“P” is for Partisans. After the fall of Charleston in May 1780, bands of partisans or irregular soldier sprang up to fight royal control of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Among the factors that attributed to their successes was their mobility. While serious fighting was done dismounted, they were able to ride swiftly into and out of conflict to harass the enemy wherever and whenever possible. Primarily backcountry residents, they were accustomed to hunting and defending themselves on the frontier. They were well trained with the weapons and tactics required for unconventional warfare. These irregular forces sometimes met the enemy in open battle and other times made hit-and-run raids on vital supply and communication lines. The partisans played a key role in derailing Britain’s southern strategy and in driving them from South Carolina.
“P” is for Partisans
