PMarione
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Joined: 26 Mar 2007
Posts: 883
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 Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject: Texel 1795 - the French hussards take the Dutch fleet |
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At the end of 1794, the Pitt's first coalition is on the verge of collapse.
Pichegru is in charge of the North army, win the battle of Fleurus and invade Holland.
Contrary to Belgium, Holland is a very difficult country to invade due to the swamps, bogs, marshes, rivers, canals, lakes...
But thanks to an early winter it was converted to a solid plain and the French troops and train can quickly progress.
On 20 January, Pichegru learns that the Dutch fleet is taken in the ice between the Helder and Texel island.
On the 23th, a squadron of the 8th hussards with the horses' hooves wrapped in cloth to prevent slipping, takes sharpshooters behind and charge the Dutch fleet. They summoned the sailors, surprised by such audacity, to surrender. The fleet surrendered unconditionally and France took 14 men-of-war.
Probably the only example in History of a fleet taken by a cavalery charge.
Last edited by PMarione on Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:09 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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