Roger Fenwick (Roundhead) facts for kids

Roger Fenwick (born 1632, died 1658) was a brave English soldier. He was a lieutenant-colonel in the New Model Army, which was a very important army at that time. Roger Fenwick was badly hurt while leading his soldiers in a famous fight called the Battle of the Dunes (1658).

Roger Fenwick's Life

Roger Fenwick was born on March 18, 1632. His father was Edward Fenwick from Staunton, and his mother was Sarah Nevill from Yorkshire.

He grew up to become a high-ranking officer in the army. He was a Lieutenant-Colonel in a group of soldiers led by Lockhart. This army was known as the New Model Army.

The Battle of the Dunes

Roger Fenwick played a key role in the Battle of the Dunes. This big battle happened on July 14, 1658.

During the battle, Fenwick led his soldiers in a daring attack. They had to climb a very tall sand-hill, about 150 feet (46 m) high. The sides of the hill were so steep that the English soldiers had to crawl up on their hands and knees! Spanish soldiers, who were very experienced, were defending the top of the hill.

The English soldiers fought bravely. After firing their guns twice and using their long spears (called pikes), they managed to push the Spanish off the hill. They chased the Spanish soldiers down the other side. Then, enemy horse soldiers attacked them. But the English soldiers held their ground and kept their formation strong. Soon, French horse soldiers arrived and helped drive the enemy away.

Almost all the officers in Fenwick's group were either killed or hurt during this attack. One officer, Captain Henry Jones, was even captured. The amazing courage of Fenwick's soldiers made the English Army famous all over Europe.

A newspaper from that time wrote about Roger Fenwick:

Lieutenant-Col. Roger Fenwick, a gentleman of high courage and worth, who led the first forces up the sand-hill against the enemy, and notwithstanding the great advantages the enemies had in that place, did by his valour and gallant example, contribute very much to that great victory, is dead of his wounds, dying at Mardike the very day that the English took possession of Dunkirk, to which place his corpse is to be carried and will be honorably interred in the cathedral of that town.

Roger Fenwick died from his wounds at a place called Mardike. This was on the same day that the English army took control of Dunkirk. He was buried with honor in the main church (cathedral) in Dunkirk.

A Hero Remembered

Roger Fenwick's bravery was even written about in a poem! The famous poet Andrew Marvell mentioned Fenwick and the Battle of the Dunes in his poem, A poem on the death of his late Highness the Lord Protector. Marvell suggested that the victory was helped by the prayers of the leader, Oliver Cromwell.