Tag: Battle of New Orleans

UK: Review – Battle of New Orleans (Audible]! (24.6.2026)

Let us not forget the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders – those Kilted Celts – who advanced across the open field in New Orleans with bagpipes blaring and drums a banging! After the battle, the American rebels described how the British soldiers had died with arms, legs, and heads blown-off – whilst the wounded sat (or lay) laughing – trying to regain their their often non-existent feet – and still follow orders to advance! How difference this behaviour was to the average American soldier who often ran-away in the face of the enemy. The British had freed US slaves and intended to build a country for Native Americans – but the nefarious Americans put an end to all these utopian ideas. Not only this, but Mississipi, Louisiana, and Florida wanted to secede from the US and join “British North America” (Canada) – even if Spain re-established sovereignty over those areas.

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Scots on the March - US 1815

US: The Tartan Army Marched in Boston – Remember the Highlanders Who Marched in New Orleans! (21.6.2026)

Many Spanish, French and Native Americans wanted Florida and Louisiana to secede from the Union and become part of British Canada – and we would have been happy to have them! Arriving in Louisiana on December 23rd, 1814, the British Army was comprised of nearly 8,000 experienced soldiers – including 962 men from the 93rd (Sutherland) Highlanders. The battle plan to march up the Mississippi River and capture the city. The Scots knew a frontal assault was required and were completely unafraid and confident they would prevail over the ill-disciplined enemy. Although very well executed – in the end the front assault was disastrous as it came up against the American defensive earthworks at the Rodriguez Canal (Chalmette). Scotmen could be heard falling upon their deflating bagpipes – making an eery noise. Many Scots fell into the kneeling position with their bayoneted musket dug into the ground at the stock-end with jutting blade at 45 degrees – held in place by their upright dead bodies. This was a tactic taught in infantry school to scare the enemy. As a true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt – this surprised many US soldiers (Celts used to strip naked to fight the enemy). Finally, I am Irish on my Dad’s side (the Irish wear a different type of tartan) [Kilmurray] and Scottish on my mother’s side (Gibson).

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