HMS Centaur: A Charles Mullins novel, Sea Command 8 by Richard Testrake

Author:Richard Testrake [Testrake, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-21T00:00:00+00:00

Now it was the turn of the Marines with their Sea Service muskets. While at long musket range, Captain Hollister believed he could inflict casualties upon the horsemen even at this distance. On command, all rose to their feet, and a hundred muskets began crashing in ordered volleys. Even if they charged, the shallow water could slow the enemy’s’ horses enough for the defenders to reload their muskets and fire another volley. The enemy attempted to reply, but they were far fewer and their carbines could not equal the range and accuracy of the longer muskets. At a rate of three shots every minute, the Marines soon destroyed the enemy formation. The end came when one of the carronades took a shot at the cavalry horses being held behind the lines.

Apparently, the horse-holders thought they were out of danger while so far in the rear but the carronade gunners proved them wrong. The spreading charge of iron grape-shot struck the horses, killing or wounding a dozen animals. The surviving cavalry left their positions, mounted what animals were on their feet and galloped away.

Later, a party crossed over to the mainland to retrieve the enemy gun. One wheel had been smashed, but a replacement was carried on the limber. Once the wheel was mounted, and the gun pulled across the narrow channel, the former French gun could be used to reinforce the island defenses.

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