This is a first of a series of articles on the battles of the American Revolution, and within the series, I hope to give fellow wargamers a brief outline of the battle, numbers of troops involved and the regiments, and a map of the battle.

MILITIA & MINUTEMEN. 1760-83 Print by C.A. Risley

For over one year, General Gage's intelligence file had grown as the throbbing pulse of ' the American colonies grew stronger. As a result, on April 14, 1775, he received orders to nip the revolt before it could flower into a full scale action.

Since the bulk of the American munitions lay at Concord, this was where he must strike. Lt. Col. Smith (1 Oth), and Major Pitcairn (Royal Marines), were to lead 700 troops, the elite of the Boston Garrison and Depart on April 18th. Unfortunately, Gages activities could not be kept secret and the American Minutemen began to assemble as the British column passed through Cambridge, Sommerville, and Menotomy.

As the advanced guard, 6 light infantry companies, arrived on the Lexington Common, they were met by two ragged lines of 70 men, under Capt. John Parker. After telling the "Damned Rebels" to disperse, someone under Major Pitcairn's command opened fire. This was the shot that was heard round the world. After two volleys and a short flash of cold steel, the rebels ran and the British headed onwards to Concord.

As they reached Concord, 6 light companies headed towards the North B bridge and 1 to guard the South bridge. The seven Grenadier companies then began a house to house search for munitions. As the 6 light companies reached the North bridge, three headed for the Barrett farm while the other 3 covered them.

Captain Issac Davis, leading the Action company, started for the North bridge and many of the Minutemen followed. The bridge guard opened fire and fell back to Concord as 2 companies of Grenadiers covered their retreat. The three companies at the farm heard the firing and scampered back to the safety of the town.

For the first mile of retreat, the British column moved unmolested, but at Mirmam's Corner, action blazed up again and fron that point to Lexington the column was under constant sniper fire. From behind trees, stone and wooden fences, and bushes the rebels fire left a fringe of red foam.

A reinforcing column of 1000 men under Brigadier General Hugh Percy (4th, 23rd, 47th, a battalion of Marines and two 6 pounders) met the disorganized and retreating column of the Boston Garrison and opened fire on the mob of militia.

Some 4,000 untrained militia had driven back some 1,800 trained British regulars and, even more incredible to Gage and his staff was the fact that fifteen officers were casualties due to rebel fire.

Losses for the whole days skirmishing were as follows:
Americans - 49 dead, 46 wounded or missing, total 95
British - 65 dead, 173 wounded, 26 missing, total 264.