Print: Baxter - CL 198 – Windlesham is an area south of Reading and Slough and north of Chobham in Berkshire England. This print depicts a ‘practice’ battle that took place in August 1853 readying troops for the Crimean War which officially started on 5th Oct 1853
 
A companion print to CL. 197.  The Review of the British Fleet for which I would also normally have copies available, please email me if you are interested
 
The Times of August  5th, 1853, in a long account, records: "In Catlin's Valley, Lord Seaton proceeded to fight a grand sham battle.  While the retreating squadrons sought more and more the cover of their guns, the contest for the possession of the redoubt grew every moment more severe, and then, with loud hurrahs which made the valley ring, the whole line advanced by brigade, to the charge, which was executed with splendid effect.  The Guards rushed on impetuously on the right and Sir R. England's brigade on the left, and while on either hand they occupied the enemies attention by throwing out skirmishers, the whole Cavalry force, dashing suddenly from the centre, was hurled on its centre and left.  One of these charges in which the whole, brigade joined, the blues and the Scots Greys in the centre, and the Hussars and Light Dragoons on either side, was the finest thing of the kind we have ever witnessed, and electrified every onlooker by its brilliancy." 
 
Signed on the left, "Published April 24, 1854, by G. Baxter, Proprietor and Patentee." The print was produced from the engraved steel plate and ten colour blocks, and was originally sold at 3s.
 
Date: 1854
 
Size (cm ht x w): 11.9 x 24 (print)
 
State: On card, more than likely the original mount, now trimmed to a small margin
 
Condition: Very good colours, minor surface damage to the top right hand side, please see images, priced accordingly