In the annals of British history, certain battles and events have etched themselves into collective memory, becoming the stuff of legends. Yet, amid the tapestry of triumphs and victories, there are tales that have slipped through the cracks, obscured by the shadows of their more famous counterparts. One such episode is the Battle of Fontenoy, a remarkable engagement that remains relatively unknown. In the pages of Francis Henry Skrine’s book, “Fontenoy: And Great Britain’s Share in the War of the Austrian Succession, 1741-48,” this often-overlooked chapter emerges from the depths of oblivion, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of an era marked by intrigue, alliances, and the enduring spirit of soldiers who fought not only for glory but also for survival.
At the heart of this narrative lies the enigma of why Fontenoy, a battle that saw British forces facing defeat, has slipped into the shadows of history. Skrine proposes that the British penchant for celebrating victories and downplaying defeats is a key factor. In this context, the Battle of Fontenoy, a British defeat, became a tale that wasn’t readily recounted in the nation’s history books. This perspective, though plausible, misses the opportunity to shed light on a battle that holds profound insights into the politics, alliances, and personalities of its time.
Delving into the context, one finds that the ostensible reason for the conflict was to support Maria Theresa’s claim to the Austrian throne. However, as history often reveals, the true motivations are multifaceted. The danger posed to Hanover by the alliance between France and Prussia significantly influenced King George II’s decision to enter the fray. The war itself, spanning from 1741 to 1748, concluded without resounding success for Britain. It ended with a treaty that left Maria Theresa unsupported, effectively restoring the status quo. This duality between stated objectives and underlying motives forms a complex backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Central to the story is Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s audacious bid for the throne. This bold endeavour, often described as the most romantic episode of the 18th century, encapsulates the spirit of adventure and ambition that coursed through the veins of that era. On the French side, Maurice de Saxe, commander at Fontenoy, cuts a unique figure. Son of the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, he transcends the conventional image of a military leader, carrying with his army an opera company that would rival any in Europe.
The political tapestry of Europe during this period is as intricate as it is fascinating. Dynastic and religious quarrels intersected with national enmities, producing paradoxical allegiances. British cavalry officers of French Huguenot descent, Scots and Irish Jacobites serving in the French army — all exemplify the complexity of identity and affiliation that characterized this era.
Yet, it is the Irish Brigade that stands as a remarkable force, exerting an influence that far outweighed its numbers. The genesis of this brigade traces back to the aftermath of the surrender of Limerick in 1691. Sarsfield’s Irish regiments found a new home in France, and throughout the 18th century, new recruits, known as “the wild geese,” flocked to the French army from a Catholic Ireland shackled by penal laws. The irony that, during the French Revolution, officers of the Irish Brigade offered their swords to the British Crown — a gesture largely forgotten — adds another layer to this intricate narrative.
The Battle of Fontenoy itself, often misunderstood, comes to life under Skrine’s pen. Dispelling myths, he refutes the traditional narrative of the French inviting the British to fire first. In a fascinating twist, he highlights that the Irish Brigade, adorned in red uniforms, faced friendly fire from a French regiment due to their distinctive attire. Skrine paints a vivid picture of the battlefield, allowing readers to step into a world of muskets and cavalry charges, where fate hung in the balance.
However, even within this captivating narrative, there are points to address and nuances to consider. Skrine’s defence of the Duke of Cumberland, while acknowledging his bravery, stumbles in its attempt to mitigate the brutalities he inflicted upon Highlanders after Culloden. Such attempts at exoneration overlook the depth of Cumberland’s actions and their implications.
As history weaves its threads through time, “Fontenoy” invites us to reevaluate the battles that have faded from memory’s gaze. It beckons us to explore the motivations, alliances, and legacies that have shaped our world. In a landscape where the glories of triumph often cast shadows on the stories of defeat, this forgotten chapter becomes a testament to the complexities of history and the lives entwined within its narrative.
The echoes of Fontenoy, reaching across the centuries, remind us that history is a multifaceted tapestry woven by the actions of individuals, nations, and alliances. As Skrine’s book illuminates this obscure battlefield, it invites us to reclaim the forgotten, uncover the concealed, and embrace the mosaic of human endeavours that have shaped our past and continue to shape our future. Through the lens of “Fontenoy,” we glimpse a world of courage, ambition, and sacrifice — a world that may have been lost to history’s recesses but is now resurrected for our exploration and enlightenment.
Morning Leader – Friday 11 May 1906
