Why were soldiers told to wait until "they saw the whites in their eyes" before they shot?

To count the number of British soldier.

To save ammunition and be more accurate.

To save time and rest.

1 answer

The phrase "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" is often attributed to American forces during the American Revolutionary War, particularly at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The main reason soldiers were told to wait until they could see the whites of their enemies' eyes was to save ammunition and be more accurate. By waiting until the enemy was very close, soldiers could ensure that their shots were more likely to hit their targets, which was crucial for conserving their limited supply of ammunition. Additionally, this tactic helped to maximize the impact of their fire at close range, increasing the effectiveness of their defense.