George and his friend
were thus separated, the latter being of those who remained in the
swamp to keep up appearances. It was a clever bit of strategy, and,
before Villeroy realized the truth, Tavieres had been rushed with a
splendid charge. The fact that the attack on Anderkirk had been only a
feint came to the French commander's understanding too late. His
centre, with the village of Ramillies and the Tomb of Ottomond
commanding it, the really important positions of the day, was weakened
by the loss of troops sent on a wild-goose chase.
Ere Villeroy could repair the mischief and summon his men from
Anderkirk, Marlborough had sent down upon the French centre a great
body of cavalry under the command of Auerkerke, the Dutch general.
English and Dutch horse combined in this assault, and George Fairburn
found himself one of a host dashing upon the village of Ramillies.
There was a terrific shock, a few moments of fierce onslaught, and the
first line of the enemy gave way. Through the broken and disorganized
line the cavalry swept, to charge the second.
Another shock, even greater than the first. The Frenchmen of the
second line stood firm, for were they not the famous Household
Regiment--the Maison du Roi--of Louis, and probably the finest troops
in Europe.
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