The Battle of Nairn.
The Battle of Nairn was one of the most surprising of the Jacobite Revolution. It was instigated by Lord George Murray on the 15th April, 1746. Murray was aware that it was the Duke of Cumberland’s birthday, and his troops would likely be celebrating his birthday in fine manner. As such, he proposed to Prince Charles that a night raid on Cumberland’s camp be organised. Following discussion, at 4pm, the Prince agreed.
As a result, two hours later, at 6pm on the 15th, in file, the Jacobite Army marched on the Hanoverian army. It was decided that it should be a cross-country march, in a bid to lessen the chances of the army being spotted by Hanoverian scouts, and maximise the surprise when the attack happened. The march was a clear one, the Jacobites being aided by the clear weather and the moon, which shone brightly in the sky. As a result, by two o’clock on the morning of the 16th, the Jacobites had come within a mile of the Hanoverian camp.
The government camp was indeed, as Murray predicted unprepared for a night assault. Without the benefit of being forewarned, the government troops had been well-fed with bread, cheese and brandy to warm them for, what was expected to be a glorious victory the following day. That a force was ready to meet them in an unprepared state was a total surprise.
Despite the same rouse being used in the Battle of Prestonpans a year earlier, the Duke of Cumberland had not taken the fact that it could be used again into account. It was believed that the rebels would dare not use the same tactics again.
At 3am, the forces were in place. At this point the Prince gave the order to charge, ripping through the government camp, most of whom were still asleep. Many died before they had a chance to rise from their slumber, their tents being set alight by the rampaging highlanders. Within twenty minutes, the chaos had turned into an open massacre and rout, the militias running from the field.
The disaster was complete when the Duke of Cumberland was captured by the Jacobites, in an attempt to escape to a ship, off the coast of Banff. Overall, 4,207 Government soldiers and officers either died or were captured in the Battle of Nairn. Their commanding officer was captured. The Jacobites had through dint of winning the battle managed to gain vital supplies which were intended for government use, including over 4,000 muskets and over £8,000.
As a result, the young Pretender began his second march south. Within two days, news of the defeat reached London. For the second time, fear struck the capital.
“We lined up in order in preparation just outside the Duke of Cumberland’s camp. God helped us that night as by some miracle, the alarm was not sounded, indeed we heard singing from inside the camp from one or two redcoats who had decided to remain up to celebrate Billy Cumberlands birthday. After waiting what seemed like an eternity, the Lord George gave the order to attack and with that we charged Cumberland’s lines.
I swear, they didn’t know what had hit them. From their own fires we set fire to their tents, cutting down anyone who was in the way. From start to finish, it lasted no longer than twenty minutes as what was left of their forces turned heel and ran. The night sky shone brightly due to the dancing flames. Rumour had it, we had captured Cumberland.”
Sgt David Kebbel, Jacobite Army.