THE PLUNKETT SHOT

the story behind the legend

Thomas Plunkett, described as “a bold, active, athletic Irishman, and a deadly shot,” joined the 95th Rifles in 1805. He first made a name for himself during the British invasion Buenos Aires in 1807, during which he showed his prowess as a proficient marksman, reportedly shooting every enemy who showed his face. However, his most famous moment would come in the Iberian Peninsula in 1808. With the British army in full retreat, the 95th Rifles provided a rearguard, under constant attack from the French. While engaged against cavalry at Cacabelos, Plunkett is credited with shooting the enemy cavalry commander, general Colbert, following up with the swift dispatch of Colbert’s aide-de-camp.

The circumstances surrounding this famous shot are murky, as no first-hand account of Plunkett’s shot exists, and the memoirs that mention the truly remarkable shot are seemingly based upon regimental legends. Having seen 50 of his comrades captured earlier that day, Plunkett was supposedly in a furious rage, and according to Rifleman Costello, Plunkett “immediately started from his company, and running about a hundred yards (91 metres) nearer to the enemy, he threw himself on his back on the road… placing his foot in the sling of his rifle.” The position adopted by Plunkett, later known as the Orthodox, or Supine position, gave the firer an extra platform of stability, thus increasing accuracy at a long range. The reasons for Plunkett choosing to fire in this manner are still unclear as this is not a documented ‘official’ firing position. However, if Costello is to be believed, the extra stability provided in the position would have aided Plunkett after running forwards in full kit.

Because of the nature of warfare at this time, opportunities for the shot to be replicated on the battlefield would have been few and far between.