Oxford Tactical Weekend

The brave and hardy souls of the 41^stmet at Magor services  before setting off on a uneventful journey to some small hamlet on the outskirts of Oxford. 

An evening in the local pub was followed by our intrepid redcoats sleeping in cars and pup tents before arising the next morning to face uncertain weather and an unknown destination. 

We were joined by a detachment of Coldstreams playing the role of light infantry and the 3^rd Bat the 95^th rifles.  Arranged against us were a motley crew of French and a cannon.

The first day consisted of a 6 mile march across country, and through woods, skirmishing the French as we went.  As afternoon wore on our final mission was to drive the French from our intended base camp and in a glorious advance the 41^stflanked by the Coldstreams took the wood and drove on to hold the bridge and secure the parameter.  As night fell a truce was agreed until 10pm to allow both forces to arrange their camps.

The 41^st set to work using the canvas sheet carried with them to make shelters and a fire was started.  Food was that period food that we carried in our packs, and weapon checks were made.  At 10 the campaign would start again.

Raiding parties were arranged, first the 95^th sullied forth, encountering the French in their camp and conducting an attack in near darkness.  The next to go were the brave 41^st.  3 Privates and a Captain left to seek out the French at midnight in total darkness but while they were taking the French Camp the French invaded ours and claimed to have shot our Major.

Our camp stood to, repelled the French and despite several false alarms no further action was seen that night and at 3am we all retired,

Camp was struck at 0830 and the company marched back 1 ½ miles to where the packs could be stored.  Following a briefing, the British force once again took to the road to cover the 1 ½ miles to the last battle field, where the French formed a skirmish line and attempted push us back to the road.  Again with the 95^th skirmishing in the woods on our right flank and the Coldstreams  on our left the 41^st advanced across the field a quarter of a mile driving the French into the arms of the 95^th before with fixed bayonets, finishing them to a man.

The march back with our French prisoners was tiring but satisfying and the all announced that the weekend had been a success but was not for the faint hearted.