John Pitcairn | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 28 December 1722 Dysart, Fife |
| Died | 17 June 1775 (aged 52) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Buried | Old North Church, Boston |
| Allegiance |  Great Britain |
| Service | Marine Forces |
| Years of service | 1746–1775 |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles / wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Dalrymple |
Major John Pitcairn (28 December 1722 – 17 June 1775) was a Scottish military officer. Born in Dysart, Fife, he enlisted in the Marine Forces at the age of 23 and was stationed in North America during the French and Indian War, serving at the rank of captain. Arriving in Boston in 1774 as part of a British occupation of the city, he fought in the 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord during the outbreak of the American War of Independence. Two months later in June, Pitcairn was killed in action during the battle of Bunker Hill. Respected by both his men and Pitcairn's American opponents, he was buried at Boston's Old North Church.