Battle Cries in the Wilderness by Bernd Horn

Author:Bernd Horn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2011-07-13T04:00:00+00:00

A Ranger in winter dress.

Courtesy Fort William Henry Corporation.

The change in philosophy also showed in how the Europeans adapted their tactics. Rangers and scouts were always included in the advance party of any moving force. Major-General Wolfe instructed all detachments and outposts to strengthen their camps by either digging trenches around them or palisades (wooden stakes placed in a close row like a fence). Sentries were never to be placed in musket-range of woods unless they were hidden behind rocks or trees, and he cautioned his commanders never to stop, camp, or pass through openings without first examining the area for a potential ambush or subsequent attack.

DID YOU KNOW?

How to Fight an Indian

A veteran Indian fighter watched some British regulars doing drill one day. When the British soldiers were finished, he spoke to the officer in charge and told him, “We exercised our men that were to fight against the French and Indians, in a different manner.”

The British captain replied, “Pray, sir, how is that?”

The Indian fighter answered, “Only to load quick, hit the mark, that is our whole exercise.”

The captain was astounded. “What!” he said, “Do you take aim at the enemy?”

“Yes, good aim, or not fire,” responded the veteran Indian fighter, “you will scarce find upon attack six Indians together, and you must divide yourselves in small parties everywhere to oppose the scattered enemy.”

The captain, still unconvinced, ended the discussion by asking, “Do you think when a body of regulars keep rank and fire regular platoons that an irregular attack can defeat them? It cannot be, Sir, you’re certainly mistaken.”

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