I never really did know much about the battle itself. The poem has resonated with me ever since I first read it as a kid.. So I found, this morning, an account of the carnage to man and innocent animal that had nothing to do with it except to be drug in and massacred. It just makes me sick. :(
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Captain Jenyns writes further—
Seventy-six troopers' and seven officers' horses killed on the spot, ten shot afterwards, and eight wounded still alive. I only brought nine mounted men back! Poor old "Moses" [his charger] was shot through his shoulder and through the hip into his guts, but just got me back. I had some narrow shaves, as indeed we all had. My cloak rolled in front had three canister-shot through it, besides a piece of shell knocking off the end of it, and catching me on the knee, but only a severe bruise. Percy Smith's horse was the only one not killed. Although so cut up you [Colonel Anstruther-Thomson] will be glad to hear the old corps got tremendous kudos from all. It was a fine sight to see the fellows sit down and put their heads straight at the guns.>>
pinetreeweb.com
What also makes me sick is that I read our military is now training to use the most gentlest and trusting of creatures, dolphins, in action. I mentioned this a couple of years ago on SI and got the usual snide, mean, cruel, etc. remarks from the right wing here about my concern. :( I imagine I will again. I don't care, that's their problem..
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