| I knew I would think of more.
The battle of Chateauguay and of Crysler's Farm during the war of 1812.
It was supposed to be a pincer movement by the Americans with the objective being Montreal. The US militiamen suddenly remembered that they were only supposed to be called up to defend American territory, not invade other countries. So they fell back quite quickly when they realized that yes indeed, the Canadians did intend to defend their country, even though they outnumbered the defenders by 5 to 1.
The same thing happened at Queenston Heights. Some US militiamen refused to get into the boats for the same reason, even after the battle had begun. The ratio was not quite the same, however. That one was a real battle, but many US reinforcements, who could well have won the battle, refused to get into the boats to cross the Niagara river.
I like this thread. I'm sure more will come to mind. |