The sword is the weapon which suits them best. They advance with rapidity, discharge their pieces when within musket length [i.e. range] of the enemy, and then, throwing them down, draw their swords, and holding a dirk in their left hand with their target [shield], they dart with fury on the enemy through the smoke of their fire. When within reach of the enemys bayonets, bending their left knee they by their attitude cover their bodies with their targets, that receive the thrust of the bayonets, which they contrive to parry, while at the same time they raise their sword-arm and strike their adversary. Having got within the bayonets they [their opponents] have no longer any means of defending themselves: the fate of the battle is decided in an instant, and the carnage follows, the Highlanders bringing down two men at a time, one with the dirk in the left hand, and another with the sword. Their attack is so terrible that the best troops in Europe will with difficulty sustain the shock of it: and if the swords of the Highlanders once come in contact with them, their defeat is inevitable. -- Chevalier James de Johnstone describing the Highland charge at Prestonpans in 1745.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 05:18:25 +0000
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