William Baillie (soldier) facts for kids

General William Baillie (born around 1595, died 1653) was a skilled Scottish soldier. He fought for different countries during his career. He served with the Dutch army and later led a group of soldiers for King Gustavus Adolphus in Sweden. After 1633, we don't have much information about his time in Sweden. He came back to Scotland in 1639. There, he joined the Army of the Covenant as a colonel.

Early Life of William Baillie

William Baillie was the son of Sir William Baillie of Lamington in Lanarkshire. His mother was a woman named Mrs. Home. She was the daughter of Alexander Home of North Berwick. Alexander Home was also a important leader in Edinburgh.

Military Career and Key Battles

William Baillie was a Scottish officer. He served as a second-in-command, called a lieutenant colonel. This was in Alexander Hamilton's regiment from 1629 to 1630. His regiment then joined with another group of soldiers.

Fighting in England: Marston Moor

In 1644, Baillie marched into England with the Army of the Covenant. This army was made up of Scottish soldiers. He led some of the Scottish foot soldiers at the Battle of Marston Moor. A general named Alexander Leslie was in charge of the whole battle.

Chasing Montrose: A Tough Challenge

In 1645, Baillie was sent to fight against James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Montrose was a skilled military leader. Baillie tried to stop Montrose from moving south. He almost caught Montrose in Dundee. But Montrose managed to escape into the Highlands.

Baillie then divided his soldiers. He hoped to trap Montrose between his own troops and another group led by Sir John Hurry. However, Montrose won a big victory against Hurry. This happened at the Battle of Auldearn in May 1645.

Defeats and Resignation Offer

Two months later, Montrose defeated Baillie himself. This battle was the Battle of Alford. After this loss, Baillie offered to quit his command. But the leaders of the Covenanters did not accept his resignation.

Instead, a new army was formed. Baillie remained in charge. However, he now had a group of leaders with him. This group was called the Committee of War. It was led by the Earl of Argyll.

The Battle of Kilsyth and Final Defeat

Against Baillie's advice, a battle was forced with Montrose. This happened at the Battle of Kilsyth. Once again, Baillie's army was defeated. This was his last fight against Montrose. Montrose himself was later defeated at the Battle of Philiphaugh in September.

The Second English Civil War

During the Second Civil War, Baillie led the foot soldiers. He was part of the army of the Duke of Hamilton. This army tried to invade England. However, they were defeated by Oliver Cromwell. This happened at the Battle of Preston in August 1648. The Duke of Hamilton escaped, but Baillie was ordered to surrender with his soldiers.

Later Life and Death

General William Baillie passed away in the year 1653.