Aughrim 1691 (Part 4): "Sing Lads Sing, I want them to Hear you in Heaven but Fear you in Hell"

My force now focused on the taking of bridge, or at least to secure enough pressure on the Irish Right Flank so it could not assist the Irish Center in any effective way. There was an increasing sense of despondency coming from the Irish Command. The only clear way of retreat for the Irish lay along that road that followed the bridge, but to any coherent appraisal the Irish Army already looked lost (see below): 

The British and Dutch Skirmishers moved towards the river line and the cannon was ordered forwards. The Horse could but merely parade until the bridge was uncovered (see below):

Two additional line regiments were sent to assist but because of the nature of the terrain they would be a long time coming (see below):

These regiments undertook a steady muddy march, along the way inspecting the various species of native fauna and wildlife that inhabited the Irish bog in the year 1691 (see below):

Meanwhile the main bulk of the British and Dutch infantry were now emerging from the worst of the Irish bog onto dry land in the centre of the battlefield. Note: "Dry" has always been a rather relative term in Ireland (see below):

Over on the Irish Left Flank the British and Dutch cavalry had completely occupied the original starting positions of the Irish Forces, pushed them back into a "do-or-die" last defensive position. There seemed prudence in now waiting for the central infantry push to be felt before committing forces for the final attack (see below, this is the Irish left flank but none of these troops are Irish):

As seen from the top of the "Irish Hill" at Aughrim. The Irish Command tent is ablaze with "bad" and "disturbing" news. The mass of British and Dutch infantry can be seen approaching in teh distance. The sound of fighting to the Irish left can be heard. However the trouble with getting accurate 'bad news' is that the Irish Commander does not have any more troops to replace the ones he has already lost. It is only a question of how long they can last rather than if they can win (see below):

Meanwhile my Skirmishers are getting into position although the cannon had not been deployed (see below):

The Skirmishers eye their opposite up. The Irish Commander would dearly like a "draw" on this flank as he has already lost the other and seems unlikely to win in the centre (see below):

There is furious pushing pulling of the light gun to get it finally into place. The "Horse" have merely watched all day, yearning for the chance of a breakthrough and gallant "charge" (see below):

Meanwhile the British and Dutch infantry are relieved to be finally on dry ground, out of the boggy mess but grimly assessing their chances of storming the hedges and taking the hill. It would be formidable in defence if they were tasked with holding it but the Irish seem to have hurt themselves by not adhering to standard recognised infantry formations. Regiments were left exposed and unsupported. The general works (or rather hedges) seem to be defended too far forwards pinning their troops in exposed positions but not massed to contest key parts of the hill (see below, the long lines of red are impressive): 

The cannon have done their part and the infantry, the "Queen of the battlefield" must take possession of the enemy positions.

Next: The matter is settled