Battle of Killiecrankie
The Battle of Killiecrankie, fought in 1689, was a significant conflict during the Jacobite Rebellions, which were part of the broader War of the Grand Alliance. This battle pitted the Scottish Highlanders, led by John Graham, Viscount Dundee, against the Williamite army under Major General Hugh Mackay. The engagement began when Dundee's forces emerged from Killiecrankie Pass, surprising the Williamite troops who quickly attempted to form ranks on lower ground. Despite initial resistance, the Highlanders, known for their fierce and direct combat style, charged with broadswords after ineffective firing with their firearms. The battle resulted in heavy casualties, with Mackay's forces suffering around 1,200 losses, compared to 700 for the Highlanders. Although the Highlanders achieved a tactical victory, Dundee was mortally wounded, and his loss was deeply impactful as he had been a unifying figure for the diverse clans. This battle is remembered as a pivotal moment in Scottish history, reflecting the struggle for national identity and sovereignty during a turbulent period.
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Subject Terms
Battle of Killiecrankie
Type of action: Ground battle during the War of the Grand Alliance
Date: July 27, 1689
Location: Killiecrankie Pass (thirty-six miles northwest of Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Scotland)
Combatants: 1,900 Scottish Highlanders vs. 3,500 English government troops
Principal commanders:Highland, John Graham of Claverhouse, First Viscount Dundee (1649?-1689); Government (William III), Major General Hugh Mackay of Scourie
Result: A Pyrrhic victory for the Highland army
During the Jacobite Rebellions, part of the War of the Grand Alliance in which the Scottish expressed their opposition to William III, the English Williamite army came out of Killiecrankie Pass around midday and saw the approach of John Graham, Viscount Dundee, and his army from around a hill. Major General Hugh Mackay’s men, on low ground, turned quickly to face the Highland army and formed three ranks. However, Dundee waited until the sun was out of his eyes before giving the order to charge. Despite their orders, many of Dundee’s men fired their weapons on the run with little effect, then threw away their firearms continuing their rush with broadswords.
The charge of Dundee’s Highlanders was a terrifying spectacle for the Williamite soldiers who had already fired but, failing to halt the charge, had no time to reload. Although some of the government’s forces stood their ground and were killed, many of Mackay’s battalions broke and ran back through Killiecrankie Pass. Dundee charged with his cavalry but in the smoke and confusion lost contact with his army and fell mortally wounded to a musket ball. In the end, Mackay lost about 1,200 men, and the Highland army suffered 700 dead.
Significance
The battle was a tactical success for the Highlanders, but replacing their losses was more difficult. Dundee’s death was most catastrophic as his personality and inspiration united the Highlanders’ divergent interests.
Bibliography
Gooch, Leo. The Desperate Faction? The Jacobites of North-east England, 1688–1745. Hull, England: University of Hull Press, 1995.
Hesketh, Christian, and Magnus Linklater. For King and Conscience. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1989.
Hill, James Michael. Celtic Warfare, 1595–1763. Edinburgh, Scotland: John Donald, 1986.
Lenman, Bruce. The Jacobite Risings in Britain, 1689–1746. Reprint. Aberdeen, Scotland: Scottish Cultural Press, 1995.