What is a Forlorn Hope ? Forlorn hope is a military term that comes from the Dutch 'verloren hoop', which should be translated as "lost troop" although in Dutch it can also mean "lost hope". In the days of muzzle-loading muskets it was most frequently used to refer to the first wave of soldiers attacking a breach in defences during a siege. It was likely that most members of the Forlorn Hope would be killed or injured. However, the intention was that some would survive long enough to seize a foothold that could be reinforced, or at least allow that a second wave with better prospects could be sent in while the defenders were reloading or engaged in mopping up the remnants of the first wave. A Forlorn Hope was typically led by a junior officer with hopes of personal advancement. If he survived, and performed courageously, he was almost guaranteed both a promotion and a long-term boost to his career prospects. As a result, despite the risks, there was often competition for the opportunity to lead the assault. The French equivalent of the Forlorn Hope, called Les Enfants Perdus or 'The Lost Children', were all guaranteed promotion to officers should they survive and on both sides, men took up the suicidal mission as an opportunity to raise themselves in the army.

The Forlorn Hope, San Sebastian, 1813 - Ensign Francis Maguire (KORR) on his 21st birthday. The Breech at Badajoz, 1811