This myth, that the British were bumbling, tea-sipping elitists who underestimated the American forces, ought to stop being perpetuated. Gage commanded the experimental light corps during the French and Indian War and fought alongside Americans quite extensively. Howe’s elder brother died in the F&I War and was noted as one of the most beloved officers in America.
The Brits used the exact same tactic at Fort Carillon in 1758. Would anyone argue that they held French regulars in contempt? It was simply a time during which, barring input from more imaginative officers, a situation such as this was handled with a bloody frontal assault.
Good comments, generally.
Never mind the ignorant myth about how genius “Americans” fought guerilla tactics rather than the “stupid” frontal assaults as mentioned, or volley shooting in open fields.
This is equivalent to criticizing medieval/Renaissance formations and battle armor.
It is ignorant.
In fact, hardly any guerilla operations went on except in the South with skirmishers. Most recognized large “battles” were indeed pitched battles with volleys from each side right at each other.
People might as well ask why the 18th cent troops were not still wearing plate armor.
The brits didn’t have much of a choice but a frontal assault. They tried to flank the redoubt on the banks of the Mystic River at the outset, which failed in a bloody short action. There were snipers in Charleston which prevented flanking from the other side. The Mystic River was too shallow and landing his men further up the Charles would’ve put them between colonial forces on Breeds and Bunker Hills.
No doubt they hadn’t much respect for the colonials but that didn’t affect their strategy.