1740-48



The origins of the War of the Austrian Succession are extremely complex. However, in 1742 a Guards Brigade consisting of all three regiments of Foot Guards was sent to the Continent as part of an expeditionary force.
 
In 1743, King George II personally took command of the army in Flanders, and on 27 June, the battle of Dettingen was fought. The allied force advanced into a well-prepared French trap where their infantry blocked the way and their artillery enfiladed the position from the flanks. The situation was only saved be several gallant charges by the British cavalry. The Guards formed the rearguard and only took part in the latter stages of the battle.
 
Their next engagement was at the battle of Fontenoy on 11th May, 1745. The army was now commanded the King’s son, the Duke of Cumberland. The battle didn’t go well and the British were forced to make a frontal assault against the centre of the French line. This involved an advance of half a mile across open ground where they were subjected to flanking fire from enemy strong points.
 
The Guards Brigade were on the right of the line and advanced through heavy fire with their weapons at the shoulder, and as they topped the ridge they found four full-strength French battalions just 30 yards in front of them. The French fired first but their volley was ineffective, but when the Guards fired their volley took down over 600 Frenchmen. The Guards fired six platoons at a time so that they had a continuous volley. The French gave way and the Guards advanced.
 
Unfortunately the Guards did not receive support and they were forced to hold their positions against both infantry and cavalry attacks for three hours until they withdrew, having lost over half their strength.
 
Although the British Army fought well at Fontenoy, no battle honour was ever awarded as it was a defeat and not a victory.

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