Page 241 - Demo

Chapter Seven 241
had a higher proportion of untrained men, but, while William’s force was substantially greater, as we have seen, both sides had a solid nucleus of trained soldiers, commanded by professional oicers: this was contemporary warfare and the advantages were with the Williamites. The most prominent of William’s oicers were Schomberg, General Douglas, General Godart de Ginkle, and Sir John Lanier. With James were Tyrconnell, Sarsield, General Hamilton, Lauzun, the Duke of Berwick and Sir Neal O’Neill.
The battle was hotly contested. James’s resolution to stand his ground rather than take the ofensive, while displaying tactical awareness, was not perhaps the best way to deploy his infantry who soon gave way before oncoming pressure of the Williamites-right along the entire front.
It is an historical fact that William out-manoeuvred his opponent on the day, and in the face of stubborn resistance and several ferocious charges by Tyrconnell’s cavalry, the Williamites succeeded in crossing the river at Oldbridge. The Jacobite army was defeated, though not routed as claimed by many, and the late deployment of the French troops, held in reserve, enabled a fairly orderly retreat to be made. It was enough for James, who leaving his commanders to cover the retreat, set of in a shameful light for Dublin, where, when he complained that during the battle his troops ran, an un-named local wit complimented him on ‘winning the race.’
The following day he hurried from Dublin to Waterford and then to France, abandon- ing Ireland and with her, his hopes for restoration. His conduct during the engagement has been characterised as cowardly and incompetent. “Change Kings,” an Irish oicer is said to have exclaimed to one of the Williamite troops, “and we will ight you again.” There were 1,000 killed and wounded on each side at the Boyne that day. William’s General Schomberg was slain crossing the river and William himself was wounded the day before the battle proper. Apparently reports of his death reached Paris where bells were rung and bonires lit-somewhat prematurely, asWilliam only sustained a lesh wound. It is reported that when wounded William remarked phlegmatically ‘it’s well it came no nearer’ and resumed his reconnoitering.