The battle of Quebec took place during the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Year War (1757 - 1762), in Canada. The date was the 13th of September 1759. During this battle the two sides that fought were the British and American colonists vs. the French and native Canadians.
In this battle, the famed Major General James Wolfe went against the Marquis de Montcalm in a battle fought in the typical “chess warfare” used by civilized people at that time. The force of troops Major General Wolfe took onto the Plains of Abraham for the battle was around 4,500 men and 1 gun. The Marquis de Montcalm brought a force of around 5,000 men and 3 guns, the guns being borrowed from the city.
On the night of 4th September 1759 the troops encamped on the Montmorency disembarked. Wolfe was informed that French supply ships were expected to venture down the St Lawrence that night, and so a feint attack was made on Montcalm's forces east of the city to draw French troops away from the landing site. A French sentry challenged the boats but was answered by a highland officer in French. Effectively fooling the sentry, the force landed and scaled the cliff.
What met the Wolfe at the top of the cliff was the area of wide open country called the Plains of Abraham extending to the walls of the city. Montcalm did not become aware of British forces until the next morning, when he saw the line formed outside Quebec. French, Canadian and Indians all readied themselves at the plains for battle. Montcalm decided to attack the British line even when he only had three guns at his disposal.
A savage fight developed on Wolfe's left between the skirmishers and the British Light Infantry and the reserve forces under Townsend. The three French guns and the single British gun blasted hellfire at the opposing lines! The French fired ineffectually at too great a distance and came on. Their doom was imminent.
It was said that the British foot there withheld fire until the range was 35 yards. Two volleys were enough to annihilate the French line completely. The British infantry then advanced and drove the rest of the French from the field. Wolfe, who had been wounded in the hand, advanced with the 28th Foot until he was shot in the groin and chest.
Canadian skirmishers continued to fire on the British until they were driven back. The French army retreated into the city in confusion. Montcalm, who had been shot, was carried with the retreating throng until he was taken into a house nearby, where he died.
Wolfe rejected medical attention and was laid on the ground. Someone called “See them run”. Wolfe said “Who?” He was answered, “The French.” Wolfe directed the 28th to march to the bridge across the St Charles River to cut off the last of the retreat, and then died. Wolfe would always be remembered as one of the greatest commanders of Britain.
