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Talk:Sir William Erskine, 1st Baronet

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Errors in War of Independence section

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"Erskine was posted to America in 1776 as a Brigadier staff officer under Clinton"

Erskine sailed to America as commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 71st Regiment, known unofficially as Fraser's Highlanders (appointed 25th November 1775). Shortly after his arrival off New York, he was appointed brigadier and Quarter Master General (QMG) by the Commander-in-Chief William Howe (Clinton at that stage was on an separate expedition to attack Charlestown, South Carolina).

"In 1777 he was Quartermaster-General to Lord Cornwallis." Erskine remained QMG under Howe through 1777 until Howe resigned his command of the army and returned home. Erskine continued QMG under Clinton but was already becoming rapidly disillusioned.

The section on the Danbury raid gives undue emphasis to a minor operation, compared to his contribution, for instance, to the Philadelphia campaign where he led reconnoissance and raiding expeditions ahead of the army. He was involved in the battles of Brandywine Creek, Germantown and the Barren Hill episode. He had also been active in the skirmishing between Crown troops and American militia in the Jerseys during the so-called Forage Wars of early 1777.

"Erskine was made Colonel of the 80th Foot on 4 March 1777"

Erskine was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Army in March 1777, having held the local rank of Colonel- "in America only"- since 23 April 1776.

On 16th December 1777 Sir William Erskine was appointed Colonel of the new 80th Regiment to be raised in Edinburgh the following year. This was not an operational command, however, but a commission from the King to raise troops and equip them.

"Erskine served in the Philadelphia campaign and then, in 1778, and continued as Quartermaster-General under Henry Clinton."

This doesn't quite make sense. It probably needs mention of Sir William Howe's resignation.

"He became Colonel-in-Chief of the 26th Foot (Cameronians)in 1782" No. The Colonel-in-Chief is an honorary patron of a regiment, usually a Royal personnage. As with the 80th, Erskine was appointed Colonel of the 26th Regiment. It wasn't until 1786 they were granted use of their unofficial name 'The Cameronian' Regiment

I shall muster references and amend. JF42 (talk) 22:28, 14 October 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Copyvio discussion

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Re, this edit from 2009, see here. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 03:21, 25 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]