On 21 Sep 1745 the army of Charles Edward "Bonnie Prince Charlie" Stewart (age 24) defeated the only government army in Scotland at the Battle of Prestonpans, led by General Sir John Cope (age 57).

Colonel James Gardiner (age 57) was killed in action. He was mortally wounded by the Highlanders after his dragoons had fled the field and he was attempting to rally some foot soldiers. He received a mortal blow whilst wounded on the ground and was stripped to the waist as his possessions were looted by the Highlanders. After the battle he was carried from the field by a servant to nearby Tranent where he soon died.