Robert Rogers (soldier) - Definition and Overview

Robert Rogers (1731-1795) commanded Roger's Rangers during the French and Indian War. The Queen's York Rangers of the Canadian Army and the U.S. Army Rangers claim him as their founder and "Rogers' Rules of Ranging" are still quoted. He operated in the area that is now New England and South Eastern Canada and developed the basis of modern special forces tactics. During the French and Indian War, Roger's Rangers specialized in reconnaissance and deep penetrating raids into enemy territory. Mental and physical toughness, discipline and courage were highly valued and regularly displayed by all rangers. Major Rogers went deeply into debt, as he was personally responsible for paying his soldiers, and took loans to ensure his soldiers were paid properly. He was never compensated by the British Army or government, though he had reason to believe he should have those expenses reimbursed. This started his financial troubles.

Following the war, Rogers tried to make a life for himself as a British gentleman, and failed. There is some evidence that his "colonial" status kept higher ranking "regular" British Army officers from fully supporting any of Rogers' aspirations. He did gain command of a small post in northern Michigan with a charter to look for the "Northwest Passage" from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean.

Returning from England at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, he was not trusted by leading revolutionaries. Thus he offered his services to the British Army, which also did not fully trust his intentions. He formed another ranger type unit, which still exists today as the Queen's York Rangers and is a reconnaissance regiment in the Canadian army. After the end of the American Revolution he returned to England where he died deep in debt.

External links

Biographies of Robert Rogers:

• http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1186.html
• http://www.acidus.com/rogers.html