LE MARCHANT AT SALONIKA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 113, 26 November 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

LE MARCHANT AT SALONIKA.

A notable opcode in the battle of Saiamanca. on July 22, 1812, when Wellington defeated the French under Marmont, was the charge by the Jiritheavv cavalry brigade, led by General Le Marchant, consisting only of three regiments—the 3rd and 4th Dragoons and sth Dragoon Guards. It nevertheless penetrated »ind broke three battalions of the French 68th Regiment, sabring numbers and dispersing or capturing the remainder. It then pressed forward, and, encountering another regiment in close order, charged and broke it too—in fact, nothing checked the victorious onset, until gradually the ground became oliseructed with trees, embarrassing the movements of cavalry while affording broken infantry opportunities of rallying and fighting to obvious advantage. Yet, though the regiments of the brigade necessarily had become intermingled an dthe line crowded, withotu intervals between the squadrons, they still pushed on to charge a brigade formed up under cover of the trees. The French steadily awaited the attack, reserving their fire until the cavalry were within 20 yards, and tlien discharging a murderous volley, which killed Le Marchant and prostrated •> third of his brigade. Still the rest charged home, and shattered the column, then, under cover of the fire of five guns they retired, -after a succession of brilliant charges occupying almost an hour. The loss sustained, of course, was great. From three splendid regiments that had ridden into action, in numbers 3000 strong, three squadrons were formed with diffi' culty when evening closed the carnage and the strife. But they had done the : r work, and p/'ayed a noble part in the most decisive battle fought up till then by the British forces in tho Peninsula.