West Coast Fusilier

British Napoleonic Coat Evolution

2009-04-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

Most don't realize that during the Napoleonic time period (1793-1815), the coat worn by the British infantryman went through quite an evolution. At the start of the French Revolution, the standard issue coat worn by the British infantry looked something similar to the coat worn during the American War for Independence (1775-1783). I could try to describe the evolution, but I believe the following illustration does a much better job.

(Click for a larger version)

The illustration is from C. E. Franklin's book British Napoleonic Uniforms, which was just published. The following text is the caption for the illustration:

The evolution from the long tailcoat of 1793 to the final version of the jacket in 1815. The old pattern 'swallow tail' coat is taken from tailors drawings, as are all the illustrations. (1). The first style of coat introduced by the regulations of 1796 closed the front but retained the lapels (2). It should be noted that most regiments wore a button or some such ornament, at the point where the front and rear turn-backs joined unless they were secured by some other device. In the parlance of the day this was called a 'dubby or a dubbie'. The labels were removed in the same year (3) and the jacket shortened, but it took some time before the closed rear opening with a fly, known as a 'tommy', became a standard feature (4). The later version of the jacket was shorter and the final version had a higher collar to hide the clasp of the stock left uncovered by the loss of the queue and was shorter in the skirts with the horizontal pocket flaps stitched down to the front of the pocket and secured by two extra small buttons. The oblique pocket flaps were false with the pocket entered in the plait (5).

See British Napoleonic Uniforms by C. E. Franklin for more details.

Ich Dien!

Winnie the Pooh and Zulus

2009-04-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Gregory Urwin's latest book.....

Winnie the Pooh and the Zulus

Here is a brief excerpt:

Happy April Fool's

Brown Bess Finish

2009-03-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is from Richard Staron via Yahoo's RevList Group:

There is no one correct finish or color that the stock should be. Cuthbertson writes:

"By going to some little expence, it will not be difficult to bring the stocks odf the firelocks to one uniform color, by stianing them red black or yellow; and then by laying on a varnish, to preserve them always in a glossy finish....and a little beeswax joined to the labor of the soldier to rub it on."

DeWitt Bailey writes in his latest and greatest that the Tower finished the stocks in linseed oil. There are NUMEROUS recipes for 18th century varnishes. Some of the are oil varnishes which include linseed oil and natrural driers and a little natural resin. Several of them were used and improved upon throught the 18th century. There is no one right answer as to how the Tower or its contractors finished the muskets. Kit Ravenshear writes that a good traditional finish is to mix RAW linseed oil and turpentine (50/50). Llet a handful of alkanet roots (available at through at supply and pigment websites) steep in the mixture for a week. You won't even need a stain. Just apply alternating layers of that and bees wax.

The 18th century linseed oil was heated and lead carbonate was added to is as a drier. Modern boiled linseed oil is not a real boiled linseed oil. The industry simply ADDs driers to it. The ntaural stuff turns dark amber red with the lead carbonate as it cooks. This along with oxidation over the years is what results in the very dark reddish hews seen many old guins, Certainly not all old guns though.

Ich Dien!

Installing Shoe Buckles

2009-02-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

A good video showing how to properly install shoe buckles.

Ich Dien!

Anza Promo Video

2009-02-20T10:28:00.001-08:00

Mr Snetterton's Song Book

2009-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

I definitely recommend all British reenactors of the Napoleonic and War of 1812 eras to take at look at Mr Snetterton's Song Book (http://www.95thrifles.com/index_files/news.htm).

Song was a big part of daily life in the British Army during the early 19th century and with Mr Snetterton's book, you can learn the lyrics to many of the common songs.

Check it out and maybe learn a few songs to sing at the cantina after a long days march or fight!

Ich Dien!

Recruiting Poster

2008-12-14T17:27:00.001-08:00

Bored this afternoon, I used my collection of (scanned) authentic Napoleonic-era British recruiting posters and put on together for the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers. Here is a png copy of the poster.

Ich Dien!

Baker Rifle in Line Regiments

2008-11-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

In De Witt Bailey's book, British Military Flintlocks 1740-1840, he mentions that some light companies in the era 1800-1815 received the venerable Baker Rifle. I have not seen this mentioned elsewhere, but Dr. Bailey is considered an expert on such things.

The other day I happened across an illustration from the later half of the 19th century showing a Hannoverian regiment in the British Army. If you look closely at the soldier in the in the center background, you can see that he is armed with a Baker rifle. This is clear based on the shortness of the rifle versus the Brown Bess, the lack of a bayonet shoulder belt (and cross belt plate), but the patch box of the Baker is clearly seen.

Ich Dien!

Period Shoe Construction

2008-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

These series of videos show Andy Burke (http://www.andyburke.f2s.com/catalogue.htm) discussing his construction techniques as well as showing the work required to make period-correct footwear. I recommend taking a look, as it is quite interesting.

Ich Dien!

Grenadier and Light Bob of the 29th

2008-10-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

This print from Charles Hamilton Smith, shows two members of the 29th regiment of foot--a grenadier on the left and a light infantryman on the right. Both are wearing the uniform of home duty with white breeches and tall black gaiters.

Bother soldiers are showing a bit of the ruffled shirt peaking through the coat. The light infantryman wears a non-regulation waist belt--a widely documented light bob alteration that kept the cartridge box from moving around during tactical maneuvers.

Ich Dien!

First Foot Guards, Marching Order

2008-10-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Charles Hamilton Smith print, circa May 1812, showing an enlisted man and sergeant of the 1st Foot Guards in Marching Order with great-coats, knapsacks, and covers for the shakos.

Ich Dien!

52nd Light Infantry

2008-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Great painting from Charles Hamilton Smith showing an officer and enlisted man of the 52nd Light Infantry Regiment from 1812-1815.

Ich Dien!

Browning of the Brown Bess

2008-10-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

I ran across this article today describing the process to keep a Brown Bess barrel bright as well as the method that was used to brown all the barrels in the army after Waterloo.

http://www.militaryheritage.com/browning.htm

Ich Dien!

Waterloo, Part I

2008-08-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

T-Shirts and other items

2008-08-22T14:54:00.001-07:00

Check this out:

Living History

That is all.

Ich Dien!

Defarbing the Musket

2008-08-21T16:34:00.001-07:00

One of the major hurdles to cross in getting a really authentic impression is defarbing the musket. Most of the people in the hobby use the Pedersoli Brown Bess, which is a very impressive reproduction of the Second Land Pattern musket. Unfortunately, there are a few things wrong with it.

First, the Pedersoli name is laser engraved on the barrel near the tang. This means that anyone can easily spot it, even from a bit of a distance. Also, a serial number is also laser engraved. Serial numbers did not appear on original Brown Bess muskets. Another problem, one that is easy to fix, is that incorrect swivels for the sling ship with the muskets. Sutlers like Godwin's produce good reproductions of original swivels.

The original muskets had numerous stamps and cartouches to show that a government official looked over the weapon and that it passed muster. Until now, getting the proper stamps on your musket has been difficult to say the least. There is a very limited number of hand stamps floating around.

Today, I happened to check out the Track of the Wolf website--they are now selling the proper stamps for the Brown Bess! There are four stamps, each priced at $29.95. I am going to try and get all four. If you want your musket to have the proper stamps, please let me know.

Here are the stamps:

Ich Dien!

Messes, Squads and Platoons

2008-08-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

The following information is from Don Hagist on the RevList Yahoo Group.

The information below is my 'primer' on messes, squads, platoons and companies, based on reading a lot of period texts, courts martial, and other documents. To understand this well, we must first clear our heads by accepting these ground rules:
Regiments could do things the way they wanted, so there is no set of 'rules' that invariably applies.
There is no relationship whatsoever between squads and platoons, between messes and platoons, or between squads and messes. All of these entities could exist within a company, but were not necessarily logically related to each other.

That said:
A mess is a group of men who share the same tent and kettle (and other camp equipage issued in a quantity of 1 item to a group of men). In most cases the mess consisted of five men (in most cases regiments were issued one tent per five men). The mess might also include wives of married soldiers. These men eat and sleep together, but that might be all they do together. These men were all from the same company. They drew food together (although rations were calculated on a 'per man' basis, food was actually distributed per mess, and the men of the mess divided it up after cooking).

On British company muster rolls (in the WO 12 collection), the names are often listed in groups of five. Some people interpret this to be a listing of the messes, but there is ample reason to doubt this interpretation (which I'll be happy to discuss if anyone is interested). More likely it was just to make the rolls easier to read. I don't know the derivation of the term 'mess'.

A squad was a group of men assigned to the care of a non-commissioned officer within a company. Military texts by Thomas Simes and Bennett Cuthbertson describe the assignment of squads as a handy way to make sure that each man has an NCO to oversee his hygiene and the care of his clothing and accoutrements. Cuthbertson' s writing on the subject appears below, and it is key to notice that he calls them Squads of Inspection, which gives a strong suggestion of the purpose of these squads.

The texts often suggest dividing the men of a company evenly by the number of NCOs in the company. Simes suggests that squads be organized based on the rank in which men form (that is, three squads, one each for the front, center and rear ranks). Cuthbertson recommends forming squads based on the experience of the soldiers, so that each squad contains a good proportion of new men and seasoned men. The one actual squad roll that I've seen (from a company orderly book of the 28th Regiment of Foot) has the company divided into three squads in the following manner: The names of the men are written in three columns, proceeding alphabetically from left to right:

Adams

Baker

Costello

Downs

Eagan

Finnerty

etc.

Each column is a squad under an NCO (see my write-up on this in The Brigade Dispatch Vol. 21 No. 2). The squad has no tactical application whatsoever. We might assume that a squad contained a fixed number of messes, but there is no basis for this assumption. The two enties appear to be completely unrelated.

A platoon is a tactical subdivision of a company - in fact, they are often called 'subdivisions' (and a 'grand division' was two companies). Whether a company has two, three or four platoons depends upon which set of procedures you're reading. Whether they're commanded by officers or NCOs likely depends upon who was actually available on the field, but I would suspect the intent was to have officers commanding platoons. The only way to get a sense of what was 'typical' is to read a number of manuals and military texts, because different authors had different ideas about this.

Ich Dien!

Musket Tools

2008-07-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

It seems like there is also some piece of kit to get or update. Today I am taking a look at the "British Musket Tool" that is found in pretty much any redcoat's kit.

The common musket tool, as sold by the majority of sutlers, looks like this:

The skinny side of the tool is usually listed as a pin punch or vent prick. I didn't think that this was correct, so I posted a question on the RWProgressive Yahoo group. Here is the response from Jym Hoffman:

As shown in "Collector's Encyclopedia" by Neumann and Kravic, some of the originals found through archeology are deteriorated so it is hard to tell the original size and sometimes the threads are eaten away. In the book "Tools for the Trades & Crafts, An 18th.Century Pattern Book, R. Timmons & Sons, Birmingham," 1791 - 1889, with Documentary By Kenneth D. Roberts, Fitzwilliam, N.H., first published in 1976, plate 133, engraved 1820 - 1830 shows a drawing of "a military turn screw with worm. An example shown to me in an tracing of an original that came from the Hubberton Battlefield, the third leg is thin and could be used as a punch, but there are also threads near the base of the fork. The widest spread between the 2 blades is 41/2" and 41/2" to the tip of the third leg. An example form Camden, S.C. (also traced for me,) the third leg is thicker and the threads are on the very end. The widest part is 37/8" by 31/2" to the tip of the third leg. If I remember correctly, there are 2 in Old Fort Niagara's collection that all three legs are flat screw driver blades. I have not seen 2 originals that are exactly the same size as are some of those modern reproductions. That is because they are using computer controlled machines to cut them out, exactly the same. I have not personally seen the ones in the Tower to know how exact in size they are.

With that information in mind, I did a quick search for someone that sold a more appropriate musket tool. Luckily, Roy Najecki offers one that fits the bill. Here is a photo from Jym on what a musket tool should look like:

Now its time to find my worm so that I can attach it to the prong when the tool arrives.

Ich Dien!

Button Stick

2008-07-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

In an effort to fully re-create the late 18th and early 19th century British infantryman, I am always looking at ways to improve my impression. The littlest things can add substantially, especially when it comes to showing the material aspect of things to the general public.

For the last few years, I have been looking for a good button stick. Usually made of wood but sometimes of brass, a button stick is a simple device that allows a soldier to polish his coat buttons without worrying about dirtying the coat. Mark R. Tully's "The Packet II" has an excellent article about button sticks, including some diagrams of period pieces.

Having no real skill when it comes to woodworking, I never ventured to try to make my own button stick. Luckily the other day I stumbled across an online sutler of Civil War goods that offers a good button stick. I recommend you take a look. It is an inexpensive way to improve an impression.

Ich Dien!

Pipe Clay

2008-05-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

The following if from Roy Najecki, of the 40th Foot:

From: Standing Orders, Forms of Returns, Reports, Entries, etc. of the Queen's Dragoons Guards; 1795 -

"Take 6 pounds of the finest pipe-clay, pound it very small, put it in a tub, and put to it about 5 gallons of cold water. Let it remain for two or three days, stirring it now and then. Then take 6 ounces of gum dragon, and put it into 4 quarts of boiling water, and cover it up close for two or three days. When the gum is well dissolved, take a fine hair sieve, and strain it into the pipe-clay, and keep stirring the pipe-clay well all the time you are doing this. Then take half an ounce of stone blue, and dissolve it well amongst your colouring (this gives a clear gloss to the belts). Let it all remain one day longer, and it will be fit for use, putting it on lightly and evenly with a sponge."

From: The Discipline of the Light Horse by Capt. Hinde, 1778 (pg 559) -

"A Receipt for the White Belts. Take 1 ½ lb of Pipe-clay, 3 Quarts of Water, ¼ lb of Best Glue, ¼ lb of White Soap, Boil the Soap and Glue first, till dissolved, then Mix it with the Pipe-Clay, and Boil all together for a Quarter of an Hour; when Cold put it on a with a Sponge in the usual manner, and when Dry Rub it with a Glass-Bottle."

All these ingredients: pipe-clay, gum dragon, and stone blue, are still available. Pipe-clay is the white material used to make porcelain in your sink or toilet and is commercially known as Kaolin. Pottery supply firms sell kaolin. Harness makers know gum dragon by that name but it is sold as Gum Tragacanth. This mucilage substance is used to burnish the edges of harness leather. It is available from The Leather Factory, Inc.

(1-800-472-3306, item #2264) and other leather craft firms. Stone blue is hydrated copper sulfate and can be found in the plumbing dept of home centers such as Home Depot. It is used to eliminate roots in septic pipes. There are several brands and they vary in purity. Root Destroyer brand (made by Scotch Corp 214-943-4605) is 99% Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate and costs about $9 per pound. Yes, it looks like blue stones, and they can be easily crushed into a powder.

Buff faced units often would use pipe-clay with a buff tint. The tinting agent, buff ochre, is still available from jewelry manufacturing supply firms.

I've worked up the first recipe and tried it, but my results didn't meet my expectations. Perhaps my kaolin was not white enough, and the pipeclay came out very watery. So I put that project aside for when I have more time.

Ich Dien!

Brown Bess Poem

2008-05-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

"Brown Bess"

In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes and brocade
Brown Bess was a partner whom none could despise--
An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,
With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes--
At Blenheim and Ramillies fops would confess
They were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess.

Though her sight was not long and her weight was not small,
Yet her actions were winning, her language was clear;
And everyone bowed as she opened the ball
On the arm of some high-gaitered, grim grenadier.
Half Europe admitted the striking success
Of the dances and routs that were given by Brown Bess.

When ruffles were turned into stiff leather stocks,
And people wore pigtails instead of perukes,
Brown Bess never altered her iron-grey locks.
She knew she was valued for more than her looks.
"Oh, powder and patches was always my dress,
And I think am killing enough," said Brown Bess.

So she followed her red-coats, whatever they did,
From the heights of Quebec to the plains of Assaye,
From Gibraltar to Acre, Cape Town and Madrid,
And nothing about her was changed on the way;
(But most of the Empire which now we possess
Was won through those years by old-fashioned Brown Bess.)

In stubborn retreat or in stately advance,
From the Portugal coast to the cork-woods of Spain,
She had puzzled some excellent Marshals of France
Till none of them wanted to meet her again:
But later, near Brussels, Napoleon--no less--
Arranged for a Waterloo ball with Brown Bess.

She had danced till the dawn of that terrible day--
She danced till the dusk of more terrible night,
And before her linked squares his battalions gave way,
And her long fierce quadrilles put his lancers to flight:
And when his gilt carriage drove off in the press,
"I have danced my last dance for the world!" said Brown Bess.

If you go to Museums--there's one in Whitehall--
Where old weapons are shown with their names writ beneath,
You will find her, upstanding, her back to the wall,
As stiff as a ramrod, the flint in her teeth.
And if ever we English had reason to bless
Any arm save our mothers', that arm is Brown Bess!

Rudyard Kipling

Ich Dien!

Sam's Christmas Pudding by Marriott Edgar

2008-05-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sam's Christmas Pudding

It was Christmas Day in the trenches
In Spain in Penninsular War,
And Sam Small were cleaning his musket
A thing as he'd ne're done before.

They'd had 'em inspected that morning
And Sam had got into disgrace,
For when sergeant had looked down the barrel
A sparrow flew out in his face.

The sergeant reported the matter
To Lieutenant Bird then and there.
Said Lieutenant 'How very disgusting'
The Duke must be told of this 'ere.'

The Duke were upset when he heard
He said, 'I'm astonished, I am.
I must make a most drastic example
There'll be no Christmas pudding for Sam.'

When Sam were informed of his sentence
Surprise, rooted him to the spot.
'Twas much worse than he had expected,
He though as he'd only be shot.

And so he sat cleaning his musket
And polishing barrel and butt.
While the pudding his mother had sent him,
Lay there in the mud at his foot.

Now the centre that Sam's lot were holding
Ran around a place called Badajoz.
Where the Spaniards had put up a bastion
And ooh...! what a bastion it was.

They pounded away all the morning
With canister, grape shot and ball.
But the face of the bastion defied them,
They made no impression at all.

They started again after dinner
Bombarding as hard as they could.
And the Duke brought his own private cannon
But that weren't a ha'pence o' good.

The Duke said, 'Sam, put down thy musket
And help me lay this gun true.'
Sam answered, 'You'd best ask your favours
From them as you give pudding to.'

The Duke looked at Sam so reproachful
'And don't take it that way,' said he.
'Us Generals have got to be ruthless
It hurts me more than it did thee.'

Sam sniffed at these words kind of sceptic,
Then looked down the Duke's private gun.
And said 'We'd best put in two charges,
We'll never bust bastion with one.'

He tipped cannon ball out of muzzle
He took out the wadding and all.
He filled barrel chock full of powder,
Then picked up and replaced the ball.

He took a good aim at the bastion
Then said 'Right-o, Duke, let her fly.'
The cannon nigh jumped off her trunnions,
And up went the bastion, sky high.

The Duke, he weren't 'alf elated
He danced around trench full of glee.
And said, 'Sam, for this gallant action.
You can hot up your pudding for tea.'

Sam looked 'round to pick up his pudding
But it wasn't there, nowhere about.
In the place where he thought he had left it,
Lay the cannon ball he'd just tipped out.

Sam saw in a flash what 'ad happened:
By an unprecedented mishap.
The pudding his mother had sent him,
Had blown Badajoz off map.

That's why fuisilliers wear to this moment
A badge which they think's a grenade.
But they're wrong... it's a brass reproduction,
Of the pudding Sam's mother once made.

Marriott Edgar

Ich Dien!

Napoleonic Articles

2008-05-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

The 23rd Royal Welch Fusilier Napoleonic era re-enactment group has posted some articles relating to the British Army from 1800-1815. I recommend taking a look.

The articles can be found here: http://www.fusiliersinspain.com/research/articles/

I am still working on the after-action report from Anza. Expect it to be posted soon.

Ich Dien!

Upcoming--Anza!

2008-04-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year again--the National Brigade Napoleon Re-enactment at Anza, California.

This year's event looks to be bigger and better than last year (which was a ton of fun). The event takes place on 16 acres of high desert land between Temecula and Palm Springs. In fact, the terrain bears a striking resemblance to the terrain in Spain and Portugal. A large, earthen redoubt has been constructed (with 10ft tall walls).

Units will be attending from around the country. The turn out is slated to be the best ever. If you have any interest in the period, please come out. I promise an experience you won't forget.

For more information, please see this site.

Ich Dien!

Something Different

2008-04-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

To supplement/compliment my re-enacting hobby, I have recently become interesting in military figures (aka toy soldiers). There is a company, Sierra Toy Soldier (http://www.sierratoysoldier.com/) that has a store located near my home. The store has a large collection of soldiers in many scales and from many different time periods. I recommend checking them out, some of the figures are true works of art.

I couldn't stop at merely collecting the toy soldiers. Instead, I am interested in the numerous kits available. The kits are usually resin or white metal and come unassembled. After a bit of assembly and some detailed painting, some truly awesome results can be made.

Since a European trip in the mid 1990's, I have been sitting on one such kit. It is now time for me to put it together and paint it. I have also ordered a figure represented the 28th Gloucester Regiment at the time of Waterloo. I hope that he will turn out well.

I will post my progress as I begin this new project.

Ich Dien!

Boots once again

2008-04-08T21:43:00.001-07:00

This is another post about the Hessian boots that I ordered in August of 2007. The boots were finally shipped last Friday (04/04/2008) and were delivered today (04/08/2008). Unfortunately the boots were delivered to a house I no longer reside in. In fact, I live about 360 miles away from where the boots were sent.

The mistake was noticed this morning, before the package was delivered. A call went out to UPS to change the delivery address. This was reflected on the tracking webpage but when I went to see if an updated delivery date was available I noticed the package had been delivered. UPS customer support wasn't able to provide much help--once the package has been delivered not much can happen. They suggested I have another one shipped--which is unacceptable due to the fact that it took me 9 months to get the first pair!

I was able to call my previous landlord and hopefully something can be worked out so that I can get the boots without further hassle.

Ich Dien!

Officer's Sash

2008-04-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today my officer's sash arrived. I ordered the sash a few weeks ago from G. Gedney Godwin. You can see a photo of the sash here:

Now the trick will be learning how to properly wrap the sash around my waist for the re-enactment event coming up.

Ich Dien!

Metalwork Shipped!

2008-04-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

I called Military Metalwork in England this morning to check on the status of the order I placed last year. Since the order has been taking so long, in the past few weeks I have made quite a few calls.

Last week I was told that my order would ship on Monday (3/31). I tried calling on that day, but only got a voicemail. This morning (4/1) I called and to my surprise was told that the order was on its way to me!

It will take between 7 and 10 days before the order reaches me. Until then I just have to be patient and resist the urge to check the mailbox constantly. Hopefully everything is in the order, or its back to the phones I go.

Ich Dien!

Pelican Club

2008-03-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today I received an invitation to join The Pelican Club, which will be inaugurated during this year's Napoleonic Event at Anza, CA.

The Pelican Club is an officer's club and mess, providing meals and socialization for officers and gentlemen (plus guests). A hand-sewn Marquee has been commissioned for the club.

I believe the club shall be a success, especially since each member is requested to contribute either two bottles of the finest Port, Madeira or Claret wine.

If you would like to socialize at the Club, please let me know. Socialization is open to all visitors during most times of the day.

Ich Dien!

Updates to Fusiliers in Spain

2008-03-29T14:03:00.001-07:00

The website, Fusiliers in Spain, has been updated. I recommend you check it out. It can be found here: Fusiliers in Spain.

Sorry for the plug, but I also run that site and I spent a few minutes updating it. If you have any recommendations for the site, let me know.

Trouble getting gear

2008-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

One of the problems of the re-enacting hobby is that so much of the gear has to be custom made. This usually means a pretty decent cost and potentially long wait times. If something is needed for an event, the order for that item should be placed months in advance.As I work to put together the officer's uniform for the Napoleonic unit, I am running into the timing problem.

Last May I ordered a gorget and officer's crossbelt place from a sutler in England. I was promised a shipping date of August of 2007. That date has long passed, yet no items have been received. After repeated calls to the sutler, the new ship date is now Monday, March 31st 2008. Only time will see if the items get shipped by then.

Last August, an order was placed for some custom boots. I ordered the boots in August, hoping it would be enough time to get them for the Anza event in May. Last month (Feb. 2008), I was told by the boot-maker that my order had shipped. Since no boots have been dropped off at my house, I gave the supplier a call. Apparently there was a problem with the shipper and my package can't be found.

Updates will be posted once the items arrive.

Ich Dien!

Time Flies

2008-03-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

It seems just like yesterday when I wrote my lost entry on this blog, but looking at the date it was in August of last year. My personal life seems to have gotten the best of me since then and i haven't been able to do much blogging.

I hope that will change. Since my last post, I have gotten a new job and had to move because of it. This hasn't changed my interest in re-enacting and I still plan on being an active member of a few living history groups.

For the Napoleonic unit, Fusiliers in Spain (www.fusiliersinspain.com), I have been trying to put together an officer's uniform for the light company. This is not an easy or quick task. To date, the only real pieces I have are my sword and whistle, both purchased from the Discriminating General (www.militaryheritage.com). I also have the officer-quality wool that will be transformed into my coat. I am waiting on the hat to be made, the gorget to arrive as well as the boots. The boots are a custom order from Robert Land (www.robertlandhistoricshoes.com). They were shipped late last month but have yet to arrive. The whereabouts of the boots are being investigated right now.

When more items arrive for my coat, I will post information here. I find the littlest details that I uncover fascinating and I hope you will too.

Ich Dien!

Drill

2007-08-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday (August 12th), drill was held at the Heritage Park, in Cerritos, CA. The drill was attended by the two company officers, the company tailor, two fusiliers (myself included), and some loved ones.

The drill was good, considering the rather small number. The upcoming trip to Saratoga was discussed (more details will be coming to this blog, I promise). The company tailor had a rough cut light infantry coat for me to try on. I have a feeling the coat will turn out exceptional and that I will want to wear it more than the Ronald Reagan event. The tailor will also be working on my light infantry waistcoat.

The next drill will be August 26th at the same park. This drill will be in small clothes, so come prepared!

Ich Dien!

Shako Plate, Revisited

2007-08-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I called Discriminating General in Canada regarding the Royal Welch Fusiliers stovepipe shako plate. They said that they could produce replicas of the plate but there is a caveat (there always is a caveat). The minimum order for such a custom job is 50 units and with a price of $60 per plate, whoever makes the order will be out $3,000. The minimum order size is also larger than the number of people that needs them, which also creates somewhat of a problem.

I might call them back next week to see about reducing the minimum order size. There is no need for 50 plates right now, although in the future the unit could possibly go through that many guys (especially if we ever do any film work). Hopefully I can convince the manufacturer that an order of 20 now with much potential in the future is equal to or better than an order of 50 now. We shall see.

Ich Dien!

Shako Plate

2007-08-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was visiting the UK this past week and while there, he decided to stop in at the Royal Welch Fusiliers museum. He took this picture:

If you look closely (and are interested in this sort of thing) you will notice a few things about this shako plate that are not normal. That is because this shako plate (for the "stovepipe" shako) is a special one just for the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Missing from the top is the royal crown--the GR monogram has been moved from the center to replace it. Instead of the GR in the center of the plate, we see the Prince of Wales heraldic emblem. Below that, where the lion should be, we have the Prince of Wales feathers. It is a fascinating piece and shows that while regiments did have standards of uniforms, there was much leeway.

Now I need to find a person or a business that can replicate the plate.

Ich Dien!

New website!

2007-08-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

There is finally a website dedicated to the 23rd Napoleonic era unit! It is in the very early stages so there really isn't much there. Bookmark the URL, as changes will be coming soon!

Fusiliers in Spain

Ich Dien!

1809

2007-08-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

The following is an artists rendition of some British redcoats in 1809. The uniforms are not 100% correct, as the 23rd had discarded the bearskin for the shako and the "D" mess tin was not available until 1813.

Ich Dien!

Charles Hamilton Smith Print

2007-08-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Charles Hamilton Smith (17761859) was an artist, illustrator, soldier and spy. He worked on his Costume of the Army of the British Empire, from which this plates is reproduced. This plate shows the 1812 dress uniform of the 23rd and the 6th regiments of foot.

(Source Wellington's Army)

Ich Dien!

Napoleonic Uniform Print

2007-08-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a great print of a private of the 7th Fusiliers and an officer of the 23rd Fusiliers around the time of the Battle of Albuera in 1811.

(From Bloody Albuera)

Ich Dien!

I'm alive

2007-08-01T10:56:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am still alive. It has been a very busy year for me and as such, I haven't had the time to update this blog.

Here are notes of the last few months:

I attended my first Napoleonic event the first weekend of May. Although it was a private event, it is very fun. The Napoleonic era is gaining ground in Southern California and I hope to someday see more than one event a year.
The Reagan Library Revolutionary Weekend event was again great, although the Continentals seemed to out number the British regulars. This is just unacceptable.
Recruits for the 23rd keep coming in and the new guys are all very enthusiastic. I believe Ferguson's Company is in good shape.
To help out the 23rd Napoleonic unit, I have been doing a ton of research (of which I will post here).

So that, in a nutshell, is what has been going on since Feb. I have not made it to all the 23rd events this year, since my personal life has been busy but I am definitely going to participate in Saratoga this October.

Ich Dien!

Yorktown 225th - Day 2: Rest of the Day

2007-02-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

After the final battle at Endview Plantation, the 23rd hustled back to the Fusilier Redoubt to begin the rest of the activities scheduled. First off, was a small ceremony honoring the members of the 23rd who fought and died defending the Fusilier Redoubt against the French.

Standing in formation outside of the redoubt, the recreated 23rd performed a "mourn arms" to honor the British soldiers. The mourn arms routine consists of slowly turning the musket upside down so the barrel rests on your foot then placing your hands and forehead on the butt of the stock and sitting there in silence. I am sure it was a moving sight to those watching.

After honoring the fallen soldiers, it was photo opportunity time. The whole 23rd lined up on the crest of the Fusilier to have a unit portrait taken. I am hoping to find a good copy so I can print it and frame it. Family members were then asked to join their Fusiliers for more photo shoots.

Across the street from the Fusilier Redoubt is the Yorktown Victory Center. This Victory Center is funded by the state of Virginia and includes several excellent exhibits, including a recreated Continental Army camp as well as a 1780s farm.

Seeing as how the enemy was so close, the 23rd decided to attack the Victory Center. While the different companies mopped up the feeble resistance, prisoners were also taken. It was a fairly easy battle, as the rabble couldn't stand the disciplined troops doing His Majesty's business.

Following the sacking of the Victory Center, the 23rd celebrated by having a regimental dinner at one of the hotels in Williamsburg. It was an enjoyable evening spent with some great people. A few of the fusiliers wandered into Yorktown after the dinner, but that story is best told in person.

Ich Dien!

Yorktown 225th - Day 2: Second Battle

2007-02-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

The second battle on Saturday was the attack on Redoubts 9 and 10. These redoubts anchored Cornwallis' left flank In order for trenches to be close enough for the artillery to really have an effect, these redoubts had to be taken.

Since the 23rd, during the actual siege of Yorktown, was not part of the defense of those redoubts, during the recreated battle we were stationed in some woods behind the fortifications as a reserve force.

Other Crown forces, including some German mercenaries (Hessians as they are commonly called) took positions in the redoubts. With hardly a warning, the American and French forces attacked and within a few minutes had taken control of both redoubts.

With the redoubts taken, officers rushed around getting the reserve forces ready for battle. The 23rd quickly formed up and marched out of the woods, deploying in line. We met the attackers with a strong couple of volleys.

Desiring to take the field from the enemy, the commander of the 23rd ordered bayonets. The 23rd then began to advance with muskets and bayonets leveled. The sight of the thin red line advancing was extraordinary!

Unfortunately, the rebels didn't feel and instead met the bayonet advance with a smashing volley that took down many of the Fusiliers, myself included. Lying on the field, I was not able to see all that took place, but I do know that the Americans drove the British from the field.

As soon as the battle finished, the 23rd had to quickly get back to the Fusilier Redoubt for the next event.

Ich Dien!

Yorktown 225th - Day 2: First Battle

2006-11-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

First let me apologize for not updating the blog recently. It has been a busy end to 2006 and 2007 has started off without a break. In a future post I will have to write about Captain Ferguson's Company exploits during a History Channel filming.

My previous post dealt with the first day of battle at the 225th Anniversary of the Siege of Yorktown. Let me continue with the second day of battle.

The morning of Saturday, October 21st found the 23rd once again at the Endview Plantation. A few redoubts (earthen fortifications) had been built for the battle. During the actual siege of Yorktown, the 23rd was stationed on the far right flank in an exposed redoubt that anchored Cornwallis' line. This redoubt, now know as the Fusilier Redoubt, was assaulted twice by the French army but never taken. In fact, at least four members of the 23rd are still buried in the Redoubt.

After standing around a bit, which seems to happen a lot in the hobby, the 23rd was marched to the earth works. With us were a detachment of Marines as well as two field pieces. Looking out from our fortification, we noticed a vast throng of people across the field. At first it appeared that they were spectators, but then it became clear that 60 Fusiliers, 10 Marines and two field guns were to defend against over a thousand French and Continental forces.

Although it was a staged and scripted battle, one couldn't help but feel some small bits of fear and trepidation looking into the massed throng that was forming for battle. Luckily there wasn't time to dwell on those feelings as the Continental and French batteries opened up.

Soon the attack began in earnest. The 23rd, being the best trained unit on the field, poured well-aimed volleys quickly into the attackers, driving them back.

While the enemy regrouped for another attack, we kept our spirits up by singing a rousing rendition of "Men of Harlech." This also gave time for us to clean the muskets a bit and check flints in anticipations of the next attack.

The next attack was conducted by even more men than the first. A few Fusiliers even took hits as the French and Continentals kept on the attack.

With ammunition running short, flints going dull, it began to look bleak for the proud 23rd. There just seemed no way to stop the numerous Continentals and Frenchmen. Luckily, as if on cue, other Crown forces arrived and were able to drive back the enemy.

With the timely arrival of more regulars, the tide was turned and the right flank of Cornwallis' tentative position in Yorktown was secure.

Ich Dien!

Yorktown 225th - Day 1

2006-11-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

It has been a few weeks now and I am still digesting my first trip back East to a Revolutionary War event. To sum it all up, it was the greatest experience I could have hoped for.

The actual 225th Anniversary event was scheduled to take place the weekend of October 20th-22nd. My family and I arrived in Williamsburg, VA on the 14th to get a little bit of sight-seeing. I had never been to the so-called "Historic Triangle" in Virginia and was just blown away when I first got there. Colonial Williamsburg was fantastic, the Jamestown Settlement was a great place to visit and I enjoyed the bit of the Yorktown battlefield I toured.

I won't bore you with the details of my sight-seeing but instead go straight into the reenacting bit. Early on the morning of Friday the 20th, the RV and trailer showed up at the Fusilier Redoubt to unload the gear the California contingent brought along. Since it wasn't possible to bring tents and equipment on an airplane trip, a few of the 23rd living in CA rented an RV and trailer and drove it all the way across the USA (in a record 56 hours) so that we could have an impressive camp. So that morning was spent setting up camp and making it look proper.

After setting up camp, including putting up the same tent multiple times as it was blown down by the wind, it was time to get ready for the first battle. Having only participated in battles in California (where a total of 12 is considered a decent showing), I didn't really know what to expect. The battle was held at the Endview Plantation, which usually holds Civil War reenactments. It had a few nice fields ready for the battle.

We marched into position and soon a few muskets (and rifles) could be heard going off. I thought to myself, "Hey, this is familiar. I know this sound." Then the roaring boom of a volley from a company went off and I was taken aback. It sounded as if the 23rd was going to have to take on the whole Continental line by itself. Meanwhile the cavalry had a skirmish, which was very cool to see as we don't have that in CA.

After the cavalry stopped showing off, the light infantry deployed. It was good to see the Delaware lights from California out.

Shortly afterwards, both sides were pitched in a heated battle. Volley after volley roared over the field. The 23rd, and the rest of the Union Brigade, was being held in reserve (the idea of saving your best for last). The Loyalists were out, slogging it with the militia.

Soon it was the 23rd's turn to come up and deploy.

We put up a good fight, but in the end the Continentals just out numbered us and we were forced to withdraw. During the action, I was wounded but managed (with the help of a drummer) to make it back to the line to do my duty once again.

With our pride still intact and our heads held high, we marched off the field of battle to the cheers of the crowd.

To top off the first day, we showed off a little bit to our adoring audience.

After the battle, I was just amazed at how awesome it was to be part of this and I couldn't wait for the next day.

Summer has come and gone

2006-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

This summer, for the most part, has come and gone. I have been very busy with work so work on this blog has been lacking. Sorry about that.

So what happened this summer in Company F of the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers? We tried to subdue the rebellion on the 3rd of July in Moorpark, showed off our redcoats in San Pedro on July 8th and 9th, tried to stay cool during the very hot months of July and August while getting our equipment and uniform ready for the big show in Yorktown next month.

The 3rd of July event in Moorpark was a lot of fun. The commander of the 23rd visited is California company and was able to promote some of our fusiliers. I was included in that round of promotions so I am no long a Fusilier Recruit but now a full Fusilier.

Everyone in the unit is now frantically getting ready for the big event in Yorktown. I am really looking forward to it as it will be my first reenactment event on the East Coast and with the full regiment.

I plan on keeping track of the events out there and will provide a nice update to this site once I return.

Ich Dien!

Latest Gear Purchase

2006-06-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today I received another batch of gear needed for the my Napoleonic impression. Compared to my previous purchases for the Rev War uniform, this was a rather minor order. The order consisted of a felt shako blank and a wooden canteen.

In the early 1800s, the British military went away from the cocked hat and bearskin caps toward a shako (stovepipe-like) cap made of felt. As you can see in the picture, the blank I purchased needs a bit of work to get it into something that is wearable. I need to add a lining, small leather visor, leather rim, front plate and plume.

The other item I purchased was a wooden canteen. During the American Revolution, the British army used tin canteens. Due to the demand of the Napoleonic wars, the British switched to a wooden canteen which didn't last as long but was easier (and probably cheaper) to produce in bulk.

The items come from Jas. Townsend and Son, a fine purveyor of replica items from the 1750s through the 1840s. The images in this post are from the Townsend website.

Ich Dien!

Exciting Stuff This Summer

2006-05-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

So I got an email yesterday from one of the guys in the unit and it looks like we have some very cool things lined up for the unit this summer. I can't give the full details yet because its supposed to be "secret" but I can say I am really looking forward to it.

Ich Dien!

Upcoming Event

2006-05-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

On July 3rd this year, Captain Ferguson's Company of the 23rd Regiment of Foot is going to help celebrate the 4th of July in Moorpark. It should be a fun time, with a nice battle before the fireworks begin.

Yesterday I learned that we will have a special guest out here for the event on the 3rd--Major Ken Siegel who is the commander of the 23rd. He is coming out to check out the company and to begin the planning process for a major West Coast event sometime next year. Not only that, but he will preside over the induction of new recruits. That means that by July 4th, I should be Fusilier Jones instead of Recruit Jones. I can't wait for that.

Ich Dien!

Bearskin

2006-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

My brand new bearskin has arrived from Texas! When I got home from work yesterday, there was a large carboard box waiting for me. I eagerly opened it and found my bearskin cap. The cap looks really good. The fur is a nice jet black (which will change as it gets faded by the sun) and it fits well when I have my wig on.

Since this Sunday is Mother's day, there won't be a drill. I was hoping that the drill would be moved to Saturday instead, but no luck. I hope I remember everything the next time I do go out there since it has been about a month since I last did drill.

Ich Dien!

Too Long

2006-05-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I last posted but there really hasn't been too much to right about. I missed the Napoleonic event that took place the weekend of April 28th. From what I have heard, it was a lot of fun. I can't wait to get my Napoleonic kit together so I can join in the fun.

I got an email yesterday about a possible event this weekend at the West Coast Historical Militaria Collectors Show at the Pomona fairgrounds, but due to lack of interest, the 23rd won't be setting up a booth there.

I am looking forward to the next drill. Hopefully I will get my small clothes (breeches, shirt, waist-coat) soon. After that, all I have to do is wait for my bearskin and then I am all set.

Ich Dien!

Last part of the uniform ordered

2006-04-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today I sent away for the last part of my uniform to complete my impression as a Fusilier circa 1775. The last remaining piece I needed was the bearskin cap. One of the men in the unit makes it so I sent him my measurements, a check and the front plate for the cap. Hopefully I will get a completed bearskin before long and my look will be complete.

Now that the rev war uniform is pretty close to complete, it is time to start kitting myself out in the Napoleonic uniform of the 23rd circa 1809. Man, this hobby is just draining away my money but I love it!!!

Ich Dien!

Yorktown 225th

2006-04-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, the anniversary of the Siege of Yorktown is fast approaching. The 23rd will be there (hopefully in force) and we need all the redcoats we can get. Take a look at http://bljfour.googlepages.com/yorktown225th for more info.

Ich Dien!

Camp at Dawn

2006-04-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the camp setup at the Reagan Library at dawn on Sunday.

One if by land, two if by Simi

2006-04-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the recent event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Looking good standing around

The prisoner being marched in to court

Charging the crowd

Brothers

Redcoats make good copy

Ronald Reagan Library Event AAR

2006-04-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

It has been over a weeks since the 23rd and the Delaware Light Infantry put on the show at the Ronald Reagan Presidential library. I am now finally recovered from the weekend and so I thought I would write an after action report (AAR). Please keep in mind that this was my first event out as a Fusilier.

Overall I would say the weekend was a success. Not only did I have a lot of fun, but I was also able to help educate thousands of people about the Revolutionary War and the general time period. I have never answered so many questions about the Revolution before due to the questionnaire that was given to elementary aged kids as they walked into the library. If anyone wants to know how St. George and St. Andrew relate to the British Flag, I will be happy to explain. I also explained to many people what a soldier's mess is. It was great to dispel some of the common myths about the Revolution and to enlighten some people about the early struggle to form a nation.

There were three battles each day for the event. The first battle each day as "Anatomy of a Battle" which was a nice demonstration of tactics used by both sides during war. The last bit of it was a bayonet charge straight toward the audience. From what I heard from the spectators, it was a big hit.

The second battle of each day was a recreation of the events on the Lexington green. The Continentals dressed as militia and were treated to a taste of British steel. A photographer from the Simi Valley Daily News taking pictures--the redcoats made the cover of the Sunday paper!

The last battle on the first day was Bunker Hill. The British even climbed the hill at the back of the library to make a dramatic entrance. On Sunday, it was the battle of Cowpens. My musket was junked up, so I took a early hit. If the crowd reaction was any indication, I looked good taking the hit.

There were also some other activities during the two days at the library that I will go over in later posts. Pictures will also be uploaded soon.

For those who missed this year's event, come out next year. It was a blast.

Ich Dien!

Guilford Courthouse

2006-03-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

March 15th of this year marks the 225th anniversary of the battle of Guilford Courthouse. This past weekend, a few members of the 23rd went to Guilford Courthouse (modern day Greensboro, NC) to recreate the battle.

The battle was tactically a loss to the Americans, as the British under Lord Cornwallis held the field after the fighting was over. In the larger picture of the war, Nathanael Greene was able to stop the British tramp through the South and directly led to Cornwallis getting trapped at Yorktown half a year later.

From what I have heard, the reenactment went off pretty well and everyone had a good time. Here are a few pictures.

There are also some pretty neat looking 360 degree virtual views from the reenactment.

Ich Dien!

Reagan Library Event

2006-03-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Annual Revolutionary War Weekend is coming soon to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. On April 1st and 2nd, reenactors from around Southern California will make the war and the time period come alive with a series of displays and battles.

If you are interested, please come on out and take a look. There will be a ton of stuff going on from period dancing to battle demonstrations. It should be a lot of fun.

I think the description on the Reagan website sums it all up:

Discover how the American Revolution comes alive with a Revolutionary War encampment and battle reenactments in one of the most authentic living history events on the West Coast! It’s the Reagan Library’s fifth annual Revolutionary War Weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, April 1st – 2nd. All events related to the reenactments are free; regular admission applies to enter the Museum. For more information, call 800-410-8354.

Ich Dien!

The Opposition

2006-03-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have not mentioned yet who the 23rd fights when we go into battle. Here in Southern California, there is a unit that depicts a company in the Delaware Light Infantry. You can read all about the rebels here.

Ich Dien!

Toy Soldier Show

2006-03-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was the West Coast Toy Soldier show in Irvine. The show began with some re-enactor groups marching through the show. The Delawares were there as well as a few guys from the 23rd. Some Zouaves were also strutting their stuff.

Pretty much after the march to kick off the show, we did nothing but setup a table and try to get recruits. Almost everyone that walked by was told about the big event coming in April to the Reagan Library and I am hoping that we get a good turnout there. A lot of the kids coming through the toy soldier show were impressed with our uniforms and our muskets. In fact, a few kids even asked if they could buy our stuff.

Those of you interested, there are a few toy soldiers out there that look like Fusiliers. W. Britains makes a set that is three soldiers from the 23rd Grenadier Company as well as some 23rd officers. They look pretty good and at some point I will be picking them up.

Ich Dien!

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant

2006-03-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Saint David's Day everyone! Every March 1st, Wales celebrates St. David's Day. Think of it as the Welsh version of St. Patrick Day. Instead of wearing green, it is traditional to wear either a daffodil or a leek on this day. The daffodil is the generic Welch symbol while the leek is the symbol of St. David. The story goes that while leading some Welch troops to fight the Saxons, St. David had his soldiers pin some leeks on their helmets to identify themselves. OF course no one knows if this actually happened, but it is a nice story.

Here is some more information about St. David and St. David's Day.

Ich Dien!

Massing of the Colors

2006-02-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, in honor of George Washington's birthday, Captain Ferguson's company of the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers attended the Massing of the Colors at the Forrest Lawn cemetery in Burbank, CA. If you are interested in seeing the photos, check out the link below.

Massing of the Colors

Ich Dien!

General Musket Care

2006-02-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since I have posted, so I thought I would drop a quick note on keeping the musket looking good. Back in the day, the wood of the musket was finished using some oil--like whale's oil. Since you can't really find whale's oil too easily these days, Dixie Gun Works has a synthetic whale oil available. I purchased that a few days ago and have spent the last few days applying it to the stock of my musket. It leaves a really nice sheen to the wood without any stickiness. The only downside is that the oil smells like rotten fish. Hopefully with reuglar coats of oil, my musket stock will stay brand new.

Taking care of the stock is easy compared to keeping the barrel bright and shiny. The steel barrel is not stainless so it pretty much rusts if you look at it. To keep it looking good, I apply some Simichrome (a great German-made metal polish) with some fine steel wool. After polishing the steel, oil (not whale oil) is applied. This adds a protective coating to the metal so it won't rust as easily.

Ich Dien

Fusilier

2006-02-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed the word "Fusilier" being used on this blog. Odds are you don't have any idea what the heck a Fusilier is or does. Let me help you out by giving the definition and a brief history of the term.

According to Wikipedia[1]:

Fusilier was originally the name of a soldier armed with a light flintlock musket called the fusil. The word was first used around 1680, and has later developed into a regimental designation.

When muskets were first being used in European armies, the main ignition system was a slow burning match (which led to the muskets being called Matchlocks). Around 1650, a new type of musket was introduced--one that used a flintlock as a ignition method. This firelock was expensive and as such, wasn't used by most infantry soldiers. The special value of the firelock in armies of the 17th century lay in the fact that the artillery of the time used open powder barrels for the service of the guns, making it unsafe to allow lighted matches in the muskets of the escort. The flintlocks in use to guard the artillery trains were called fusils and the soldiers who carried them were called fusiliers.

The general adoption of the flintlock musket and the suppression of the pike in the armies of Europe put an end to the original special duties of fusiliers, and they were subsequently employed to a large extent in light infantry work, perhaps on account of the greater individual aptitude for detached duties naturally shown by soldiers who had never been restricted to a fixed and unchangeable place in the line of battle.

Ich Dien

Brown Bess

2006-02-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes, and brocade
Brown Bess was a partner whom none could despise --
An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,
With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes --
At Blenheim and Ramillies, fops would confess
They were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess.
-Rudyard Kipling, 1911

In 1775, the regular foot soldier of the 23rd Regiment of Foot was armed with the Short Land Pattern (2nd Model) Musket which was commonly referred to as the "Brown Bess." The origin of the term "Brown Bess" is not known and I may possibly explore that topic at a later date.

The Bess is a fairly large and cumbersome weapon with a barrel length of 42 inches and weight of about 9 lbs. It is stocked in walnut with brass fittings. The barrel and other metal parts are of steel--note that I didn't say stainless steel. In fact, it will be a constant battle to keep the musket from rusting as it has a tendency to rust at the slighest cause (such as my looking at it).

The musket fires a lead ball of .69 inches in diameter, although the barrel is larger at .75 inches in diameter. The difference in size is because after a few shots with black powder, there is so much gunk in the barrel a larger ball wouldn't fit. Due to the fact that the ball is smaller than the barrel, there is no real way to make sure you hit what you aim at. The standard tactics of the time were to have massive volleys at the enemy hoping that at least some of the shots do damage.

A good soldier should be able to get off three rounds a minute with the musket and let me tell you I am no good soldier. To load the musket, you have to take a paper cartridge out of your cartridge box. This paper cartridge contains the powder and bullet (or just powder when reenacting). You have to bite off the end of the cartidge, pour a bit of powder in the flash pan (which is next to the barrel) and then close the pan cover. Next, you have to pour the powder down the barrel and then shove the paper and ball down. After those things are in the barrel, you have to draw out the ramrod, ram down the charge and then put the ramrod back. Finally you can pull back the hammer and pull the trigger. Ignition is caused by the flint striking the frizzen, which causes the powder in the pan to ignite which should ignite the charge in the barrel. Rinse, lather and repeat up to three times a minute.

Ich Dien

Hessian

2006-01-31T08:18:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention that during the "Mail Call" shooting we had more than just regular British soldiers. A few allies also showed up, including this Hessian. During the war, the British government hired professional soldiers from the German principalities, especially Hesse-Kassel. These soldiers were known as Hessians.

They were hard fighting, hard drinking soldiers that had large black mustaches (even if they were blonde haired).

Ich Dien

Upcoming Entries

2006-01-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

I would like to inform you of some upcoming entries to this blog. Throughout this week, and possibly next, I will be writing about the different pieces of gear and equipment that make up the kit of the typical British Fusilier circa 1775. I will try to explain everything, from the bearskin cap down to the buckles on the shoes. Since I am new to the hobby, I won't have all possible information about each piece, but I will share what I have.

Ich Dien

Mail Call

2006-01-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was able to take part in the filming for the TV show "Mail Call." For those of you who don't know what "Mail Call" is, let me explain. Actually, I think I will let Wikipedia explain it.

Mail Call is a documentary television program appearing on The History Channel and hosted by R. Lee Ermey, a retired Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps.

During each half-hour episode, Ermey reads and answers questions submitted by viewers regarding weapons and equipment used by all branches of the U.S. military now or in the past, as well as by other armed forces in history. Ermey often takes his viewers on location to military training areas to film demonstrations.

Comic relief is provided as Ermey inflicts DI-style verbal abuse on his listeners or tests the effects of various weapons on watermelons(the host's "sworn enemy") and paint cans.[1]

Now that you understand the show, let me explain exactly what happened yesterday. The shoot was supposed to start at 8am, which means the unit had to get there at 5am. It may seem like overkill to get to a site 3 hours before shoot, especially when none of us had to go to the wardrobe or makeup trailers. We needed the three hours to set up all of our camp gear.

The majority of the guys show up at 5am at Sable Ranch in Canyon Country. Even our commander, who got two flat tires on the way up to the location, was there on time. The person who wasn't there on time was the set director (or whatever the heck he is called). We didn't know exactly where to go, so we stood around like a bunch of idiots in the very cold pre-dawn. Finally the guy shows up and we go to the location.

Since it is pre-dawn, we have to use the lights from the cars to see what we are doing. After unloading all the gear, we start setting up the officer's tent. Man, that thing is horrible to put up. Those stupid officers and their fancy, hard-to-maintain gear. After struggling with the tent, we finally get it up. Then it was on to the regular soldier tents. The regular tent is 6 feet tall and 8 or 8 1/2 feet long with a width of 6 feet. It is really not that big, considering five guys would sleep in it. I am sure it would be awfully cozy and comfy in there.

As you can see from the picture, the camp turned out pretty good. The little teepee like thing in the front is the bell of arms. That is where we stack our muskets to keep them out of the weather.

Most of the day, I spent walking sentry duty so that there would always be something moving in the shot. Marching in the sentry position sucks and I am really sore today because of it. When I wasn't walking sentry, I just stood around. In fact, a lot fo the time people were just standing around waiting.

Finally, we got to do the fun stuff and by fun stuff I mean fire off some blanks in the muskets. I had never even fired a flintlock before, so I was a little nervous. First they had us line up, like so.

And then we got to fire.

Upon firing about half a dozen rounds, the shoot was over and we started the clean up. I was pretty tired and sweaty then, but over-all it was a great day. I don't know when the episdoe will air, but when I find out I will let everyone know.

Ich Dien!

Ich Dien

2006-01-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

I guess I should explain the term "Ich Dien" before I use it all over the place. The phrase "Ich Dien" is archaic German for "I serve". (In modern German it would be something like "Ich Diene" although I am no expert in Germanic languages). The motto and symbol, which is three white feathers, represents both Wales and the Prince of Wales. Since the 23rd is a Royal Welch unit, it too uses "Ich Dien" as motto and three white feathers as symbol.

Ich Dien

Welcome

2006-01-27T08:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog. The goal of this online journal is relatively simple--I hope to chronicle my experiences and adventures as I re-live history. I recently joined the 23rd Regiment of Foot, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which is a group that reenacts the British unit of the same name circa 1775.

I have purchased most of my equipment and gear, which I will write about later. Right now I am getting ready for a TV shoot for tomorrow. Hopefully, they will let me take pictures during the shoot and I will be able to post them all.

Ich Dien!