Distant Gunfire

by David O'Neil

  From among the ex-Galley slaves a crew of gunners was recruited and trained by the master-gunner for whom the gun held no mysteries; the command of the gun, in deployment ashore was given to Captain Ullyet, who wisely kept his own counsel on the subject when in the company of Marine Officers in barracks.

  Whenever a task was deemed worthy of a ship of the line in the navy, it seemed always to occur at a time when either none were available or suitable for the particular task. It would often require detached service, a most sought after situation, and despite the permanent shortage of frigates, the task would be handed to a frigate.

  Frigate captains had acquired a reputation for dash and daring, often accomplishing tasks that they were ill equipped to perform. The history of the navy was enlivened by the exploits of such names as Pellew and Samaurez, thus it was decided that HMS Roister in company with the sloop Jaipur and a cargo brig Dove in which a battalion of the garrison troops had been embarked, would be given the task of recapturing the island of Djerba in the Bay of Gabes off the North African coast almost due south of Malta.

  The island had become the base for a group of insurgents who had fomented an uprising against its ruler; the Emir of Djerba, who had been away, absent on the mainland at the time. It was not normally the responsibility of the British Government but the assistance of the French had been obtained by the rebels to keep control of the island. The Emir had no navy to oppose them; here apparently was where the third French ship of the line had hidden herself.

  On the basis of mutual enemies making strange alliances, Captain Graham and his force had been detailed to recapture the island and hold it. If needed, a squadron of ships could be sent to deal with any French naval forces that the frigate and her consort could not themselves handle.

  Though the island was joined to the mainland by a causeway of sand, the presence of the French ship prevented the Emir’s forces from crossing. The task of the British force was to occupy the island and having subdued the rebels, construct a fort at the causeway to command the island end of the causeway, in conjunction with the mainland fort at the other end.

  A major problem for Robert’s assault parties was the lack of dock facilities. His men would need to land on one of the beaches, preferably one with easy access to the interior. It would give them a chance to manhandle the guns to the south-western end of the island where the main settlement stood, around the island end of the causeway.

  In the Captain’s cabin all the stern windows were open and the skylights propped ajar to allow whatever breeze there was to cool the group standing round the table. After examining the charts of the island Robert turned to Lieutenant Martin Walker, “You surveyed this coast, what can you tell us about this island?”

  Walker scratched his chin. “Not too much, sir. I’m afraid the islanders were not pleased to see us at the time. Most of them being involved in piracy and smuggling. However we did sound the area on the northern side of the island fairly well.” His finger indicated a beach area beside an unnamed headland.

  “Here, Sir, is a sand beach with steep-to soundings; up to a fathom’s depth to close on ten feet from the water’s edge; ideal for boat landing. There was evidence that the beach has been used before and where the hill comes down at the eastern end there were several caves that had ashes of old fires, though that was some years ago now?”

  “Very good. For want of a better choice, Ogilvie. you will take Mr. Abbot and the jolly boat to reconnoitre/ Captain Ullyet, four marksmen I think to accompany the party with their rifles, and they will stay if the place is suitable under the command of Mr. Abbot, whilst you return to report. If all is in order, I will send our artillery,” he smiled as a chuckle went round the group at the mention of their ‘found’ six pounder gun. Initially it is easier to manoeuvre than the guns for the fort. He turned to the Colonel Sir Michael Baxter in command of the infantry battalion. “We will disembark your men at that point and they can prepare for the overland march to the causeway.”

  The Colonel nodded. “I think the wheeled carts would be better used for the transport of the guns, rather than for our baggage. If we find other carts on our way we can send them back to collect our gear; this would save delay in reaching our objective.” He looked keenly at Robert. “You agree? This is a small island and news will travel fast.”

  Robert was impressed, the Colonel looked like a stuffed shirt; and there had been little contact on the voyage here, but obviously he was no fool. “Thank you, Colonel. I had not thought of that. I will have skirmishers out to collect whatever transport we can find as soon as possible.”

  He turned to the group as a whole. “Two men are already searching for information, and a contact with a local informant will be made tonight. If all is in order we will proceed as planned.

  “Thank you gentlemen we will assemble again tomorrow evening when we are in position off shore of the beach.”

  As the party dispersed he detained Commander John Keith, the captain of Jaipur.

  “All arranged for tonight, John?”

  “Yes sir, I’ll collect our agent at the rendezvous and bring him here; I will be prepared to return him before first light if necessary.”

  “Good, well! You’ll stay for dinner I trust; the Colonel will be joining us along with Captain Reece of the Dove.”

  “Thank you, sir, I would be delighted. I will just go and confirm my orders to my people if I may?” With that he left Robert to return to his own ship.

  As the young commander left Robert reflected, he had been lucky to have the support of Keith; he recalled the interview with the commander’s uncle Admiral Keith, commanding the blockading squadron off Brest. His enthusiastic report to the Admiralty had helped his career; of this he had no doubt. The nephew was a real chip off the old block, ideally suited to small ship operations.

  The Jaipur’s longboat came alongside Roister at ten that night and the robed figure of the contact climbed agilely aboard, going immediately to the great cabin where the marine on duty knocked and opened the door when ordered.

  The shadowy figure entered and the door closed firmly. The cabin was stuffy as the ship was darkened with curtains drawn. The informer removed the Burnous, revealing the trim figure of Lotte Mansfield. “Good evening, Captain Graham; we’re well met, I think.”

  She was dressed in baggy silken trousers and a diaphanous top that did little to hide the shapely body beneath. There was no chance of mistaking her for a man in these clothes, thought Robert, who cleared his throat and bent over the outstretched hand and brushed it with his lips.

  All business, she produced a map of the island and began to point out features with quick succinct comment.

  Robert found that things were much as he had already gathered from his own spies. When she had finished her briefing she sat back looking weary.

  “Can you stay?” Robert asked.

  “I must I fear,” she was hesitant, “the French were becoming suspicious, and though the agent in place was not sure, I am convinced he was planning on removing me anyway. I managed to slip away tonight leaving all my clothing behind, so I have nothing to wear but the clothes I stand up in. Until, that is, you successfully recapture the island of course.” She looked at Robert and smiled. “We had little chance to become acquainted before; perhaps we will have more time on this occasion?”

  The landing parties managed the initial stages with no opposition and little difficulty. The disembarkation of the Infantry went smoothly though the horses of the officers and the mules to pull the wagons took longer than anticipated.

  The skirmishers and their field gun under the command of Captain Ullyet had disappeared completely before the Infantry and the train of guns were ready to move.

  Lotte, now dressed in midshipman’s uniform courtesy of Mr. Abbot, rode off alongside the Colonel at the head of the column. Robert had joined up with the advance party and was currently lying face down on the rim of the ridge to the north of the town situated at the end of the causeway. Through
his telescope it was possible to make out the movements of the detachment of French soldiers landed from the 60 gun ship lying offshore.

  There was no quay evident where a ship could tie up despite the deep water almost up to the tide line. This was obviously one of the ways that the control of the island was maintained from the mainland; unfortunately this was a disadvantage when the invasion came from the sea as the causeway was easily dominated by an armed ship.

  Below the watchers the soldiers were directing the location of several guns that had been unloaded from the warship lying offshore. Parties of labourers were manhandling the guns on carriages in to position to command the Causeway approaches.

  “Will our popgun reach them?” Robert asked. The master gunner who had placed himself in command of the gun team answered. “Not from here, sir; we’ll need to get down to the edge of the houses.” He pointed to a spot two hundred yards down the hill before them. “From there I can command their entire battery.”

  Robert studied the ground. “We’ll need a cart then, or wait until nightfall, though I had rather hoped we could be in position by then.”

  The gunner looked at him pityingly. “Now don’t you worry about it, sir; we’ll managed in plenty of time.” He turned to his gun crew, who were all dressed in nondescript garb. “Sling the gun, boys, and prepare the carriage.”

  The crew lifted the barrel of the six pounder field piece from its mount and laid it carefully on the ground. The wheeled carriage was dismantled and strapped on to the caisson carriage. Two broad planks were removed from beneath the caisson and set either side of the box. A canvas was lashed on top to cover the load and a purpose made crossbar was attached to the towing link.

  At this point Captain Ullyet appeared. “Marksmen have all been placed, Sir”. He reported. Four of his marines removed their Red coats and stowed them under the canvas with their rifles and took their places around the caisson/cart.

  Taking hold of the slings round the gun barrel, the gunners with a collective grunt lifted it between them and set off down the road, the caisson following.

  They appeared to Robert to look like any other bunch of workmen doing their work. He watched their progress holding his breath until he sighed with relief as they gained the concealment of the building selected. Nobody had appeared to notice. At a range of less than 400 yards the canister round would be lethal to the gunners at their positions without damaging the guns themselves. At least that was the theory, Robert thought.

  The Colonel appeared beside Robert in his position overlooking the town. He produced his own telescope and studied the situation. Despite getting his immaculate uniform dirtied he seemed quite at ease lying on the ground and his comments made it quite clear that he would not be content to take reports from others when it was possible to see for himself. “Besides” he remarked “I am the only infantryman present who has been in action before, saving your presence, Captain Ullyet.” He acknowledged with a nod to the captain.

  Roberts respect for the colonel grew at this evidence of practical soldiering.

  “May I ask where you have served, Colonel?”

  “In the Americas, against the Huron Indians and the French and Spanish. The Indians and Pathans and their French allies in India,” he continued. “I see no real problem here; as soon as our artillery opens fire on the gunners, my men will attack and take over the position, your gun crews will then take over the enemy guns and open fire on the ship, which by this time will be engaged with Roister and hopefully trying to make sail to defend herself.”

  With a final scrabble, Lotte arrived and joined the two men. “Mr. Abbot will not be pleased with me!” She said ruefully noticing a tear in her sleeve. “So, gentlemen, are we nearly ready? I wish to retrieve my wardrobe as soon as possible.”

  “All in good time, Madam! I will not allow my men to be hurried for the benefit of a box of frills and furbelows. You will have your chance when we are ready and not before!”

  The no nonsense comment from the Colonel caused even the normally irrepressible Lotte to hold her tongue.

  Robert smiled to himself, last night had been difficult. Lotte had decided that he should share his bed finally with her and he had needed the utmost tact to arrange for other matters to occupy his time, making the proposed coupling impossible, but it had been a near thing. It was not that she was unattractive to him but having succumbed to the amours of Lady Herrick, he already felt guilty enough. Facing Barbara would be difficult as it was, he did not think his conscience could stand the extra burden of guilt.

  Leaving the Colonel in command, Robert took the Colonel’s horse and rode back to the landing place, where

  Ordering Lieutenant Beaufort to up anchor and make sail he collapsed into his chair and gratefully took the glass of wine proffered by his servant Meadows.

  Chapter Eleven

  Robert despatched Keith in the Jaipur round the western end of the island in search of the other French ship(s), still unsure of the number that had given them the slip several weeks before. They would rendezvous in three days’ time at the new fort or offshore from the island in the event of complete disaster.

  It was dusk when HMS Roister rounded the headland under full sail. The French battleship lay at anchor, tethered by moorings at bow and stern to allow her guns to command the causeway. He could make out her name, picked out in scrollwork on the stern, Guerriere.

  Robert had depended on this when he made his plan of attack, knowing that he could fire upon the Frenchman with no chance of an immediate reply even if the French ship’s guns were manned, an unlikely event at this place and time.

  The signal for the land assault was his first broadside into the tethered French ship, and for the occasion he had called for the port guns to be double-shotted to increase the impact of this first stage of proceedings. As Roister came up to her bearing, the 14 twelve pounder guns with their double shot and the two 24 pound carronades, making her full broadside fired as one. The flash and roar followed by the billow of smoke echoed off the hills to be immediately followed by the puny sounding crack of the field gun firing its lethal shower of pistol balls among the gathered gun crews at the waterside battery. The lively scene by the water’s edge turned immediately into a bloody hell of torn and bleeding bodies screaming and crying for aid. The second round from the field gun left the battery without gun crews and the first wave of infantry accompanied by the assigned gunners swept down to the battery and commenced swinging the guns to point at the moored French Line of Battle ship.

  On the Guerriere there was a scene of frantic activity but little action against the frigate standing offshore. Roister came about smartly and fired her second broadside into the stricken French ship, which had at last managed to cut her bow mooring line. The ship swung to her stern line the current bringing her in an arc towards the causeway. The stern line parted but too late and the ship buried her bow into the sand and stuck fast her bowsprit projecting halfway across the spit.

  The force of her impact caused the main and foremast to lean forward, the sound of the breaking foremast a loud crack heard over a mile away.

  The advancing infantry doubled down the causeway to the ship and began to board, meeting little resistance. The Flag fluttered down to the deck and the crew assembled in sullen silence.

  Doctor Sweet from the frigate and the medical officer from the infantry set up a hospital on the beach to deal with the wounded that were mostly French.

  The army of the Emir crossed the now open causeway, the column spitting into sections and searching the houses for the rebels who had dispersed and gone to ground. The Emir reclaimed his palace and at a reception that evening thanked Robert and the Colonel for their efforts in regaining his lands, and suggested that now the country was secure once more, there were no doubt many other matters for them to attend to. As the Colonel commented to Robert, a diplomatic hint that their presence was no longer needed.

  The sight of the Guerriere afloat in the bay caused Robert great satisf
action, the French crew had been put to work digging around the bow of the stranded ship until the combined pull exerted by the bower anchors laid out astern with the help of the extra tug given by the towrope attached to the stern of Roister succeeded in hauling her offshore once more. The repairs were nearly complete, the two dismounted guns had been remounted and the foremast replaced, the bo’sun’s crew crawling round the rigging even now replacing ropes where needed.

  The sloop HMS Jaipur had done a complete circuit of the island seeking the other French ships without success. Meanwhile, proper embrasures had been built and the guns of the new fort ranged in and tested, the thin line of smoke indicated the location of the forge which doubled as the site of the furnace to heat cannon balls for anti-ship action. The French guns were remounted covering the causeway, allowing for additional cover for the approach from the south.

  The regular thump of the ranging shots from the cannon went on throughout the day as the Master gunner trained the local gunners in their new jobs. Beside each gun, scratched into the stone of the embrasure were the ranges and elevations required, as each gun was proved.

  Billy Beaufort groaned and held his head. “Damn all gunners and their stupid exercises!” He moaned, “My head is splitting!”

  He received scant sympathy from the other officers assembled, as they stood awaiting the captain, currently meeting with the Emir in the great cabin. The first lieutenant had been entertained by the army officers at their temporary barracks in the main fort, a farewell feast to mark the departure of Roister with her prize, under the command of Lieutenant Beaufort, his prize crew made up of members from Roister, Jaipur and released prisoners from the French occupation of the island. These men, being mainly merchant seamen captured by the French during the dash through the Mediterranean Sea earlier in the year, were competent seamen and therefore a welcome addition to the strength of the little fleet. The non-seamen and women were carried on the Dove with the exception of Lotte Mansfield, now reunited with her luggage and respectably dressed once more.