Battle of Dunbar (1650)

The Battle of Dunbar (1650) was a significant military engagement in the Anglo-Scottish War (1650–1652), which was part of the wider Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It was fought on 3 September 1650 near Dunbar, Scotland, and resulted in a decisive victory for the English Parliamentarian army, commanded by Oliver Cromwell, over the Scottish army commanded by David Leslie.

The Scottish army, aligned with Charles II, held a strong defensive position on Doon Hill overlooking Dunbar. Despite their numerical advantage, Leslie's forces were outmaneuvered and decisively defeated by Cromwell's more experienced and disciplined troops. Cromwell launched a surprise dawn attack, exploiting Leslie's decision to move his army down from the hill into a more vulnerable position in the low-lying fields.

The battle resulted in heavy casualties for the Scots. Thousands were killed on the field, and even more were taken prisoner. Many of the prisoners died of disease and starvation while being held by the English.

The victory at Dunbar secured Cromwell's control over southern Scotland and paved the way for the eventual defeat of the Scottish Royalists and the consolidation of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Battle of Dunbar is considered one of Cromwell's greatest military achievements and a turning point in the Anglo-Scottish War. It effectively broke the Scottish military resistance and allowed Cromwell to proceed with the conquest of Scotland. The battle is remembered for its decisiveness and for the harsh treatment of the Scottish prisoners.