While the allied army was forming for battle, the INNISKILLING dragoons and other cavalry covered the operation, and were exposed to the enemy's cannon. The French household troops, headed by the princes of the blood, became impatient of inactivity, and quitting their advantageous position, galloped forward to commence the action. The British cavalry advanced to meet their antagonists, and were repulsed; but a volley from the British infantry destroyed several French squadrons, and the English troopers returning to the charge, drove back their opponents. The battle extended along the line, and the British, Austrian, and Hanoverian infantry, fiercely encountering the French battalions, gained advantage after advantage, until the fortune of the day was so evidently in their favour that the result was no longer doubtful. Meanwhile the charges of the cavalry were frequent and sanguinary. Bland's (third) dragoons, and the INNISKILLING troopers charged and overpowered a superior body of horse, then rushed sword in hand upon a line of French cuirassiers, whose polished armour proved ineffectual against the prowess and resolution of the British dragoons fighting in the presence of their King. The life-guards, blues, King's horse (now first dragoon guards), and Ligonier's troopers (now seventh dragoon guards), behaved nobly; the royals and greys captured each a standard[14]; and Rich's (fourth) and Cope's (seventh) dragoons had their share in the combat. Unable to withstand the fury of the charging Britons, the French gave way, and were driven across the Maine with such precipitation, that many men were drowned in the river. The INNISKILLING dragoons returned from the pursuit and bivouacked near the scene of conflict. Their loss was two men and eighteen horses killed; and one man and nine horses wounded. On the following day they continued their march to Hanau, where they were encamped until the beginning of August, when they proceeded towards the Rhine, and having passed that river, were employed in West Germany; the King having his head-quarters at the episcopal palace of Worms, and afterwards at Spire. In October His Majesty marched the army back to Mentz, from whence the INNISKILLING dragoons continued their route to Flanders, where they passed the winter. [Sidenote: 1744] The regiment served the campaign of 1744 with the army commanded by Field-Marshal Wade; and after encamping for some time behind the Scheldt, was employed in an incursion into the French territory, and in collecting contributions. In October the regiment went into winter quarters at Ghent. [Sidenote: 1745]