Member-only story

Banastre Tarleton: The Lightning-Fast General and his Notorious British Legion

Gordon Cox

·10.7k Followers· Follow

Published in War At Saber Point: Banastre Tarleton And The British Legion

4 min read

867 View Claps

51 Respond

Save

Listen

Banastre Tarleton, A British General During The American Revolutionary War, Known For His Lightning Fast Cavalry Tactics And The Brutality Of His British Legion. War At Saber Point: Banastre Tarleton And The British Legion

Banastre Tarleton, a British general during the American Revolutionary War, was one of the most controversial and effective military commanders of his time. Known for his lightning-fast cavalry tactics, his ruthless treatment of prisoners, and his unwavering loyalty to the British Crown, Tarleton and his British Legion left an enduring mark on the war.

Early Life and Military Career

Tarleton was born in Liverpool, England, in 1754. He joined the British Army at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks. By the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775, he was a captain in the 7th Dragoons.

War at Saber Point: Banastre Tarleton and the British Legion

by John Knight

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6998 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	415 pages

In 1776, Tarleton was sent to America as part of a force commanded by General William Howe. He quickly made a name for himself as a daring and aggressive cavalry commander. At the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, Tarleton's cavalry played a key role in the British victory.

The British Legion

In 1778, Tarleton was given command of the British Legion, a special force of cavalry and infantry. The Legion was composed of British regulars, Loyalists, and German mercenaries. Tarleton trained his men to fight with lightning-fast speed and precision. They were known for their use of the hit-and-run tactic, which allowed them to strike quickly and then retreat before the enemy could react.

The Legion became one of the most feared units in the British Army. They were particularly effective in the Carolinas, where they conducted a series of successful raids against American forces. Tarleton's victories earned him the nickname "Bloody Ban," due to his ruthless treatment of prisoners and non-combatants.

Controversy and Cruelty

Tarleton's aggressive tactics and brutal treatment of prisoners earned him the enmity of many Americans. He was accused of killing wounded prisoners, burning homes, and looting property. In one infamous incident, Tarleton's Legion massacred a group of American prisoners at the Battle of Waxhaws in South Carolina.

Tarleton's actions sparked outrage throughout America and Europe. He was condemned as a savage and a war criminal. However, his superiors defended his actions, arguing that he was simply following the rules of war.

Decline and Defeat

As the war progressed, Tarleton's luck began to run out. In 1781, he was defeated by American forces at the Battle of Cowpens. This defeat effectively ended the British Legion as an effective fighting force.

Tarleton returned to England in 1782. He was awarded a baronetcy for his services, but his reputation was forever tarnished by his actions in America.

Legacy

Despite his controversial legacy, Tarleton remains a fascinating figure in American history. He was a brilliant and daring military commander, but he was also a ruthless and cruel man. His British Legion played a significant role in the American Revolution, and his name became synonymous with both victory and brutality.

Long-Tail Keywords for Alt Attributes

* Banastre Tarleton, British general * British Legion, American Revolutionary War * Lightning-fast cavalry tactics * Ruthless treatment of prisoners * Battle of Cowpens * Battle of Brandywine * Battle of Waxhaws * Controversial military commander * Brutal and cruel man

Banastre Tarleton was one of the most complex and controversial figures of the American Revolutionary War. He was a brilliant military commander who won some of the most decisive victories for the British. However, he was also a ruthless and cruel man who earned the enmity of many Americans. Tarleton's legacy is a mixed one, but he remains a fascinating figure in history.

War at Saber Point: Banastre Tarleton and the British Legion

by John Knight

4.5 out of 5