Yorktown 225th - Day 2: First Battle

First let me apologize for not updating the blog recently. It has been a busy end to 2006 and 2007 has started off without a break. In a future post I will have to write about Captain Ferguson's Company exploits during a History Channel filming.

My previous post dealt with the first day of battle at the 225th Anniversary of the Siege of Yorktown. Let me continue with the second day of battle.

The morning of Saturday, October 21st found the 23rd once again at the Endview Plantation. A few redoubts (earthen fortifications) had been built for the battle. During the actual siege of Yorktown, the 23rd was stationed on the far right flank in an exposed redoubt that anchored Cornwallis' line. This redoubt, now know as the Fusilier Redoubt, was assaulted twice by the French army but never taken. In fact, at least four members of the 23rd are still buried in the Redoubt.

After standing around a bit, which seems to happen a lot in the hobby, the 23rd was marched to the earth works. With us were a detachment of Marines as well as two field pieces. Looking out from our fortification, we noticed a vast throng of people across the field. At first it appeared that they were spectators, but then it became clear that 60 Fusiliers, 10 Marines and two field guns were to defend against over a thousand French and Continental forces.

Although it was a staged and scripted battle, one couldn't help but feel some small bits of fear and trepidation looking into the massed throng that was forming for battle. Luckily there wasn't time to dwell on those feelings as the Continental and French batteries opened up.

Soon the attack began in earnest. The 23rd, being the best trained unit on the field, poured well-aimed volleys quickly into the attackers, driving them back.

While the enemy regrouped for another attack, we kept our spirits up by singing a rousing rendition of "Men of Harlech." This also gave time for us to clean the muskets a bit and check flints in anticipations of the next attack.

The next attack was conducted by even more men than the first. A few Fusiliers even took hits as the French and Continentals kept on the attack.

With ammunition running short, flints going dull, it began to look bleak for the proud 23rd. There just seemed no way to stop the numerous Continentals and Frenchmen. Luckily, as if on cue, other Crown forces arrived and were able to drive back the enemy.

With the timely arrival of more regulars, the tide was turned and the right flank of Cornwallis' tentative position in Yorktown was secure.

Ich Dien!