DASHING EXPLOIT OF ENGLISH CAVALRY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5243, 12 January 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

DASHING EXPLOIT OF ENGLISH CAVALRY.

The moat dashing feat performed during the campaign in Plunders in 1794 was the action of Villiors-en-Couche. The French had intercepted the Emperor of Germany on ids way from Brussels to join the army. A force of cavalry, of which the van was composed of 186 officers and men of the 16th and 120 of the Leopold Hussars (Austrian), was sent out to drive off the French. The latter were found in force near Villiers-en-Couche. The supports: missed their way, and General Otto, notwithstanding that ho had only 306 men to oppose 10,000 of the enemy, determined to attack at all hazards in order to save the Emperor. The 15th were ordered to attack in front, and the Leopold Hussars to tm-a the left flank. A strong body of skirmishers attempted in vain to check the advance. Onward swept our men. The French cavalry now wheeled outward and broke, unmasking a line of • infantry and guns. Unappalled, the 15th dashed at the line and rode through it. They then sprang at a large square, composed of six battalions, and dispersed it. The French cavalry, who had tried to rally in the rear of their infantry, saw the 15th swooping down on them, and fled in wild confusion. The Leopold Hussars also nobly performed their part, and the foe was pursued till the guns from Bouchain and the appearance of a force from that city caused the victors first to halt and then retire. On their return they were intercepted by some French infantry, but these were again ridden through, notwithstanding a heavy fire of musketry and cannon ; and, the supports having arrived, the audacious band got clear off. The reslilt of the fight was 1200 of the enemy killed and wounded, and three guns captured, and the safety of the Emperor. The 15th lost, out of 186 men engaged, 17 men and 19 horses killed, one officer bayoneted through the body, 12 men and 18 horses wounded. Of the eight officers present, one was wounded, and five had horses wounded under them. For this exploit all the eight officers, among whpm was Sir Robert Wilson, received from the Emperor a gold medal, and afterwards were created Knights of the Order of Maria Theresa. The words “ Villiers-en-Oouche” are borne on the appointments of this regiment.