Battle of Wincanton

Wincanton Skirmish

Date	20 November 1688
Location	Wincanton, Somerset
Result	Indecisive

Belligerents

England

Dutch Republic

Commanders and leaders

Patrick Sarsfield

Henry Luttrell

Lieutenant Campbell

Strength

120+

30 +

Casualties and losses

12 killed
8 prisoners

The Wincanton Skirmish occurred on 20 November 1688 during the Glorious Revolution. A small patrol of the English Army led by the Irish officer Patrick Sarsfield, clashed with a detachment of the invading Dutch Army in the town of Wincanton in Somerset. It was one of the few notable actions fought during the campaign which has sometimes acquired the name the "bloodless revolution".

Following the landing of William of Orange in Devon, forces loyal to James II had assembled on Salisbury Plain. Colonel Patrick Sarsfield was one of the most active officers on the King's behalf, at a time of growing doubts about the trustworthiness of other commanders. Inconclusive reports had arrived that enemy forces had been spotted at Bruton, close to Wincanton. Sarsfield was ordered by his superior General Percy Kirke to take out a fresh patrol and investigate.

On the morning of 20 November, Sarsfield rode out from the royal camp with 120 Horse Guards and Horse Grenadier Guards including his second-in-command and fellow Irishman Henry Luttrell. After riding to Bruton, they discovered that the enemy force had marched to Wincanton the previous day.

The Dutch troops were in fact a small advance guard of around thirty infantry who had been set ahead of their main army to secure horses for military use. They were Scottish troops of Hugh Mackay's regiment who were serving in the Scots Brigade of the Dutch Army, and were led by a Lieutenant Campbell. Their instructions were to remain at Wincanton until joined by William's main force.

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Wikipedia