The Rest of the Story:  The British Soldier of the American Revolution

In Yorktown, the terms Redcoats and Loyalists often receive an eye roll, sneer, or chuckle. For many years, the 18^th-century British military has been mocked, criticized, or even overlooked in history books and Hollywood. However, this is not entirely fair. As the old saying goes, there are two sides to every story, and a fascinating event in September tries to shed light on the British perspective. Yorktown 1781 Before the Siege will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7, on Historic Main Street and at the Yorktown Battlefield. Michael Rolla, one of the organizers, believes it is a unique way to educate the public and share the rest of the story.

“I wanted the public to know the British soldier as he really was, rather than the grotesque caricature created largely by American propaganda of the period,” says Michael, who is of English ancestry. “They were young and elderly men with dreams and aspirations. They were English, Scottish, Irish, Swiss, German, Americans, Indigenous people, and former slaves. They were husbands, sons, and brothers. Some were well-off; others were not. They left families behind hoping to provide support for them. They had doubts and fears. They weren’t perfect, but neither were their counterparts.”

“If you only look at one side, you don’t know the whole story,” interjects reenactor Tim Smith, who will serve as Adjutant for the event.

One of the goals of Before the Siege is to correct misinformation about the British forces. Due to propaganda distributed by the patriots, several mistruths have festered and spread finding their ways into history books and modern pop culture. One example is the horrific church scene in the movie The Patriot starring Mel Gibson. In the film, British soldiers lock helpless families inside a church and burn it to the ground. The truth is this brutal act never occurred. In fact, many of the British soldiers and officers had trouble reconciling the fact they were fighting a war against their fellow Englishman.

“Initially, a lot of the main British officers were against the war,” Michael says.  “They tried to entice King George not to go to war with the colonies. But once they were ordered to do so, they did their duty as soldiers. That’s what the job was.”

Another story that has been lost to the ages is the plight of the Loyalists, the colonial families who remained loyal to the monarchy and did not support the fight for independence. Many were run out of their homes, abused, and left penniless. A number fled to Canada with only the few belongings they could take with them.

“What is the old saying?” asks Michael. “‘History is written by the victors.’ Thus, those on the losing side are ignored, and their stories, their deeds, their suffering, and their sacrifices are unknown or unheard.”

However, that all changes at Before the Siege. During this two-day event, Historic Main Street will come alive with reenactors, militia drills, firing demonstrations, and living history encampments. Visitors can learn about the daily lives of the British soldiers and the camp followers – the women and children who traveled with the troops to help with chores and meal preparation. At the Nelson House, an interpreter portraying a surgeon will discuss 18^th-century treatments and medical procedures, and the Royal Navy will set up camp next to the Burcher Cottage. Those of a more adventurous spirit can make their way to the Yorktown Battlefield to interact with reenactors portraying troops patrolling a redoubt.

“When you turn the street into that time period,” says Tim, “it’s an immersion, and it’s not like any other historic village.” We couldn’t agree more, and it might just make a few participants stop and think a bit differently. 

To learn more about Yorktown 1781 Before the Siege and other happenings in the area, check out our events calendar!