Note 15 — HISTORICAL RECORD

Although the results of the Battle of Dettingen, fought on the 27th of June, 1743, were not equal to those attending the victories gained over the French by Edward the Third and Henry the Fifth, yet there are circumstances which render the conflict at Dettingen similar to those of Creçy and Agincourt. At Creçy, on the 26th of August, 1346, King Edward the Third and his son Edward the Black Prince were present; and at Dettingen, King George the Second was accompanied by his son the Duke of Cumberland. It was the début of both the Royal Princes on the tented plain, and the chivalrous bearing of the Black Prince, particularly his behaviour to the prisoners, finds a parallel in the conduct of the Duke of Cumberland, who refused to have his wound attended to, until the surgeons had examined that of a French officer, the Count De Fenelon, who had been taken prisoner and conveyed to the Duke’s tent. “Begin,” said His Royal Highness, “with the wound of the French officer; he is more dangerously hurt than I am, and stands more in need of assistance.”

The disadvantage under which the British fought at Dettingen was equal to that at Agincourt, and the impetuosity of the enemy, in both instances, prevented the English army perishing from want of provisions.

All these battles are likewise noted for the number of the French Royal family and nobility who were present; and the battle of Dettingen is further remarkable as being the last action in which a British Monarch commanded the army.

The want of provisions and tents, unfortunately, compelled the victors to abandon the field of battle, otherwise Dettingen might have rivalled many of the achievements recorded in British History.