Order of battle at the Battle of the Monongahela facts for kids

The Battle of the Monongahela happened on July 9, 1755. It was a big fight during the French and Indian War. This battle was fought near what is now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was a clash between the British and French forces, along with their Native American allies. This page lists the different groups and leaders who took part in this important battle.

Who Fought for the British?

The British forces were led by Major-General Edward Braddock. He was the main commander. Sadly, he was badly wounded and died later.

Here are some of the key people and groups on the British side:

• Major-General Edward Braddock (Commander-in-Chief) - Died from his wounds.
  • Colonel George Washington, who used to be with the Virginia Regiment, was a volunteer helper.
  • Captain Robert Orme from the Coldstream Guards was also a helper and was wounded.
  • Captain Roger Morris from the 48th Foot was another helper and was wounded.
  • Captain William Shirley was Braddock's secretary and was killed.
  • Captain Francis Halkett from the 44th Foot was a major helper.
• Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John St. Clair from the 22nd Foot was in charge of supplies and was wounded.
  • Lieutenant Mathew Leslie from the 44th Foot was also in charge of supplies and was wounded.
• Captain Christopher Gist, who used to be with the Virginia Regiment, was a guide.

British Army Regiments

These were the main fighting groups from the British Army:

• The 44th Regiment of Foot was led by Colonel Sir Peter Halkett, 2nd Baronet. He was killed in the battle.
• The 48th Regiment of Foot was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Burton, who was wounded.
• The 3rd Independent New York Company, led by Captain John Rutherford.
• The 4th Independent New York Company, led by Captain Horatio Gates.
• The 3rd Independent South Carolina Company, led by Captain Paul Demere.

Artillery and Navy Support

The British also had special units for their weapons and water travel:

• The Board of Ordnance was in charge of the cannons and other big guns. They had about 60 officers and men, along with many cannons and mortars. Captain Orde was in command.
• A small group of 33 sailors from the Royal Navy also joined the fight. They were led by Lieutenant Charles Spendelowe, who was killed.

Native American Scouts and Interpreters

The British had help from Native American scouts and interpreters:

• Captain George Croghan was an interpreter.
• Captain Andrew Montour was also an interpreter.
• Seven Indian scouts helped guide the British, led by Scarouady.

Colonial Troops from America

Soldiers from the American colonies also fought with the British:

Virginia Soldiers

From the Colony of Virginia, several groups of rangers and carpenters joined:

• Captain Polson's Carpenters, led by Captain William Polson.
• Captain Mercer's Carpenters, led by Captain George Mercer.
• Captain Stephen's Rangers, led by Captain Adam Stephen.
• Captain Wagener's Rangers, led by Captain Thomas Waggoner.
• Captain Peyronnie's Rangers, led by Captain William Peyronnie.
• Captain Hogg's Rangers, led by Captain Peter Hogg.
• Captain Cocke's Rangers, led by Captain Thomas Cocke.
• Captain Lewis' Rangers, led by Captain Andrew Lewis.
• Captain Stewart's Mounted Rangers or Virginia Light Horse Troop, led by Captain Robert Stuart.

North Carolina Soldiers

• The North Carolina Provincial Regiment was led by Major Edward Brice Dobbs.

Who Fought for the French?

The French forces were led by Captain Daniel Liénard de Beaujeu. He was killed during the battle.

Here are the main groups and leaders on the French side:

French Marine Companies

These were regular soldiers from France, often serving in the colonies:

• About 105 officers and men from the Compagnies Franches de la Marine.
  • Captain Daniel Liénard de Beaujeu (the main commander, killed in action).
  • Captain Jean-Daniel Dumas.
  • Ensign Charles Michel Mouet de Langlade.

Canadian Militia

• About 146 militiamen from Canada also fought alongside the French. These were regular citizens who could be called upon to fight.

Native American Allies

Many Native American groups allied with the French:

• From the Seven Nations of Canada, including the Hurons and Abenaki.
• From the Pays d'en Haut (a region west of the Great Lakes), including the Odawa and Lenni Lenape.

In total, about 640 Native American warriors fought with the French.