BattlefieldsCope march to Aberdeen and embarkation 1745
Jacobite Risings

Cope march to Aberdeen and embarkation 1745

1745
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Cope retreat to Aberdeen 1745 · Government army sails south from Aberdeen 1745
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government (Cope)
Forces
Jacobite army already heading south
VS
Victor
Jacobites (strategic)
Forces
Government army under Cope c.2,500
Outcome
Cope marches through Inverness to Aberdeen; embarks troops by sea to East Lothian to confront Jacobites
The Battle

History & Significance

General Sir John Cope had marched north from Edinburgh to intercept the Jacobite advance, but at Dalwhinnie — faced with the possibility of being outflanked in the Corrieyairack Pass — he turned north to Inverness instead of forcing the pass. Mocked for this decision, he then marched to Aberdeen and embarked his army by sea, arriving at Dunbar in East Lothian. His troops were seasick and disorganised. This circuitous route allowed the Jacobites to take Edinburgh unmolested. Cope then advanced to fight at Prestonpans, where his army was routed in minutes.

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