The Battle of Roslin: A Day of Triple Victory for the Frasers

The Battle of Roslin, fought on February 24, 1303, stands as one of the most remarkable military achievements in Scottish history, and it was the Fraser clan that played a pivotal role in this extraordinary event. This battle is unique for its occurrence in three successive engagements on the same day, each culminating in a decisive Scottish victory against the English forces. Here's a detailed look into each of these three victories and the heroic deeds of the Fraser clan.

The First Victory: The Surprise Attack

The first victory of the day came from a masterfully executed surprise attack. The English forces, commanded by John de Segrave, were divided into three separate camps to facilitate easier foraging and movement. They were confident, having faced little resistance on their march northward. However, this separation proved to be a grave tactical error.

Sir Simon Fraser and Sir John Comyn, leading a force of approximately 8,000 Scottish warriors, took advantage of the divided English army. They conducted a night march from Biggar, arriving at the English camp at dawn. Segrave and his men were caught entirely off guard. Still slumbering in their tents, the English soldiers were suddenly besieged by the Scots. The chaos was immediate and complete. Segrave himself was severely wounded and captured, and the English camp was overrun. This first clash resulted in the capture of sixteen knights and thirty esquires, along with numerous common soldiers. It was a devastating blow to the English and set the stage for the day’s further confrontations.

The Second Victory: Overcoming the Reinforcements

No sooner had the Scots begun to celebrate their triumph and secure their prisoners than the second division of the English army, likely commanded by Ralph de Manton, came into view. These reinforcements posed a significant threat, as they were fresh and numerically superior to the Scots who had just engaged in a fierce battle.

Yet, the Fraser clan and their allies were undeterred. They quickly regrouped and prepared to face the new wave of English soldiers. The second engagement was fiercely contested, with heavy casualties on both sides. Despite their fatigue, the Scots fought with unparalleled determination and valor. The English, disoriented by the suddenness and intensity of the Scottish counterattack, eventually broke ranks and fled the battlefield, suffering substantial losses.

This second victory was a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the Scottish warriors, especially the Frasers, who led by example and inspired their compatriots to fight on despite the odds.

The Third Victory: The Final Stand

The third and final engagement of the day came shortly after the second victory, when the third division of the English army, under the command of Sir Robert Neville, arrived. Reinforced by remnants of the previous divisions, this force was perhaps the most formidable of the day. By this time, the Scots were severely outnumbered and exhausted from continuous fighting.

Recognizing the perilous situation, Sir Simon Fraser and Sir John Comyn rallied their troops with impassioned speeches, urging them to make one last stand for their homeland. The Scots, though weary, were resolute. They resorted to the grim but necessary tactic of executing their prisoners to prevent them from rejoining the battle.

As Neville’s division approached, the Scots launched a desperate and ferocious attack. The battle was fierce and brutal, with both sides fighting with relentless ferocity. The death of Sir Robert Neville was a turning point; his fall demoralized the English troops, leading to a breakdown in their ranks. The Scots seized the moment, pressing their advantage until the English forces were in full retreat.

This final victory was the most decisive. The remnants of the English army fled south, leaving behind a wealth of booty, prisoners, and military equipment. The Scots, against all odds, had not only defended their territory but had also delivered a significant psychological blow to the English invaders.

Conclusion

The Battle of Roslin remains a shining example of strategic brilliance, indomitable courage, and the relentless spirit of the Scottish people. The Fraser clan, under the leadership of Sir Simon Fraser, played an indispensable role in this historic event. Their actions on that day ensured that the Battle of Roslin would be remembered as a day of triple victory for Scotland—a day when the underdog triumphed three times over a vastly superior enemy force. This battle continues to be celebrated as a testament to the bravery and tactical acumen of the Frasers and their compatriots, embodying the enduring spirit of Scottish resistance and resilience.

Adapted From: Mackenzie, A. (1896). History of the Frasers of Lovat: With genealogies of the principal families of the name; to which is added those of Dunballoch and Phofachy. Inverness: A. & W. Mackenzie.