King's Rangers
The King's Rangers, also known as the King's American Rangers, were a British provincial military unit raised for service during the American Revolutionary War.
| King's Rangers | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1779-1783 |
| Country | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} Great Britain |
| Allegiance | British Army |
| Branch | British Provincial unit |
| Type | army rangers, infantry, (auxiliary troops) |
| Role | special operations, maneuver warfare, guerrilla warfare light infantry |
| Size | 2 battalions, 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion |
| Nickname(s) | King's American Rangers |
| Engagements | American Revolutionary War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
|
Rangers formed
After Colonel Robert Rogers left the Queen's Rangers, he went to Nova Scotia, where he raised the King's Rangers, in 1779.[1] Rogers was famous for his service, during the French and Indian War. The corps was authorized an establishment of two battalions, each of 10 companies, for a total strength 1,267 officers and other ranks, and it served throughout the war. King's Rangers were eventually disbanded in 1783.
Notable officers
- Colonel Robert Rogers
- Lieutenant Colonel James Rogers
- Captain-Lieutenant James Breakenridge
- Captain-Lieutenant Azariah Pritchard
- Captain-Lieutenant Henry Ruiter
Address to American Loyalists
The following is an address issued by the King's Rangers on November 30, 1782, intended as advice for American Loyalists:
To those loyal Refugees, who either have already left, or who hereafter may leave their respective Countries in search of other Habitations.
We the subscribers, (Your Countrymen and fellow sufferers) hearing that several Families have already arrived in Nova Scotia from New York, and that many others intend coming to some of these northern Colonies next Spring.
Think it our Duty to point out this Island to you, as the most eligible Country for you to repair to; of any we know between this and New Jersey.
The Soil is good, it is well wooded, and free from Rocks.
The Climate so good that Fevers and Agues are unknown.
Water every where excellent.
The Harbours Spacious, numerous, and safe.
The Rivers, Bays, Lakes, and Coasts abounding with a great variety of Shell, and almost all other kinds of Fish, and good of their kinds.
The Government is mild. But very few Taxes. These very light, and raised solely for the benefit of the Island.
There is room for tens of Thousands, and Lands in the finest situations.
On Harbours Navigable Rivers, and Bays; To be had exceedingly reasonable.
Cattle are plenty; witness the droves which have been this year taken to Halifax Market.
Before we came here, we were told, as perhaps you may be; the worst things possible of the Country, such as, that the People were Starving; we should get nothing to eat and should ourselves be eaten up by Insects, and much more equally groundless, for we have found the reverse to be true;
therefore, do not attend to such reports, but come and see, and depend on the evidence of your own Sences.
You will not imagine us to be interested in the advice we have given you, or in the Charactor of the place, as we may be ordered away tomorrow.
Be assured of the Contrary. What we have said is intended purely for your good, and if you attend to it we shall hereafter receive your thanks.
In the mean time believe us sincerely your Friends &c.[2]
— S HAYDEN Captain Commanding King Rangers, Edward MAINWARING Capt. Kings Rangers, John THROCKMORTON Lieut. Kings Rangers, John ROBINS Ensign Kings Rangers, Joseph BEERS Ensign Kings Rangers, Alexdr. SMYTH Adjt. Kings Rangers, Lewis DAVIS Surgeon Kings Rangers
Rangers disbanded and resettled in British Canada
After the Revolutionary War, some officers and men of the Rangers were granted tracts of land for farming in Queens and Kings Counties, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The Rangers were reactivated during the War of 1812 and a large training camp was built in what is now the village of Pownal, complete with barracks, a field hospital and musketry range (of which the butts can still be seen on the shore of Pownal Bay).
References
- Katcher, p.90
- Great Britain, Public Record Office, Colonial Office, Class 226, Volume 9, folios 5-6.
- Katcher, Philip, Encyclopaedia of British, Provincial, and German Army Units 1775-1783, 1973, ISBN 0-8117-0542-0