The Battle of Bunker Hill was part of the Siege of Boston, where American colonial forces aimed to prevent British troops from breaking out of the city. Colonial forces, led by Colonel William Prescott, fortified nearby Breed’s Hill to provide a vantage point overlooking Boston and its harbour.

On the morning of June 17, British General William Howe, along with General Sir Henry Clinton, launched an assault on the colonial positions, with the objective of seizing control of the hill. The British forces numbered around 2,200 men, significantly outnumbering the colonial defenders.

The battle began with an artillery bombardment but the colonial fortifications held firm. As the British troops advanced, the colonial forces, under Prescott’s command, held their fire until the British were within close range, resulting in devastating volleys that inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers.

After suffering significant losses from two initial attacks, Howe ordered his men to fix bayonets and charge the colonial positions. By this time, the colonial forces were short of ammunition and could not maintain their previous level of resistance. Consequently the British eventually overran the fortifications, forcing the colonists to retreat.

While the Battle of Bunker Hill resulted in a British victory and the successful capture of the hill, it came the cost of 1,000 casualties that included many officers. For the colonial forces, while they were technically defeated, the battle demonstrated their determination and resilience. The Battle of Bunker Hill therefore bolstered their confidence, proving that they could challenge British military power.