24 killed and wounded 12 killed and wounded | Date 8 December 1757 | |
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130 soldiers Between 50 and 56 Acadians and Mi'kmaq Result French and Native American victory Similar Battle of Fort Beauséjour, French and Indian War, Battle of Petitcodiac, Battle of Signal Hill, Battle of Fort Bull | ||
The Battle of Bloody Creek was fought December 8, 1757, during the French and Indian War. An Acadian and Mi'kmaq militia defeated a detachment of British soldiers at Bloody Creek (formerly René Forêt River), which empties into the Annapolis River at present day Carleton Corner, Nova Scotia. The battle occurred at the same site as a battle in 1711 during Queen Anne's War.
Contents
Prelude
Following the French defeat at the Battle of Fort Beauséjour and the start of the Great Expulsion in 1755, many Acadians formed guerrilla bands in the forests, often linking up with their historic Mi'kmaq allies. These bands operated throughout Nova Scotia until the fall of New France, the most famous guerrilla being Joseph Broussard, also known as Beausoleil. Despite controlling many strongpoints like Halifax, Annapolis Royal and Fort Beausejour, the British were unable to completely pacify the region.
On December 6, a work party from the 43rd Foot, which garrisoned Annapolis Royal, was cutting firewood near the site of the first battle in 1711 when they were ambushed by an Acadian and Mi'kmaq force. One man was killed and another seven were taken captive. In response, a detachment of 130 men under Captain Peter Pigou was dispatched to recover the prisoners.
Battle
Led by Acadian Guillaume Jeanson, a group of Mi'kmaq and Acadians attacked the British force. Marching on foot along the south shore of the Annapolis River, the British force was exposed to wet and cold before giving up their search for the prisoners. They were crossing a bridge on the René Forêt River on the morning of December 8 when the Mi'kmaq and Acadians attacked. The British made a brief stand and suffered a high number of casualties, including Captain Pigou, before retreating back to Annapolis Royal.
Aftermath
Despite their victory, the Mi'kmaq and Acadian guerrillas did not follow it up by attacking Annapolis Royal. There were however many similar bands that continued to harass and ambush British forces in Nova Scotia and assist French regular forces through the end of the war. The René Forêt River was renamed Bloody Creek in honour of the battle.
The location of the battle is now a National Historic Site of Canada.