What battle did Colonel William Prescott say 'Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes'?

Answer 1

To conserve ammunition during the Battle of Bunker Hill (the American Revolution).

More Information:

The Americans (rebels) had been poorly supplied with ammunition. They needed to save as much ammunition as they could. What they did use needed to be as accurate as possible. The closer the British were when they fired, the higher the kill rate.

Answer 2

This quote is reputedly from Colonel William Prescott during the Revolutionary War when their gun powder was scarce. They were encouraged to conserve powder by not firing until theiy saw the white of their eyes.

This was originally part of an order by Sir Andrew Agnew, a Scottsman, in the battle of Flanders 1743. His tactic in the battle vs. calvalry, to not shoot until close range and with crossfire lines, was clever.

Answer 3

He didn't want anyone to miss shooting the target. (Men)

This famous line was quoted during the Battle of Bunker Hill, during which the troops' ammo were running low. Colonel Prescott advised them "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes. Then aim low" because he knew the bullets were likely to miss if shot from a distance. Not wanting to waste a single bullet, lest they lose the battle to carelessness, the colonel offered this advice.

Application today translates to "Don't go for your goal unless you're sure you can attain it." The philosophy itself is about caution and preservation of efforts.

Answer 4

"The Battle of Bunker Hill"

Actually it was said first at the Battle of Dettingen, 32 years before Bunker Hill. Spoken by Colonel Andrew Lochnaw, commander of the Scots Fusilers.

It was a well known phrase and obviously borrowed by General Prescott at Bunker Hill.

Answer 5

The phrase 'Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes,' was said at Bunker Hill. The original orator of the phrase is controversial.

Answer 6

No one is sure who may have given the order to wait to fire. The men that may have said it were General Israel Putnam, William Prescott, Joseph Warren, or John Stark.

Answer 7

"Old Put", General Israel Putnam.

Answer 8

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