Frequently, throughout the year, modern members of recreated historical militia groups in the US stage enactments of battles, real or imagined, in period costume with period weapons. Many groups, such as Glover's Regiment in Marblehead, MA, go to great lengths to ensure their garments, encampments and all other aspects of life in the 1700's are authentic. These photos depict a mock battle of patriots defending a beach in Marblehead from British loyalists and marines on 10 July 2004. The spectator gallery evokes images of world citizens watching modern wars in real time on TV... too bad real battles are fought with real bullets.
Loyalists landing from the Poincare
and coming ashore.
Everyone starts out with wet feet.
The first ashore wait for the rest.
Patriots fire the first round
while the loyalists load their weapons.
The loyalists return fire.
The patriots respond
and are joined by reinforcements.
Spectators enjoy the battle.
"NO! I won't move!"
The loyalists' commander arrives late and dons his uniform.
The patriots take advantage.
British marines emerge from hiding, reinforcing the loyalists.
The marine reinforcements push forward
and establish a position.
Loyalists and marines continue to fire,
trying to push the patriots back.
The British advance and thrust forward.
A setback - the first British casualty.
Some of the British pull back,
followed by the rest.
Another Red Coat casualty!
The patriots advance,
fire,
aim,
and fire again.
The British sound full retreat
and are chased to their boat by the patriots.
Victory is assured as Red Coat casualties litter the beach.