Coventry Memorial VFW Auxiliary

12/08/2024

10/26/2024

On this day in U.S. History: On October 26, 1776, Benjamin Franklin set sail for France on a critical diplomatic mission to secure public support and aid for America’s Revolutionary cause.

Selected by the Continental Congress for his reputation, intelligence, and diplomacy, Franklin’s goal was to secure French recognition of American independence and persuade them to provide financial and military assistance against Britain.

With the Revolution ongoing, the fledgling United States needed supplies, alliances, and legitimacy on the world stage. Franklin’s wit and charm made him a celebrated figure in France, and by 1778, his efforts helped secure a Franco-American alliance. This partnership would bolster American forces and help turn the tide toward victory.

Franklin’s voyage became a landmark in diplomacy, underscoring American resilience and the value of international unity in the pursuit of freedom.

- ThePatriotCall.com

10/25/2024

On this day in U.S. History: On October 25, 1780, the American militia under Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion, utilizing guerrilla warfare, decisively defeated a larger British Loyalist force at the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp in Clarendon County, South Carolina.

Following the defeat of the Continental Army at the Battle of Camden earlier that year, British forces appeared poised to tighten their grip on the region. Marion, however, remained undeterred. With a fluctuating force of 20 to 70 men, he conducted a series of harassing attacks on British positions and supply lines. After being encouraged by General Horatio Gates, Marion recruited more volunteers, expanding his militia to 152 men.

On Oct. 24, British Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Tynes was tasked with leading and training a Loyalist militia of 200 men in the High Hills near Salem. They camped along the Black River near Tearcoat Swamp, believing the swamp would provide them protection from an attack from that side. However, Marion’s scouts discovered their position, and on Oct. 25, Marion, keeping his plan secret, moved swiftly towards the Loyalist’s camp.

That night, Marion forded his men through the swamp under the cover of darkness. By the time they reached the Loyalist camp, it was late at night, and only a few Loyalists were awake playing cards.

Marion ordered his force to split into three groups for a coordinated attack in a trident formation. Just before midnight, he signaled the attack with a pistol shot, and his militia stormed the camp in a surprise assault. The attack was swift and devastating, resulting in six Loyalists killed, 14 wounded, and 23 captured. Marion’s militia only lost two horses, and they captured valuable muskets, horses, and food supplies.

This victory was not only a significant morale boost for Marion’s militia but also dealt a blow to British control in the region. Several captured Loyalists were so impressed by Marion’s leadership that they later joined his forces. The success at Tearcoat Swamp marked a turning point, ending Loyalist activity in the Salem area and furthering Marion’s effectiveness in the Southern campaign.

Painting is “The Ride of General Marion's Men” by Alonzo Chappel.



- ThePatriotCall.com

10/21/2024

Come take a spooky walk with us to Woodland Cemetery. We'll introduce you to some of our esteemed and not-so-esteemed residents. Reserve your tickets now for the 3:30 and 4:30 tours of Woodland Cemetery and the Paine House Funerary display. Space is limited.
Visit: http://www.westernrihistory.org/events/ghost-tours/
or [email protected].

10/15/2024

10/13/2024

Happy Birthday to the United States Navy! Thank you for 249 years of bravery and service.

10/09/2024

The "Turtle" Submarine was the first submarine used in battle. Built by David Bushnell in 1775 to help American colonists in the Revolutionary War, it was supposed to attach bombs to British ships in the harbor. Although none of the bomb-attachments worked, the submarine itself worked fine. Read all about it here 👇👇

https://navalhistoria.com/the-turtle-was-the-worlds-first-submarine/

10/09/2024

10/09/2024