This was an outstanding event with a tremendous turnout of British and American reenactors. It certainly exceeded my expectations for this 250th event. The location was Northeast of Boston in Gloucester, MA at Stage Fort Park. A beautiful location, sunny and right next to the water. Somewhere around 1,000 reenactors took part and some reports credit nearly 20,000 spectators over the weekend witnessed the failed defense of “Bunker Hill” as the Crown forces finally succeeded in taking the redoubt after three charges up the hill. The 23rd RWFiA had a great turnout—folks traveling from out West, South and the Northeast.

The Provost gave us a premier location for our Tavern and kitchen. A great spot next to the 10th and Guards (the three largest regiments in attendance), away from the rest of the encampment across the street in our own area. We were also only a hop, skip and a jump away from the food trucks and facilities.

We were represented by over 20 muskets, officers, and musicians. Those attended included:

• Officers: Jack Pritchard, Alex Ivanchishin, Tom Stein, RDM Joe Siegel, Musician Dillon Morris, Sjt. Denis LeMay
• Fusiliers: Eric Morris, Jonathan Matthews, Phillip Dye, Andrew Hamilton, Kevin McClain, Denis Messier, Shane Watson, Greg Brunson, Grenadiers Kyle Parker, Mark Schmidt, Mike and Ken Boyle, Eric Spaar, and Jordan Rowland.
• Tavern Keepers: Kathy and Allen Hughes and Leanne Brunson.

The weekend event began each day with a formation of British arms, a march out to the shore for the British naval landing of troops where volunteers from each British regiment (Kyle and Mark on Sat. and Jordan and Kevin on Sun.) were rowed in from Gloucester schooners playing the role of British warships. They were met with gunfire from the shore but an ever increasing troop presence on shore soon silenced this agitation.

As the army formed on shore we then marched out to the battlefield through a gauntlet of adoring and many not so adoring spectators. The army—a very large and impressive mass of troops—took their positions. Our battalion was ably led by Jack Pritchard and the 23rd by new Lt. Tom Stein. I (Alex) fielded as a Pvt. The battle began with an artillery barrage lasting half an hour or so interspersed by a few rebel artillery volleys that were followed each time with rousing cheers from the rebels and crowd. A large contingent of Light Infantry to the right began making their advance along the shore for the flank attack and the Grenadiers and rest of the army in the center started their advance up the hill toward the rebel fortifications. The Lights were repulsed and the center was pushed back each of two charges with very high casualties. Those unfortunate [souls] who became the dead and wounded lay on the hot field for an hour or so as the battle continued. I was one of them and it was HOT! On the third charge the Crown attacked in columns and swiftly moved up the hill and took the redoubt by storm.

Several more casualties, but the King’s forces prevailed driving the rebel traitors fleeing from their works. The army then reformed gathering our dead and wounded and marched in formation back through another gauntlet of spectators who greeted us with respect and applauded our performance. I was told by several onlookers after the event was over that the army was most impressive marching down the road to our encampment.

Also I must commend the event organizers and narrator who did a great job bringing the Battle of Bunker Hill to life for us and the thousands who witnessed it.

The Horsfall contingent stayed at an AirBB and enjoyed New England dinners of lobster and fish at the Lobster House Friday evening followed by a larger gathering of the regiment for dinner on Saturday evening. We celebrated Jordan’s 30th birthday at dinner.

Sunday’s events were a mirror of Saturday except shorter in time. It was still very HOT on the field, where once again, I lay as one of the wounded, although this time I made it almost to the redoubt. I could see our brave lads take it in glorious fashion.

Big thanks again to the Hughes’ for the Tavern, all the food and drink and cover provided from the sun. A great gathering point for all to repose before and after battle.

YouTube has a very complete 45 minute video that captures all the action of the Bunker Hill battle complete with narration. See: The Battle of Bunker Hill: 250th Anniversary Reenactment in Gloucester, MA 2025.