Four abreast, red coats flashing in the sunlight, the Light Infantry marched out of Atlone. The Light Infantry was composed of mostly London inner city boys aged 17 to 19. They were short, small men, thin and sickly looking. The vast majority had rotting teeth. They held their muskets over their shoulders and they marched smartly under the watchful eye of the immediate officer, Leftenant Edward Bradford, son of William Bradford, 3rd Earl of Chesire. Leftenant Bradford, himself only 19 years of age, had gained his position due to his fathers rank and privilege.
Leftenant Bradford had chosen Sargent Billy Chesney to be first man in the right line of the front of the march. All other ranks lined up on Chesney and marched in step with him. Sargent Chesney, at 5 feet 6 inches tall, stood a scant three inches taller than the average of his men. The men followed him in a somewhat surly manner, but follow they did. They realized he had the power of the leftenant behind him. Drums beat a smart beat to keep them in step and up to the pace.
|