<P> The colonial forces , while nominally under the overall command of General Ward , with General Putnam and Colonel Prescott leading in the field , often acted quite independently . This was evident in the opening stages of the battle , when a tactical decision was made that had strategic implications . After deliberating with General Putnam and Colonel Gridley , Colonel Prescott and his staff , apparently in contravention of orders , decided to fortify Breed 's Hill rather than Bunker Hill . The fortification of Breed 's Hill was more provocative ; it would have put offensive artillery closer to Boston . It also exposed the forces there to the possibility of being trapped , as they probably could not properly defend against attempts by the British to land troops and take control of Charlestown Neck . If the British had taken that step , they might have had a victory with many fewer casualties . </P>
what general was in charge of the revolutionary forces in the battle of bunker hill
General Ward