The Minstrel Boy: Longwoods 2022

Although the reenactment at Longwoods Conservation Area was over a week ago, I'm just now getting around to blogging about it. Cheers (Three!) to the Royal Scots Light Company for getting this going again!

Beth and I set up camp on late Friday afternoon, but did not stay the night. We live about a half hour's drive away and went home for our night's rest. When we came back Saturday morning, we received reports that it was really cold there. It also rained some on Sunday morning. What can I say? By the end of the day, the canvas of the tents and fly were almost dry... almost.

The day's schedules for Saturday and Sunday were almost identical. (I had Sunday off and my church council insists that I take my time off.) The "battle" took place in mid-afternoon each day. According to long tradition, the Crown wins on Saturday and the Republic wins on Sunday. Often the actual battle of Longwoods is reenacted on Sunday, but not this year. Sunday's numbers were down and a barricade could not be set up for a battle of Longwoods reenactment. We still burned powder and had fun.

Some battle photos (courtesy of Steve Zronik)

The Crown Fifes and Drums prepare to march on.
I cannot tell you how much this group adds to the event.
At the end of every battle, the lament for the dead is played by the fifes.

The gun crew of the ship, The Earl of Mora
Efficient and effective!

You've heard of the "fog of war"?
Here it is.

Glen announces the battle for the crowd.
He is a long-time member of the Royal Scots Light Company.

Sergeant Jaquie of the IMUC
(the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada... it was a real unit)

His Majesty's Native Allies and Caldwell's Rangers on the field

The Canadian troops of the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles.
Historically, these were full-time troops who were to serve only in Canada.

John and Jordan show proper skirmish form - one loaded and ready while the other reloads.
Jordan is kitted out as a "pioneer", soldiers who cleared the way for the column,
cutting brush with axes, brush hooks, and similar tools. Hence the leather apron.

Gun crews from the Nancy and the Royal Artillery.

The line gives fire!

Marty, our lieutenant-colonel-commanding, addresses the US troops at morning drill.
His uniform is for the US 2nd Artillery.

Major Phil and the Canadian Volunteers (Canadians serving the US Army)
backed by the soldiers of the 22nd.

A contingent of the US Rangers oppose the Crown skirmishers.
These folks are usually fielded as the British Indian Department, but when numbers are needed
on the US side, they'll cross over.