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COMMANDER // 1722–1775

John Pitcairn

MajorGreat BritainGreat Britain3 battles1 war

Lifespan

1722 – 1775

17301740175017601770American Revolution · 1775–1783Battle of Bunker Hill — June 17, 1775 · Great Britain · American RevolutionBoston campaign — April 19, 1775 · Great Britain · American RevolutionLexington and Concord — 19 Apr 1775 · Great Britain · American Revolution

Active service 1775 — 3 battles across 1 war; first command at age 53.

Profile

Major John Pitcairn was a British military officer. Born in Dysart, Fife, he enlisted in the Chatham Marine Division of the British Naval Service at the age of 23. He served in North America during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. Arriving in Boston in 1774 with the rank of major, he fought in the 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord during the outbreak of the American War of Independence. Two months later in June, Pitcairn was killed in action during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Respected by both his men and his American opponents, he was buried at Boston's Old North Church. At the time of his death Pitcairn was serving alongside his son Thomas, also a marine officer in the same division, who helped to carry his mortally wounded father from the battlefield.

Source · Wikipedia · Q321756

Battles (3)

Last verified June 2026
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