MARCH 1986 NEWSLETTER

LAST MEETING - JOHANNESBURG - 13TH FEBRUARY 1986.

The evenng's proceedings opened with Major Darrell Hall's slide presentation titled "Regimental Heritage". Major Hall gave a brief exposition of the origin of The Royal Regiment of Artillery, the honour titles borne by various batteries and the customs associated with the presentation of silver to the Regiment. The magnificent slides of various items of regimental and battery silver did ample justice to these superb pieces. Amongst the items shown were perfect replicas of artillery pieces and their crews.

The main speaker for the evening was Mr. George Tremoulet whose subject was "The English Civil War of 1642/1648".

Mr. Tremoulet outlined the political and social factors that led to King Charles I's confrontation with Parliament. The main reasons for the conflict were Charles's conviction that he ruled by the will of God, and, secondly, religious differences and prejudices were splitting the English people. Parliament was called to assemble only very infrequently. Matters came to a head in January 1642 when Charles attempted to arrest the five Members of Parliament who were the ringleaders of the opposition to his authority. The King led his men into the House of Commons only to discover that, as he himself said, "All my birds have flown". He had hoped to quickly eliminate opposition, but had plunged England into a bloody Civil War. The Royal Navy and the London trained bands declared for Parliament and the King and his family fled London.

The King raised the Royal Standard at Nottingham, and began to form an army. London, its surrounding counties, and East Anglia were the centre of Parliamentary opposition, whilst, in Wales, the southwest, and the north, the counties declared for the King.

The King's army then proceeded to march on London. The two armies met at Edgehill, where the first battle of the war was fought on October 23rd 1642. After the initial skirmishing, Prince Rupert, the nephew of the King, led the right flank of Cavalier horse in a furious charge on the Parliamentary foot. At this critical time a section of Parliamentary cavalry decided to go over to the King. This act of desertion, together with the terrifying impact of Rupert's charge swept the Parliamentary cavalry off the field. However, there was no stopping the Royalist cavalry. They pursued the fleeing Parliamentary horse and proceeded to plunder the nearby village of Kineton. The infantry of both sides then engaged in a bloody hand to hand struggle, eventually fighting to a standstill.

A more decisive battle was fought at Marston Moor, near York, on 2nd July 1644. After standing to all afternoon, Prince Rupert allowed his men to break ranks and eat. However, at about 7.30, just as a thunderstorm was breaking, Lord Leven, the Parliamentary commander, gave the order to attack. A very hard fought and bloody battle now took place, the field eventually being won by Oliver Cromwell's cavalry. The King's army in the north was destroyed.

A year later, on 14th June 1645, the decisive battle of the war was fought in the Midlands at Naseby. Again, the benefit of a successful Royalist cavalry charge was lost when the Cavaliers left the field in pursuit of plunder. When Rupert eventually brought them back to the field of battle the day was lost.

The King was eventually captured, and on 30th January 1649, executed. Cromwell became Lord Protector. After Cromwell's death Charles II was restored to the throne.

Mr. Stewart Stiles thanked Mr. Tremoulet for the fascinating insight into this period of history.

Future Meetings

Johannesburg - March 13th - Dr. Roy Macnab - "Defence of the French Cavalry School at Saumur in June, 1940."

- April 10th - Annual General Meeting and Film.

Durban

March 20th - Major Darrell Hall - "The Secret War with Japan."

Cape Town

March 13th - Mr. Louis Ribbink - "The Tobruk Run."

One Day Tour - Sunday March 16th 1986.

Rendezvous at the South African Air Force Memorial at 9.20 a.m. for 9.30 lecture. This memorial can be seen from the Ben Schoeman Highway and is approached by means of the Voortrekkerhoogte road.

Other Matters.

(1.) Field Outing to Spionkop and Ladysmith - 16th and 17th May 1986.

The Durban Branch of our Society has advised that an invitation has been received from the Natal Branch of the Southern African Museums Association for any member to participate in the above outing. The provisional itinerary is:

16th May - 14h00 Tour to archaeological dig in Spionkop reserve led by Dr. Tim Maggs, followed by braai and talk on the Iron Age in the area.

17th May - 8h00 Visit to Spionkop for lecture by Mr. Gilbert Torlage. - 10.30 Depart for Ladysmith to visit the NEW SIEGE MUSEUM followed by light lunch.

After lunch, Dr. Thorrold will lead a tour of Platrand and Caesar's Point (Wagon Hill).

If you are interested in attending this outing please contact Mr. Graham Dominy of the Natal Provincial Museum Services. (Telephone:0331-nnnnn or Private Bag mmmm, Pietermaritzburg, 3200. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

STEWART STILES