Hi,
A question for the Artillerist/Strategist -It's well documented that Major Duncan commanded with Captain's Hughes & Roberts each having two 6 pounders and 5.5" howitzer, whilst 2nd Captain Gardiner had three 9 pounders and a 5.5" howitzer, and on emerging from the pine woods, they formed in a line of ten guns facing Laval's Divison.
Any suggestions as to how they would have formed up; would it be everybody forming on the first gun in any fashion to quickly lay down some fire power and as they advanced to the second and third positions, then have some structure in the positioning of the guns?
From Duncan's report to Major-General Macloed, he does state that he concentrated on the centre and left flanks of the advancing infantry, whilst the 95th and 20th Caçadores concentrated their fire on the advancing right flank
Duncan also states that his guns were discharging grape and cannister for some twenty minutes before Wheatley's Brigade was able to form on his left.
As Laval had artillery sited to the east and on a slight rise to the north-east at what stage would Duncan begin to also engage these and with what guns?
My thoughts are that he would have immediately engaged the artillery with Gardiners three 9 pounders, whilst using the four 6 pounders and 3 howitzers to cause maximum casualties on the advancing infantry.
Rufin´s Division can be ruled-out from any action with Duncan as he had his artillery directed at Browne's and then Dilke's Brigades.
I have researched this in some depth but can find nothing to suggest any order for the guns.
Jim