05/10/2026
On October 4th 1777, Washington's army attacked the British positions at Germantown. The regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade under Major-General Charles Grey along with the 15th and 44th Foot, played a vital role in coming to the relief of the 40th Regiment of Foot, which was ensconced in the Chew House. Major André provided a brief account of the 17th's conduct in his journal entry for the battle:
“The 4th Brigade received Orders by inclining to their right to enter German Town and drive the Enemy from it. From some misunderstanding, or from receiving some fire, they did not immediately go into the village, but halted on the skirts of it, and kept up a very heavy fire against a distant Column they had some intimation of in front. The 17th and 44th Regiments were therefore ordered to wheel to the right and drive out the Rebels. This was executed, the 44th crossing the village and moving up the skirts on the opposite side, and the 17th moving up the street. General Grey headed the 44th Regiment. Lord Cornwallis came up as the Rebels had retired, and took the command of the left wing, with which he pursued as far as Whitemarsh Church, leaving a Corps at Chestnut Hill.” ~André, J (1904). Major André's Journal. pp.29-30
The 17th had Ensign Nathanial Phillips, 1 serjeant and 4 rank and file killed; 3 sergeants and 21 rank and file wounded.
(image: Battle of Germantown
Painted by Xavier della Gatta, Naples, Italy, 1782
Museum of the American Revolution)
