The 25th November was the day Grant planned for Sherman’s 4 Divisions, 24000 men, to get on Bragg’s right flank after breaking through Tunnel Hill. It should have happened too, but Sherman dallied and when he attacked he only used a small portion of his available force. The Condederate right flank was held by the army’s best general, Patrick R. Cleburne and his men, with help from rushed reinforcements, easily repulsed Sherman.
To aid Sherman, Grant, commanding the Union armies, ordered General Thomas in the centre to seize the rifle pits at the base of Missionary Ridge. Due to confusion over where to stop some attacking units kept on going. For some it was better to advance than stay where they were as Confederate artillery and small arms fire was so heavy. Equally, some confederate units were unaware of which were expected to pull out and so others retreated too.
An impregnable position was taken frontally, despite both opposing commanders thinking it impossible.
The retreat of the Confederate forces was covered by none other than the indomitable Cleburne. Bragg, the unloved Confederate commander was rightly and finally removed from command.
Unfortunately, the men would not get the commander they deserved and instead this fine Western army was wasted away fighting miles behind the front lines late in 1864, while Sherman won the war in the West.