This picture by Carrey represents the night charge of a squadron of 22nd Dragoons against German trenches near CompiÈgne. During the night of September 9th, the squadron leader, who had received orders to endeavour to intercept and capture a large enemy convoy, suddenly came under a hot fire from German trenches. In the darkness it was impossible to choose his country, but the position before him must be attacked, and, signalling the charge, he led his squadron at the trenches. As the first line rose to the jump the Germans scuttled out in panic, only to be ridden down and destroyed. With the 22nd are shown two troopers of the 4th Dragoon Guards, belonging to the 2nd British Cavalry Brigade. Both had fought at Mons, but during the retirement had lost their regiment, and after wandering about for some days fallen in with the 22nd Dragoons and fought for some weeks in their ranks. Whilst still under heavy fire, one of these Englishmen, throwing the reins of his horse to his companion, dismounted and ran to and rescued a French trooper whose horse had fallen dead and pinned him to the ground; on rejoining their own regiment their French commanding officer gave them the following certificate of service: “I, the undersigned, certify that T..... and B....., troopers, belonging to the 4th Dragoon “T..... and B..... took part in a charge by night against entrenched infantry, and helped in the fighting on the outskirts of the forest of CompiÈgne. “They are both men of fine courage and high training, and have given me every satisfaction. “(Signed) A. De S., “Captain, 22nd Dragoons.” (Le Temps.) |