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260 Stephen Dunford: The Journey of The IrIsh
and in a surprise attack, seized the French Commander, De Villeroy, but when the Austri- ans almost had the town in their grasp, the Irish regiments of Edward Dillon and Joachim Blake, numbering about 600, turned out of bed, and, some of them fighting only in their shirts, engaged and opposed the enemy for many long hours, in such a fiercely determined and courageous manner that at length they routed them, leaving it is said about 2,000 of their army lying dead on the streets. While the gallant efforts of the Brigade saved the city, it was with dreadful cost to themselves for they lost 223 men dead. For generations after, the citizens of Cremona and her hinterland toasted the Irish as the men who fought in their shirts.
But it is Fontenoy in the year 1745, which is probably the most celebrated, never-to-be forgotten of all the engagements in which the Brigade took part. During this battle, the Duke of Cumberland commanding a solid body of 15,000 English veterans and flanked by many cannon, murderously hewed his way through the very heart of the French army, doing so much damage, it is said, that the French were on the point of quitting the field in defeat. Having already besought King Louis to retire unsuccessfully, on two occasions, Mar- shal Saxe ordered a final desperate French onslaught.
It was at this juncture that the Irish Brigade was brought into the fray having been held in reserve, and together with their French comrades they were launched against the advanc- ing English.
As the Irish dashed into the battle, streaming down the hill of St. Antoine, their wild cry, “Remember Limerick and Saxon Perfidy!” rose above the sounds of war. So determined and fierce was their advance, that the English progress, which heretofore had seemed un- stoppable, cracked, and her troops fled before the onslaught, leaving behind on the field 8,000 of their numbers killed or wounded, along with 2,000 prisoners and most of their heavy artillery.
As well as losing one of their most celebrated commanders, Count Dillon, the Irish Brigade also lost 98 other officers and 400 men killed or wounded. So much was this glori- ous victory attributed to the courage and valour of the Irish, that immediately after the battle’s end, and while still on the field, King Louis promoted Count Thomas Lally, from General to Brigadier. The following day, Louis came and personally expressed his gratitude to each corps of the Brigade, and to their officers promotions and generous pensions were bestowed. In the aftermath, when King George of England was made aware of the disaster,
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