Colonel William Whitley: Charge of the Forlorn Hope

From Find-a-Grave.

Died at age 64.  At the Battle of the Thames, he led the Charge of the Charge of the Forlorn Hope.  twenty daring men, all volunteers, charged the British and Indian force who numbered some 500.  The main force of Americans followed them into battle and were able to engage the Indians while they were reloading.

Whitley's home is the first American brick house built west of the Appalachians.  He also built the first circular horse-racing track in Kentucky, a forerunner of Churchill Downs.

Famed Indian fighter who was in more than twenty battles with them.

It is believed that Whitley and Tecumseh exchanged shots and killed each other.

--Brock-Perry

The Forlorn Hope

From Wikipedia.

Yesterday, I mentioned William Whitley as leading the "Forlorn Hope" charge at the Battle of the Thames. I knew that if you are a soldier, you'd be best not to be involved in anything such as a "forlorn hope" if you care to live, but did a little more research on it.

A "Forlorn Hope" is a band of soldiers chosen or volunteering to take the leading part in a military operation, such as an assault on a defended position where risk of casualties is high.

It comes from the Dutch words "Verloren Hoop," maening literally "lost troop." In the days of muzzle-loading muskets, it referred to the first wave of troops who would be cut down by gunfire, enabling those coming after it to fall upon the enemy with few casualties.

No Sir, No Forlorn Hope for Me, Sir. --Brock-Perry