Cropped painting of Rogers Rangers, “To Range the Woods”, New York, 1760. US Army Center for Military History Army Artist Team XXII.
Rogers’ Rangers was a famous unit of colonial soldiers who fought for the British during the French and Indian War. This war was a part of the global Seven Years’ War, which lasted from 1754 to 1763. It was a struggle between the British and the French for control of the vast colonial territory of North America, especially the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes region. Both sides had allies among the native American tribes, who also had their own interests and rivalries. The war had a significant impact on the relations between the colonists and the British government, as well as on the future of Canada and the United States.
The French and Indian War was a conflict that involved several European powers and their colonies, as well as various native American nations. It began with a dispute over the ownership of the land around the forks of the Ohio River, where the French had built Fort Duquesne and claimed it as part of New France. The British also claimed this land as part of their colony of Virginia and sent a young militia officer named George Washington to secure it. Washington encountered a French patrol near Jumonville Glen and attacked them, killing their leader Joseph de Jumonville. This sparked a series of battles and skirmishes that escalated into a global war.
The war was fought on several fronts: in North America, where it is known as the French and Indian War; in Europe, where it is known as the Seven Years’ War; in India, where it is known as the Third Carnatic War; in Africa, where it is known as the Seven Years’ War in Africa; and in other parts of the world, where it is known by various names. The main combatants were Britain and its allies (Prussia, Portugal, Hanover, Brunswick, Hesse-Kassel) against France and its allies (Austria, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Saxony). The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which gave Britain most of France’s colonies in North America, as well as Florida from Spain. France kept some islands in the Caribbean and ceded Louisiana to Spain.
The Rangers were led by Major Robert Rogers, a skilled frontiersman and military leader. The Rangers specialized in scouting, raiding, and guerrilla warfare, using techniques learned from the native Americans. They wore green uniforms and carried tomahawks, knives, and rifles. They followed a set of rules known as the 28 “Rules of Ranging”, which instructed them on how to survive and fight in the wilderness. They also served as guides, scouts, and escorts for regular British troops, earning respect and admiration from their commanders. Some of their notable exploits include the Battle on Snowshoes, the Siege of Louisbourg, the Battle of Ticonderoga, and the St. Francis Raid. The Rangers were disbanded in 1761, but some of them continued to serve in the British army during the American Revolution, while others joined the rebel forces.
The Battle of Ticonderoga was one of the most important battles in the French and Indian War. It took place on 8 July 1758, near Fort Carillon (later renamed Fort Ticonderoga) on Lake Champlain. The fort was defended by about 3,600 French troops under General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, who had built a strong defensive position with trenches and abatis. They were attacked by a much larger British force of about 16,000 men under General James Abercromby, who had landed on the west shore of Lake George and marched south along a road built by Rogers’ Rangers. The British assault was poorly planned and executed, and they suffered heavy casualties from the French fire. The Rangers played a crucial role in covering the British retreat, holding off the pursuing French and Indians with their marksmanship and skirmishing tactics. The British lost about 2,000 men killed or wounded, while the French lost only about 400. The battle was a humiliating defeat for the British, who failed to capture one of the key strategic points in North America.
Rogers’ Rangers were supported in their operations by provincial soldiers from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Nova Scotia, and other colonies; British regulars from various regiments; and Native American warriors from many regional tribes; and some French deserters or prisoners who joined or cooperated with them.
After the war, Major Robert Rogers went back to England, where he published his journals and proposed a plan to explore the western lands beyond the Mississippi River. He wanted to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean and establish trade with the native tribes there. He also hoped to discover new resources and opportunities for colonization. He was given command of a post in Michigan, where he sent out an expedition to explore the upper Mississippi and Great Lakes region, but it failed to reach the Pacific Ocean as he intended. He was accused of treason for allegedly conspiring with the French, but he was acquitted after a trial.
He returned to America during the Revolutionary War, but he was suspected of being a loyalist spy by both sides. He joined the British army again. He formed two new ranger units: the Queen’s Rangers in 1776 and later the King’s Rangers. Rogers was instrumental in the capture of Nathan Hale in September 1776. He was soon replaced by his brother James as commander. He went back to England again, where he lived in poverty and obscurity until his death in 1795.
US Army Rangers
The US Army Rangers are the successors of Rogers’ Rangers. They uphold the legacy of Rogers’ Rangers in their missions around the globe. They also serve as role models and leaders for other soldiers in the Army.
The US Army Rangers were officially established in 1942 during World War II, following the British Commando standards. The 1st Ranger Battalion was activated by then-Major William O. Darby in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland on 19 June 1942. The Rangers participated in various campaigns in North Africa, Europe and the Pacific.
The motto of US Army Rangers is “Rangers lead the way!” This motto reflects the spirit and legacy of the Rangers, who are always ready to take on the most challenging and dangerous missions. The motto originated in World War II, when Darby led his men in the invasion of North Africa. He shouted “Rangers, lead the way!” as they stormed the beach and overcame the enemy resistance.
The 75th Ranger Regiment is the current designation of the elite airborne light infantry combat formation within the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). The 75th Ranger Regiment specializes in raids, airfield seizures, direct action, and reconnaissance in hostile territory. Rangers are trained to deploy rapidly and operate in small teams with minimal support. The Rangers have since participated in many operations around the world, earning a reputation as one of the most elite and versatile forces in the US military.
The Rangers became part of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or SOCOM) in 1987, when President Ronald Reagan approved the establishment of the new command to oversee the various special operations component commands of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. SOCOM was activated on 16 April 1987, and its first commander was General James Lindsay.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.