Delving Into History

"Few things are more stirring than gathering all the evidence you can find about some historical problem, spreading it out and satisfying yourself about what truly happened. ...Doubtless the students of today will get more notice out of space ships, guided missiles, interceptors, and the like, but there is also lasting contentment, this writer believes, in delving into the gold-loaded mountains of philosophy and history."--Glenn Tucker

Queen Anne on the Victory at Ramillies

After the Battle of Ramillies (May 23, 1706), the Duke of Marlborough wrote to Queen Anne to tell here of his victory.  Here is her reply: "The great glorious success which God almighty has been pleased to bless you with, and his preservation of your person*, one can never thank him enough for, and next to Him all things are owing to you; it is impossible for me every to say as much as I ought in return of your great and glorious services to me."

"British infantry attacking French infantry at the Battle of Ramillies" by Richard Simkin

Queen Anne had a good grasp of primary causes (God) and secondary causes (the Duke of Marlborough) that contributed to the victory at Ramillies.

*Marlborough had been in personal danger at least twice during the battle: once when his horse threw him and he was pursued by French cavalry, and again when a cannonball killed the aide holding his stirrup so the Duke could mount.

Monongahela with John Jenkins Designs

These are a few pictures I took featuring my John Jenkins figures.  These pictures attempt to recreate some scenes during Braddock's defeat at the Monongahela (July 9, 1755).  The first one shows a close-up of Captain Robert Orme with some infantrymen of Halkett's 44th Foot in the background.

The second picture is from the point of view of a French-Canadian soldier, as he reloads his musket for another shot at the British invaders.

To see more of Mr. Jenkins work, I recommend that you visit www.JohnJenkinsDesigns.com

Bunker Hill

I often feature galleries of other artists' works, but I am pleased to showcase some art of my own.  All these pictures were created using the designs of soldiers that are printed in my paper soldier book Bunker Hill Attack (available at http://throughallages.com/awi-bunker-hill-paper-soldiers.html)

The first picture is a study of an infantryman of the British 5th Regiment of Foot.  The 5th was known for its distinctive gosling-green lapels and cuffs.  The cartridge box badge features the regimental mascot of Saint George slaying the dragon.

Moving on, we see the Patriot defenders as they man their defenses on Breed's Hill.  The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed's Hill.  The flag is known as the "Bunker Hill Flag" and is based on John Trumbull's painting.

But the defenders of Breed's Hill began to run out of ammunition as the British mounted another determined attack.  This time, they overran the dirt walls and closed with the defenders.  In this picture, British Marines clamber over the walls and charge the defenders with bayonets--a weapon that few Americans owned.  The battle ended a British victory, but as Sir Henry Clinton observed, " A few more such victories would have shortly put an end to British dominion in America."