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Story
August 20, 1908
Pine Bluff Daily Graphic
Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas
What is this article about?
During a battle near Bayonne, the Duke of Wellington forbade Grenadiers from using umbrellas to protect their uniforms from rain, deeming it ridiculous and unmilitary. Lord Hill was reprimanded for allowing it, though the soldiers proved brave in combat.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Umbrellas In Battle
It is conceivable that the officers of Wellington's day thought him a terrible old bully. He actually forbade umbrellas in battle! He expected them not only to expose and sacrifice their lives at the word of command, but actually to risk the tarnishing of their beautiful uniforms in the rain which fell during a battle near Bayonne. He saw the Grenadiers sheltering under a forest of umbrellas and sent off Lord Hill with this message: "Lord Wellington does not approve of the use of umbrellas during the enemy's firing and will not allow the 'Gentlemen's Sons' to make themselves ridiculous in the eyes of the army." After the battle Lord Hill was reprimanded by the duke for permitting the offense in the great man's sight. "The guards' uniform may, when on duty at St. James', carry umbrellas if they please, but in the field it is not only ridiculous but unmilitary." Let it not be forgotten, however, that the delinquents, dandies though they were, proved themselves among the bravest when fighting was going on.-St. James' Gazette.
It is conceivable that the officers of Wellington's day thought him a terrible old bully. He actually forbade umbrellas in battle! He expected them not only to expose and sacrifice their lives at the word of command, but actually to risk the tarnishing of their beautiful uniforms in the rain which fell during a battle near Bayonne. He saw the Grenadiers sheltering under a forest of umbrellas and sent off Lord Hill with this message: "Lord Wellington does not approve of the use of umbrellas during the enemy's firing and will not allow the 'Gentlemen's Sons' to make themselves ridiculous in the eyes of the army." After the battle Lord Hill was reprimanded by the duke for permitting the offense in the great man's sight. "The guards' uniform may, when on duty at St. James', carry umbrellas if they please, but in the field it is not only ridiculous but unmilitary." Let it not be forgotten, however, that the delinquents, dandies though they were, proved themselves among the bravest when fighting was going on.-St. James' Gazette.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Wellington
Umbrellas
Battle
Bayonne
Grenadiers
Military Discipline
What entities or persons were involved?
Wellington
Lord Hill
Grenadiers
Where did it happen?
Near Bayonne
Story Details
Key Persons
Wellington
Lord Hill
Grenadiers
Location
Near Bayonne
Event Date
Wellington's Day
Story Details
Wellington bans umbrellas in battle near Bayonne to maintain military discipline, reprimands Lord Hill for allowing Grenadiers to use them, but notes their bravery in combat.