Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill, occasionally referred to as the Battle of Breed's Hill, was an event that took place on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after the adjacent Bunker Hill, which was peripherally involved in the battle and was the original objective of both colonial and British troops. It was during this battle that British major John Pitcairn was assassinated by Connor.
Prelude
The Continental Army was marching for Boston, and encamped on the hills near Charlestown. They occupied Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill. Despite being ordered to fortify Bunker Hill, Prescott chose to fortify Breed's Hill. Israel Putnam argued that this was a bad choice, as Breed's was closer to the British ships in the harbour, and easier to climb.
As Putnam argued his case, British artillery began bombarding the position, and killed several Patriot soldiers. The Assassin Connor arrived at Breed's Hill to seek out John Pitcairn, who was leading the British troops. Despite Putnam's cynicism, Connor survived a dash through Charlestown under bombardment, swam out into the bay and sank two British ships to stop the barrage.
Meanwhile, the British commander, William Howe, landed on Moulton's Hill, but chose to wait for reinforcements rather than attack, giving the Patriots time to prepare, and further fortify the hill.
Battle
After Howe launched the attack, he divided his forces, expecting a quick victory against the disorganised American forces. Connor returned to Breed's Hill as Putnam was delivering his famous "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes" speech to his troops. Putnam and Connor sighted Pitcairn behind British lines. Putnam suggested circling around or waiting until the British lines were thinned out, but Connor sensed urgency and opted for a direct approach.
The British Army had the upper hand with better organisation and discipline, keeping the Continental troops pinned down with volley fire. Small pockets of Patriot fighters hid behind cover and returned intermittent fire. Pitcairn was encamped on Moulton's Hill, forcing Connor to cross the battlefield and infiltrate the British camp via a side path and cliff. From there, he assassinated Pitcairn, and returned to Putnam.
By this time, the British had already attacked and retreated twice. More British reinforcements had arrived, and the Americans were quickly running out of ammunition. By the time Connor returned, the Patriots had lost a lot of men, and Putnam ordered a full retreat.
Aftermath
The battle resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. The Patriots withdrew from the battlefield to focus their efforts around Boston. Connor warned Putnam that there was a bigger threat, revealing a letter he retrieved from Pitcairn: a plot to assassinate George Washington.
The battle was a pyrrhic victory for the British. They suffered more than twice the casualties the Patriots did, and the battle served as a morale booster to the Patriots, proving that they could hold their own against the British.
Gallery
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Patriots shelled by British artillery. -
Connor and Israel Putnam at Bunker Hill. -
Putnam delivering his speech. -
Connor observing Pitcairn's camp on Moulton Hill. -
Connor moving across the battlefield.
Reference