"Factoids by Pursell" Topic

Old… but quite interesting read…

"Born in Koeningsburg, Prussia in 1810, August Willich was introduced to a military career at the tender age of twelve. He entered Potsdam Military Academy in 1828 and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant of artillery after six years of rigorous training. His Republican sentiments denied his promotion for almost thirteen years, when he finally became a Captain. He gave in his resignation but was denied and sent to a remote outpost in Pomerania. Persistence with repeated resignations finally brought on a court martial and he was dismissed from service. Immediately, he joined a revolutionary army and was quickly given command of a corps. Defeat at the battle of Candarn forced him to flee along with many others, to Switzerland. he finally made his way to America and arrived in 1853 without a penny to his name but he worked hard to become an editor of a German language newspaper. Within five years he had achieved his goal. At the outbreak of the War Between the States he volunteered as a private in the 9th Ohio where his military talents were quickly recognised and his promotion came rapidly. Finally given full brigade command, he missed the battle of Shiloh but fought ably and well in most of the battles leading up to Stones River. At the age of 52 he was one of the oldest, but most experienced officers in the Union Army of the Cumberland. Just before the battle of Stones River, Willich found that his brigade formed the extreme right flank of the Union army and so turned the brigade at right angles to the main line in order to protect his flank. Unfortunately, by doing this, his brigade would not have a clear field of fire during the upcoming Confederate attack. Willich knew he was close to the Confederate lines and should have "expected the worst" but he still allowed his brigade to stack arms and go into overnight bivouac.

When the fury of the Confederate attack came at dawn, his soldiers were enjoying a leisurely breakfast with their arms still stacked. Willich himself had ridden back to his commander's HQ to report that "all was quiet" in his sector. Kirk's brigade which formed the right angle to Willich's, crumpled like so many toy soldiers under the Confederate onslaught and the survivors crashed through the undergrowth and swamped Willich's brigade who were unable to form a solid defence line. Only the 15th Ohio were able to fire a couple of ragged volley at the Texas brigades who were the first Confederates to break through the Union positions. Willich was startled to hear the roar of cannon and musketry fire, but mounted quickly to return to his brigade. He was just in time to see the 15th Ohio withdraw by the right flank before he was rushed and surrounded by the victorious Texans. Kirk's and Willich's two brigades were too busy to notice his capture as they scampered westwards to escape the Texan's charge. The two brigades, now badly scattered did however perform a service which decided the outcome of the battle. The Confederates were supposed to swing to the north and roll up the Union lines, and were then to be followed by a second wave. The elated Texans, however, chased after the Union brigades to the west thus giving time for the other Union brigades in line to form some semblance of a defence. Willich remained a prisoner until he was later exchanged. He returned to duty under General William Sherman and his brigade fought in the advance through Georgia. Willich's career as an army officer came to an abrupt end during this advance when a Confederate sharpshooter put a mini ball through his arm and put him permanently out of action…"
More here
acws.co.uk/archives-misc-factoid

Amicalement
Armand