The Siege of Ruthven Barracks, 1745

The Jacobite Rising of 1745 was a significant event in Scottish history, and one of the most notable engagements during this time was the siege of Ruthven Barracks. On August 29th, 1745, a force of 300 Jacobite rebels marched on the Government-held barracks, which were under the command of Sergeant Terrance Molloy and his 14 private soldiers.

The Jacobites came to the gate of the barracks and demanded that Molloy and his men surrender, threatening to hang them if they refused. Despite the odds against him, Molloy refused to surrender, showing great bravery and determination in the face of adversity.

At nightfall, around 150 Jacobites returned and attacked the barracks. They set fire to the door gate, but the defending soldiers managed to put it out. Despite the attack, the Jacobites were unable to breach the barracks and were forced to withdraw.

Sergeant Molloy then agreed to speak to two of the Jacobite leaders, but he still refused terms of surrender. However, Molloy did agree to allow the Jacobites to remove their dead and wounded. The Jacobites had lost two men dead and several others wounded, while the Government soldiers had only lost one man.

After the Jacobites left, stealing provisions from the nearby village, Sergeant Molloy was immediately promoted to the rank of lieutenant. This was a well-deserved promotion, as he had shown great leadership and bravery during the siege.

However, the Jacobites returned on February 10th, 1746, and this time they had the advantage of having brought artillery with them. They successfully took the barracks, but the siege of Ruthven Barracks remains an important moment in Scottish history, highlighting the bravery and determination of Sergeant Molloy and his men.

In conclusion, the siege of Ruthven Barracks was a significant event in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, and it is a testament to the bravery of Sergeant Terrance Molloy and his soldiers. Despite the odds against them, they managed to hold off the Jacobite rebels, showing that even the smallest force can make a big impact in the face of adversity.