Gunston Hall Plantation - Raid on the Potomac 1781

    The British Marines were in attendance at the "Raid on the Potomac, 1781" event at Gunston Hall Plantation this past weekend.

Marching to Battle

Presidents Day Weekend Annual Battle Re-enactment at Ft. Ward

 

His Majesties Marines participated in the Presidents Day Weekend Battle Skirmish at Ft. Ward in Alexandria, VA.  The event was hosted by the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line.   The day very cold and windy.  The Marines fell in with the 84th Regiment of Foot of the Second Battalion, His Majesties 17th Light Dragoons Dismounts, and the Royal Highland Emigrants (Light).

Sergeant Wilson

 

 

 

2013 Schedule of Events

The 2013 Schedule of Events is posted!  Our first event will take place this month on 17 February during the George Washington Birthday Celebration at the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site in Alexandria, Virginia on Sunday, 17 February. Come see us during the Revolutionary War Encampment & Skirmish starting at 10 am.
 

Raid on the Chesapeake

Officer's Headquarters
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)

The British Marines were ordered to embark at the end of October, when favorable winds would carry them to their destination, at the Head of Elk, in the upper regions of the Chesapeake Bay.  Their mission was to land as far up the Bay as practical. Once landed they established a temporary base of operations, in conjunction with the navy in the rebellious colonies of Maryland and Delaware.  They then were ordered to do as much damage to the rebel cause, confiscating what good and materials they could, while destroying the rest. They were to also establish relations to those citizens still loyal to the Crown, rallying all Loyal subjects to the King’s Colours.  The Loyalist units assigned to each command were to carry beating orders to raise more good men to serve in their ranks.  Forces were to administer the Oath, where and when practical.

 

British Commander Jim McGaughey
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)

While maintaining their station, they were to contact loyal subjects to gather intelligence about rebel activities in the region, and take note of their defenses for future operations against them.  All were authorized to engage in contracting further intelligence sources, as may serve in the Crown’s interests.  Reports had been received of partisan forces operating in the region as well. It was ordered that all would do their utmost to locate and destroy those banditti, at their pleasure.  May our arms obtain great success in the King’s service.
 

Protecting the gun, pushing doodles off of the bridge
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)

 

Close to the Mansion House
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)

 

Historic London Town and Gardens

The Marines gave musket demonstrations and manned a recruiting station at Historic London Town and Gardens today as the site participated in the Smithsonian Museum Day Live event, which included free admission.

Sergeant Tim Wilson, Privates Joe Hall, Fred Donovan, and Mark Bell
line up for a musket firing demonstration.

Close up musket explanation

 

Captain Jim McGaughey talks to the crowd about British
tactics during the war

 

The Marines surround a local farmer suspected of smuggling



Private Joe Hall explains the use of his musket to a young visitor

 

Philadelphia Campaign 1777

The Marines participated in the 230th Anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine (Philadelphia Campaign 1777) this past weekend as part of the 43d Regiment of Foot. 

The 43d Regiment of Foot and 17th Light Dragoons (kneeling in front of facines)
Major Jim McGaughey shown at the back right with Commander Paul Loane of the 43d