Fraser’s Highlanders

Fraser’s Highlanders. . , On the rise in front of you was located fleche #3, where the British had placed a brass 12-pounder cannon and two 5 and ½-inch mortars, called Royals, to defend the right flank of the outer abatis. In addition, two Grenadier companies of the 71st Highland Regiment (Fraser’s Highlanders), commanded by Captain Lawrence Robert Campbell, were posted near this location and were among the first troops to respond to the American attack., Fraser’s Highlanders were members of one of the most famous military units of the day, raised in Scotland in October 1775 by Simon Fraser. Companies of the 71st Highland Regiment served at the battle of Long Island, in the New York and New Jersey campaigns of 1776-1777, and at Yorktown in 1781., Grenadiers were so named because they were tall, muscular soldiers chosen to hurl the primitive hand grenades of the early 18th century. Long after their original function ceased, they retained their name and remained elite troops. They usually served on detached duty, guarded against sudden attacks, and were often assigned difficult missions. Grenadiers and Light Infantry formed the flank companies of each British regiment.