from the stirrup and grabbed his arm. “Put your foot in the stirrup and jump up!”
The Dragoons were now less than a hundred yards away. I turned Badger and she gamely tried to gallop towards the retreating 11th. Sharp appeared next to me, with a French mount. I could not stop to make it easy for Von Doren to mount it. I shouted, “Jump”
He was young and he was reckless. Fortunately he was also lucky and he managed to jump without catching his foot in my stirrup. As Badger leapt forwards I drew my horse pistol and fired behind me, blindly. I didn’t think for one moment I would hit anything but I wanted the nearest riders to give us a wide berth. We reached the crest and we rode to the right. The Dragoons suffered the same fate as their comrades and the 5th fired five volleys to empty saddles and discourage a chase.
Major Hyde-Smith said, “Well done Robbie.” Then he glowered at Von Doren. “If you were in my regiment you would be on a charge! You lost your men there for no good reason!”
“I am sorry sir, I didn’t recognise the call.”
“Stuff and nonsense. You saw the rest of us stop!”
He hung his head and I could see tears forming. “Sir, he has lost all of his men. There will be a time for recriminations later on but….”
“Quite.” I thought he had finished but he had a parting shot to deliver. “And you nearly got one of the finest officers in the regiment killed too!”
The Brigadier ordered a retreat to the next ambush point; once again we were the rearguard. This time it appears that the French had decided not to pursue us as recklessly and we saw them making camp at the top of the hill. They had many casualties to attend to and many fleeing survivors to gather.
I was exhausted when we reached our next camp and ambush point. After a frugal meal of iron rations we were again summoned to an officer’s meeting.
“You all did well today gentlemen I am hopeful that we will reach Stralsund tomorrow. However that depends on two things: the desire of the French to catch us and the ability of the 11th to continue to do so such sterling work as our rearguard.”
Major Hyde-Smith stood. “We can continue to be the rearguard sir but our horses will not be able to charge again. We will have to discourage them by other means.”
The adjutant of the 5th stood, “But you will be able to stop ‘em?”
“If we do not sir, then the transports will not have to load horses for we shall all be dead.”
“Then let us hope that we have to take a long time to load the horses of the valiant 11th Light Dragoons.”
Later that night as we sat beneath a wonderfully old tree which must have been planted when they still fought with lance and shield, Lieutenant Jackson asked, “What did you mean, sir, other means?”
“Take a leaf out of Captain Matthew’s book and use our superior firepower. I can see why you have so many pistols.”
“They do come in handy. A little tip sir, if we find any dead cavalry then it pays to take their pistols.”
“I shall bear it in mind. Any more questions.”
Von Doren sheepishly asked, “Can I ride with the 11th tomorrow sir?”
“If you obey orders then the answer is yes but woe betide you if you fall foul of me again.”
Riding rearguard is one of the most thankless jobs any cavalryman can do. To avoid getting a stiff neck constantly turning around we found that the best method was to stop every half a mile and face towards the pursuers and then move on. We also rotated the troops every five miles just to give the troopers some relief.
I was in command when the Dragoons caught up with us. We had just crossed a ford and we heard the thunder of their hooves. “Turn at the water’s edge.”
We formed a double line at the ford and waited for them. They did not charge but came at the walk with their own musketoons at the ready. I had used the weapon and knew its limitations. It was not as short as the carbine and took longer to reload. I took a leaf out of the 5th’s book. “Front rank, fire.”
Percy shouted, “Second rank fire!”
In that way we kept a constant rate of fire up. They did hit my troopers but we hit more of them. After twenty minutes we saw infantry appear and I ordered the retreat. This scene was repeated many times until we finally reached the farm which marked the border. There the 11th halted. I did not think that the French would risk the wrath of Sweden by invading but I did not know for sure. Out horses were exhausted and we were almost out of ammunition. We knew that the 5th had reached Stralsund already, one of the RHA gunners had ridden back to tell us.
We dismounted and we walked the last few miles into the port. Colonel Mackenzie must have had a lookout for as we entered through the city gates the 5th lined both sides and stood to attention as we trudged in. They did not cheer but they smiled and we heard their comments as we walked by.
“Well done bonnie lads.”
“Ye’ll do for me.”
“Proper soldiers y’are.”
“I’ll stand ye a pint next time we are in England!”
We all walked a little straighter. We had done a good job and we were appreciated. What more could a soldier ask?
Chapter 10
We had to wait for two days for the transports to be completely loaded. It was decided not to allow leave for the men. Everyone agreed that there was just too much temptation in the little port of Stralsund. The officers were allowed to wander the town and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Lieutenant Von Doren was my shadow. To be fair he and Percy got on so well that it didn’t matter. The Hanoverian was desperate to please both of us and proved an able guide. I knew what he wanted. He wished to return to England with us? He was keen to fight the French again and get some revenge for his dead troopers. It was not the right frame of mind to make such a decision. He asked me to intercede with the major who was still annoyed with the reckless young man. He was like Percy; he would make a good officer some day but he needed to have someone to guide him and give him advice.
I broached the subject after dinner on the East Indiaman. “Sir about Von Doren, he is keen to return to England with us.”
“ I am not having that fellow in the regiment. Too foolish and a foreigner to boot!”
I wondered what he would say if he knew of my origins. “But could he not come to England with us. We know that the Hanoverians who fled the battle went to Rostock to take ship. Some may have gone to England. Perhaps they may be able to form a regiment.”
“And what good would that do?
“Well sir we have a regiment of Chasseurs Britanniques made up of émigrés from France.”
“And damned useless they are too.”
I sighed, “Sir, have we so many men in England to fight Bonaparte that we can afford to shun volunteers?”
He calmed down and smiled, “Probably not. “Yes the boy can come with us but keep him away from me.”
“Yes sir. I dare say he will bunk in with Percy.”
“Now he has settled down. You have done well with him. He leads the men well and is composed and competent.”
I bit back my retort that Von Doren would be just as useful when trained. And I knew that we needed more officers. We were at least one captain short and, with the new recruits, a couple of lieutenants light as well.
When we set sail I stood at the side watching the old city slip by. We could spend the voyage home looking at the sights we had missed on the way out. It struck me that the whole of Denmark was flat. The cliffs appeared huge when you saw them because the land around was so low. Once w
e went through the Skagerrak the sea became both colder and rougher. We spent the next few days below decks trying to get warm.
The captain told us, one night, that the French Fleet had been chased by Nelson but there was a danger of invasion from France. There were rumours that huge camps were appearing all across the northern part of France and that invasion barges were being constructed. For that reason we would be putting into London and not Dover. When I told Trooper Sharp the news he grinned. “That was us sir! We found that out! Will you be getting a medal or something? You should, you know.”
I laughed and shook my head, “Sharp, when will you get it into your head, we don’t exist. If we had been caught then we would have been shot as spies and Colonel Selkirk would have denied all knowledge of us.”
“Then why did you do it sir?” The young man looked genuinely puzzled.
“Alan, why did you join up?”
“To fight for me country and because my dad would have wanted me to do just that.”
“And that is why I do it. To fight Bonaparte. It is what my dad would have wanted me to.” It was strange, there was no-one left to ask but I wondered if the Count would have been proud of his illegitimate son. I don’t think he would have appreciated my fighting for Bonaparte but I think he would have approved of my actions as a soldier both in the French army and the British. Perhaps, if he had still been alive, he might have smiled at me and told me, ‘Well done.’
It was still wet when we reached the Thames. It might have been July but the weather was still dismal. It took us forever to find a berth. There was a good signals system along the coast and I knew that our arrival had been noted for, as we tied up, I saw a familiar figure on a black horse. It was Colonel Selkirk. My heart sank a little. I had hoped for some time back at the barracks. Obviously that was not to be.
He waited patiently at the bottom of the gangplank. Major Hyde-Smith eyed him, suspiciously. “Who is that? It looks remarkably like a staff officer.”
I sighed, “That sir, is Colonel Selkirk.”
“Then I suppose he has another task for you. Come let us see what the desk bound warrior wants this time.”
The two lieutenants and Lieutenant Von Doren followed us down the gangplank. He spoke to all of us but his eyes were on me. “I hear you acquitted yourselves well in what could have been a disastrous misadventure. You are all to be commended.” He spied the Hanoverian. “And you sir have arrived at a most propitious time. Sir John Halkett is now forming regiments which will be called the King’s German Legion. He is recruiting from the many Hanoverians who have fled your poor country.”
I now felt I knew the man. He gave you a smile and a sweetener and then hit you with the sucker punch. He smiled the cold smile of a crocodile about to make you his dinner and said to the major. “I am afraid I must take young Robbie and his capable servant from you for a while. Just three months at the most.”
“I protest sir. Captain Matthews is the most capable captain we have ever had in the 11th. If you take him away we will be short handed.”
“Quite so, quite so. Well,” he dived into his coat and pulled out a document, “perhaps this might assuage your conscience. It is a captaincy for Lieutenant Percy Austen.” He smiled at Percy. “That would be you I believe?”
“But sir…”
“Tush, tush, your bravery in Hanover is reason enough.”
“But sir all of that was Captain Matthews…”
His cold smile turned upon me, “And I am sure that the good captain will not mind sharing his good fortune with you. Would you captain?”
“Congratulations Percy, you deserve it. Well done.”
I could see that he was torn between his heart’s desire and a feeling that he had somehow been duped. I turned to the major. “I am sorry for this sir but with Percy a captain and no war, as yet, perhaps I might be excused for three months or so?”
This time the smile was genuine, “Of course.” He shot a cold stare at Selkirk who seemed oblivious to the animosity. “You come back to us, you hear, you are too valuable to be wasted on some mad Machiavellian scheme.”
The colonel calmly said, “You would think so wouldn’t you. But that is not the way the world works now is it?” He looked at me again, “Robbie get your servant and your things. You can stay with me tonight. You won’t need your horses. I shall wait at the Coal Hole Inn. One of your drinking haunts I believe.”
As I went back on board I wondered just how the colonel got his information. “Trooper Sharp, get our things. Colonel Selkirk needs us again.” I hesitated, “You can refuse you know.”
His face broke into a grin, “You are joking sir. Miss all the fun? Besides I want to try my French out this time.”
Lieutenant Von Doren and Captain Austen were waiting for me at the bottom of the gangplank. Percy held out his hand and his voice was thick with emotion. “I want to thank you sir. I don’t know how you make things happen but you do. I dreamed of being a captain and I despaired of making it a reality. You come along and here I am.”
“You just needed a little push Percy and I am pleased for you. Watch over Badger for me and the men of my troop. Jackson is a good man but he is still learning. Look to Sergeant Grant.”
“I will sir. You can rely on me.”
“I know and don’t let the DeVeres bully you, stand up for yourself.” The emotion was too much for him and he just tightened his smile and nodded.
Lieutenant Von Doren shook my hand, “I have learned much since serving with you and I hope that, in this new regiment, I can be as good an officer as you.”
“You will. You have learned your lesson and those dead men will always ride at your shoulder reminding you.”
“I know sir.”
We left them and headed through the maelstrom that was the disembarking troops. I was back in England, but for how long? There was a carriage outside the Coal Hole Inn with a liveried footman waiting. He gave a half bow. “Captain Matthews, sir?” I nodded. “Allow me to take your bags. The colonel is waiting inside.”
“Shall I wait with the bags sir?”
“No Sharp. You will be part of this too so come along with me.” I saw the eyebrows of the footman rise but he kept his counsel. I suspected that he felt that servants did not need to understand the reasons merely to carry out the plans. I cared not; Trooper Sharp would be vital to my mission on the Continent- wherever the colonel sent us.
He was in a quiet alcove with his back to the wall and he gestured us over. I saw three mugs of ale on the table and a plate of sausages. He smiled as we sat down. “I may have a fine house and a good cook but you canna beat hot sausages in a tavern washed down with some ale. Dig in.” He saw the hesitation on Trooper Sharp’s face. “Go on son, there’s plenty and I can see you’re hungry.”
It was true. Sharp now had his sea legs but we had not eaten for twelve hours and he began to eat the greasy hot little parcels of pork. I too was grateful for the hot steaming sausages. Colonel Selkirk was not a delicate eater and he briefed us through a mouthful of food.
“The information you brought last time was really valuable. Our lords and masters were very impressed. Our friend, little Nel, managed to chase Villeneuve away to the West Indies. However our blockading ships tell us that he has camps close to the coast in northern France. He is planning an invasion.” Sharp stopped eating as the import of the colonel’s words. “We need you two to find out the troops he has there and, if you can, when they are likely to come.”
I put down my ale and sat back. “Let me be blunt with you Colonel Selkirk. I can find out where the troops are but I think it is unlikely that I will find out when.”
“The when is not as important as the numbers besides Bonaparte needs to have control of the Channel for a number of hours to achieve his ends. The problem is he is a cunning chap and he could land anywhere. The powers that be assume that it will be along the Kent coast but I am not so sure. You should be able to discover that information.”
I sighed
. “There are still two problems that I can foresee: how do I get there and get back. We are at war and I cannot just go on a packet can I? In addition to which I assume that the coast will be heavily patrolled. Even if you could land me I cannot see how we would escape.”
“If they are your concerns then rest easy. A Royal Navy sloop will land you and they will ensure that you are unobserved. We have some expertise in this area. We have been landing émigrés for years. As for the picking up, that is slightly more problematic. The sloop will return to the French coast every four days. It will not be to the same place. That would risk capture. You and the captain of the sloop will have the landing sites. You have a maximum of sixteen days. If you have not been picked up by then we will assume that you are lost.”
I nodded. I had to smile when I saw the look on Sharp’s face. “When do we leave?”
“As soon as you have finished your ale and Mr Sharp has demolished the last of the sausages we shall go to my town house where I have suitable clothes. You will be able to leave your uniforms there and my carriage will then take you to Gravesend where the ‘Black Prince’ awaits.”
As Trooper Sharp swallowed the last of the sausages he mumbled, “Don’t give a body time to turn around.”
Both the colonel and I laughed, “Welcome to the world of espionage Sharp.”
The carriage’s curtains were closed and we sped anonymously through the streets. There was a courtyard at the back of Colonel Selkirk’s house and we left the carriage as swiftly as we had entered it. “If you follow Barrington he will show you to a room where you can change.”
It was less of a room and more of a suite we were taken to. Our clothes were all laid out on the bed. Both were French made and the only difference was the quality of mine. I strapped my sword on. It was Austrian and would not be remarked upon. Sharp had a French sword I recognised. Barrington hovered close by while we dressed, adjusting when necessary.
“We will clean your uniforms and hang them in the robes until you return.” He gave an apologetic smile, ”If you return.” He handed Trooper Sharp two bags; the larger one was obviously mine. “There are a couple of changes of clothes in the bags along with two French pistols and a small bag of gold Louis. The colonel has some papers which might be useful. Now if you will follow me. I believe the tide waits for no man, not even the colonel.”
