Our Stoney Creek experience

On Saturday, June 2nd, the whole family went to the reenacting event at Stoney Creek, ON, right in the middle of the city of Hamilton. It was a great setting for a great event. Everybody received a ticket for a complimentary lunch cooked by the Kiwanis Club. Burgers, hot dogs, or sausage... all large and really tasty. Weapons inspection was done at the drill time and everybody who passed received a stamp on their reenactor card. This is a good idea to my way of thinking. The weather was wonderful and we all enjoyed it. Both Katie and Robby served with the 21st as light infantry. This was Katie's first time on the field and she did fine. It was cool enough for her to handle the uniform and everybody looked out for her. Beth set up and kept our camp and was the center of the camp social life. It seems everybody there came to sit with her at some time or other. I had the great honour of... well, you'll see later.

The Battle of Stoney Creek was a set-back for the American Army in 1813. The British were retreating from Fort George and turned to meet the advancing Americans at Stoney Creek before they reached the Burlington Heights. In a night battle, the out-numbered Crown forces - British regulars, Canadian militia, and First Nations warriors - beat the US forces and turned back the invasion. Of course, there's more to it than this, but that brief description will serve.

So to the photos:

The morning drill - the 17th joined the 21st and a few others

Sergeant Mark drills Robby while I make helpful suggestions and Katie smirks.

Katie at drill. I think she generally enjoyed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lt. Watson takes his place in the column.

The narrator for the afternoon battle - the Retreat from Fort George

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't fire a shot all day! I was the ensign for the afternoon battle. My friend Andy was colour guard. It may seem silly but it was an honour to carry the US National flag in the reenactment.

The American troops advance, chasing the retreating Crown forces.

A good battalion volley!

The 16th skirmishing.

The Crown forces skirmishing as well.

The 21st (with Katie and Robby) and the Kentucky Volunteers advance before breaking into skirmish.

The line troops - the 22nd and the Canadian Volunteers and a unit I can't remember cut loose a volley.

The Crown Colours.

The 16ths fires a volley.

The Crown forces give way.

When the order "Independant fire!" came, Andy and I moved up to the redoubt.

After the battle, the US forces marched back to camp. Colonel Turmbell led the way, followed by Lt. Watson and the 17th/21st. Katie's marching like a veteran now. Behind them are the Kentucky Volunteers in black, the 16th in their green pants, and the Canadian Volunteers in gray.

Robby at drill. The kids like those undress caps.

Yes, I'm out of step but I was still honoured to be the ensign for the day. That flag fought me all the way in the rather windy conditions. The 22nd is right behind us. I was carrying their colour.

The evening battle - which is the attack on the US camp with the Americans unprepared, went well but we took no photos. I hurt my leg earlier, so Andy, Katie, and I "worked the crowd" in uniform - explaining, teaching, and generally enjoying ourselves. The day closed with fireworks

This was a great event and it's on our list for next year.