The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLE OF ALFORD

The Battle of Alford was fought on July the 2nd 1645 during the English Civil War when General Baillie with a large body of covenanters who was defeated by the Marquis of Montrose.

Montrose drew the Covenanters south from Strathbogie and prepared to meet them of the high ground south of the River Don, about a mile west of Alford. The armies were roughly equally matched in numbers of infantry, but Baillie had more cavalry. However, Montrose had chosen his ground well and Baillie's cavalry had to ford the river in order to attack, and after fording were attacked by Lord Gordon on Montrose's right flank before they had a chance to regroup. Lord Gordon succeeded in forcing Baillie's cavalry off the field before turning his attack on the Covenanting centre. While Lord Gordon was attacking the Covenanting centre, Lord Aboyne and Colonel O'Kean also advanced against the enemy infantry and Montrose's forces were victorious. In the resulting pursuit of Baillie's forces, however, Lord Gordon was killed.
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