Prestonpans: the battle

Map Move

Reporting to Colonel Wiggamore

Sir

Nice toupe,

The main body is within two hours march of the Prestonpans. We have made good time and are well past Haddington (just south of here) on the short road. 

The terrain is still high, with Elvingstone to our front around a mile forward of our foremost unit. 

Do we now turn on Prestonpans or march through Elvingstone and make for Tranent rather than Preston?

Little word has come from the two Companies of the 20th sent out as Piquets, but it is understood that they are approaching  Tranent and have not yet contacted the enemy scouts.

We have had no word of the enemy main body.  My suspicion is that they have been bottlenecked crossing the old bridge through Pinkie, and are one the low ground before that town. 

Your orders Sir,

Government Orders

To Cpts. Whitemoore & Balfour,

Turn towards Preston and make your bivouac at Seaton Castle if amenable. Hopefully this will afford a rendezvous with Major Schraner if he is not too tardy. Send out extra pickets to liaise with those already committed. Apologies for the liberal use of French.

Wiggamore (Col.)

Map move

My Lord Prince

We are above the Government Line.  They have extended to pace their flank on St Germans farm. 

Our dragoons, leading the March report that the flags of a Line regiment are in the centre of their line (the 20th?), but that the remainder are Militia.

There are also a line regiment's flags in St Germans farm itself.

We can also see guns in the castle grounds.

The Clansmen are keen to get at them and come to Musket ranges followed by our charge.  The Chiefs believe that these Militia and vestrymen will not stand.

I have annotated the map, but better than that I can show ye yer Highness...

Do we have a plan of attack or shall we just charge the Whig B*str*ds Sire?

Jacobite Orders

Form our line with the Irelandaise in the centre and two clan groups on either flank. The centre will face off against the opposing regulars, the clansmen will aim for the militia and the Dragoons will cover our right flank from any interference from German's Farm.

We will not wait to be harassed by guns from the castle but will go straight for em.

It's time to hoist the banner of the clan McQuilp, gird our sporrans and cry Freedom. Oh and make sure we've had oor porrage.

And Colonel Wiggamore gives a stirring Speech

Colonel, 

The Jacobites are coming on.  They have used dismounted dragoons to skirmish with the 42nd.  The French Regulars are in the centre of their advancing line and clansmen either side.

Their guns are behind their lines masked to us.

The clans will close to discharge their muskets and come on with the claymore.

Any last minute orders to rouse the men Sir?

The Colonel:

Whites of their eyes men, whites of their eyes. Stand firm and have

faith! Close ball and grapeshot will win the day. God Save the King!

The field of Prestonpans.  Its not the historic field but its pretty close.

The Jacobites come on as the Colonel forms his line

The 20th Foot form the centre of the line with the remains of the Dragoons drawn up as a reserve.

The Jacobite Dragoons skirmish over the hedgerow at the 42nd, in St Germans Farm 

The prince unleashes his 10mm clansman

The 42nd Foot charge the Dragoons, driving them off.  Technically this is the first highland charge and its the Government who does it.

Its all getting close

Colonel Wiggamore's "Niece" waits in his private coach

Captain Catchmole's guns do great work.

A rolling fire along the line with the Jacobites getting the better of it here.

But the 20th Foot teach the Irleandaise a lesson.  Four ranks!  It's the Eighteenth Century way!

Catchmole drives the Jacobites away from the castle grounds

But it begins to get hairy as the Jacobites charge. The 2nd Militia are swept away. 

The 42nd Foot charge at the Jacobite guns.  Easy meat since they are still limbered.  My mistake!

The 20th Foot stand, driving the French Trained Regulars backwards

But the clans fighting the 1st Militia falter as the Prince takes a ball to the chest.  The clan retreat and its suddenly too much  Both sides were teetering on the edge but Colonel Wiggamore.s men stood.  There can be no pursuit so perhaps the Jacobites will rise again?