Skeletons from 1709 Battle of Malplaquet Emerging on WW1 Battlefields

[LeGuen]

Morning All,

I am doing a degree course on the First World War and have read that further north on the Flanders battlefield skeletons had been known to appear in sunken lanes and trenches wearing remnants of red cloth and lying alongside bandoliers, muskets and swords all dating to 1709. They were the men who had fought under the Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Malplaquet.

The author didn't say where he had found the story and I have been unable to find any evidence in books, papers, letters or in the WW1 literature I have read so far - and that's quite a lot by now!

Any ideas? Has anybody even heard of such a thing?

Grateful for any help, Ann Berry

[jones20]

Read a few books over the years never heard of this so best of luck with your endeavours

[welchboy]

Afternoon Ann, This book my be of help if you can locate a copy.

First hand account of the battle entitled " Amiable Renegade : The Memoirs of Peter Drake " pages 163 to 170.

Captain Peter Drake (1671 - 1753 ) was a Irishman and mercenary to fought in most of the European armies at that time.

[welchboy]

Ann, The RWF, were part of Marlborough's Force. Suggest contacting the RWF Regimental Museum, address : The Castle, Caernarfon, LL55 2AY. Telephone : 01286 673362

E. Mail : contact@RWFMuseum.Wales