Yorktown 225th - Day 2: Rest of the Day

After the final battle at Endview Plantation, the 23rd hustled back to the Fusilier Redoubt to begin the rest of the activities scheduled. First off, was a small ceremony honoring the members of the 23rd who fought and died defending the Fusilier Redoubt against the French.

Standing in formation outside of the redoubt, the recreated 23rd performed a "mourn arms" to honor the British soldiers. The mourn arms routine consists of slowly turning the musket upside down so the barrel rests on your foot then placing your hands and forehead on the butt of the stock and sitting there in silence. I am sure it was a moving sight to those watching.

After honoring the fallen soldiers, it was photo opportunity time. The whole 23rd lined up on the crest of the Fusilier to have a unit portrait taken. I am hoping to find a good copy so I can print it and frame it. Family members were then asked to join their Fusiliers for more photo shoots.

Across the street from the Fusilier Redoubt is the Yorktown Victory Center. This Victory Center is funded by the state of Virginia and includes several excellent exhibits, including a recreated Continental Army camp as well as a 1780s farm.

Seeing as how the enemy was so close, the 23rd decided to attack the Victory Center. While the different companies mopped up the feeble resistance, prisoners were also taken. It was a fairly easy battle, as the rabble couldn't stand the disciplined troops doing His Majesty's business.

Following the sacking of the Victory Center, the 23rd celebrated by having a regimental dinner at one of the hotels in Williamsburg. It was an enjoyable evening spent with some great people. A few of the fusiliers wandered into Yorktown after the dinner, but that story is best told in person.

Ich Dien!

Yorktown 225th - Day 2: Second Battle

The second battle on Saturday was the attack on Redoubts 9 and 10. These redoubts anchored Cornwallis' left flank In order for trenches to be close enough for the artillery to really have an effect, these redoubts had to be taken.

Since the 23rd, during the actual siege of Yorktown, was not part of the defense of those redoubts, during the recreated battle we were stationed in some woods behind the fortifications as a reserve force.

Other Crown forces, including some German mercenaries (Hessians as they are commonly called) took positions in the redoubts. With hardly a warning, the American and French forces attacked and within a few minutes had taken control of both redoubts.

With the redoubts taken, officers rushed around getting the reserve forces ready for battle. The 23rd quickly formed up and marched out of the woods, deploying in line. We met the attackers with a strong couple of volleys.

Desiring to take the field from the enemy, the commander of the 23rd ordered bayonets. The 23rd then began to advance with muskets and bayonets leveled. The sight of the thin red line advancing was extraordinary!

Unfortunately, the rebels didn't feel and instead met the bayonet advance with a smashing volley that took down many of the Fusiliers, myself included. Lying on the field, I was not able to see all that took place, but I do know that the Americans drove the British from the field.

As soon as the battle finished, the 23rd had to quickly get back to the Fusilier Redoubt for the next event.

Ich Dien!