Ballantyne The Brave

Here's an interesting "on this day" note; this is the 320th anniversary of the battle of Killiecrankie. On July 27, 1689, during one of the numerous Jacobite" rebellions", the Battle of Killiecrankie took place at the town of Killiecrankie, in Scotland. This battle is a rather interesting example of the old adage that "a victory can also be loss."

"Clavers"

Commanding the the government forces (about 4,000 men) was General Hugh MacKay, serving William III, (who was in the process of ousting James II from the throne.) In command of the 3,000 Jacabites was John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee. "Clavers", not the greatest chap, is today remembered for his persecution of the Covenanters, during the 1670s and 80s, and also for his role in the Jacabite wars.

Clavers decided to start the battle off in spite of his inferior numbers. Mackay responded by extending his line (which meant thinning it.) Dundee extended his line to match in length but increased the gaps between his highlanders. The battle of Killecrankie really only lasted 10 minutes. But, that's not too surprising when you consider the fact that the Highlanders didn't like to dilly or dally on the field of battle. Their favorite tactics: a wild highland charge and than close quarter fighting.

The first and last sign that the battle was over was the highland charge of the Jacobites, which took the government forces, under MacKay, by surprise. Mackay and his men were completely overwhelmed in only 10 minutes. Only a quarter of the government force made it back to Stirling 36 hours after the battle.

But ultimately, the loss was only a short lived one. The biggest plus for Mackay and his men was the fact that Dundee was no more. During the battle Clavers was shot on his horse, and then fell to the ground, mortally wounded. Even though the Jacabite forces "won " the battle, in reality it was Mackay who came off with points. Eventually, William III won the whole war.

Over the generations the Scots have remembered all their greatest (and lowest) moments in song. I first heard about the battle of Killiekrankie listening to Mr. Charlie Zahm sing the great Scottish Ballads. One of my favorites is the song "Braes O' Killiekrankie." This is a very fun ballad which tells of the battle from the perspective of one of Mackay's soldiers.

"Killiekrankie, O!"

July 27, 2009 | Permalink