"The Men of Londonderry Saved a City,
But the Men of Enniskillen Saved a Kingdom." R.M. Sibbett
The Enniskillen Campaign
In November and December 1688, many Protestants who didn't make it to Londonderry fled west to Enniskillen, hoping to find safety from James' marauding Jacobite troops. This small (but important) town, built upon an island in Lough Erne, consisted of roughly eighty houses clustered around an old castle.
In order to help James secure a quick and easy victory - Colonel Lundy ordered all Protestants to abandon their positions throughout Ireland and fallback to Londonderry. That way, he could surrender the entire Protestant population in one fell swoop - and to make it even easier, James wouldn't even have to divide his army. Fortunately however, the men of Enniskillen refused to obey Lundy's orders and stood their ground. They also refused to follow the Lundies within their own ranks - Sir Gerard Irvine and Captain James Corry.
The Protestant defence force at Enniskillen was initially comprised of the inhabitants of Enniskillen themselves. Within a brief period of time however, they were joined by a large number of yeomen from County Fermanagh and reinforcements from Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo. Despite the fact that its men came from a wide variety of locations throughout Ireland, this force became known popularly as 'The Enniskillen Men' or 'The Inniskillings'.
In order to help James secure a quick and easy victory - Colonel Lundy ordered all Protestants to abandon their positions throughout Ireland and fallback to Londonderry. That way, he could surrender the entire Protestant population in one fell swoop - and to make it even easier, James wouldn't even have to divide his army. Fortunately however, the men of Enniskillen refused to obey Lundy's orders and stood their ground. They also refused to follow the Lundies within their own ranks - Sir Gerard Irvine and Captain James Corry.
The Protestant defence force at Enniskillen was initially comprised of the inhabitants of Enniskillen themselves. Within a brief period of time however, they were joined by a large number of yeomen from County Fermanagh and reinforcements from Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo. Despite the fact that its men came from a wide variety of locations throughout Ireland, this force became known popularly as 'The Enniskillen Men' or 'The Inniskillings'.
Reinforcements from County Sligo
The brave Protestants of County Sligo were in a state of extreme readiness for the coming fight with James' army. When they heard about Lundy's secret plot to surrender all of the Protestants at Londonderry - they were outraged and abandoned their original plan of relocating to Londonderry. The Sligo men now decided to go to Enniskillen instead.
'Little Cromwell' & His Reinforcements from County Roscommon
Protestants from County Roscommon made their way to Fermanagh in order to help the Enniskillen men take their stand against the steadily advancing RC army. Amongst their number was the legendary Colonel Lloyd - a heroic military leader who would later go on to play a central part in delivering victory for the Williamite cause in West Ulster. His nickname was 'Little Cromwell'. The men of Enniskillen never lost a battle when he was present.
The Comber Letter Arrives in Enniskillen
A copy of the anonymous 'Comber Letter', announcing an intended massacre of Protestants had reached Enniskillen on the same day that Londonderry closed its gates. To heighten their fears even more - on the 11th December, a bizarre message was received from the pro-Jacobite authorities in Dublin. It ordered them to make arrangements for two companies of Jacobite infantry to be stationed in their town. Due to the contents of the Comber Letter, the events at Londonderry and the rather 'unusual' nature of this edict from Dublin - the people of Enniskillen correctly assumed that the proposed garrison's true intention was to pacify them until the opportune moment (i.e. the fall of Londonderry), upon which they would all be exterminated.
'The 5 Apprentice Boys' of Enniskillen
Whilst the town of Enniskillen was in a state of fear and uncertainty, three men came together (William Browning, Robert Clarke and William MacCarmick) in order to make plans for the defence of West Ulster. They were soon joined by James Ewart and Allen Cathcart. These 5 men resolved that the Protestants of Ulster would not 'go silently into the night'. Instead, they declared that - no matter what the consequences were - the people of Enniskillen would not admit a Jacobite garrison into their town.
King William III, the Prince of Orange, had landed in England some five weeks before and a civil war (between the supporters of William and James) now appeared imminent in Ireland. The 5 Apprentice Boys of Enniskillen believed that, by refusing to admit James' troops, they might be able to both keep themselves alive and hold on to the most important town between Connaught and Ulster. Militarily speaking, it seemed like a desperate and foolhardy move because they were pitching the local militia of their tiny island town against the full might of the Jacobite army with an initial reserve of only ten pounds of powder, twenty firelocks and eighty men.
In addition, for the entirety of their long and risky military campaign, the Men of Enniskillen would be perpetually looking over their shoulder at the success (or otherwise) of their allies who were under siege in Londonderry. The question of whether or not Londonderry would fall hovered over the Inniskillings like a spectre. Would the famous Walled City hold out? If it did, then the Inniskillings would still have a chance of victory because James' army would remain divided between Enniskillen and Londonderry. However, if Londonderry fell, the entire Jacobite army would unite and crush the Men of Enniskillen.
These five brave men immediately sent notice of their determination to the surrounding countryside. They called upon local Protestants to rally to their standard and give them support. In addition, they went to work on fortifying Enniskillen to the best of their ability - for example, carpenters started work on a drawbridge at the east end of the town.
On the 15th December 1688, the people of Enniskillen chose a local Swedish gentleman - Gustavus Hamilton - as their Governor. Fortunately for the Protestants of West Ulster, he was made of much sterner stuff than his opposite number at Londonderry - the treacherous Colonel Lundy. Conscious of holding the main passageway between Ulster and Connaught, Governor Hamilton defiantly proclaimed that he would never admit a "Popish garrison".
King William III, the Prince of Orange, had landed in England some five weeks before and a civil war (between the supporters of William and James) now appeared imminent in Ireland. The 5 Apprentice Boys of Enniskillen believed that, by refusing to admit James' troops, they might be able to both keep themselves alive and hold on to the most important town between Connaught and Ulster. Militarily speaking, it seemed like a desperate and foolhardy move because they were pitching the local militia of their tiny island town against the full might of the Jacobite army with an initial reserve of only ten pounds of powder, twenty firelocks and eighty men.
In addition, for the entirety of their long and risky military campaign, the Men of Enniskillen would be perpetually looking over their shoulder at the success (or otherwise) of their allies who were under siege in Londonderry. The question of whether or not Londonderry would fall hovered over the Inniskillings like a spectre. Would the famous Walled City hold out? If it did, then the Inniskillings would still have a chance of victory because James' army would remain divided between Enniskillen and Londonderry. However, if Londonderry fell, the entire Jacobite army would unite and crush the Men of Enniskillen.
These five brave men immediately sent notice of their determination to the surrounding countryside. They called upon local Protestants to rally to their standard and give them support. In addition, they went to work on fortifying Enniskillen to the best of their ability - for example, carpenters started work on a drawbridge at the east end of the town.
On the 15th December 1688, the people of Enniskillen chose a local Swedish gentleman - Gustavus Hamilton - as their Governor. Fortunately for the Protestants of West Ulster, he was made of much sterner stuff than his opposite number at Londonderry - the treacherous Colonel Lundy. Conscious of holding the main passageway between Ulster and Connaught, Governor Hamilton defiantly proclaimed that he would never admit a "Popish garrison".
A David & Goliath Scenario - The Tactical Approach Used by the Men of Enniskillen
When it came to the matter of tactics, the Inniskillings realised that they weren't powerful enough to use the defensive 'siege-method' favoured by their allies in Londonderry.
Hamilton therefore made a very important declaration in which he set out the approach that would characterise the Enniskillen campaign:
"We stand upon our guard and do resolve by the blessing of God rather to meet our danger than expect it."
When we read the above sentence from Hamilton's declaration - laying out the tactics that would be used by the Protestants of Enniskillen in this their 'David versus Goliath' struggle - the whole story of the Enniskillen campaign makes sense and starts to fall into place.
It also explains why - unlike the Siege of Londonderry, the Battle of the Boyne and the Battle of Aughrim - there are no 'single-date celebrations' to mark 'The Battle of Enniskillen' (because it wasn't a single battle, it was a multiplicity of different military engagements that took place throughout the West of Ulster between 1688 and 1689 - the biggest of which was the Battle of Newtownbutler on 31st July 1689).
Rather than employ the defensive 'siege-method' used by their allies behind the walls of Londonderry, the Men of Enniskillen opted a much more nuanced, proactive, hit and run, guerrilla-warfare approach.
As instructed by their leader, Governor Gustavus Hamilton, they would use their expert knowledge of the local area and fan out across the lakelands of Fermanagh in order to: sabotage James' supply lines; weaken his efforts at Londonderry; divert and split the focus of his army; get Jacobite troops bogged down in an unwinnable war of attrition; and slowly (but surely) begin the long process of taking out James' army.
Rather than taking shelter behind the walls of their island fortress and meekly awaiting their approaching doom, they would turn the entire west of Ulster into a 'Hell-on-earth' for James' army. This 'bandit country' would become James' very own 'South Armagh'.
Hamilton therefore made a very important declaration in which he set out the approach that would characterise the Enniskillen campaign:
"We stand upon our guard and do resolve by the blessing of God rather to meet our danger than expect it."
When we read the above sentence from Hamilton's declaration - laying out the tactics that would be used by the Protestants of Enniskillen in this their 'David versus Goliath' struggle - the whole story of the Enniskillen campaign makes sense and starts to fall into place.
It also explains why - unlike the Siege of Londonderry, the Battle of the Boyne and the Battle of Aughrim - there are no 'single-date celebrations' to mark 'The Battle of Enniskillen' (because it wasn't a single battle, it was a multiplicity of different military engagements that took place throughout the West of Ulster between 1688 and 1689 - the biggest of which was the Battle of Newtownbutler on 31st July 1689).
Rather than employ the defensive 'siege-method' used by their allies behind the walls of Londonderry, the Men of Enniskillen opted a much more nuanced, proactive, hit and run, guerrilla-warfare approach.
As instructed by their leader, Governor Gustavus Hamilton, they would use their expert knowledge of the local area and fan out across the lakelands of Fermanagh in order to: sabotage James' supply lines; weaken his efforts at Londonderry; divert and split the focus of his army; get Jacobite troops bogged down in an unwinnable war of attrition; and slowly (but surely) begin the long process of taking out James' army.
Rather than taking shelter behind the walls of their island fortress and meekly awaiting their approaching doom, they would turn the entire west of Ulster into a 'Hell-on-earth' for James' army. This 'bandit country' would become James' very own 'South Armagh'.
The Early Campaign
Hamilton's words were soon to be put to the test. Shortly afterwards, news came that the two infantry companies sent by Tyrconnell had reached Lismella, only four miles from Enniskillen.
The townsmen grabbed their weapons and took up defensive positions. Despite all of the help sent to them from the surrounding countryside, they numbered only 200 infantry and 150 cavalry. They were poorly armed and had no military training or experience.
‘Plan A’ was for the Enniskillen Protestants to peacefully persuade James’ soldiers to turn back and leave the Fermanagh Lakelands. However, if necessary, they were prepared to meet force with force, and drive out their enemies. James’ men fled the moment they saw the Inniskillings.
During the remaining part of 1688, the people of Enniskillen broke up the ice that surrounded their island-town. This was important because - during some winters - the ice in question became so thick that men on horseback could ride across Lough Erne in safety. It was therefore vital that their former ‘wall of ice’ be changed into a ‘wall of water’ - and as a result, the island-town of Enniskillen would be safe for the next couple of months.
Early in 1689, Governor Hamilton went into ‘preparedness overdrive’ - seeking to gather up large reserves of weaponry, food, ammunition and other supplies. He also formed his men into regiments and fortified the town of Enniskillen to the best of his ability. His strategy remained “to stand upon our guard and by the blessing of God, rather to meet our danger than to expect it."
The townsmen grabbed their weapons and took up defensive positions. Despite all of the help sent to them from the surrounding countryside, they numbered only 200 infantry and 150 cavalry. They were poorly armed and had no military training or experience.
‘Plan A’ was for the Enniskillen Protestants to peacefully persuade James’ soldiers to turn back and leave the Fermanagh Lakelands. However, if necessary, they were prepared to meet force with force, and drive out their enemies. James’ men fled the moment they saw the Inniskillings.
During the remaining part of 1688, the people of Enniskillen broke up the ice that surrounded their island-town. This was important because - during some winters - the ice in question became so thick that men on horseback could ride across Lough Erne in safety. It was therefore vital that their former ‘wall of ice’ be changed into a ‘wall of water’ - and as a result, the island-town of Enniskillen would be safe for the next couple of months.
Early in 1689, Governor Hamilton went into ‘preparedness overdrive’ - seeking to gather up large reserves of weaponry, food, ammunition and other supplies. He also formed his men into regiments and fortified the town of Enniskillen to the best of his ability. His strategy remained “to stand upon our guard and by the blessing of God, rather to meet our danger than to expect it."
Crom Castle
Crom Castle (under the command of Colonel Crighton) was an outpost of Enniskillen. Built in 1610 (destroyed by fire in 1764), it was under siege by a Jacobite force led by Lord Galmoy. Whilst the castle's position meant that it wasn’t easy to defend, the surrounding marshland was so difficult to traverse that no heavy siege guns were able to get close enough to bombard the stronghold.
The Protestants used long barrelled guns in order to hold back their besiegers. These firearms had a much longer range than the weapons used by their enemies. Tradition has it that a sniper (firing from Crom Castle - at a range of one mile) shattered a wine glass in the hand of Lord Galmoy and killed a man who was standing nearby.
Colonel Crighton sent a message to Governor Hamilton, requesting immediate help so that this vital outpost could be held successfully for the Williamite cause. At nightfall, Hamilton sent 200 of his best men to Crom Castle - some by land and others by water. Once they met up with the castle garrison, they charged at the besieging Jacobites and killed 40 of them. Galmoy immediately abandoned the siege and retreated.
Flush with success, the Protestants of Enniskillen were now confirmed in their hearts that they had indeed chosen the right strategy – i.e. that of ‘meeting’ their enemy, rather than ‘waiting’ for them. They therefore continued to go on the offensive and take the battle to the enemy.
The Protestants used long barrelled guns in order to hold back their besiegers. These firearms had a much longer range than the weapons used by their enemies. Tradition has it that a sniper (firing from Crom Castle - at a range of one mile) shattered a wine glass in the hand of Lord Galmoy and killed a man who was standing nearby.
Colonel Crighton sent a message to Governor Hamilton, requesting immediate help so that this vital outpost could be held successfully for the Williamite cause. At nightfall, Hamilton sent 200 of his best men to Crom Castle - some by land and others by water. Once they met up with the castle garrison, they charged at the besieging Jacobites and killed 40 of them. Galmoy immediately abandoned the siege and retreated.
Flush with success, the Protestants of Enniskillen were now confirmed in their hearts that they had indeed chosen the right strategy – i.e. that of ‘meeting’ their enemy, rather than ‘waiting’ for them. They therefore continued to go on the offensive and take the battle to the enemy.
Trillick
When Hamilton received intelligence that James’ forces had stationed a garrison at Trillick (9 miles away), he decided to take swift and decisive action. On the 24th April 1689, he despatched a strike force under the command of Colonel Lloyd. When James’ soldiers at Trillick heard that Lloyd was approaching their position, they immediately retreated. The Enniskillen men followed in rapid pursuit and, after a disorderly retreat of 6 hours, the Jacobite garrison finally dispersed, ran away and hid in the surrounding bogs. They threw away all of their baggage / supplies and abandoned a large number of cattle.
Augher Castle
Soon afterwards, Colonel Lloyd moved against another Jacobite position – this time it was Augher Castle (18 miles to the east). Once again, James’ men retreated.
Colonel Lloyd - having swept through large parts of Fermanagh, Monaghan and Cavan - triumphantly returned to Enniskillen on 2nd May 1689 with a great abundance of cattle, sheep and provisions.
Colonel Lloyd - having swept through large parts of Fermanagh, Monaghan and Cavan - triumphantly returned to Enniskillen on 2nd May 1689 with a great abundance of cattle, sheep and provisions.
Belleek
On the 4th May 1689, Captain Foliot (the Governor of Ballyshannon) sent a letter to Enniskillen - informing Hamilton that a large body of Jacobites had advanced from Connaught with the aim of besieging his post. Within days, Colonel Lloyd and his strike force were despatched to Ballyshannon.
Upon hearing that Lloyd was on his way, James' men took up a very strong defensive position in Belleek. On one side, they were protected by a lough, and on the other side they were protected by a large bog. They enhanced their position even further by destroying a nearby bridge and digging a trench. Going by the information that they had, the RC soldiers genuinely believed that the only approach open to the men of Enniskillen was through a narrow causeway where they could be easily picked off one at a time.
On the surface - things didn't look good for the Protestant strike force. Had they perhaps bitten off more than they could chew? James' men certainly hoped so.
Once again however, the Lord's providential hand was upon Colonel Lloyd. A native of the area very kindly showed the Protestant strike force a secret trail that led right through the bog on the Jacobite flank. Lieutenant McCormick described it this way: "God Almighty sent a man, from whence I know not, that offered to lead us safe through the bog."
A detachment of cavalry under the command of Captain Acheson passed through the bog and took up position - thus cutting off any chance of James' men being able to retreat to the safety of the mountains. As the reality of their rapidly changing situation began to dawn on James' men, they started to lose heart - so much so that, before the opposing armies even had a chance to open fire on each other, the RC infantry broke ranks and fled. Their cavalry soon followed.
Colonel Lloyd's men chased down and hunted their foes until nightfall. In this encounter, the Jacobites suffered a very heavy defeat - 190 of them were killed and 60 of them were taken prisoner.
The heroic Protestants of Enniskillen didn't lose a single man. They plundered the enemy camp and returned to their island-fortress with a large supply of arms, ammunition and two small cannons.
Upon hearing that Lloyd was on his way, James' men took up a very strong defensive position in Belleek. On one side, they were protected by a lough, and on the other side they were protected by a large bog. They enhanced their position even further by destroying a nearby bridge and digging a trench. Going by the information that they had, the RC soldiers genuinely believed that the only approach open to the men of Enniskillen was through a narrow causeway where they could be easily picked off one at a time.
On the surface - things didn't look good for the Protestant strike force. Had they perhaps bitten off more than they could chew? James' men certainly hoped so.
Once again however, the Lord's providential hand was upon Colonel Lloyd. A native of the area very kindly showed the Protestant strike force a secret trail that led right through the bog on the Jacobite flank. Lieutenant McCormick described it this way: "God Almighty sent a man, from whence I know not, that offered to lead us safe through the bog."
A detachment of cavalry under the command of Captain Acheson passed through the bog and took up position - thus cutting off any chance of James' men being able to retreat to the safety of the mountains. As the reality of their rapidly changing situation began to dawn on James' men, they started to lose heart - so much so that, before the opposing armies even had a chance to open fire on each other, the RC infantry broke ranks and fled. Their cavalry soon followed.
Colonel Lloyd's men chased down and hunted their foes until nightfall. In this encounter, the Jacobites suffered a very heavy defeat - 190 of them were killed and 60 of them were taken prisoner.
The heroic Protestants of Enniskillen didn't lose a single man. They plundered the enemy camp and returned to their island-fortress with a large supply of arms, ammunition and two small cannons.
The 'Colonel Adam Murray' of Enniskillen
Colonel Lloyd's reputation as a heroic and invincible military leader was growing by leaps and bounds. The Protestants of Enniskillen had found a hero to inspire them in battle. In the same way that Londonderry had Colonel Murray - Enniskillen had Colonel Lloyd.
Redhill & Ballincarrig
Towards the end of May, intelligence reports were received at Enniskillen revealing that James’ forces had stationed a garrison at Redhill and Ballinacarrig in County Cavan.
The formidable Colonel Lloyd was despatched with an army of 1,600 men. His orders were to confront and crush the enemy. He drove the Jacobites from their strongholds without firing a shot, using the ploy that he was leading the vanguard of a much larger force. They then marched right into County Meath and captured 3,000 head of cattle, 2,000 sheep and 500 horses – all of which were taken back to Enniskillen. Lloyd's sortie stopped just 25 miles short of Dublin, causing widespread panic in the city.
The formidable Colonel Lloyd was despatched with an army of 1,600 men. His orders were to confront and crush the enemy. He drove the Jacobites from their strongholds without firing a shot, using the ploy that he was leading the vanguard of a much larger force. They then marched right into County Meath and captured 3,000 head of cattle, 2,000 sheep and 500 horses – all of which were taken back to Enniskillen. Lloyd's sortie stopped just 25 miles short of Dublin, causing widespread panic in the city.
Omagh
Whilst Lloyd was striking terror into James’ army and sweeping all before him, Gustav Hamilton (the heroic Protestant Governor of Enniskillen) captured the horses belonging to a Jacobite garrison in Omagh.
A Minor Setback at Cornagrade: Due to the Enniskillen Men Spreading Their Forces Too Thinly
Cornagrade, situated a couple of miles north-east of Enniskillen, was the only place where the Enniskilleners were to taste defeat in their whole campaign.
With his formidable detachment of cavalry, the Roman Catholic Duke of Berwick was charging all over Western Ulster and causing chaos. He was one of James' top commanders, a brilliant cavalry officer and a major thorn in the side of the Protestant cause. When his force approached Enniskillen, Governor Hamilton saw this as an excellent opportunity to corner and destroy Berwick’s men before they could escape.
Sadly however, he sent out insufficient troops because the Enniskilleners had spread their military activity far too wide and far too thin. As a result, James’ men gained an important victory and the Protestants of Enniskillen learned a very valuable lesson about the danger of spreading their forces too thinly.
Heroic in defeat, one Enniskillener - a man by the name of John Wilson - firm stood in the thick of the action. His brave conduct was described as follows: "he stood the shock of several troopers who... together were hewing at him. Some he stabbed... others he knocked down with his musket. At length, oppressed with 12 desperate wounds... he sank down. While bleeding in this condition, a sergeant darted his halberd with such fury... he could not draw it out. Wilson roused as from death, tore the halberd from his thigh... darted it through the heart of his enemy. He was wonderfully cured and lived 30 years afterwards."
Fortunately for the people of Ennniskillen, the Duke of Berwick squandered the advantage that he had won and chose not to follow up on his success.
With his formidable detachment of cavalry, the Roman Catholic Duke of Berwick was charging all over Western Ulster and causing chaos. He was one of James' top commanders, a brilliant cavalry officer and a major thorn in the side of the Protestant cause. When his force approached Enniskillen, Governor Hamilton saw this as an excellent opportunity to corner and destroy Berwick’s men before they could escape.
Sadly however, he sent out insufficient troops because the Enniskilleners had spread their military activity far too wide and far too thin. As a result, James’ men gained an important victory and the Protestants of Enniskillen learned a very valuable lesson about the danger of spreading their forces too thinly.
Heroic in defeat, one Enniskillener - a man by the name of John Wilson - firm stood in the thick of the action. His brave conduct was described as follows: "he stood the shock of several troopers who... together were hewing at him. Some he stabbed... others he knocked down with his musket. At length, oppressed with 12 desperate wounds... he sank down. While bleeding in this condition, a sergeant darted his halberd with such fury... he could not draw it out. Wilson roused as from death, tore the halberd from his thigh... darted it through the heart of his enemy. He was wonderfully cured and lived 30 years afterwards."
Fortunately for the people of Ennniskillen, the Duke of Berwick squandered the advantage that he had won and chose not to follow up on his success.
The Battle of Newtownbutler: Where The Enniskillen Men Had Their Greatest Victory.
This battle took place at the exact same time that Londonderry was relieved and the boom was broken.
On the night of the 28th July, the men of Enniskillen were greatly encouraged by the arrival of a number of very important reinforcements - Colonel William Wolseley (ancestor of the famous British Field Marshal Garnet Wolseley), Lieutenant Colonel William Berry, Major Stone, Colonel James Winn, Colonel Tiffan and a number of other officers.
Soon after their arrival, intelligence was received informing them that a Jacobite force under the command of Lord Mountcashel had set up camp at Crom with the intention of laying siege to its castle. As a strategist, Mountcashel was a highly respected and gifted foe. Avaux (the French Ambassador) called him 'the very best Irish general in James' service'.
In a flurry of passion, Colonel Wolseley rose to the occasion and announced that he would rout James’ men at Crom. He immediately sent a message to the Protestant forces stationed at Ballyshannon and ordered them to prepare for battle. His associate, Colonel Berry, was despatched to take up a forward position at Lisnaskea Castle. However, when he arrived at the castle, he discovered that it was in ruins. He therefore marched his men two miles closer to the enemy. Whilst en route, they encountered a group of Jacobite soldiers at Conagh. After a sharp conflict, Colonel Berry’s men crushed them and gave chase for 3 miles. He then marched to Lisnaskea and took up position by the moat. After a short while, he was joined by Wolseley and the rest of the Enniskillen forces.
On the afternoon of 30th July, Wolseley held a council of war. He explained to the officers that speed was of the essence due to the fact that food supplies were running very low. The Protestant forces therefore needed to win, win big and win quickly.
Early next morning, Wolseley formed his army (numbering 2,000) into three battalions. He would lead the main body. The heroic Colonel Lloyd would command the right flank, and Colonel Tiffan would lead the left flank.
Meanwhile, news reached them that the RC commander, Lord Mountcashel, had abandoned Crom and retreated to an excellent defensive position located between Newtownbutler and Wattlebridge. Upon hearing this, Colonel Wolseley commanded his army to march towards Newtownbutler. Confident, hungry for victory and eager to land a knockout blow against James’ plan for Ireland - the entire Protestant force was ready to roll.
Near Newtownbutler, the RC infantry occupied a bog that had only one narrow pass (which in turn was protected by cannons). This put the Enniskillen Men at a serious disadvantage – thus forcing the Protestant infantry regiments of Lloyd and Tiffin to march through the bog on either side of the path. As their assault made its slow, arduous progress through the bog, a man belonging to Lord Kingston's corps seized a hatchet and killed many of James’ men who were guarding the Jacobite cannons.
Once this happened, the keen-eyed Colonel Wolseley realised that the RC artillery was effectively neutralised. Seeing his chance, he wasted no time in taking it. Upon his command, the Protestant cavalry immediately charged forward – at top speed – right through the pass that led across the bog.
Seeing this, the RC cavalry quickly lost its nerve. They tried to flee towards Wattlebridge, but were cut off by the Enniskilleners. Realising that their seemingly impregnable defensive position had now been severely compromised and was in the process of unravelling, James’ infantry threw away their weapons and fled into surrounding bogs. The victorious Protestant army pursued them until nightfall.
Soon after their arrival, intelligence was received informing them that a Jacobite force under the command of Lord Mountcashel had set up camp at Crom with the intention of laying siege to its castle. As a strategist, Mountcashel was a highly respected and gifted foe. Avaux (the French Ambassador) called him 'the very best Irish general in James' service'.
In a flurry of passion, Colonel Wolseley rose to the occasion and announced that he would rout James’ men at Crom. He immediately sent a message to the Protestant forces stationed at Ballyshannon and ordered them to prepare for battle. His associate, Colonel Berry, was despatched to take up a forward position at Lisnaskea Castle. However, when he arrived at the castle, he discovered that it was in ruins. He therefore marched his men two miles closer to the enemy. Whilst en route, they encountered a group of Jacobite soldiers at Conagh. After a sharp conflict, Colonel Berry’s men crushed them and gave chase for 3 miles. He then marched to Lisnaskea and took up position by the moat. After a short while, he was joined by Wolseley and the rest of the Enniskillen forces.
On the afternoon of 30th July, Wolseley held a council of war. He explained to the officers that speed was of the essence due to the fact that food supplies were running very low. The Protestant forces therefore needed to win, win big and win quickly.
Early next morning, Wolseley formed his army (numbering 2,000) into three battalions. He would lead the main body. The heroic Colonel Lloyd would command the right flank, and Colonel Tiffan would lead the left flank.
Meanwhile, news reached them that the RC commander, Lord Mountcashel, had abandoned Crom and retreated to an excellent defensive position located between Newtownbutler and Wattlebridge. Upon hearing this, Colonel Wolseley commanded his army to march towards Newtownbutler. Confident, hungry for victory and eager to land a knockout blow against James’ plan for Ireland - the entire Protestant force was ready to roll.
Near Newtownbutler, the RC infantry occupied a bog that had only one narrow pass (which in turn was protected by cannons). This put the Enniskillen Men at a serious disadvantage – thus forcing the Protestant infantry regiments of Lloyd and Tiffin to march through the bog on either side of the path. As their assault made its slow, arduous progress through the bog, a man belonging to Lord Kingston's corps seized a hatchet and killed many of James’ men who were guarding the Jacobite cannons.
Once this happened, the keen-eyed Colonel Wolseley realised that the RC artillery was effectively neutralised. Seeing his chance, he wasted no time in taking it. Upon his command, the Protestant cavalry immediately charged forward – at top speed – right through the pass that led across the bog.
Seeing this, the RC cavalry quickly lost its nerve. They tried to flee towards Wattlebridge, but were cut off by the Enniskilleners. Realising that their seemingly impregnable defensive position had now been severely compromised and was in the process of unravelling, James’ infantry threw away their weapons and fled into surrounding bogs. The victorious Protestant army pursued them until nightfall.
Battle of Newtownbutler: The Aftermath
By the end of the Battle of Newtownbutler, the Jacobite army was utterly decimated. 2,000 of them were killed in combat. 500 of them jumped into Lough Erne (all of whom, with the exception of just one man, died by drowning). 500 of them were taken prisoner – including Lord Mountcashel himself and many of his officers.
Out of the original 3,600 Jacobites who, only a short time ago, had confidently marched out of Dublin - only 600 made it back to the city.
The joy of this massive Protestant victory at Newtownbutler was made even sweeter when the men of Enniskillen heard the glorious news that the people of Londonderry had triumphed over James' army and their 105 day long siege was now at an end.
The Williamite forces were on a roll. They pressed forward and (within a few months) captured Sligo, Boyle and Jamestown - the Jacobite rout in West Ulster was complete.
As a result of the great victories at Enniskillen and Londonderry, all of Ulster’s territory west of the Bann was held for King William. James’ hopes for a swift, easy victory in Ireland had come to nothing.
Out of the original 3,600 Jacobites who, only a short time ago, had confidently marched out of Dublin - only 600 made it back to the city.
The joy of this massive Protestant victory at Newtownbutler was made even sweeter when the men of Enniskillen heard the glorious news that the people of Londonderry had triumphed over James' army and their 105 day long siege was now at an end.
The Williamite forces were on a roll. They pressed forward and (within a few months) captured Sligo, Boyle and Jamestown - the Jacobite rout in West Ulster was complete.
As a result of the great victories at Enniskillen and Londonderry, all of Ulster’s territory west of the Bann was held for King William. James’ hopes for a swift, easy victory in Ireland had come to nothing.
Londonderry & Enniskillen Depended on Each Other for Survival
Enniskillen and its surrounding area was of immense importance to the Williamite cause in Ireland. Strategically speaking, it was the gateway to the west.
The Enniskilleners played a major role in the relief of Londonderry. It was their campaign of guerrilla warfare that interfered with Jacobite supply lines and delayed RC troops from strengthening their hard-pressed allies who were besieging the Maiden City. Indeed, the men of Enniskillen were so effective at this that James actually had to divert forces from Londonderry in order to hold them back.
If the watchword of Londonderry was ‘defence’, then the watchword of Enniskillen was ‘defiance’.
The famous ‘Castle on the Erne’ became an island-fortress – a powerhouse that radiated strength, hope and encouragement to its northern neighbours on the Foyle.
Throughout 1689, Londonderry and Enniskillen were utterly dependent on each other for survival.
If one of them fell – then the other one would fall also.
If Londonderry failed to hold out - then James’ army would unite, move against Enniskillen and crush it.
If, on the other hand, Enniskillen failed to hold out - then James’ army would unite, move against Londonderry and crush it.
As long as James' army remained divided, spread out and bogged down - it wasn’t strong enough to score a victory at Londonderry or Enniskillen. Therefore, in order to ensure their own survival, BOTH Enniskillen and Londonderry had to keep the fight going - and therefore ensure that James’ forces remained divided.
Survival was the name of the game. Enniskillen and Londonderry were therefore masters of each other’s fate. Merely winning one of these conflicts (and losing the other) was simply not an option for the Protestants of Ulster. They either had to win both, or lose both – and by so doing, lose everything else as well. Everything was at stake, including their very survival. Defeat for them would mean ‘death’, not just humiliation.
By keeping James’ forces divided and frustrated, they were prolonging the war. This was bad news for the Jacobites because they were gambling on a quick victory in Ireland. For them, the siege of Londonderry and the (attempted) siege of Enniskillen were a race against time.
The longer the Protestants held out – the longer the war went on.
The longer the war went on – the weaker and more disheartened the RC army became; the more frustrated James’ French allies (upon whom he militarily and financially depended) became; and the more time it gave King William III to grow stronger and gear up his forces for a decisive campaign in Ireland. This race against time was a gamble that was always niggling away at the back of James' mind. This is what would play on his nerves and keep him awake at night.
The Enniskilleners played a major role in the relief of Londonderry. It was their campaign of guerrilla warfare that interfered with Jacobite supply lines and delayed RC troops from strengthening their hard-pressed allies who were besieging the Maiden City. Indeed, the men of Enniskillen were so effective at this that James actually had to divert forces from Londonderry in order to hold them back.
If the watchword of Londonderry was ‘defence’, then the watchword of Enniskillen was ‘defiance’.
The famous ‘Castle on the Erne’ became an island-fortress – a powerhouse that radiated strength, hope and encouragement to its northern neighbours on the Foyle.
Throughout 1689, Londonderry and Enniskillen were utterly dependent on each other for survival.
If one of them fell – then the other one would fall also.
If Londonderry failed to hold out - then James’ army would unite, move against Enniskillen and crush it.
If, on the other hand, Enniskillen failed to hold out - then James’ army would unite, move against Londonderry and crush it.
As long as James' army remained divided, spread out and bogged down - it wasn’t strong enough to score a victory at Londonderry or Enniskillen. Therefore, in order to ensure their own survival, BOTH Enniskillen and Londonderry had to keep the fight going - and therefore ensure that James’ forces remained divided.
Survival was the name of the game. Enniskillen and Londonderry were therefore masters of each other’s fate. Merely winning one of these conflicts (and losing the other) was simply not an option for the Protestants of Ulster. They either had to win both, or lose both – and by so doing, lose everything else as well. Everything was at stake, including their very survival. Defeat for them would mean ‘death’, not just humiliation.
By keeping James’ forces divided and frustrated, they were prolonging the war. This was bad news for the Jacobites because they were gambling on a quick victory in Ireland. For them, the siege of Londonderry and the (attempted) siege of Enniskillen were a race against time.
The longer the Protestants held out – the longer the war went on.
The longer the war went on – the weaker and more disheartened the RC army became; the more frustrated James’ French allies (upon whom he militarily and financially depended) became; and the more time it gave King William III to grow stronger and gear up his forces for a decisive campaign in Ireland. This race against time was a gamble that was always niggling away at the back of James' mind. This is what would play on his nerves and keep him awake at night.
The Enniskillen Victory & Its Legacy
The Protestant people of Ulster thank God for the largely unknown and unsung ‘men of Enniskillen’ who held the line and refused to back down.
Standing with their backs against the wall, with only their God to protect them, they held on until – in God’s good providence – deliverance finally came, and come it did.
As He did on so many other occasions in the past, our Mighty God intervened and saved his people. He gave them this blessed land in which to live so that they would be a light to the nations, a holy and sacred people, an intellectual elite, a beacon of freedom and a gospel lighthouse to a darkened world – from the times of the Ulster Plantation until the blessed climax of all history, the 'Crowning Day' when Jesus comes again.
Standing with their backs against the wall, with only their God to protect them, they held on until – in God’s good providence – deliverance finally came, and come it did.
As He did on so many other occasions in the past, our Mighty God intervened and saved his people. He gave them this blessed land in which to live so that they would be a light to the nations, a holy and sacred people, an intellectual elite, a beacon of freedom and a gospel lighthouse to a darkened world – from the times of the Ulster Plantation until the blessed climax of all history, the 'Crowning Day' when Jesus comes again.
Crom Castle - a vitally important location that played such a central role in the Williamite Enniskillen Campaign - has a very old Orange Lodge attached to it (LOL 1219). The photograph that you can see above was taken in the early 1900s. Crom Castle LOL 1219 is still in existance, and Crom Castle itself still contains a bespoke Orange Lodge Meeting Room.