The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, and was the third Massachusetts military engagement of the American Revolution. On June 13, leaders of the colonial forces besieging Boston learned that the British were planning to send troops to fortify the unoccupied hills surrounding the city, giving them control of Boston Harbor. In response, American forces planned to tighten the encirclement of Boston by seizing Dorchester Heights and Bunker Hill.
Americans under the command of William Prescott moved upon Charlestown Neck. Throughout the night, American soldiers built an earthen fortification overlooking Boston. When the British discovered the works on Breed’s Hill, they felt compelled to launch an attack. Following a prolonged artillery bombardment from ship and shore batteries, 2,000 grenadiers and light infantry under the command of Major General William Howe landed on the beaches below the American position.
During the battle, American musket fire cut down some 1,000 British troops, with more than 200 killed and 800 wounded. More than 100 Americans perished, while more than 300 others were wounded.
The Landing
- Bombardment starts at dawn through the troop landing, with fire coming from ships and Cobb’s Hill
- British begin landing troops 1PM
- Sharp shooters take pot shots from buildings in Charlestown at British troops as they land
- Throughout the beginning of the battle, the Americans continue digging earthworks
The Burning of Charlestown
- British set fire to town to clear snipers, additionally using the smoke to mask their movements
- Marines make a frontal assault as a faint while the grenadiers and light infantry troops get into position
1st Assault: The Rail Fence
- Grenadiers and lights head to rail fence, taking the brunt of fire from New Hampshire troops
- At this point in the battle, the artillery cuts off its bombardment
- As the British assault the entrenchments, the Americans finally cease digging trenches
The Second Assault
- Marines along with the remaining grenadiers and lights rally to make a head-on assault at the main redoubt and rail fence to the right of the American line
- Though they are still in line formation, they are slowed by the farmers fence and their own casualties
- Additionally, very slow American artillery impedes the British progress
The Final Assault
- Howe has his men drop their packs and puts them in column to make American artillery fire ineffective
- As the Americans have run out of powder, they begin throwing rocks in a desperate attempt to slow down the attack
The Retreat
- Out of powder and overwhelmed, the Americans flee the hill
- Warren gets sword out and is the last man out
