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stand elbow to elbow and the rear rank was only half an arm's length from the man in front. The skirmish line was an open formation where men could lie down or take cover if available. Loading a musket took, in the case of Baxter, ten movements. It was not a fast procedure with black powder cartridge and ball having to be rammed down the barrel. A trained soldier was meant to be able to fire three aimed shots a minute. Although our men couldn't figure out a right wheel from a left wheel Captain Jackman was happy that they could put up a fight. With fixed bayonets when the command "Charge"
came, the proud Irishmen lowered their muskets and cried Fág an Bealach! The hearted battle cry clearly sent the public running; let's hope it would have the same
effect on the enemy. * Fág an Bealach! and Éirinn go Brách! are two battle
cries used by Irish warriors and soldiers. They are some- times seen on the flags of Irish units most notably the Rebels of 1798, the San Patricio's and Irish units in the Civil War. One beautiful inscription may be found on the flags of the Irish Brigade 'Roimh Nár Dhruid Ó Sbairn lann' ((they) never retreated from the battle of blades). You can see this inscription on the 69th New York Regi- ment flag on display in Dáil Éireann which was present- ed to the Irish people by President J.F.K in 1963.
More photos from photos from July 4th can be viewed: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amanwithhiscamera/sets
THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE
