More recent painting

 

(with tremendous apologies to the "Iron Mitten" blog)
(Go see it... it's worthwhile!)

A recent purchase at the Hot Lead con...
For The Silver Bayonet. I thought it was a War of 1812 US cavalryman.
It appear he is an AWI Continental Cavalryman.
I won't tell if you won't.

A ghost from the RAFM listing
RAFM is now closed and out of business.
I am in mourning at the loss of some great figures
from a great Canadian company.

A Prussian Musketeer in the later uniform for TSB.
My original Prussian team was in the 1806 uniform.
I found a bag of these at the bring-and-buy at Hot Lead
and was able to form a second team.

A "plague doctor" painted for my eldest
who is fascinated by the the concept of the plague doctor.

A French officer for TSB,
trained in special operations against
"Ghosties and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night."

An ogre for TSB
Actually a 40mm gladiator who is just about right for an 
oversized lug serving the Harvestmen,

For my Gangster/Prohibition era gaming, some National Guard troops...
...for when things get really our of hand.

More National Guardsmen. The centre figure will serve as an NCO.

Back to TSB for another US cavalryman with a carbine

More Prussians
A rifle-armed Schutzen and a Musketier

the Longwoods Reenactment 2025 (First look)

 

On the weekend of May 3-4, a reenactment of a battle of the War of 1812 took place on the grounds of the Longwoods Conservation Area, just west of London, Ontario. The actual battle took place further west and the site is marked with a large marble memorial.

The reenactment involved quite a few reenactors and saw a large number of visitors despite the chilly and rainy weather. Numbers had been down since the pandemic and it was good to see such an increase in participants and spectators. The days included examples of drill, a Native War Council, and a battle reenactment each day. Sunday's reenactment was to be a more-or-less true reenactment of the battle in which a mixed force of US troops - regulars and volunteers - held off a force of British regulars (Mostly from the 1st Foot, the Royal Scots) on a snowy hillside. The US forces retreated following the battle, having suffered a few casualties and bloodying the nose of the Crown forces. It was not a big battle but it was an important one. (For a closer look, I direct you to this:                

                                              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Longwoods

Now to the photos. I am grateful for the permissions given to me to share these photos from Aaron Beam, Dean Archer Photography, Steve Zronik, and Judith Ponti-Sgargi, PPSA, BPSA. If I have missed anyone who contributed photos, you have my apologies and I will endeavor to correct the omission ASAP.

Beth at her apothecary stand... which attracted a lot of attention.

Your humble blogger at his quartermaster desk... with attracted
very little attention. I was more or less the public relations officer.

The Crown High Command planning.

A First Nations chief
"His Majesty's Woodland Allies"

Relaxing in the US Camp

Many of the reenactors slept in their tents on the grounds

At the War Council, one of the warriors

Colonel/General Martin Land... who had refused the promotion!
A true man of the people or some one with the right attitude.
"I'm a pretend soldier in a pretend war. Let's pretend I really care about rank!"

Daryl reenacting a civilian with his wonderful hat!

Part of the landing party gun crew from the HMS Earl of Moira
Beth and I hold membership in this group as well as in 
Cushing's Company, 2nd US Artillery.

Ed and his tame beard

Linda and Marty

Linda with Mark and your humble blogger.
Mark is set as an Ohio Ranger; I'm wearing the US
Infantry Uniform with captain's insignia. Linda is 
her glorious self, as always.

Mike and his new spontoon

Norm, the man who can build almost anything.

Cap'n Bob at the War Council

"Be inconspicuous. In battle, it draws fire. In camp, it draws sergeants."

Terry's leather working stand.

More at the council

1812 Songbirds. They make a grand addition to the reenactment.

"So the Crown be's takin' 'em young, eh?"

US Command officers

The Woodland's Allies and the British Indian Department

The US line steps off.

The command is "Make ready!"

The Royal Scots light company takes casualties but stands tough.

The light company give fire.

Jackie wields the sword of office.

In the heat of battle.

The command is "FIRE!"

The Canadian Volunteers skirmishing.
Formed from Canadians, they were a US unit and would be hanged as traitors if captured.

Sergeant's cap down!

The US 21st Infantry

The US 1st Infantry, Northern Garrison

A combined Crown unit takes a shot.

On parade - The forces of the Crown

On parade - The forces of the Republic

My friend, Neil, in command of the 22nd Infantry

The 22nd in grey and the 1st in blue

The Crown forces often drill in their barracks jackets.
The garment is tail-less and made in white wool.
I've never worn one but I imagine they are as warm as the red coatee.

Major Phil rallies the troops.

Light Company pioneer Jordan loads and is ready to "Shut pan."

More fog of war

There has been a call for parley.

With balance, pill roller, mortar and pestle, tooth key, wooden stethoscope, and a jar of "maggots", my wonderful wife educates the visitors about being an apothecary.
('Maggots' courtesy of Canadian Tire's fishing equipment selection.)

Your humble blogger in full regalia.

Lastly, a YouTube video of the march-past after the battle on Saturday:

                             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vtztBIs8TA

There are more photos so there might be a second installment on this event.