As the column of 200 militia and minutemen drew closer, the approximately 96 British light infantry posted at the North Bridge pulled back across the bridge to place the Concord River between themselves and the rebels.
When Capt. Issac Davis and the Acton company reached this spot, the British fired their first volley, killing Davis and mortally wounding another member of his company.
In the first seconds, there was shock, as it registered on everyone that the British had fired live ammunition. “Fire, fellow soldiers! For God’s sake, fire!” cried Maj. John Buttrick. Immediately muskets rang out in a ragged volley as the companies spread out on either side of the bridge. The British arrayed themselves in street fighting formation, which did not allow from which a broad front to fire. Within moments, they were taking fire from both front and sides. Davis’s minute company was well-drilled in marksmanship and their shots took a deadly toll on the regulars.
