James Abercrombie (British Army officer, born 1706) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Abercrombie
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General James Abercrombie, by Allan Ramsay
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| Born | 1706 Glassaugh, Banffshire, Scotland |
| Died | 23 April 1781 (aged 74–75) Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1717–1772 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | War of the Austrian Succession Seven Years' War
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General James Abercrombie (1706 – 23 April 1781) was a British Army general. He was born in Scotland. He also served as a politician in the House of Commons from 1734 to 1754.
Abercrombie became the commander of British forces in North America. This was during the French and Indian War. He is most remembered for a big defeat in 1758. This was the Battle of Carillon, also known as the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.
Contents
Early Life and Career
James Abercrombie was born in Glassaugh, Scotland. His father, Alexander Abercromby, was also a politician. At just eleven years old, James joined the army. He became an ensign in the 25th Regiment of Foot.
In 1736, he was promoted to captain. By 1739, he was in charge of Stirling castle. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the government. He voted with the government often.
In 1742, he became a major. He was promoted to colonel in 1746. He fought in the War of the Austrian Succession in Europe. He was wounded in a battle in 1747.
French and Indian War
The Seven Years' War started in 1756. This war was fought all over the world. Abercrombie was promoted to major general. He was sent to America to fight in the French and Indian War. This war was part of the Seven Years' War. It was fought between the British and the French, along with their Native American allies.
Abercrombie was the second-in-command to Lord Loudoun. In 1757, he led a group of soldiers at Fortress Louisbourg. After Lord Loudoun left, Abercrombie became the main commander of British forces in North America.
Battle of Fort Ticonderoga (1758)
In the summer of 1758, Abercrombie was given a big task. He was ordered to attack Fort Carillon. This fort was later called Fort Ticonderoga. The goal was to capture it and then move on to take Montreal.
Abercrombie was good at planning and organizing supplies. He gathered 15,000 soldiers at Fort Edward. He moved them and their supplies through the wilderness. This was a difficult journey.
However, Abercrombie was not a strong leader in battle. On July 7, his second-in-command, George Howe, was killed. The next day, July 8, Abercrombie made a risky decision. He ordered his troops to attack the French fort directly. He did this without using cannons to weaken the fort first.
This attack was a disaster. More than 2,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded. His army panicked and ran away. Abercrombie retreated with his remaining forces.
After the Battle
Because of this big defeat, Abercrombie was called back to Great Britain. This happened in September 1758. General Jeffery Amherst took his place.
Even though he failed at Ticonderoga, Abercrombie was still promoted. He became a lieutenant general in 1759. He was promoted to general in 1772.
See also
- James Abercrombie (Bunker Hill)
