Chapter sixteen

 

 

“What you are saying is that there is a column of British prisoners being moved to Lorient from St Nazaire to be used for the building of a new dock in the port. With the escort for that same column will be three wagons carrying gold and silver bullion from the Americas plus a coach carrying a secret agent who has caused more trouble for us than any other.

?He is believed to be an English nobleman but—not surprisingly—his identity has been kept a closely guarded secret by his French paymasters, and is referred to only as the Ferret. He obviously has access to men in high places in the British Government and, since he is above suspicion, is trusted with information vital to the conduct of our campaign.

“What size would the escort for this convoy be? Have you any information?”

“So far we know of a squadron of Heavy Cavalry, about one hundred men in all, plus a platoon of infantry escorting the prisoners directly.” Amelie was quite specific. “The prisoners will be chained at the wrist but not at the ankle to make it easier to march, they do not expect any escape attempts. There should be one hundred and fifty prisoners in the column, being guarded by twenty-eight Infantry.”

Captain Ullyet rose to his feet. “The journey is about 120 Kilometres in all. I estimate at least six days march; the nearest place to the coast is Muzillac.” He pointed to the village on the map pinned up to the bulkhead. “I would normally suggest another place but in view of our means of escape by sea we have to consider it. I would prefer Plouhinec, here.” He pointed out another village close to Lorient. “But it is close to Lorient and I think they may opt to travel through Merlevenez. Here on the main road.”

Lieutenant Beaufort interrupted. “Just a minute, what about the Grand Armee? Are they not travelling through the area during the next few days? Surely the escort commander will wish to avoid the main roads while they travel through?”

A slow smile spread across Ullyet’s thin face. “I underestimated you, Mr. Beaufort. You are quite correct. With the army passing through, they must take the side roads and that gives us a distinct advantage for an ambush.” He went on to detail how the ambush would be laid. “The main question was who do we concentrate on, the bullion or the prisoners.”

“Prisoners first, I think.” Robert’s voice was firm. “That is unless there is some other reason, for the sake of the operation, that we have to dispose of the bullion first?”

“I agree the prisoners are the easiest target and we can get to them easier in the first instance,

“The way I understand the column to be formed is with the bulk of the cavalry stationed around the bullion wagons, the supply wagon forms part of this section, certainly there should be 50 troopers close escort, 20 in skirmish order scouting ahead for accommodation and camp areas, and the balance, perhaps 20 rearguard while the remainder patrol the entire column, outriders and so on. Remember this part of France has its share of loyalists and there is always the threat of ambush for the unwary. While this makes our job more difficult, it is not impossible. Since we have French infantry uniforms in our stores, we should first concentrate on replacing the foot soldiers escorting the prisoners.

“We can actually release the prisoners discreetly, hopefully without revealing our presence. Our main company, in our Green Jackets, will prepare an ambush for the troopers and wagons.

“For this reason I suggest we attack late afternoon or early morning, when the sun will blind them, and while they are either jaded and tired or perhaps still only half awake. They will be confident in their numbers that they are safe from attack anyway so we should be able to take them completely by surprise. I do stress that we must make every shot count. The Grand Armee will not be that far away and confident though I am about our abilities, I do think an entire French Army may be too much, even for us.”

Ullyet sat down in silence as each of the assembled people absorbed what had been suggested. Finally, Robert spoke. “Thank you, Captain, I think you have laid out the situation clearly. Please prepare detailed plans so that the various parties can be informed of their part in the matter. On this occasion I will command the operation myself with you as second. Please suggest any other officers or men you will particularly need so that we can make proper arrangements.”

He rose to his feet. “Thank you, lady and gentlemen, we will meet again tonight for a final discussion. By the time we have the ship in position, we should be ready for the operation in two days, by which time our target should be in the right place.”

 

The people of Maguero were unaware of the creeping progress of the cutter that landed the platoon of soldiers just past the lagoon where the road on the coast turned inland. The entire platoon landed and formed up, and left unnoticed. The five-mile march to the crossroads at Plouhinec was accomplished in just over one hour.

 

The prisoners were lying huddled together round the signpost in the centre of the village. Six soldiers were wandering round, two were smoking pipes, the others stamped their feet to keep awake. Whilst they waited, a file of soldiers marched up, and the senior guard came to attention and called his comrades to fall in. The newcomers, led by a sergeant, halted and the sergeant ordered his men to take up position. He didn’t bother with the relieved guard, who, having gathered themselves together, shambled off to their billet in the village hall.

At the village hall the remainder of the platoon were all awake and as the relieved guards entered, several spoke up in disgust.

The incoming guards were relieved of their weapons and ordered to strip off their uniforms, which were added to the pile obtained from the others. The entire platoon were bound and gagged and seated against the wall of the hall. The leader of their captors, Captain Ullyet, had the bundled uniforms placed on a handcart and wheeled down to the assembled prisoners who were beginning to awaken. Ullyet spoke to the nearest prisoner and asked him in English, who was in charge among the prisoners, the man pointed to a big man, still asleep.

“Ee’s a master from an Indiaman captured three month ago. Ee looks after us all and can talk to the frogs in their own lingo.”

Ullyet walked over to the sleeping man and roused him by shaking his shoulder. The keen blue eyes stared at him for a moment. In English Ullyet quietly spoke to him. “Get the men up and go with the guards down to the shore please; outside the carpenter will unlock the main chain, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until we reach the ship to get the cuffs off.”

“Aye sir, with a will.” He rose to his feet and went round rousing certain men and talking quietly giving his instructions, the men started to form up, exclamations were hurriedly stifled. As the column started off back along the road towards the sea, they were flanked by two of their replacement escort. The carpenter, dressed in uniform like his companions, broke the long chain that ran through all the wrist cuffs so that as they marched away the long chain remained on the ground, to be gathered up by four of the men and dumped over the wall of the blacksmiths shop located by the green in the village centre.

The remainder of the platoon formed up and Ullyet told Pierre what he had in mind, using the services of the Dutchman Eckhart. The men marched off towards the Chateau on the other side of the village. It was here that the wagons and the carriage carrying the Colonel of the Cavalry and the spy were housed overnight. By this time, Captain Ullyet was making things up as he went along.

 

The troopers and their horses were camped on the lawn in front of the Chateau. As the platoon arrived at the gates, the two men on duty at the gate moved their horses to bar the way. Pierre, dressed as the infantry captain, ordered them aside. The troopers, with the arrogance of cavalry in the presence of infantry, were slow to comply but they did give way. With a whack, Captain Pierre laid the flat of his sword on the haunches of both horses causing them to rear up and jump aside, with the troopers frantically trying to control their mounts. He muttered “Cochons!” and stepped forward through the gates

The platoon followed—laughing at their discomfort, but rapidly calming down under the icy glare of their officer—through the gates and into the grounds beyond. The small party marched over to the wagons and the captain roused up the drivers and ordered them to harness the horses and prepare to move. Thoroughly cowed by the fierce manner of the officer, they set about their task. He then strode over to the tent occupied by the senior cavalry officer present. The Colonel was being housed in the Chateau with his guest, the English spy.

Major Curtain the 2^nd in command was shaving when he was interrupted by Captain Petain of the 1st Regiment of Foot. “And who the hell are you?” He said impatiently.

“Sir, I am Captain Petain, in command of the prisoners escort. I have to report that my platoon has been relieved of their prisoners and ordered to ride the wagons for the rest of the march as close escort. There has been a report of partisan activity in this area.”

The Major was disgusted. “I have 150 troopers under arms here, what do they worry about.”

The captain shrugged his shoulders and sighed, as if to say, ‘so what’s new’? The Major also shrugged and thought, ‘bloody amateurs’ and turned to the Captain. “Very well, fall your men in close escort to the wagons; I’ll inform the colonel when he appears. Carry on!”

The Captain saluted and turned and left the tent. As he crossed to the men, he sighed with relief and reported to Ullyet the success of his plan.

Ullyet spoke quietly to Midshipman Dawson, “I want you to contact Captain Graham.” He showed Dawson the map they had made of the area pointing out where their Captain should be. “Tell him that we are in command of the wagons. As soon as the ambush occurs, we will turn the wagons and make for the beach. If he concentrates on keeping the cavalry occupied, we should manage the rest.” He walked with the young man down to the gate and past the two disgruntled troopers who glared at them but let them through. He sent the boy off and turned to the troopers. “Captain Petain, oh ho!” and shrugged his shoulders and returned to the wagons.

 

Alan Dawson put his rifle over his shoulder and trotted down the road towards Lorient; he stopped, studied the map and looked about at the local area. He climbed the bank beside the road on the left and from the top of the bank he called out in a clear voice, “Captain Graham, Sir?”

A green-jacketed figure rose from behind the hedge, and pointed down the road towards Lorient, “Should find him just before the corner, Mr. Dawson!” He touched his hat and sank down once more.

Dawson ran down to the corner and found the captain. He explained to Robert the developments regarding the prisoners. Robert sent messengers down the line both ways to warn the riflemen to avoid the wagons and carriage and ordered Dawson to remain with him to act as messenger if required.

The camping arrangements had taken them by surprise, however it had simplified matters. That they were able to get the prisoners out of the way unharmed left the field clear for the rest of the operation on the road after the column left the Chateau. The infantry men were ideally placed to support the ambush party if necessary; otherwise they were well situated to escape to the beach while the cavalry were otherwise occupied.

The wagons and their drivers were lined up ready to leave by the time the colonel and his guest came out of the Chateau. Ignoring the trooper’s formation, they boarded the coach and the cavalcade moved off through the gates for the final ten mile stretch to Lorient.

The long column stretched out on the country road, the leading unit out of sight round a bend and the skirmishers as much as a mile ahead of the train. Two of the infantrymen dropped back to march beside the carriage, dropping back until they were beside the rear wheels as two more took their place either side of the front wheels. Nobody commented and for another half mile the march continued without incident.

Suddenly a cry was heard from near the front of the column and the entire party shambled to a halt. There was shouting from further up the road and a galloper came to report to the Colonel, a peasant’s hay cart had broken a wheel, blocking the road where it went out of a cutting. Men were moving it now, it would be just a few moments.

The front section of the escort was well ahead by now unaware of the incident behind them. A volley of shots rang out and several troopers fell around the peasant cart. The men immediately in front of the wagons suddenly found themselves under fire from both sides of the road. Seventeen men fell at the next volley.

The sound of the shots brought the rearguard pounding forward to support the section under fire, leaving the defence of the wagons and carriage to the infantry platoon. Drawing their carbines ready, they ran into a fire storm of bullets fired with extreme accuracy from both sides of the road. The steady volleys shattered the ranks of the beleaguered troopers, who were watching their comrades fall on all sides. Their discipline was not sufficient to stand this sort of fire and they broke, scattering in all directions. Under the command of Captain Ullyet, the wagons and carriage turned and retreated back the way they had come. The colonel and his companion were flung about inside as the driver whipped the horses to escape the flying bullets that were murdering the cavalry.

The soldiers marching alongside the carriage jumped up and clung on for dear life riding the steps of the vehicle while holding onto the window frames, the soldiers with the wagons climbed frantically onboard and clung on for dear life.

Back at the Chateau gates, the carriage stopped and the Colonel and his companion got out. They were tousled and furious. As the Colonel opened his mouth to speak, Captain Ullyet appeared on a trooper’s horse, and ordered them both back inside the carriage. He emphasised his order with a levelled pistol. The wagons caught up and the whole party together once more made their way back to the beach.

As they approached the beach, the boats had just begun ferrying Green Jackets who had been sent down direct from road out to the frigate. The cutter was close inshore, awaiting the wagons; groups of men were there to help with loading the small boats waiting on the beach.

The Colonel was released from the carriage and he and the civilian were taken under escort out to the frigate. As the loading progressed, the sound of horses was heard from the woods above the beach, Midshipman Abbot in charge of the beach party signalled a warning to Roister even as Captain Ullyet and his riflemen deployed in cover along the beach edge, rifles ready.

As the first of the cavalry broke cover, rifles cracked, and the three troopers dropped from their saddles. No others showed themselves; though several shots were fired from within the trees.

 

The loading was now completed; all the contents of the wagons had been taken on board so Ullyet’s riflemen retreated down the beach in groups of three. When they reached the water’s edge, a signal to the ship was followed by cannon fire from the ship causing the trees to shudder with the impact of the hail of shot from the grape charge. The retreating men piled onto the waiting boats and were pulled out to the ship passing swiftly out of range of the trooper’s carbines.

Robert greeted the Colonel of cavalry and the civilian in his cabin, the Colonel handed his sword over with the comment that the party would not get far; he would be reclaiming it shortly! Robert sent him to join the other prisoners and turned his attention to the civilian.

As the two ships sailed past Ile-de-Groix, sails were spotted downwind—two ships, both under topsails. The signal to increase sail flew up to the yard of Roister, and the top-men raced up through the rigging to set the sails, the ship moved appreciably faster in response to the extra sails set. On the cutter she set her trysail and a spanker below the long bowsprit. Both ships settled slightly in the water, and the race began in earnest.

It was soon apparent that the cutter would not be able to keep up the pace, despite her best efforts she kept dropping behind. Roister slowed, easing her sails to keep company.

Astern the pursuing ships began to gradually increase in size as they closed the range.

It is often the case that when things look as if they are going well, it could be time to look over your shoulder. Captain Graham went on deck and spoke to the master Mr. Callow, “How soon will they be with us?”

“Not until after dark, we should have a chance to lose them in the dark, but with Quimper off to starboard we have to turn to port and they will know that.”

“I think the blockade fleet should be in the area of Brest, and we will be up to there shortly, so what I think is we will take advantage of the prevailing wind here and turn in to the bay of Brest whilst it is still light, then out past the Ile Beniguet as soon as night falls. Since we have not seen the blockade fleet, I would guess they have sailed out beyond Ile d’Ouessant and will be returning with the dusk. If I am wrong, we’ll fight.” He shrugged and went below to question the spy.

In the cabin the civilian from the carriage was seated on the bench beneath the stern windows, his back to the light, he appeared relaxed and rose to his feet when Robert entered.

The man walked over and seated himself in the chair opposite Robert’s desk. “The window seat is a pleasant place to sit in your little ship.” He drawled the words and seemed perfectly at ease.

Robert looked at him gravely. He was a tall man, perhaps 6 feet even, with black hair swept back and held by a black ribbon over the collar of his neat jacket, also black. Robert did not recognize him, which was not that surprising, since he did not move in the exalted circles of government or society. Amelie however did know him, and when she appeared through the cabin door the stranger blanched.

For the first time Robert spoke. “Who are you, and if you would please explain why you were being entertained by the French military?” There was a lengthy silence while the stranger struggled to think of an answer that would be accepted.

Amelie spoke. “Perhaps it would be easier if I opened proceedings with a little background!

To Robert she said. “This is Lord Charles Wade.”

Robert looked up sharply at the name, although he did not know the face, the name was familiar to most people in England.

Amelie continued “Lord Wade is a confidant of our foreign minister and regularly is called upon to advise Horse Guards on our military strategy. His lordship comes from an Irish landed family of considerable antiquity but questionable ethics. Over the centuries they have suffered from a succession of extravagant descendants. The family holdings have been progressively sold off until at this present time they consist of a semi-ruined castle in the west of Ireland, and an empty title.

“Like many of his forebears, Lord Charles has had to depend on his wits to live in the manner he feels is appropriate. Spying for the French provides an income.”

The silence following these damning comments extended until finally broken by the subject.

“I find that the politics of the European nations are all driven by greed. The so called rule of the people in France is a sham, and Napoleon will no doubt soon declare himself as King. The Royal family in Britain comprises weak, sick, self-indulgent Princes; one a buffoon the other a stuffed shirt. Their father shows no sign of interest in either. I enjoy a better standard of living playing one against the other, and why not? For me there is no loyalty due to either side, their financial contributions to my living have been earned with the impartial transmission of information in both directions.”

He sat back with a smug look in his face, expecting that he had explained himself in a satisfactory way. The proceedings were interrupted by a knock on the door. On being told to enter, the bo’sun saluted and said “I’ve rigged the noose from the yardarm for the spy, sir! It’s all ready when you are.”

“Very good bo’sun, I’ll let you know when we’re ready.”

There was another lengthy silence when the bo’sun withdrew, and it was a very shaken Lord Charles who broke the silence. “What is all this about hanging?”

“Why, that is the sentence for spying under British law, and added to that is the charge of treason against the crown, which also carries the death penalty. By hanging you now it saves you having to anticipate being hung for the next few weeks, gets it all over quickly.” Amelie said brightly.

Lord Charles looked appalled, “But… but” he stuttered “I have to be tried in court, there are explanations I can make information I can help with….” He trailed off and buried his head in his hands.

Amelie was relentless “By hanging you now we will save a lot of time and expense, and in the circumstances the Captain of a Naval ship at sea has the right to try and sentence enemies of the crown, they call it summery justice in law!”

Robert looked up on hearing this, and for the first time began to understand how clever this pretty woman was. Whatever else happened there was no way that Lord Charles would hang on this ship, he had neither the power nor the right to arrange that, but Lord Charles didn’t know that!

Meanwhile Lord Charles was telling Amelie everything he knew including a list of sympathisers in the hierarchy of the war department and the admiralty, evidently one of the reasons for the frustration of several operations over the past few years.

He called for his clerk, and having seen him settled with pen and paper, left the cabin to Amelie, her broken informant and the clerk, and returned to the clean sea air of the quarterdeck.

 

Some of the things that seem to be trouble can suddenly become a benefit. So it was with the chasing ships, far from threatening capture the chasing ships were in fact two of the frigates from the blockading fleet, returning from a sweep down coast. By the time Roister and her consort made contact with the flagship the two frigates had rejoined the fleet.