Highland charge facts for kids
The Highland charge was a special way of fighting used by Scottish clans from the Highlands. It was a surprise attack where warriors rushed at the enemy, often using firearms first. This tactic aimed to break the enemy's battle lines quickly.
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How the Highland Charge Began
For a long time, before the 1600s, Highland warriors fought in close groups. Their leaders were strong fighters who used heavy battle axes or large two-handed swords called claymores. The word "claymore" comes from a Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning "great sword."
But then, new weapons like muskets (early guns) and cannons appeared. These made the old fighting groups very easy targets. So, in the 1600s, Highlanders changed their style. They started using a lighter, one-handed sword called a basket-hilted broadsword. This sword had a special guard to protect the hand.
Warriors often used this sword with a shield called a targe, strapped to their weaker arm. They also carried a smaller knife called a dirk in their other hand. Some people believe a Scottish and Irish warrior named Alasdair Mac Colla invented the Highland charge. He developed it during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms to solve battlefield problems. At first, it was even called the Irish charge. This was because Irish soldiers were part of Alasdair MacColla's army when they invaded Scotland. The charge was similar to old Celtic fighting styles, where one side would rush the other to break their lines.
What Was the Charge Like?
The Highland charge needed a lot of bravery. The warriors had to run into range of enemy muskets, knowing they would face gunfire. Speed was super important. Highlanders preferred to charge downhill and on solid ground. Sometimes, they even removed some clothing to run faster.
They ran forward in small groups, often about a dozen men who were related. These groups formed a larger, wedge-shaped attack. When they got close enough (about 60 yards), those with guns would fire. The smoke from all these guns made it hard for the enemy to aim. Right after firing, the Highlanders would quickly crouch low to the ground. This helped protect them from the enemy's return fire.
Then, they would drop their guns and pull out their swords. They would make the final rush at the enemy line, shouting a Gaelic battle cry. When they reached the enemy, a Highlander would try to block an opponent's sword or bayonet with their targe. At the same time, they would lunge low to stab the enemy in the body.
Bayonets and the Charge
Early bayonets were like plugs that fit into the end of a musket barrel. This meant you couldn't fire or reload the musket with the bayonet attached. Highlanders would quickly switch from guns to swords as they got close to the enemy. Enemy soldiers with these plug bayonets had only moments to attach them. This was hard to do while Highlanders were rushing at them, waving swords and yelling war cries.
At the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie, Scottish professional soldiers were overwhelmed by Highlanders. The Highlanders won a complete victory. They killed 2000 enemy soldiers while losing 800 of their own.
Later, a new type of bayonet was invented that attached with a ring around the barrel. This meant soldiers could fire and reload their muskets with the bayonet fixed. This made the Highland charge less effective. However, it was still a powerful surprise attack. The main goal was to scare some enemy soldiers into breaking their lines before contact. This would create gaps that the Highlanders could use to defeat the rest of the enemy. This happened at the 1644 Battle of Tippermuir and the 1745 Battle of Falkirk Muir.
The Battle of Culloden
One of the least successful times the Highland charge was used was in 1746. This was during the final battle of the Jacobite rising of 1745, called the Battle of Culloden. In this battle, the Jacobite forces, led by Charles Edward Stuart, fought against an army loyal to the British government. This army was commanded by Prince William, Duke of Cumberland.
The Jacobite army was hungry and unpaid. They were also greatly outnumbered and outgunned by the well-trained government troops. These troops kept their discipline even when charged. Charles Edward Stuart decided to fight on the open moorland of Culloden. This was against the advice of his military advisors. Most historians agree this decision played right into the government's hands.
The Jacobites did not attack before the enemy had set up their cannons. Cumberland's cannons then fired on the Jacobite army, who were standing still and exposed. Up to a third of Charles's men were scattered or became casualties. At this point, without orders, Clan Mackintosh in the middle of the Jacobite line began to charge. Donald Cameron of Lochiel led his Camerons to join them, and other clans followed. It was a sudden, unplanned, and messy charge. Many Highlanders didn't even use their guns.
Despite heavy cannon fire and musket volleys, the charge reached and sometimes broke through the government's front line. However, many Highlanders didn't have their targes to protect them from bayonets. Mortar shells and deadly musket fire from the government forces killed those who broke through. The others, after losing many men, fell back in a retreat that quickly became a full rout.
Moore's Creek Bridge
The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge was fought in 1776 in North Carolina. It was one of the first battles of the American Revolution. This battle has been called the "last Scottish Highland broadsword charge." It was fought between American Patriots and a loyalist force. This loyalist force was mostly made up of Scottish Gaels who had moved to America.
During the battle, the Highlanders tried to charge the Patriots with their broadswords. But they were shot down because the Patriots had better positions and equipment. At least 30 Scottish loyalists were killed, and many more were captured. The victorious rebels, on the other hand, lost only two men. This battle is known as one of the first major Patriot victories in the War of American Independence.
See also
- Military history of Scotland
- Human wave attack
- Banzai charge
- Battle of Prestonpans (1745)
