League of Augsburg – Colonel Edward Butler’s Regiment

 

Edward Butler of Ballyragget, County Kilkenny was the only son of Piers Butler, Lord Galmoy.  Galmoy was a famed and feared Jacobite cavalry commander. Well respected by his peers and hated by his foes. We should consider Galmoy influential in the Jacobite Army.

The Butlers, there was no shortage of them, raised troops for King James.   Edward had previous European Military Service. He was a natural choice to lead a regiment.

Edward’s  troops came from North Kilkenny and Kilkenny City. Like all of the newly raised Jacobite regiments they struggled to equip themselves. The regiment had 268 broken muskets, and was short 86 muskets. It had 390 swords, 84 pikes and virtually its full complement of belts and bandoliers. Initially uniforms were out of the question. The occasional veteran or wealthier officer might have a red military coat otherwise it was come as you are.

As the bandoliers were out of stocks I have assumed that they would be painted. Water proofing was important. I have shown the "Apostles" in blue which helps theme the regiment.

When French aid arrived  Edward’s connections likely ensured his regiment was uniformed in French grey coats. I have chosen to show them lined blue. Blue was a Butler colour and blue lining was hardly unknown in the French Army. All the same the soldiers uniformity rests heavily upon their French coats. 

By this time Edward’s men were properly equipped. Note the drummer is in Butler colours.  All the figures in the unit are from Irregular, save the Drummer an Essex figure. 

The flags the regiment carries were made for me by David of Not by Appointment and very fine they are. They are conjectural, but informed conjecture.  The King’s Colour shows St. Patrick’s Cross in Butler Colours bearing the initials JR and the Crown. The Company Colour is discussed below.

Given their original intended ratio of pikes to shot I have deemed the regiment to be “Regulation” in Beneath the Lily Banners terms. I could have equally chosen to model them as Pike and Shot without much fear of contradiction.

 In the picture below you can get a better look at the regiment's pike men.  These would be brought forward when repelling cavalry or for close assaults.

The Company Colour is that of the 3^rd Company led by Captain John Brennan.  The three swords designating the Company are drawn from O’Brennan clan heraldry.  Clan Brennan like most of Gaelic Ireland were looking to get their lands back.

The regiment fought throughout the Williamite War. After the bloody fight of Aughrim it was reduced to 21 officers and 277 men.  In the final defence of Limerick its men were combined with those of other reduced regiments.  

Post the Treaty of Limerick many went into exile in France. The Irish Brigade beckoned. Colonel Edward Butler died in battle at Malplaquet. Captain John Brennan lies buried in Castlecomer, then and now, the heartland of his clan.

I intend a series of League of Augsburg posts between now and Christmas.