I don’t know why this is called the Battle of Bunker Hill, because it was fought on Breeds Hill. It was one of the most well known tragic battles of the War of Independence. And I’ll tell you why. On June 17, 1775, General Howe of the British Army tried to take Bunker and Breeds hill which was on a peninsula in Massachusetts. Seeing how the Americans were at the top of the hill being commanded by William Prescott, with cannons and many men was a great disadvantage to the British. But Howe was still determined to take it. So here’s how the battle went.
Howe kept sending troops up left and right but the troops were too few and each time the men were shot down were they stood. Troop after bloody troop they kept losing. One would go up and never be seen standing again. So general Howe sent a message to general Pigot to bring reinforcements. By the time they got there it didn’t look hopeful for the British. But he was still determined. But this time he wasn’t just going to send several small troops up. He sent one huge group to take over the redcoats. And this time was the most successful. As they went they lost many good men but the Americans were running out cannon shot.
Closer and closer the British got, then finally they broke through. At this point they weren’t using guns- it was a bloody struggle to get anything, to kill the enemy, but the British had the advantage this time with their bayonets. It was a horrible scene: men were dying left and right but most of them were just stabbed or hit on the ground. Hour after hour both armies struggled to survive but around them, the corpses piled higher and finely the British captured Breeds and Bunker Hill. War is terrible but the sound it brings afterwards is worse. The wives of the soldiers came out looking for that one particular face. Most would never treasure the happiness of having a husband again. The wailings of the once-called wives now called widows was far greater than the loud clammer of war. American casualties numbered 138 killed 275 wounded. But although the British won, their number of casualties was far greater. 226 killed and a horrifying 828 wounded. Those who were wounded in the stomach had it far worse than those killed instantly for they were left on the ground kicking and screaming and those who were wounded in the arm would never see that arm again for they had it sawed off and many a man died from the sight of their arm being cut off. This took a great toll on their cavalry in the years to come.
