The Battle of Bunker Hill took place in Charlestown, Massachusetts on June 17,1775. The battle was between the British and the Americans after tensions had escalated earlier in the year.
Beginning of the Battle
On June 13, 1775 leaders in Boston learned the British were sending troops to fortify hills surrounding cities to gain control of Boston. In response, 1,200 troops under command of William Prescott occupied Bunker Hill and Breed Hill.
During the Battle
On a hot, humid day of June 17, 1775 at daybreak, the British became aware of the colonial forces of the Peninsula and mounted an attack on them that day. The British were lead by Sir Thomas Gage.
The Aftermath
By 3pm the British reinforcements arrived south of Charlestown village, and were taking casualties from sniper fire from the settlement. They had planned for that possibility and sent party to set fire to the town. The Colonists were supposed to have an artillery bombardment on the British, however the cannon was supplied with the wrong caliber of ammunition, delaying the assault.
To offset, their shortage of powder, Colonists withheld their fire until they were within 50 paces of their position. The British suffered many heavy casualties from Colonial fire.
The battle only lasted 2 hours. The British won, gaining control over Charlestown Peninsula. It was tactical victory, which means the losses of the defeated, outweighed those of the victory.The British had twice as many casualties as the Colonials.British had 1,054 casualties, 226 dead and 828 wounded.Colonials had 450 with 140 deaths.