The Battle of Aberdeen was fought on 14 May 1646 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. George, Marquis of Huntly the commander of a Royalist army, defeated a force of Covenanters under the command of Hugh, Lord Montgomerie.
Battle of Aberdeen | |||||||
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Part of the Scottish Civil War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Royalists | Covenanters | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Marquis of Huntly | Lord Montgomerie | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
1,500 foot 500 horse |
700 foot 240 horse | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Many 300 captured | |||||||
Aberdeen |
In 1646 Montgomerie was engaged in the northern campaign under John Middleton and on 27 April entered Aberdeen with about 240 horse (cavalry) in four troops.[1][2] In addition to his horse he had under his command 700 foot in two regiments, and he was entrusted with the duty of holding the city.[1][3] Huntly, who having suffered some setbacks had retreated to Strathnaver in 1645 had since then returned to his lands around Strathbogie and raised a force of 1,600 foot and 600 horse.[4]
On 14 May Huntly, with about 1,500 foot and 500 horse,[1] stormed Aberdeen and set it on fire. Montgomerie's defenders repulsed the first two assaults but were then overcome.[5] The Covenanters suffered many casualties and over 300 were taken prisoner, but there were no civilian casualties.[3][4]
Huntly did not remain in Aberdeen, but with his usual indecision he soon returned to Strathbogie.[4] A council of war declared on 8 June that Montgomerie had conducted himself in the affair "with as much prudence and gallantry as could have been expected".[6]
Attribution