Battle of Aberdeen (1646)

The Battle of Aberdeen was fought on 14 May 1646 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. George, Marquis of Huntly the commander of a Royalist army, defeated a force of Covenanters under the command of Hugh, Lord Montgomerie.

For the battle fought outside the city of Aberdeen on 13 September 1644, see Battle of Aberdeen (1644).

Battle of Aberdeen
Part of Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Date14 May 1646
Location
Aberdeen, Scotland
Result Royalist Victory
Belligerents
Royalists Covenanters
Commanders and leaders
George, Marquis of Huntly Hugh, Lord Montgomerie
Strength
1,500 foot
500 horse		 700 foot
240 horse
Casualties and losses
Many
300 captured
Aberdeen
Scotland

Prelude

In 1646 Montgomerie was engaged in the northern campaign under John Middleton and on 27 April entered Aberdeen with about 240 horse (cavalry) in four troops.[1][2] In addition to his horse he had under his command 700 foot in two regiments, and he was entrusted with the duty of holding the city.[1][3] Huntly, who having suffered some setbacks had retreated to Strathnaver in 1645 had since then returned to his lands around Strathbogie and raised a force of 1,600 foot and 600 horse.[4]

Battle

On 14 May Huntly, with about 1,500 foot and 500 horse,[1] stormed Aberdeen and set it on fire. Montgomerie's defenders repulsed the first two assaults but were then overcome.[5] The Covenanters suffered many casualties and over 300 were taken prisoner, but there were no civilian casualties.[3][4]

Aftermath

Huntly did not remain in Aberdeen, but with his usual indecision he soon returned to Strathbogie.[4] A council of war declared on 8 June that Montgomerie had conducted himself in the affair "with as much prudence and gallantry as could have been expected".[6]

Citations
  1. Reid 1999, p. 8.
  2. Henderson 1894, p. 307 cites Stuart 1871, p. 63.
  3. Henderson 1894, p. 307 cites Stuart 1871, p. 68.
  4. Henderson 1890, p. 193.
  5. Dennison 2002, p. 260.
  6. Henderson 1894, p. 307 cites Stuart 1871, p. 64.

References
  • Dennison, E. Patricia (2002). Dennison, E. Patricia; Ditchburn, David; Lynch, Michael (eds.). Aberdeen Before 1800: A New History. A New History. 2 (illustrated ed.). Dundurn. p. 260. ISBN 9781862321144.
  • Reid, Stuart (1999). Scots Armies of the English Civil Wars. Men-at-arms series. 331 (illustrated ed.). Osprey Publishing. p. 8. ISBN 9781855328365. This source states that the commanders were Huntly and Colonel Harie Barclay.

Attribution


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