Brandywine (British Flank Attack)

Around 2:30 on the 11th, Howe’s plan was carried out. Cornwallis was in position and shook his column out into line near Osborne’s hill, resting his troops for an hour, and then advanced toward the Birmingham Meeting House. Washington, now …

1777-09-11

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Around 2:30 on the 11th, Howe’s plan was carried out. Cornwallis was in position and shook his column out into line near Osborne’s hill, resting his troops for an hour, and then advanced toward the Birmingham Meeting House. Washington, now very aware of Cornwallis’ movement, ordered Sterling and Stephan to move to Birmingham Hill to protect his flank. The two divisions arrived just in time to meet the British advance head on. Stephen’s troops, however, could not stand the British attack and broke. Sullivan then arrived on the scene, but the Continental units could not hold against the steady attack of Cornwallis’ men. Greene was also ordered to pull his division away from Chadds Ford to reinforce the right. Greene quickly moved and deployed his line, which allowed theshaken troops of Sterling, Stephan and Sullivan divisions to pass through his ranks to rally.

Chadds Ford Township, Pennsylvania

The Battle of Brandywine, also known as the Battle of Brandywine Creek, was fought between the American Continental Army of General George Washington and the British Army of General Sir William Howe on September 11, 1777, as part of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The forces met near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, as Howe moved to take Philadelphia, then the American capital. The British forces routed the Continental Army and forced them to withdraw, first, to the City of Chester, Chester, Pennsylvania, and then northeast toward Philadelphia. More troops fought at Brandywine than any other battle of the American Revolution. It was also the longest single-day battle of the war, with continuous fighting for 11 hours.

Wikipedia: Battle of Brandywine

Continental Army

Great Britain