Wednesday 5 December 2018

Hessians in Britain during the Seven Years War

From Kronoskaf 
On March 28 1756, George II informed the Houses of Parliament of Great Britain that the French Court was planning the invasion of Great Britain and that, consequently, he intended to requisition a body of Hessian troops and to use it as reinforcement for Great Britain. The same day, the contingent of the Hesse-Kassel Army started to assemble in Germany. It consisted of 8 regiments. From March 28 to April 20, this Hessian contingent marched towards Bremen. On May 2, it embarked aboard 48 British transports at Stade. On May 15, it landed at Southampton. From May 19 to 22, it was transported to the region of Salisbury where it took its cantonments. By May 23, the Hessian contingent had been quartered in Hampshire. From July 11 to 14, it moved to its new encampment at Winchester. In December, it took its winter-quarters in the Counties of Chichester, Salisbury and Southampton. From April 23 to 27 1757, the Hessian contingent embarked aboard 43 British transports at Chatham to return to Germany. On May 1, the convoy sailed from Chatham. From May 11 to 16, the convoy gradually reached Stade after having suffered a severe tempest. 
Been interested in this subject so was pleased when Thomas Whitfield posted this article. Apparently it is going to be on BBC Four this evening. I don't normally watch tv but I might watch Digging for Britain on the Hessian camp at Barton farm. Read about it here

SYW Hessians by Gerry and Sam Embleton from the Osprey Frederick the Greats Allies

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