DIEPPE.—In France.—This town was bombarded by an English fleet, under Admiral Russell, and laid in ashes, July 1694. Again bombarded by the British, September 14th, 1803.
DIZIER ST.—In Champagne.—One of the most memorable sieges in modern history. This town sustained a siege for six weeks against the army of Charles V, Emperor of Germany, A.D. 1544. A battle was fought here between the armies of the Allies on the one side, and the French, commanded by Napoleon in person, on the other, in which he was defeated with great loss, January 27th, 1814.
DONNINGTON, BATTLE OF.—In Lincolnshire, England.—Fought between the Royalists, commanded by Colonel Cavendish, and the forces of the Parliament—the latter defeated, 1643. The battle of Donnington, in Gloucestershire, was fought in 1645, when the Royalists, under Lord Aston, were defeated by Colonel Morgan. This victory led to the surrender of the King’s garrison at Oxford.
DRAGOON.—Name supposed to have been derived from dragon. The first regiment of dragoons in England was raised A.D. 1681.
DRESDEN, BATTLE OF.—Between the allied army, under the Prince of Schwarzenberg, and the French army, commanded by Napoleon, August 26th and 27th, 1813. The Allies were 200,000 strong. They attacked the position of Napoleon, and the event had nearly proved fatal to them, but for an error of General Vandamme. They were defeated with dreadful loss, and were obliged to retreat into Bohemia. Vandamme pursuing them too far, his division was cut to pieces, and he and all his staff made prisoners. In this battle, General Moreau received his mortal wound, while in conversation with the Emperor of Russia.
DROGHEDA.—In Ireland.—Cromwell took this city by storm, and put the governor and all the garrison to the sword, August 14th, 1649. More than 3000 men, mostly English, perished, one individual—a lieutenant—alone escaping. Cromwell also murdered every man, woman, and child of the citizens that were Irish!
DRUM.—A martial instrument—the invention of which is ascribed to Bacchus. Being an oriental invention, it was introduced into Europe by the Moors, A.D. 713.
DUMBLANE OR DUNBLANE, BATTLE OF.—Called also the Battle of Sheriffmuir.—Fought between the Royalist army, and the Scotch rebels, November 12th, 1715. The Duke of Argyle, who commanded the Royalists, had in his army 4000 veteran troops; the Earl of Mar, who commanded the rebels, 8000, but all newly raised. The loss was equal on both sides, and each claimed the victory. The Highland foot behaved most gallantly.
DUNBAR, BATTLE OF.—Fought between the Scottish and English army, in which John Baliol was defeated by the Earl of Warrenne, and Scotland subdued by Edward I, April 27th, 1296. Another battle was fought here between the Scots and the English, under Cromwell, who obtained a great victory, September 3rd, 1650.