Skirmish of Dunfermline facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skirmish of Dunfermline |
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| Part of Jacobite rising of 1715 | |||||||
 Ruins at Dunfermline Abbey where the Jacobite Highlanders were encamped |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Scottish Hanoverian supporters | Jacobite clans | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Cathcart |
James Malcolm of Grange John Gordon of Glenbucket |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 120 Dragoons 30 dismounted troops |
80 horse 300 Highlanders |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 1 man wounded and 1 horse wounded. | 4 killed and 2 mortally wounded 17 men taken prisoner |
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The Skirmish of Dunfermline was a small battle that happened on October 24, 1715, in Dunfermline, Scotland. It was part of a bigger event called the Jacobite rising of 1715. This fight was between soldiers who supported the British-Hanoverian Government and a group called the Jacobites.
Why the Skirmish Happened
On October 23, 1715, during the Jacobite uprising, John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll heard some news. He was the leader of Clan Campbell and supported the government. He learned that a group of Jacobite rebels was near Castle Campbell.
This Jacobite group had about 80 horse riders and 300 Highlanders. Argyll heard they were going to Fife to gather supplies. These supplies were needed for the main Jacobite army, which was located in Perth.
Argyll quickly sent a group of soldiers called dragoons to stop them. These dragoons were led by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Cathcart. By October 24, Cathcart's soldiers had caught up with the Jacobites in Dunfermline.
The Jacobites were not very careful about their safety. Their leader, James Malcolm of Grange, felt very sure he knew the area well. Because of this, he only put one guard at the bridge leading into the town.
He also let his soldiers split up when they found places to stay. The Highlanders, led by John Gordon of Glenbucket, camped in a ruined abbey outside the town. The Jacobite horse riders stayed in different taverns and houses in the town. They did not even set a meeting point if there was an alarm. The officers just relaxed with some wine.
The Fight Begins
Cathcart's soldiers secretly checked out the Jacobite positions during the night. At 5 a.m., they attacked from the east side of Dunfermline. Cathcart had 120 dragoons on horseback.
Before the main attack, 30 of Cathcart's soldiers, who were on foot, started a loud fight with the Highlanders in the abbey. This noise woke up the Jacobite cavalry. They rushed out of their beds and into the street in a confused mess. They were trying to find their horses and get ready to fight.
Cathcart then charged at them with his dragoons. During this charge, four Jacobite soldiers were killed. Two more were badly wounded and later died. Cathcart's forces then rode through the town.
After riding through the town, Cathcart rejoined his soldiers who were on foot. They had managed to capture seventeen Jacobite prisoners. Cathcart's side had very few injuries: only one man and one horse were wounded. Another report says that about twenty Jacobites were taken prisoner in total.
What Happened Next
The Skirmish of Dunfermline was the only big attack the Duke of Argyll launched against the Jacobites. This happened before December 1715, when more soldiers from the Netherlands and Switzerland arrived to help.
Because of this, the Jacobites were free to gather more people and supplies in Fife. They could do as they pleased until late December. This small victory helped them feel more confident and gave them more resources.
See also
