Q: Why do you reenact British?A: There are two sides to every story. In order to get an idea what the early Americans actually achieved, one has to know what forces they were up against. They succeeded in a war against the most powerful country in the world at that time. In portraying the British we give people the opportunity to hear the other side of the story of the American Revolution. It is our hope that people will use what we present to make better informed interpretations of history.
Q: Why are your coats red?
A: Many people enjoy pointing out that our bright red uniforms make us targets in the woods of this country, but there are three reasons why red was the color of choice. First, the technology that was available at the time did not include smokeless gunpowder. 18th century battlefields were often shrouded in thick clouds of smoke generated by musket and cannon fire, and our own officers had to be able to see us. Other European countries also used brightly colored uniforms.
Second, red dye was cheap. In a book called "British Military Uniforms", military historian, W.Y. Carman wrote about an order for military uniforms in 1594 that stated coats should "be of such colours as you can best provide". Red was the color that could best be provided.
Carman also indicates that there was a growing popular sense in Britain that red was a sort of national color. It also looks rather smashing.
Q: Is that a real gun?
A: Yes, it is. We use working replicas of 18th century British flintlock muskets. It was originally designed to use a .75 cal musket ball, but due to the oil and dirt that gets built up in the barrel, it can only accurately accommodate a .69 cal musket ball. In short, our muskets are indeed fully capable of live fire.
Q: Do you really shoot at each other?
A: Absolutely not! We shoot only black powder blanks. They look like the real thing, and sound like the real thing, and no one has to get hurt.
Q: How do you decide who wins and who loses a battle?
A: That depends on a lot of different factors. When we recreate a historical event, we try to follow the script as best we can, but if the forces of one side greatly outnumber the other or has some other tactical advantage, one commander might concede for the sake of believability in an officers meeting that takes place before the battle.
Q: Do you guys get paid to do this?
A: Nope. Reenacting is a hobby. We're just having a good time.
Q: Where do you get your clothes?
A: Some of them we make, some of them we buy. Or red wool regimental coats were pieced together by hand by our wives, mothers and selves. Our other accoutrements come from various venders of period clothing etc.
Q: How much does all your stuff cost?
A: Well... We like to think of them as investments. Reenacting is an unavoidably expensive hobby, but we do our best to help new recruits ease into it.
Q: Were there women in the British Army?
A: There were no documented female soldiers in the British army, but there were often women who could be found in army camps for one reason or another.
Q: How come you sometimes spell "foot" with an "e"?
A: In the 18th century, there was no standardized spelling system for the English language. Adding extra silent letters at the end of words was something of a decorative embellishment. In many 18th century documents, you could spell a word three different ways in the same sentence, and still be correct!
Q: Can I join?
A: Absolutely! We are always happy to take new recruits. Drop a line to our Captain, click here and we'll help you get started!