The Boston force included much of the Royal Artillery’s fourth battalion and two companies from the Corps of Invalids. In the period’s terminology, these were older or wounded veterans selected through the Royal Hospital Chelsea system to serve instead of taking a hospital place or pension. Their establishment could expand or contract with need. Invalid companies garrisoned important points at home and overseas, freeing regular units for field operations. The veterans could also support and protect artillery, making their experience relevant to fixed defences. Britain therefore possessed people capable of holding prepared works but failed to organize and fortify Dorchester Heights in time.
Notable Point · 1:47:43-1:50:01
Veteran invalid companies freed regular troops for field service
Boston contained veteran invalid companies that could garrison key positions and support artillery, reinforcing the argument that the British failure at Dorchester Heights was organizational.