Campbell of Argyll Militia facts for kids
The Campbell of Argyll Militia was a special group of fighters formed in 1745. It was also known as the Campbell militia or the Argyll militia. This group was put together by John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll to fight against a big rebellion called the Jacobite rising of 1745.
How the Militia Started
John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll was also the leader of the Clan Campbell. The men who joined the militia came from his family's lands in Argyll, a region in the south-west of the Scottish Highlands.
This militia was similar to other groups called the Independent Highland Companies. These companies were also formed in 1745 to fight the Jacobite rebellion. The Campbell of Argyll Militia got official permission from the King to form. However, even with this permission, it was not considered a regular part of the British Army.
Fighting in the Jacobite Rising of 1745
The Campbell of Argyll Militia played a part in several events during the Jacobite Rising.
On March 20, 1746, a small group from the militia was defeated at a fight known as the Skirmish of Keith.
Later, from March 20 to April 3, 1746, about 300 men from the militia helped defend Fort William. They successfully protected the fort during a long attack called the Siege of Fort William.
At the Battle of Falkirk Muir, twelve companies of the Campbell of Argyll Militia fought against the Jacobites. They were led by John Campbell, 5th Duke of Argyll, but they were defeated in this battle.
However, at the very important Battle of Culloden in 1746, four companies of the militia fought for the British Government. They were still led by the 5th Duke of Argyll. In this battle, the Jacobites were defeated. The Argyll militia played a key role by firing their muskets with great power on the right side of the Jacobite army. Only one member of the Argyll militia was badly hurt and died during this battle: Captain John Campbell of Achnaba.
After the Jacobite Rising of 1745 ended, both the 4th and 5th Dukes of Argyll used the militia to find and capture Jacobite supporters. For example, the Campbell of Argyll Militia took part in actions in Lochaber and Shiramore from May to August 1746. Even though they were hunting down rebels, a historian from the Campbell clan said the militia "behaved with some compassion." King George II of Great Britain officially thanked the Duke of Argyll for how well the Argyll militia acted.
See also
- Duke of Argyll
- Clan Campbell
- Jacobite rising of 1745
- Independent Highland Companies - similar irregular Scottish militia formations.
- Earl of Argyll's Regiment of Foot - 17th century regular regiment of the line.
- Loudon's Highlanders
