Fraser’s Highlanders

Near this location, on the rise ahead, the British positioned fleche #3 with a brass 12-pounder cannon and two 5 and ½-inch mortars called Royals to defend the right flank of the outer abatis. Two Grenadier companies of the 71st Highland Regiment, Fraser’s Highlanders, commanded by Captain Lawrence Robert Campbell, were also posted nearby and were among the first troops to respond to the American attack. Raised in Scotland in October 1775 by Simon Fraser, Fraser’s Highlanders belonged to one of the most famous military units of the time. Companies of the 71st Highland Regiment served at the battle of Long Island, in the New York and New Jersey campaigns of 1776-1777, and at Yorktown in 1781. Grenadiers were originally named for the tall, muscular soldiers selected to throw the primitive hand grenades of the early 18th century; after that role ended, they kept the name and continued as elite troops who often served on detached duty, guarded against sudden attacks, and took on difficult missions, while Grenadiers and Light Infantry made up the flank companies of each British regiment.

Stony Point, New York · United States