The Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits 1594

[OB]

The battle of the Ford of the Biscuits was the first outing for units of the new Irish Army.  There were more traditional units too, Redshanks and Kern both of whom performed well.  The future though belonged to the new units many of whom who would looked like this recreation from the National Museum at the foot of the page.  There's an account of the battle with an excellent map created by historian James O'Neill on my blog if it's of interest.

https://youdonotknowthenorth.blogspot.com

[Romark]

Lovely write up on the blog 

[OB]

Thanks Romark much appreciated.

[Eoin OCnaimhsi]

As soon as I get a minute I will be checking it out OB, no doubt well written and researched. That picture is really evocative. Maybe its my bias but that combination of saffron leine, morion and handgun really makes the Irish of this period a treat to paint and collect.

[Romark]

That picture is really evocative. Maybe its my bias but that combination of saffron leine, morion and handgun really makes the Irish of this period a treat to paint and collect.

I wholeheartedly agree 

[has.been]

Thanks for posting. A neat little battle, & Irish to boot (win, win)

[FierceKitty]

Faith, and next toime oi'll be bringing me old shoes along too!

[Gaz]

Great piece. I was not aware of the skirmishing tactics of the time. Make perfect sense.

[carlos marighela]

Very nice write-up but the essential question remains unanswered. Rich Tea or Digestives?

[OB]

Thanks for the kind words fellows.

It was too early for Garibaldis!

The technical aspects of soldiering in the Nine Years War are very striking. There was a right way of doing things and if you got it wrong you paid the price.  The Irish benefited from the latest Spanish military techniques.  The English military theorists like Sir John (bring back the Longbow) Smith were sharply aware of how a skirmish should be conducted.  When we read of how skirmishing was done we are left with the sensation of how modern it all was.

[Friends of General Haig]

Very interesting post - thanks for sharing.

[OB]

Happy too and there's more coming.  Glad you're enjoying it.