THEY fought hard but the small group of Union soldiers were vastly outnumbered by the imposing Confederates when the two sides clashed on County Durham farmland at the weekend.
After a fierce battle between bitter rivals on the outskirts of Middlestone village, near Spennymoor, the Confed' Greys recorded a landmark victory in the American Civil War.
Just half an hour later the village, hosting a battle re-enactment day in aid of local charity The Butterwick Hospice, was the site of more fighting as a Second World War battle was relived.
Organisers from the 43rd North Carolina and 2nd Wisconsin Re-enactment groups said the event was one of the biggest re-enactment days ever held in the region and is expected to become an annual occasion.
To ensure the event was authentic the enthusiasts stayed in 1860s-style camps the night before the battle and dressed in costumes typical of the period.
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