The crossing of the River Esk back into Scotland on 20 December 1745 was one of the most dramatic moments of the retreat from Derby. The river was in flood, breast-deep and fast. The Jacobite army crossed arm-in-arm in a long column, with the pipes playing on the Scottish side to keep spirits up. Government forces were unable to prevent or disrupt the crossing. Once in Scotland, Charles and his army were on home ground. The pipes playing on the Scottish bank became a celebrated image of the retreat. The women camp-followers and some baggage were lost in the flood.
Some camp followers lost in the crossing flood
Jacobite army c.5,000; government forces could not close in time
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