Blair Collection > Celtic monthly > Volume 4, 1896

23i
THE OELTIO MONTHLY.
destroyed. Amidst the dreadful melee Marl-
borough was nearly taken prisoner, or would
have been killed were it not for the prompt aid
given him by the Duke of Argyll and General
Murray. The Colonel of the Royal Irish
Dragoons mounted him upon his own horse
and led him out of danger. In this terrible
conflict the Scots Greys highly distinguished
themselves. They were opposed by the French
'•Regiment du Roi," whom they decimated,
and captured the Royal Standard of France.
Once more advancing, the allied cavalry were
met by the Bavarian cuirassiers, when fresh
squadrons from the allied right appeared
coming on the spur across the plain and
drawing up m line with that steadiness which
is a proof of discipline and valour. The
Bavarians became panic struck at the sight,
wheeled about and fled to the rear. The
great object of this tremendous struggle, the
possession of the ridge, surmounted by the
tomb of Ottomond, was won.
The village of Ramillies was meantime as
bravely defended as it was fiercely assailed by
the British and allies. The attacking corps
fought their way among the houses, then they
rushed with the bayonet upon the troops who
occupied the hedges and barricades, and soon
made themselves masters of the place
In this action, says " a military writer,"
UNIFORM OF PRIVATE,
"The Scotn Grcyg," published by Messrs. W.
the Dutch troops, and more especially the
Dutch Mackay regiment, distinguished them-
selves by their extraordinary gallantry.
The French were now completely defeated
on their right and centre, not without causing
severe loss and confusion amongst the victors.
Marlborough halted to restore order in his
brigades. Of this halt Villeroi hastened to
take advantage by forming a second line out of
the ruins of his army, but he soon found it
could not be done.
The allied trumpets once again sounded the
advance, again the cavah-y charged, and in five
minutes the whole field was strewed with dead
and wounded men, riderless horses, and fugi-
tives flying for their lives. In this charge the
gallant Greys were most conspicuous. Riding
fast and furious in pursuit they rode into the
streets of Autre Eglise, sabring the French
right and left before them. Galloping through
the village and out into the open on the other
side, they came upon their former opponents,
the " Regiment du Roi." They surrendered
immediately, and delivered up their arms and
colours to the exultant Scots. Having secured
the colours and placed a guard over the
prisoners, the remainder of the Greys were
about to continue the pursuit when a number
of the prisoners attempted to regain their arms.
The Greys instantly faced about, cut down
some of the foremost adven-
turers, posted a stronger
guard over their prisoners,
and then hastened in pursuit
of the fleeing French and
Bavarians. The battle was
now won after five houi's
severe fighting. Alarlborough
advanced in pursuit with his
whole army. Broken, dispiri-
ted and demoralised, French
and Bavarians were in full
flight in various directions,
and soon became panic struck.
Marlborough pursued till
darkness set in, then halting,
he sent on his light cavalry
who continued the pursuit all
night, tiU the spires and
walls of Louvain were seen
brightening with the rays of
the morning sun. Ramillies
was another Waterloo The
immediate consequence of
this great \actory was the
surrender of nearly all Bra
bant, while the gay city of
Paris was overwhelmed with
consternation. "Louis," says
Smollett, " affected to bear
i- A. K. Johnston, Bdinhufyh.)