Close-up of a Grenadier ramming his firelock at the 2008 re-enactment of the Battle of Prestonpans

Close-up of a Grenadier ramming his firelock at the 2008 re-enactment of the Battle of Prestonpans

D Hale-Sutton / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID: B8CYY8

This person, dressed as a Grenadier, is part of the Pulteney's Regiment (13th Foot) re-enactment group. The group recreates the look of soldiers in King George II's army in the period 1739 to 1765 but specialises in the Jacobite Rebellion. The Grenadiers were the assault troops of the period and carried early types of grenades. The musket held by the Grenadier is a muzzle-loading, smoothbore flintlock commonly referred to as a Brown Bess. This was originally the Land Pattern firelock. The Grenadier is in the process of loading his musket. Powder from a paper cartridge has been poured down the barrel and the ball (shot) and the remains of the paper are being rammed home with the ramrod.

Location: Cuthill Park, Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland, UK.