Reinforcements have arrived in Ireland from Spain,…
January 1602 CE
Reinforcements have arrived in Ireland from Spain, and on December 24, 1601, British date (January 3, 1602 for the Catholic Irish and Spanish armies), had moved into position.
In three columns—led by Richard Tyrell, Hugh O'Neill, and O'Donnell—they march toward a night attack, but owing to a lack of coordination and possible arguments between the commanders, they have failed to reach their destination by dawn.
The English scouts are aware of the troop movements and, after leaving a number of regiments behind to guard the camp and cover Kinsale, Mountjoy leads his forces to meet the enemy at a ridge northwest of the town.
O'Neill controls the ridge, and intends to fight for it, with support from Aguila, O'Donnell, and Tyrell on multiple sides.
De Aguilla, the Spanish commander, is an experienced soldier and puts up a fierce defense.
His instructions are, however, to hold the town until the Irish army comes down from Ulster to combine with them.
When neither of his allies show signs of movement, O'Neill orders a retreat into the marshes, hoping to mire the English cavalry in the soft land.
In the end, the Irish are overpowered by the English cavalry, who charge through O'Neill's men, and prevent a flanking maneuver by O'Donnell.
The tactics show that the Irish Foot are poorly trained for open field fighting and the formation of the hollow square.
It also shows up the English cavalry techniques using the lance, as compared with the Irish method of no stirrup and overhead spear throwing.
The Irish army leaves the field in some disorder while the supporting Spanish army led by Ocampo tries to hold the charge and the ensuing massacre.
Most flee back to Ulster, though a few remain to continue the war with O’Sullivan Beare.
The Spanish, who have lost many men in the siege, give up the town to Mountjoy, "on Terms" and are allowed to sail back to Spain, not knowing that only a few days ahead another Spanish force will be sent.
Outnumbered, deprived from any reinforcements and provisions and under constant English bombardment, the Spaniards had bravely and successfully defended the town of Kinsale against all comers for more than three months.
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