Second Battle of Weymouth

The Second Battle of Weymouth was a battle of the Atlantean War of Independence. It took place during the war's first winter as the climax of General Victor Radcliff's unexpected winter campaign.

Weymouth had fallen to the British led by General William Howe months prior. After a series of defeats, faith in the Atlantean cause was shaken. At the instigation of cavalry commander Habakkuk Biddiscombe, Radcliff launched a winter campaign, in contravention of the customs of war. . After further scouting, Radcliff's army attacked and captured three outposts: Sudbury, Halstead, and Pittman's Ferry. All fell with relative ease, as the British were completely surprised by this unorthodox campaign.

Radcliff gained enough confidence to march on Weymouth. The Atlanteans ran into a detachment of British troops a few miles outside of Weymouth, spoiling what Radcliff hoped would be a surprise attack. The Atlanteans handily outnumbered the British detachment, and were able to outflank the British, surrounding them and forcing a retreat. .

The garrison at Weymouth was initially defiant when Radcliff arrived. The garrison's commander, Major Henry Lavery, refused Radcliff's entreaty for surrender. Radcliff responded by putting snipers around the town, with order to shoot any Redcoat that might appear during the day. Just before sundown, Radcliff learned that a British officer had been picked off. It wasn't immediately clear if this was Major Lavery. But at ten the next morning, the British garrison finally emerged and attacked the Atlanteans.

After a period of pitched fighting, the British were routed, and the Atlanteans moved into the town. Frigates of the Royal Navy, anchored off-shore, began bombarding the town. Radcliff attempted to answer with two six-pounders, but the frigates were able to successfully destroy one, killing most of its crew. Radcliff pulled the other back.

News soon reached Radcliff that General Howe was marching up from New Hastings. Despite arguments from Captain Biddiscombe, Radcliff realized that he could not successfully entrap Howe's attack, and certainly could not defeat Howe in a direct battle. Knowing that Howe had to crush him in order to win, and realizing that all he really had to do was not lose, Radcliff pulled out of Weymouth.