How a bunch of fat guys falling off horses wrecked the British Empire

[Alt History Buff]

Ok, all, it's been a while since I contributed to this forum. I've had some ideas knocking about my head for some time regarding some possible/probable events of the 7 Years War and thought about switching commanders for Great Britain's American, German and Indian Campaigns.

Some key background is the survival of Prince Frederick of Wales by 1757 (OTL dead in 1751).


Chapter 1 - The Favored Son, the Hated Son

St. James Palace, London, Royal Summer Residence

1757 - March

The Duke of Newcastle almost obsequiously retreated from the Royal Presence. The Duke's favor had fallen almost as much in Court as it had in Parliament...or with the London mob. A long-serving functionary of the Crown, the Duke now lead the government, his younger brother Henry Pelham, the former First Lord of the Treasury, now long dead. Though the Pelhams were favorites in Court for nearly half a century, the King's temper fell by the hour as his beloved Electorate of Hanover proved in ever greater peril. It had been Newcastle that arranged the paradoxical alliance with Prussia to "preserve the peace" despite Prussia being the most persistent threat to the King's German ancestral homeland. By allying with the most probable threat against Hanover by Britain's historic enemy France and historic ally Austria (now, oddly, those two great nations allied), this Treaty with Prussia was intended to guarantee Hanover's safety.

It worked until Frederick II of Prussia took it upon himself to invade Saxony, a neutral nation, which the madman referred to as a "defensive measure". The Prussian's logic was that the odd alliance between France, Austria and Russia was eventually going to build up enough to crush Prussia and then conquer Hanover. By seizing Saxony's strategic and martial forces, Frederick claimed Prussia would be better able to defend itself in a war sure to come anyway so why not start it on his terms when his own army was at high alert and the Prussian may knock Austria out of the war, perhaps even preventing Russia or France from getting involved on time?

Newcastle thought this was nonsense as the alliance between France and Austria was unnatural and sure to fail sooner rather than later. The two had been historic enemies whom clashed over the little states of the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. There was no basis for long-term alliance. And Russia bluntly had no reason to be involved in any such squabbles, not strategically anyway. As long as Prussia didn't do something stupid, the French-Austrian-Russian Pact would fall apart.

Invading Saxony had been stupid. It not only cemented the Austria-France-Russia alliance but brought in normally neutral states like Wurttemburg, Mecklenberg , Sweden and Bavaria to the side of the allies. Meanwhile, the swift and relatively easy conquest of Saxony apparently provided few real boons from taxation or manpower as the Saxon soldiers tended to desert anyway, nor were they in any capable state to begin with.

Needless to say, the old King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover was not pleased that his "defensive alliance" started the damn war he was trying to avoid! The King repeated demanded more and more British resources be placed to defend Hanover, an unpopular step in Parliament where jingoistic opposition politicians gleefully brought their case to public. The Peer was hampered by his lack of presence in the Commons but he'd come up with a series of "allies", "cyphers" or various other persons whom did that adequately, if not especially well. Still, the Duke's majority was getting thin.

Something needed to change. Unfortunately, the previous year brought the Fall of Minorca to his administration. Support among the backbenchers dropped. The poor initial results in America and the Electorate did not make Newcastle any more popular.

Newcastle was planning on returning to his offices when he was interrupted by an older man in officer's garments. He recognized John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, a Scottish lord and favorite of the King's youngest son, Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, whom now commanded the King's British, Hanoverian and allied forces in Hanover. While the Prince of Wales was loathed by the King beyond measure, the Duke of Cumberland was loved. Therefore, Cumberland, the Commander-in-Chief, always has his father's ear in assignments. Newcastle was not a military man and knew that the King would not take well to a mere First Lord of the Treasury crossing his son's martial orders, therefore Newcastle stayed out such matters. Cumberland therefore was given free reign with assignments and frequently gave high commands to his sycophants, many of whom served with him in the Jacobite Rebellion of '45.

Loudoun was among these. He'd been serving as an aide to Cumberland in Germany when James Braddock, the commander of King George II's slight forces in America, and his force were butchered in some backwoods wilderness in Virginia...or Pennsylvania...or some such, the First Lord wasn't sure of the topography of the colonies (nor did he care). Loudoun was "recommended" by Cumberland to replace Braddock. Naturally, the King agreed without hesitation despite this bypassing the First Lord and Board of Trade which nominally administered the colonies and should have had a say in the matter.

Loudoun was another Cumberland appointee with the typical qualifications: Loyal to the Duke, Loyal to Royal Prerogative, Scottish (oddly, given how many Scots Cumberland had murdered in the aftermath of the Rebellion), martially capable in matters like logistics and supply but deeply unimaginative. Other Cumberland appointees include names like Monro, Webb, Abercrombie...etc, all with the same skillset.

"Lord Loudoun!" Newcastle exclaimed with false warmth. "I thought your ship to America was to depart this week!"

Grimly, the Earl nodded. "Tomorrow, Lord Newcastle, it was supposed to be. But this very morning, I received word of a tragedy. The Duke has sustained an accident in battle while defending Hanover. Poor fellow fell from his horse and broke his leg. Fortunately, his missive arrived before I boarded ship. I am to return to Germany without delay and assume command of the forces...provided King George agrees, of course."

Naturally, Newcastle thought. His Majesty would not demur from a recommendation from his favorite son.

Though not enamored with the Duke of Cumberland's martial ability any more than that of his lackeys, Newcastle realized that an abrupt change of command would not help the war in Germany, not with superior French forces threatening Hanover. Beyond risking the King's ancestral homeland, this would also spell doom for Frederick II as it would allow King Louis' soldiers to flood to Prussia's borders where Frederick was already busy fighting Swedes, Russians, Austrians and a host of smaller nations. While a part of Newcastle thought SERVES HIM RIGHT, the old politician knew that Frederick's fall under such circumstances would not bode well for Britain, or King George II. Their ally could not simply be abandoned no matter how dismally he'd treated Britain.

"Then I shall assembly the Privy Council, sir," Newcastle replied. "We have much to discuss."

Loudoun shrugged, indifferent to what the Privy Council thought. The Duke of Cumberland had written the order. Did anyone think the King would refuse? The soldiers dismissed himself to seek a Royal Audience. Presumably the King would be getting informed of his favorite son's injury now. How Loudoun found out first was uncertain and probably a power game by the Cumberland.

It didn't matter to Newcastle. The First Lord had other problems like Pitt rousing support among the opposition. Oh, the loudmouth would not normally be a threat, only an irritant. Elections in Britain were rigged in favor of the Establishment. Boroughs were usually reserved for a few voters, bought by local lords whom were in turn controlled by the King's patronage, namely lucrative offices and honors. Usually, that was enough to maintain a majority in Parliament. Too many defeats on the battlefield, though, and typically neutral or supportive Parliamentarians may start listening to rabble-rousers like Pitt.

Newcastle wondered how one fat Prince falling from his horse may alter his own political future.

Almost before he could turn around, a cry went out behind him and Newcastle was astounded to discover the Prince of Wales had actually set foot upon St. James marble floors. Prince Frederick, eldest son of the King, had feuded with his father for the better part of two decades. After the death of the Queen, the Prince reputedly celebrated, incurring even greater ire from George II. For years, the Prince had allied with various opposition politicians, mainly Pitt recently. As best Newcastle could tell, this was mainly due to his loathing of his father and general glee of irritating the King than any real political convictions. No wonder the King openly loathed the bastard. Newcastle supposed this made the Prince an enemy but the First Lord already had plenty of those and never let it get personal. He usually remained civil with the Prince on the few occasions they crossed paths.

"Lord Newcastle," the Prince nodded. Stunned, the First Lord merely nodded in response. "Is the news of my brother's injury true?"

"I only learned moments ago, Your Highness, and hope to know more by the end of the day. A broken leg is what I hear."

"A pity," the Prince muttered. Many years apart in age, the two surviving sons of the King were not close but not reputedly personal enemies. "I shall pray for his swift recovery."

"I, as well, sir."

With that, the Prince nodded and turned for the exit, apparently of no mind to comfort the King, whom must soon be in anguish. Pathetic, Newcastle shook his head at the Prince's retreating back. No doubt this will drive an even greater wedge between the King and Heir, no less than the death of Queen Caroline.

God save Great Britain from the House of Hanover. George II hated his father with equal fervor and the nation often paid the price of their internal feud. The Prince's son, George (Newcastle was surprised that the Prince of Wales actually named his son after the King) must be in his teens now. The First Lord wondered if he'd hate his father as much as previous generations had. Reportedly, the Prince actually personally oversaw his son's studies. Perhaps that bode well for the future. God knows no other King in recent memory cared. More than once, Newcastle had wondered what might have happened if William and Mary, or perhaps the old Queen Anne of Denmark, might have proven more fertile. Perhaps Britain might have been spared summoning the House of Hanover from Germany to rule the nation.

Newcastle shook it off and returned to his offices. No doubt the King would summon him soon for a "consultation" which would presumably entail Newcastle listening for hours to the German-born King's histrionics regarding something neither he nor anyone else could change.

In truth, the Duke of Newcastle was uncertain if it would benefit or detract from the war effort if Cumberland died of his injury. That was not a pleasant thought.

 

[Alt History Buff]

Chapter 2 - Incremental Gains

Ford Edward, south of Fort William Henry, near Lake George, northern Province of New York approaching French Quebec

July, 1757

Colonel George Howe, 3rd Viscount Howe (since he was ten years old and his father died of some West Indian pox while serving as governor), of the British Army's 55th Regiment virtually shook with rage, poor William Johnson of the Colonial militia echoed this sentiment, spitting upon the ground as the pair of soldiers exited their commander's office in Fort Edward.

"I'd never have imagined it," Johnson, a wealthy colonial trader and Indian agent, smoldered, "but I've finally met an English coward."

Howe could hardly dissent. As the pair of soldiers paced through Fort Edward, the French besieged Fort William Henry, barely a few dozen miles to the north, and her gallant commander, George Monro. With the arrival of Johnson's 1500 colonial troops augmenting the admittedly meager British forces, there were more than enough resources to at least attempt to relieve Monro.

But General Daniel Webb of the British Army was adamant: no expedition. Rumors of a French army of 11,000 were apparently believed by the General and the man was too terrified to act. The fact that 11,000 Frenchmen besieging Fort William Henry would have represented virtually every able-bodied Frenchman in New France from the Atlantic to the northern trading posts, a virtual impossibility, could not move the General's opinion.

Fort William Henry and her gallant garrison was to be abandoned.

Though regular officer and colonials seldom mixed, most aristocratic regular officers looked down upon country bumpkins, the thirty-three year old Howe was of a different stripe. High born, his family knew the Royal Family quite well, at least the Prince of Wales (though they knew better than to get involved in the rivalry between King and Prince). Having set foot in America only months prior, the Colonel had swiftly achieved respect from all involved in the war. Many viewed him as perhaps the finest young officer in the army and a sure bet for higher command, provided that he did not take the well-worn path of sitting in Parliament. Like his younger brothers, the Viscount preferred a martial life to sitting in the House of Lords. Richard served in the Royal Navy, Thomas the East India Company Navy and William the Army. Perhaps his brothers would someday seek office in the Commons but not today, not during war. One only had so many opportunities in life to command a force in war. You simply had to take them in order to be recalled in posterity.

Infuriated by Webb's cowardice, both men grudgingly began writing up their orders for their subordinates. Howe had nearly finished the painful documents when one of his aides burst in.

"Colonel!" the man veritably shouted. "It's General Webb!!"

"What, man, what?!!!"

Catching his breath and his dignity, the young officer managed, "The General went for a ride along some local farm, sir, said to clear his nerves! At full gallop, the General's head hit a low hanging tree branch! Oh, the man is knocked senseless! The surgeon has already looked at him and is greatly worried!"

Howe stopped writing. His mind raced. He was second-in-command.

"Let us see to the General, lad, now. Oh, and send for Brigadier Johnson of the Colonials. He should be there."

Though he owed Webb no personal ire and took no pleasure in the injury of another, Howe realized that this may prove Fort William Henry's savior. The visit to the surgeon proved the truth of the officer's statement. General Webb had sustained a mighty blow, the left side of his forehead visibly depressed. The man had not regained consciousness nor likely would soon...or at all. He departed the surgery and found Johnson waiting for him.

"Did you write your orders dismissing the troops?"

"No," Johnson replied.

"Good. I now command northern New York. We march on Fort William Henry tomorrow, two thousand strong. I'll dispatch a messenger to Colonel Monro to let him know we are coming."

"May I recommend that we attempt the same trick as Frenchy did, sir? Tell them that we have twelve thousand instead of two. I doubt Montcalm would be as gullible as Webb but who knows? It may help."

"Very well, Colonel."

Howe had much to do. Technically, General Abercrombie in New York was the commander-in-chief until someone else arrived, presumably Loudoun if rumors were accurate. Howe knew him but didn't hold a high opinion of the man. In truth, Loudoun should already be present. Howe had no idea what might be keeping him. Abercrombie was a capable staff officer but not a vigorous commander. Maybe Loudoun would turn out to be more than Howe imagined. Maybe not.

But Howe had the battle before him. That was all he could manage. To command even a little colonial army at thirty-three was an accomplishment. He knew that, should Webb survive and Howe fail in his duty, that he may face censure, reprimand, even court-martial. He didn't care. He could not abandon a fellow officer as Webb appeared willing to do.

Though it took him four days instead of one to gather up supplies, carts, etc in adequate quantities to march, march the little army did.

 

[Ciniad]

Interesting love it.
Keep the good work.

 

[Thoresby]

Things seem to be going better than OTL for Britain which considering this is the Seven Years War is hard, I'm guessing from the title though that that means post-war Britain is even more overconfident and has an even bigger comeuppance.

 

[TRH]

Things seem to be going better than OTL for Britain which considering this is the Seven Years War is hard, I'm guessing from the title though that that means post-war Britain is even more overconfident and has an even bigger comeuppance.

We might not be done with our string of fat guys falling off of horses, and the next one might not prove a blessing in disguise.

 

[Alt History Buff]

Chapter 3: The Wrong Man for the Job

Hamelin, southern Electorate of Hanover

July, 1757

Lord Loudon was a British General of German troops. The Army of Hanover was comprised entirely of Germans, mainly local Hanoverian forces mixed with mercenaries of local, preferably Protestant, allies (often related to the House of Hanover) hired by the Regiment from Hesse, Waldeck, Lippe and Brunswick as well as a few thousand Prussians, mainly local troops from the King of Prussia's scattered western territories west of Hanover (Cleves, etc). The British Parliament was already irritated at subsidizing King George II's German ancestral home by paying for this army with British gold, not to mention paying for Hanover ALLY. It was this that galled the regime's enemies the most. They were not only protecting Hanover but protecting the ALLY of Hanover (not, as they saw it, Britain's ally), Prussia, whose King in most eyes started this damned war.

As such, even Lord Newcastle dared not even hint as dispatching actual British troops to Germany for fear that Parliament would balk. No doubt a single soldier would lead to more, and more, of a British army already small by European standards. Though a proud Briton, Loudoun had to admit that his 35,000 Germans could probably stand against and likely defeat the entire British army, now scattered about the world on garrison duty (Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, America, the West Indies and, formerly, Minorca until that island fell). Britons don't like standing armies and preferred them out of the way lest the King opt to use it to oppress their liberties. They always preferring hiring soldiers when necessary, not that much of the nation considered this war "necessary", and griped about the gold expended. Indeed, many Britons barely considered their nation at war at all. The fact that French forces battled British directly in India and America did not phase anyone. That happened all the time, even in the peace. Who cared about some frontier forts in backwoods America or some puppet King in India?

Still, His Majesty had granted Loudoun command of this remarkable force and the Scot intended to repay his King's faith (and that of his sponsor, the Duke of Cumberland, who returned home to recuperate from his injuries). The thin-skinned Scot gleefully (with false politeness) informed the Duke of Brunswick (one of many bearing that title) to return to Frederick II's camp. Initially dispatched by the Prussian King to western Germany to assume command of Hanover's Army of Observation after the Duke of Cumberland was injured, Loudoun's official orders overturned this and the German was sent back to Berlin with his tail between his legs, much to Loudoun's amusement. This was HIS army now.

Still, Loudoun had his problems. The French force invading German number three times his own. However, this was partially offset when many of them were required to occupy Britain's allies - the Prussian territories, Lippe, Brunswick, much of Hesse, etc - and were unavailable as frontline troops. Also, the Earl learned that 20,000 were reportedly planning on bypassing Hanover altogether and march east to join Austria's forces. That was bad for King Frederick but not Lord Loudoun's concern.

He was still outnumbered almost 2 to 1. However, Loudoun had the advantage of strong defenses in southern Hanover and it was almost fall. French generals seldom campaigned in winter. If the Earl could only hang on that long, perhaps the war might be over by Candlemas and a peace negotiated. Frederick was badly outnumbered but had admirably used the superior martial skills of his smaller army to great effect against the pondering forces of Austria. Indeed, after over a year of conflict, the Russians had barely shown up in Europe. Perhaps the capacity of their ponderous armies was overstated. Thus far, Frederick had been able to concentrate his forces against Saxon, Austria and Bavaria. One on one, Loudoun would put his money on the Prussian. Yet, with 20,000 French troops and Sweden invading Pomerania...

If the Russians pull their thumbs out of their asses, perhaps the war WOULD be over by Candlemas but not in the manner Frederick would prefer.

Loudoun dug in, unaware that a last minute change in strategy caused that 20,000 French troops bound for Austria to loop northwards with the intent of bypassing his position.

Memel, East Prussia

August, 1757

The Kingdom of East Prussia was a large but impoverished and unpopulated corner of Frederick's Empire, physically removed from the wealthy Brandenburg by a portion of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Still, it was from here that the King drew his title as most of Frederick's holdings remained in the Holy Roman Empire, in which there were no Kings with full sovereignty (nominally, anyway). Therefore, Frederick always kept a firm hand on East Prussia. Only the requirements to the south forced him to pull troops away.

This allowed the ponderous Russian army to lumber forward and besiege the great fortification of Memel, believed to be invincible. It fell in five days. Shocked the local Prussian commander gathered up most of his remaining forces scattered about the Kingdom and challenged the much larger Russian Army. Outnumber three to one, General Leywandt nevertheless liked his odds. However, the Russians prevailed in a bloody battle leaving most of East Prussia to fall.

This was not a massive strategic, tactical or economic defeat for Frederick. East Prussia was not indispensable to the realm. But politically, it was a disaster. It emboldened Sweden further and convinced Austria that Russia actually intended to participate in the actual war. More so, George II of Great Britain started to panic as he saw a large piece of his ally's kingdom fall.

For his own part, Frederick did was not concerned. Russia's great armies had a key weakness: logistics. So poor were the quartermasters and commissaries of the Russian army that the force was often compelled to sit for months, even after a victory, for inability to adequately control provisions for a march.

With over 100,000 soldiers in East Prussia and Frederick occupied with Austria in the south, a capable army may have marched casually to Berlin without significant resistance.

Instead, the Russians sat there, a victim of their army's incapacity and backwardness. This gave Frederick the breathing room he needed even as he shrilly shrieked to Britain for more funding to pay for his campaigns. Battling allies that outnumbered his Kingdom by 20 to 1 and armies outnumbering his own 3 to 1, the Prussia fought on, intent on knocking Austria out of the war.

August, 1757

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Louisburg, New France

Lord Charles Hay was an old man, but "feisty" was also a common epithet. Some might have used the term "mad" on occasion. Still, the Scot liked to fight and had been doing so for more than thirty years. His timid commander in New York, James Abercrombie, was competent at staff work, but incapable of decisiveness. Abercrombie was unfit for his office and eagerly awaiting his recall. But Loudoun was not common as expected and no new Commander-in-Chief in America was named. The fat Scot did not know what to do. Indeed, Abercrombie was nearly delighted when Hay bullied his commander to allow the long planned assault on Louisburg to commence under his own command.

Armed with 4000 British and 2000 colonial troops, the tough old Hay gathered up his Royal Navy and commandeered American ships to assault Louisburg, the fortress known as the primary French Naval bastion in the Americas. From here, French privateers prowled the Atlantic, making life miserable for the Americans. For once, the Americans were enthusiastic and supported the "old man" with little question.

Hay realized that the mighty harbor of Louisburg would be a tough nut to crack and decided to land troops elsewhere first, allowing a siege to be set up via land, giving the Royal Navy assistance in forcing the harbor. By Mid-August, British artillery was emplaced in at spot about the harbor and forced the French ships to retreat towards the fortification, allowing the Royal Navy in. With less than 2000 defenders, the French realized their handful of ships would not stand against the British and had the cannon and crews unloaded before scuttling the vessels.

With barely a shot fired, the French yielded the Harbor and settled in for a siege. Winter came early in these parts and the commander hoped that this may drive the enemy away for lack of supply or that a French fleet may arrive to save his garrison. The Royal Navy Admiral warned Hay against this possibility as the French no doubt knew of the invasion plans but Hay dismissed this. He'd bet on the Royal Navy any day of the week against the French. No, this would be an army matter that decided Louisburg's fate.

It became a race against time, with no certain winner.

 

[Knightmare]

It became a race against time, with no certain winner.

Well, we know no matter what, the carrion birds will be the real winners here.

 

[Alt History Buff]

Things seem to be going better than OTL for Britain which considering this is the Seven Years War is hard, I'm guessing from the title though that that means post-war Britain is even more overconfident and has an even bigger comeuppance.

Fort William Henry's OTL outcome was more embarrassing than tactically or strategically significant. Montcolm's true intent in 1757 was to ensure that the British didn't attack Carilon that year (I don't think they intended to, anyway) and spoil/hamper any attack on Carillon in 1758 by destroying Fort William Henry, which I suspect was going to be the British advance supply depot for the long and arduous attack on Carillon/Ticonderoga. I doubt that it had much of an effect long term but the psychological scars would linger from Fort William Henry in 1757. Loudoun's botched invasion of Louisburg in 1757 and the Ticonderoga massacre in 1758.

 

[Alt History Buff]

Respective borders in NA between France and Britain early in the war:

 

[Alt History Buff]

Chapter 4: Conquest lost or Where are all these fat guys coming from, anyway?

August, 1757

Calcutta

General Robert Clive of the British East India Company struggled to stifle his rage at the high-handed treatment offered by his new Commander-in-Chief. In truth, John Campbell, 5th Duke of Argyl, actually appeared a competent soldier. However, the thirty-five year old Scot had not really taken to India. Have returned to India in 1756 with an additional commission as a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army along with this Generalship in the Company Army, Clive expected to settle into Fort David, near the coast city of Madras, and quietly oversee trade.

The outbreak of war altered this. In a way, Clive was happy as he was looking forward to more conquest. He'd defeated and replaced the previous Nawab of Arcot, his successor a British puppet and the Company became a power to be reckoned. However, problems soon emerged from Bengal, far to north. The new Nawab of Bengal, a twenty year old sadist, captured the British trading forts and subjected the residents to the most heinous of treatment. Allied with the French, the Nawab seemed unbeatable though Clive knew different. He actively put together a relief expedition when, to his shock, a new "Commander-in-Chief" had been appointed to India.

This was incongruous as the British territories in "India" belonged to the Company, not the Crown. However, a letter from the Company directors, with a tint of apology, explained that his Majesty deemed it wise to dispatch a General to command the Company Armies as well as a Regiment of the Regular establishment. It also hinted that, unless the Company consented, the Royal Navy would not actively protect Company interest. While Clive was happy for the Regulars, he was not glad of a new commander. It become obvious that the Duke of Cumberland had encouraged the King to appoint one of his own cronies to command in India. Fat from six months voyage by sea with no exercise, the still-youthful officer carried a local rank of Major General, outranking any Company official.

Argyl treated the Company officers with amused indifference, referring to them as "Savage-Fighters" and implying they were not worthy of being treated as equals. Argyl immediately halted Clive's sailing, demanding to know particulars as he recuperated from his voyate. Frustrated, Clive explained the situation and that, with every hour of delay, more Britons may be dying. At least, the Scot boarded ship with Clive (much to Clive's disappointment) to offer his experienced leadership and potentially negotiate a settlement with the Nawab. While Clive recommended an immediate attack on the Nawab's forces in Calcutta, Argyl looked at his subordinate and deemed it unwise to risk the majority of His Majesty's forces (including the Company's) in India on one roll of the die. By June, he was still attempting to negotiate.

Several of Clive's officers visibly sighed in relief. They were not excited to march inland through a pestilential hell, surrounded by millions of hostile natives. For months, Argyl negotiated, unaware that the Nawab was systematically killing most of the British in Calcutta. By the time he was convinced to the sociopath's actions, it was largely too late. Calcutta was firming in the Nawab's hands and he had been reinforced by hundred of French and various European mercenaries.

In the meantime, the Indian summer, to which Argyl wasn't emotionally prepared to endure, wore down upon the British forces camped in a swamp near Calcutta. By August, half the army was dead or on sick call, incapable of fighting. Oh, nearly a thousand locals accepted British gold, mainly the Nawab's political enemies or peasants tired the Nawab's treatment took British coin in hastily improvised "irregular Regiments".

Finally, Argyl acted, though unsure of the objective beyond revenge. Was he to conquer Bengal with 1000 British (half sick) and 1000 Sepoys? This seemed unlikely. Clive attempted to organize a coup with various political enemies of the Nawab but he'd missed his moment while waiting for Argyl to make up his mind.

Thus the haphazard force of 2000 marched upon an entrenched army of over 30,000 without any real strategy. The Duke of Argyl soon fell ill but steadfastly refused treatment, stating he would "see the thing through". Refusing to give Clive's advice much attention, the Duke lead his force upon a magnificent white steed, one borrowed or stolen from somewhere. Leading to an open field upon a low hill east of Calcutta, he spied the superior Bengali and French forces. He laid out his forces as best he could, again ignoring Clive's advice to attack. He opted to utilized his handful of cannon to scatter the enemy. For several hours, the two sides exchanged fire. The British was more accurate but the Bengali/French more numerous as well as having the high ground (marked by French gunners). Dozens died on both sides as precious ammunition was expended.

Realizing his error, Argyl finally agreed to attack, though the enemy was much better prepared that he. Argyl, the now humiliated and despondent Clive in tow, rode up and down the line, encouraging his subordinates about to attack, in a wide formation, a superior enemy. Argyl was just about to order the attack when a shell exploded thirty feet away. Miraculously, he was unharmed but his steed would terribly wound. She bucked, reared and finally toppled over...directly onto Clive's mount. The two officers went down in a heap, Argyl stunned and Clive screaming in agony. The combined weight of two horses and his commanding officer had crushed his ankle and later was revealed to have a broken collarbone (He'd feared it was his neck). By the time the adjutants were able to untangle the mess of equine and human limbs, the Sepoys began to flee. Seeing no point in extending this farce, the next-senior officers opted to retreat. Their powder was nearly expended, their Indian allies realizing they'd picked the wrong side and departed without a word and half the remaining British troops collapsing from heatstroke or illness.

Almost without hesitation, the entire army retreated to the safety of the ships along the River. Neither the French nor the Bengalis opted to follow them closely. Within forty-eight hours, Clive recovered enough to demand an accounting and his subordinates stated less than 750 British and Sepoys remained capable of fighting. Against the 30,000 Bengalies and 800 French in Calcutta, this would not do, not to mention the Nawab's other soldiers scattered about Bengal.

Laid low by a fever, Argyl would not recover until he reached Madras. Fortunately for the beleaguered survivors of the British trading factories in Bengal, the French commander managed to talk the Nawab into releasing all British military and civilian prisoners that yet lived. he pointed out that their presence was what prompted this recent British invasion and the Nawab would be well served to simply be rid of them. This was only partially true: the British would not give up their trading privileges in wealthy Bengal so easily. However, the eviction gave the French what they wanted, that being a virtual monopoly on Bengali trade. Only the Dutch and Danes remained and France would soon come to dominate Bengali foreign affairs.

Livid, Clive returned to Madras with only half the men he'd set out with, knowing he'd failed totally. If only Argyl had let him depart for Bengal in January, if only Argyl hadn't wasted more months in fruitless negotiating, if only he'd allowed Clive to attack in the manner he knew most likely to succeed, if only, if only.

Now, the limited British assets in India were even more limited. The Nawab of the Carnatic (put on his throne years before by Clive and the British East India Company) remained an ally but Bengal was lost unless several thousand British troops arrived in short order. Clive did not hold his breath, not when Britain was at war on three continents.

It took months for Clive to recover, indeed he walked with a limp for years. But that failure in Bengal would haunt him.

Argyl, clueless of his failure, assumed day to day control only deferring to the Company Directions on local matters. Though the nations burned with war, the conflict between the British and French East India Companies only simmered after this.

When this news reached Britain months later, the loss of a trading factory was bemoaned but not with great enthusiasm. Greater events were occurring and the loss of one potentate's trade on a subcontinent of hundreds didn't matter much. Argyl received a carefully worded reprimand for his sloth over a year late but the King's missive noted that it was already too late to save the British residents in Calcutta. With potentially Madras under French threat, the King admonished Argyl to protect that city at all costs.

Little mention was made of Clive for the remainder of the war.

 

[Thoresby]

So Britain doesn't gain total control of India? Meaning no Second Empire if BNA still splits off which isn't unlikely considering the the title.

 

[Alt History Buff]

So Britain doesn't gain total control of India? Meaning no Second Empire if BNA still splits off which isn't unlikely considering the the title.

Yeah, I always thought the British conquest of India was (1) an unlikely event brought upon by their overwhelming victory against the only remaining colonial opponent, France, in the 7 Years War, (2) the remarkably divisive nature of the continent polity, (3) the major gap in weapons technology and tactics.

If the British did not have that early advantage of having a power base in India, then the rest of the conquest would be still-born.

 

[aegis03florin]

Nice start!

I will follow it.

 

[Socrates]

Things seem to be going better than OTL for Britain which considering this is the Seven Years War is hard, I'm guessing from the title though that that means post-war Britain is even more overconfident and has an even bigger comeuppance.

This early might be hard, but the 7YW could easily have gone better for Britain. George III and Bute ended it early as they were worried about Pitt's influence being a threat to the King. They also gave generous peace terms to Paris. A longer war and tougher peace could well have meant a British East Indies and more Caribbean Islands. There were even plans to start raiding Spain's south sea possessions.

 

[Alt History Buff]

This early might be hard, but the 7YW could easily have gone better for Britain. George III and Bute ended it early as they were worried about Pitt's influence being a threat to the King. They also gave generous peace terms to Paris. A longer war and tougher peace could well have meant a British East Indies and more Caribbean Islands. There were even plans to start raiding Spain's south sea possessions.

In some ways, I agree.

The British seapower was decisive in the Caribbean. They'd already taken Havana, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and New Orleans would not have been out of the realm of possibility. Mainland Mexico and Columbia probably would be too tough a nut to crack. However, one may argue that disease would have slowed a British advance as much as bullets. The invasion force taking Havana was nearly wiped out. The rest of the Caribbean would have incurred terrible casualties.

I'm not sure what you mean by Spanish South Seas possessions. Britain did take Manila, though that was after the war ended, I believe. Like in Cuba, Britain never even attempted to conquer the Philippine hinterlands.

Or were you talking the South Atlantic, like Argentina/Uruguay? I would question Britain's manpower on that one, even augmented by American troops. After Havana, not too many Americans would volunteer for "foreign service". A tremendous number of the men died of disease.

Beyond that, everything went as well as could be hoped, much less expected.

India was an unqualified victory, which no Briton before the war would imagine that they would have effectively conquered so much land, though by puppets in Bengal and the Carnatic.

Also, by any sane measure, Prussia-Britain should have been crushed in Europe within two years by pure numbers. Even ingenious generalship by Frederick II, the Duke of Brunswick and a few others augmented by a generous supply of British gold should not have kept Prussia intact.

Looking back, the greatest single reason I can see that Frederick wasn't crushed was poor coordination between the allies, namely Russia. Too often, Austria and her southern allies (Bavaria, Saxon exiles, various other HRE "volunteers") were taking on the whole of Prussia's army as Russian Armies of 100,000+ basically sat around doing nothing. Had both Austria and Russia just started marching at the same time, there is no way Frederick could stop them both. Even a great victory against one would end with the 2nd sitting in Berlin and he'd have to rush most of his troops back to protect the capital, leaving the other enemy free to start marching.

The primary problem was Russia's utterly dismal supply system, bad even by standards of the day, which was reinforced by the fact that Russia had to march longer distances through less-developed areas (Russia, Poland, East Prussia, etc). Frequently, the Russia Army would halt even after a victory because they had no capacity to carry provisions or logistical skill to plan ahead. Indeed, the Russians basically sat around most of the war doing not much of anything, leaving Frederick to fight mainly against numerically superior but tactically inferior Austria in a number of set battles.

I've read a few books on the subject and if, just once or twice, the Austrians and Russians (and maybe the Swedes) said "Hey, let's all attack in the month of June with everything we have, the short Prussian will crack somewhere!". It may have been that simple.

Also, if George II hadn't repudiated the Treaty of Klostenbeck when he did, a sizable French army may have arrived in Prussia as well.

Naturally, Elizabeth's death also helped out a bit. Frederick was on the ropes.

The "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg" relied on a whole host of good luck. He could have fallen numerous times.

Also, the British-Prussian relationship may have fallen apart earlier too if George III/Bute dug in their heels in forcing the peace in 1761. Frederick may have been screwed.

 

[Alt History Buff]

Nice start!

I will follow it.

Thanks.

 

[hplurker]

Interesting timeline. As far as the events in India go, it was indeed luck (including having a man of Clive's talents present at the right time) that led to the British ascendancy in Bengal.

Thus the haphazard force of 2000 marched upon an entrenched army of over 30,000 without any real strategy. The Duke of Argyl soon fell ill but steadfastly refused treatment, stating he would "see the thing through". Refusing to give Clive's advice much attention, the Duke lead his force upon a magnificent white steed, one borrowed or stolen from somewhere. Leading to an open field upon a low hill east of Calcutta, he spied the superior Bengali and French forces. He laid out his forces as best he could, again ignoring Clive's advice to attack. He opted to utilized his handful of cannon to scatter the enemy. For several hours, the two sides exchanged fire. The British was more accurate but the Bengali/French more numerous as well as having the high ground (marked by French gunners). Dozens died on both sides as precious ammunition was expended.

I have to note that the geographical descriptions here do not make sense. There are no hills near Calcutta and no high ground as such except maybe by the river where the river bank would be slightly lower than the surrounding land. Also, speaking of monsoon, August is high monsoon (which starts at the end of June in Calcutta.) All the fields would have turned to mud and troops staying in a swamp (which would be the state of most of the land near Calcutta at this period) would be dropping like flies from disease. I would assume that any fighting would be done before this or the British would withdraw: it's rather difficult to fight when you are knee deep in mud. I suppose you can blame Argyll for initially not listening to those more experienced in local conditions but even he would see reason once the rain starts and either withdraw or attack immediately. I would suggest you bring back the date of the battle to end of June.

 

[Xgentis]

Will we see point of view outside Britain?

 

[Alt History Buff]

Interesting timeline. As far as the events in India go, it was indeed luck (including having a man of Clive's talents present at the right time) that led to the British ascendancy in Bengal.


I have to note that the geographical descriptions here do not make sense. There are no hills near Calcutta and no high ground as such except maybe by the river where the river bank would be slightly lower than the surrounding land. Also, speaking of monsoon, August is high monsoon (which starts at the end of June in Calcutta.) All the fields would have turned to mud and troops staying in a swamp (which would be the state of most of the land near Calcutta at this period) would be dropping like flies from disease. I would assume that any fighting would be done before this or the British would withdraw: it's rather difficult to fight when you are knee deep in mud. I suppose you can blame Argyll for initially not listening to those more experienced in local conditions but even he would see reason once the rain starts and either withdraw or attack immediately. I would suggest you bring back the date of the battle to end of June.

You are right, I forgot the monsoon lasts until September.

 

[Alt History Buff]

Will we see point of view outside Britain?

I will add more as the series continues.