Although smuggling gangs were generally supported by the local population as they provided much-needed and well-paid work, the murderous brutality of the gang had turned the residents against them. At Goudhurst, the people formed the Goudhurst Band Of Militia led by "General" William Sturt, a former army corporal. Enraged by this defiance, Thomas Kingsmill, a native of the town, threatened to burn the town and kill the residents, setting an appointed time, 21 April 1747. When the gang attacked on the appointed day, the militia were well enough trained to shoot dead Kingsmill's brother George in the first volley of the Battle of