Today in U.S. military history: Benedict Arnold's massacre in Connecticut

Unto the Breach ^ | 6 September 2019 | Chris Carter

[fugazi]

Today’s post is in honor of Marine LCpl. Michael T. Badsing who was killed on this date in 1965 by enemy small-arms fire in South Vietnam. The 20-year-old Chicago native served with C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.

1781: Hoping to divert Gen. George Washington from marching against Lord Cornwallis’ forces now trapped in Virginia, two battalions of British soldiers — including American Loyalist forces under the command of Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold — assault New London, Conn.. The redcoats easily capture Fort Trumbull, but across the Thames River, the heavily outnumbered defenders of Fort Griswold fiercely resist.

The King’s men storm into the fort, massacring Americans attempting to surrender, and burn New London before withdrawing. Marquis de LaFayette is reported to have shouted “Remember Fort Griswold!” while assaulting the British redoubts at Yorktown.

1863: In the past 24 hours alone, Union Naval guns have killed 100 Confederates at Battery Wagner, one of the forts guarding Charleston (S.C.) harbor. The past 60 days of bombardment prove too much for Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, who orders his forces to evacuate by boat. The Yankees now control Morris Island — one step closer to capturing Charleston.

1918: (Featured image) U.S. Navy railroad artillery crews conduct their first attack – a German rail center in Tergnier. The five massive 14"/50cal Mark 4 guns, normally mounted to a battleship, are transported by train and can hit targets well over 20

[Little Ray]

Point of order:
By the rules of the day, if the defenders of a fort declined to surrender and the fort was subsequently taken by storm, then killing all defenders was perfectly legitimate.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Wiki...”In September 1781, British troops under Benedict Arnold raided and burned New London in the Battle of Groton Heights. The British were well informed of the layout of the fort, and Arnold approached the harbor from such an angle that the fort's guns could not engage his fleet. His troops eventually made landfall and encountered resistance, and artillery barrages and musket fire brought heavy casualties to each side. The British eventually broke into the fort, and Colonel William Ledyard surrendered by handing his sword, hilt-first, to the commanding British officer—who took the sword and immediately thrust it through Colonel Ledyard. Arnold abandoned the fort soon after and left New London in flames.”

[the OlLine Rebel]

Worked down the street from there in Groton. Very cool place to live. What they don’t mention is that Arnold was a native of Norwich upstream which is where I lived. Gravesites galore around the region growl how the interred was killed by “traitor Arnold”.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Yes, Col.Ledyard was in charge. Buried in the graveyard in town not far away and named for him. Lots of things named for him around.

[PGalt]

Thanks. History/education BUMP!

[dominic flandry]

I was unaware of the heroic defense by those two soldiers in Korea. Those awards for bravery were well deserved.

[SunkenCiv]

This topic was posted 09/06/2019, thanks fugazi.