At the crack of dawn September 21, 1745, 1,400 Scottish Highlanders loyal to the Jacobite cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie charged through the mist rising out of the marshes of Prestonpans, making “wild Highland war cries and with the bloodcurdling skirl of the pipes….” as a chronicler recounted it.
Guided by a farmer’s son on a secret path through the marshes, they fell on the exposed left flank of a British contingent of dragoons led by Sir John Cope and routed them. The Highlanders killed 300, wounded up to 500 more and captured about 1,500. A stunning victory by any measure. Unfortunately for the Jacobites, it also gave the clansmen an exaggerated sense of the efficacy of a headlong Highland Charge. They would learn at Culloden in April 1746 that that tactic only worked with the element of surprise; a charge over open ground into a prepared foe was suicide.
Saturday’s episode of “Outlander” — which Clan Cornelius dearly loves — recounts the great Highland victory at Prestonpans. Looks like they’re going full savage on it.
If you’re not watching “Outlander,” get on it. You’ll be glad you did.
Dougal MacKenzie (center, played by the magnificent Graham McTavish) is a right bastard — but a middle-aged guy can’t help appreciating the fact that he’s still got plenty of badass mojo.
Jamie Fraser goes full Highlander on a redcoat. You’re welcome ladies.
Claire Fraser is a badass in her own right — with a specialty in sewing up rent flesh. Alas, poor Rupert.
Art by Andy Hillhouse.
john roberts says
I have one problem with this episode: As in “The Last of the Mohicans,”the British never seem to have bayonets. Yet all armies of the time stressed the bayonet and usually kept them fixed at all times, not just before a fight. I’ll be very disappointed if there are no bayonets at Culloden, as the bayonet was decisive in that battle.
JimC says
Right on as always JMR. The bayonet was what drove the Continentals at New York and Long Island, too. The idea of 18 inches of steel in the guts had a chilling effect on relatively green troops. I know I’d be more than a bit nervous about a hedge of those things charging my way…
lane batot says
Did I ever mention, during my illustrious film “career”(ahem!), I played the “Ghost Of Bonnie Prince Charlie” in a TV episode? And like most ghosts, if you blinked, you missed him! But it was a hoot! Filmed on a foggy, rainy, raw mountainside in the Autumn in the Smokies–I was the ONLY person perfectly comfortable in the conditions in my traditional Scottish outfit! And were ye wondrin’ were onnything worn under yon kilt–Naye lads! Nubbut worn atall! All in fine workin’ order doon thar!….But alas, much as I’d LIKE to try this series out, it’ll havta git a lot cheaper afore this poor crofter kin afford it! One day, I’m sure…..But I needn’t feel left too far behind–YOU, J. C., still haven’t begun the “Vikings” series yet, have ye? Well then. Even I can afford that! And I’m now only five years behind the rest of ye–yes, I’ve now finished the 1st season of “Game Of Thrones”(thanks to the local Wal-Mart’s half-price sale on the first two seasons!), and you-un’s might be amused at my reflections on such(belated as they are….). They HAD me 100% the instant the Dire Wolf pups got adopted! And those DAMNABLE Lannisters! Except the swell dwarf, of course. And I’m ready to go and do a lengthy ethnographic study on the Drothaki horsemen…….
JimC says
I actually have been watching Vikings, though I’m behind on the current season. And I’m intrigued by an ethnographic history of the Dothraki…
lane batot says
Oops, did I misspell Dothraki? All the more reason to become more familiar! I did finish all the featured “xtras” that came with the 1st season DVD I purchased(one reason I LOVE getting DVDs is all those “special features” that usually come with them these days!). Some excellent bits and interviews on how and where the filming was done, including a segment on the invention of an entire Dothraki language–now THAT’S a dedicated effort! A rarity in the interviews was the author(oh great, MORE books I’ll need to get!) who commented on how he was completely satisfied with how his books were filmed(the 1st season, anyway…)–you almost never hear THAT! After a short break, I’ll forge into Season Two now……And Awright, J. C.! Glad to hear yer now into “Vikings”! I’m assuming you like it? One thing I noticed in comparison of the two(“Game Of Thrones” 1st season and “Vikings”), is how in “Game”, they built up to that great battle between the Starks and the Lannisters, but only showed the aftermath of the battles(though heavy on realistic, violent depictions elsewhere!), whereas in “Vikings”, they never seem to miss a chance to show lengthy, savage battles! Enough that it makes one TIRED just watching! Barbaric warfare WAS hard work, after all! And, you know, it’s just what Vikings DO………