DASHING EXPLOIT OF ENGLISH CATALEY.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 26, 16 January 1878, Page 3

DASHING EXPLOIT OF ENGLISH CATALEY.

The most dashing feat performed during the campaign m Flanders m 1701 was the action of Villiers-en-Couche. The French had' %iter> cepted the Emperor of Germany on his way from Brussels to join the army. A force of cavalry, 7 of which the van was composed of 186. officer®and men, of the 15th and 120 of the Leopold Hussars (Austrian) , was sent out to drive off the French. The latter were found $ft force near Villiers-en-Couche. The supports missed their way, aiui General Otto, notwithstanding that he had only SO6 men to oppose 10,000 of enemy, determined to attack at all Hazards m order to save the Emperor. The 15j;h. were ordered to attack m front, and^he .Leopold Hussars to turn the left flank. A strong body of skirmishers attempted m ybiri to cneck the advance. On wird swept our men. The French cavalry now wheeled outward and broke, unmasking a line of infantry and guns. TJnappalled, the 15tli dashed at the line and rode through it. They then sprang at a large square, composed of si x battalion a, an d dis persed it. The French cavalry, who had tried .to rally m the rear of their infantry, saw the 15th swooping down on them, 'ami i^fled m wildjcoiifusion. The Leopold 1 Hussars also nobly performed their part, and the foe was pursued till the guns from BouQha.in andLthe appearance of a force from that: city caused the victors first to hal f:&os£ then retire. On tbei v rettirnil |b%|j& were, interce pted by some FrencK^ infiiutry, but these were againf^^Sen ihrorigb, notwithstanding a -heavy fire; of musketry and cannon ; .ana,;<tWVsupports having arrived, the : atidaciaiis band got clear off. The *rosult of the fight was 1200 of the- enemy killed and wounded, and three puns captured, and the safety of the Emperor. The 15th lost, out 'of 186 men engaged, 17 men and 19. horses killed; one officer bayonetedithrough th&\\..bady,.;;..i2':'flpeh"'. and 18 horses Grounded.. Of the eight .officers present, ova was wounded, arid five had horses,; wounded under them. For this expjat ajl the eight officers, among;, whom waW «ip Robert Wilson, received from, the Etop^ror a gold medal, and a^fterw^r^ were created Kinghts of the Orcter of Maria Theresa. The words Wliere-en--Oouche" are borne art the ajjpoiiitv ments of this regiment.