The Ambush

Winter, early 1777. Reeling from the surprises at Trenton and Princeton, British patrols probe the snowbound countryside of northern New Jersey—hunting for food, and for Rebel forces doing the same. It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, but in this frozen match of lethal chess, victory favors the bold—and only the winner walks away with the spoils…and his life. Thank you to MilitaryHistory.tv and SimonRubenstein.com media for helping to film this video. --- Filmed during the fifth iteration of the 10th Regiment’s private tactical, this project brought together representatives from all three of our musket companies against the picturesque backdrop of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The goal was to bring the realities of 18th-century combat to life through film. The primary objective of this year’s tactical was to emphasize intelligent, adaptive decision-making in the face of enemy forces—both through higher-level planning and on-the-ground maneuvering. Too often, modern reenactments fail to reflect the fact that both sides of the 18th-century conflict were highly capable and tactically aware. To address this, we focused on coordinated, company level movements against a live enemy force, rapid maneuver execution, maintaining extended formations, and making full use of available cover. Particular emphasis was placed on accurately portraying skirmishing, including *period-appropriate engagement distances.* We also experimented with independent movement of file pairs, guided by a predefined end state, allowing soldiers to operate with greater autonomy rather than relying solely on explicit commands. Additionally, we introduced bayonet combat, supported by extensive pre-battle training to ensure both realism and safety. This was a tactical first and a film shoot second. Captured in a live setting with no filming cuts, this footage reflects what the reenactors experienced in the moment. If you’re interested in attending future events, please reach out to: [email protected] A special thank you to the Lexington Minutemen for their leadership on the rebel side (channel linked here: @LexMinuteCompany ) as well as to 2nd NH Cherry’s Company and Knox’s Artillery for their participation and support. 0:00 Scouts search for an ambush 2:16 The Feint and Assault 5:14 Advance! 7:41 The Trap and Final Charge If you live in the North East and are interested in joining us, visit redcoat.org His Majesty's Tenth Regiment of Foot in America is a historically re-created infantry unit formed to portray the service of the British Army during the American War for Independence. Composed of three types of soldier, Grenadiers-typically larger men who are used as shock troops, a company of Light infantry, generally smaller, more agile men--capable of maneuvering in the dense wilderness to skirmish or flank the enemy, and a battalion company--a company of regular soldiers, capable of mass volleys and were the heart of the army and are trained in both Grenadier and Light Infantry tactics. We also have a company of Music, who provide music and commands to the army. Last but certainly not least, a Corps of Civilian Volunteers--who provide food to the regiment during encampments and accurately portray civilian and camp life of the 18th century. Each is open for recruitment. The members of the Tenth are accurately uniformed, equipped, and trained in 18th-century military drill and life so that we appear in public as members of the British Army would have in 1775. Contact us to join. Social Media Links: 10th Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HisMajestys10thRegimentOfFoot/ 10th Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hm10thregt/ 10th Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCplM7iTP7JzOvmsh3gkQ3aA 10th Grenadiers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/10thGrenadiers/ 10th Battalion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/10thFootBattlionCoy/ 10th Light Infantry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HM10thLights/