English Civil War Vol. 6, The - Against the Covenant

Tippermuir

Fought on September 1st, 1644, the two sides were about equal in numbers, but the Covenanters had much more ammunition. Montrose's cavalry was able to rout their opponent's horsemen early in the fight an then press the Covenanter infantry so much that they hindered one another as the Royalist infantry pressed home their attacks by the end of the day the Covenanters had lost nearly their entire army, while only 2 Royalists perished.

Aberdeen

Fought on September 13th, 1644 the battle of Aberdeen was another one in which the forces led by the Marquess Montrose routed the Covenanters, this time led by Lord Robert Balfour. The Royalists threatened to lay siege to Aberdeen, Montrose had opened negotiations to see if the civilians would be evacuated. A covenanter cannon opened fire, killing the Royalist drummer boy.

Montrose was so enraged he ordered an immediate attack and that no quarter be shown. In the two-hour fight, the determined Royalist forces launched repeated uphill assaults on their foes. The most bitter fighting occurred at the top of the ridge, and when the Covenanter Aberdeen Militia broke, the battle was decided. Montrose ordered the town of Aberdeen to be sacked and burned.

Kilsyth

Fought on August 15th, 1645, the battle was the first of several led by the Marquess Montrose. Baillie's main force was at Perth when news reached him of the Royalists' victory at Alford (July 2nd). Evading the Royalist cavalry, Baillie deployed his army near Kilsyth on good ground for defense. A determined stand here would give time for Lanark to join with him, and together destroy Montrose's army. Montrose was well aware of Lanark's approaching force and struck hard at the Covenanter's flank and center (van). A determined Royalist "highland charge" broke the Covenanter's flank attack, Baillie's army disintegrated. Fleeing soldiers were cut down by pursuing Royalist cavalry and infantry. Baillie was just able to escape to Stirling Castle.