The phrase (which had been used at least three times in prior wars) meant that the troops should hold their fire until the enemy was so close as to make missing them much less likely. This was because the troops were small in number and had limited ammunition, so it was important to make their shots count.
Of course, allowing the enemy to get too close would risk being overrun. So it was not "point blank" range that the officers were recommending.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes, then fire low".
To conserve ammunition during the Battle of Bunker Hill (the American Revolution).More Information:The Americans (rebels) had been poorly supplied with ammunition. They needed to save as much ammunition as they could. What they did use needed to be as accurate as possible. The closer the British were when they fired, the higher the kill rate.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
this was by the jman
The Battle of Breeds Hill was an important battle during the American Revolution because it was one of the first major battles. Due to limited amounts of rebel gun powder, troops were told to not shoot until they could see the whites of the enemys' eyes. They were also told to aim for commanding officers in the British army to help demoralize the enemy. Even though the British won the Battle of Breeds Hill, about 1 in 6 of their officers were killed. American troops were forced to retreat because the supply of gunpowder was used up. Even though the Americans lost this battle, it showed to the British and the rest of the world that Americans were willing to risk their lives to fight for their freedom.
Do not shoot until you see the whites of their eyes
"Don't one of you shoot until you see the whites of their eyes."
Bunker hill
One famous qoute from Bunker Hill was, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
Col. William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Battle of Bunker Hill.
"Dont shoot until you see the whites of their eyes"
Prescott's famous words were "don't fire until you see the whites of their [British] eyes"
He wished to save ammunition.
This was the Battle of Breeds/Bunker Hill fought in Massachusetts on June 17, 1775.
"The whites of their eyes"...
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" during the Battle of Bunker Hill.