The Flash

Col’s Co, RWF in America

 July 2007

 

Captain’s Report

 

The Colonel’s Company continues to grow with Jason Grieves and Forrest Wilkes having joined with the colors and two more prospects from the Philadelphia area having made their interest known. Our treasury is full, and we have several special events of our own this year, notably Carlisle Barracks 18th c.  Encampment which will be on September 14 – 16.. This is a paid event but we will need to field as many as possible in order to receive the maximum fee of 350.00. So far contingents from von Donop’s, 22nd Foot, Maryland Loyalists and Royal Artillery have signed on. It would be nice to see as many as can make it, the event is sponsored by the United States Army Historical Education Center. This is the same weekend as Fairfield, so if the northern members wish, they have a choice. Please let me know if you are attending, so far we have 5.

 

On November 23 and again on February 23rd, the RWFA has been asked to have 4 -7 members take part in a paid event at the New York Historical Society in NYC. We need volunteers whose kit is immaculate, whose knowledge is abounding, and whose social skills are polished. Ken and I will be attending and I will have to get back with more information as I receive it. They are particularly interested in our membership from the NY metropolitan area. RWFA will be receiving $500.00 for each day provided we come up with the correct numbers and quality. Please call me immediately if interested! I need to set this up soon. 610 294-9975.

 

On the regimental schedule, there is a wonderful event looming in August which I would like to bring to every one’s attention. August 18-19: Fort Taber, New Bedford, Massachusetts

 

This is a regional event and Ken has been involved in the planning of it along with Paul O’Shaughnessy of the 10th Foot. It looks like a good time and it is recommended for the Grenadier, Colonel’s and Light Infantry Companies’ members who are within ten or less hours of driving time away. There will be more in the August Fusilier. New Bedford is on the coast not far from Rhode Island, so call it a three hour drive from New York City. Specific information including the schedule and directions may be found at: www.britishbrigade.org/schedules/taber.html The event site is easy to get to, and departure time is scheduled for 3:00pm on Sunday, right after the final, battle, which is a good, early time.

 

 

We have a new seamstress, Barbara Shaputis, Yesteryear Fibers & Iron, 5000 Spring Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090  717-582-8147

 

I will be sending her an old regimental coat and small clothes so that she will have something to work with. Please remember that you must order your wool, lace, linen and buttons from Captain Thomson (301) 260-8358 who will ship them to her.

 

In closing I wish to recommend to the Regimental HQ the resolute and timely conduct of Fusiliers Crawford and Eastwood in the Defense of Fort Morgan on the morning of the 10th of June 2007 during the action at Bordentown.

 

Carry on Sergeant…..

 

 

 

After Action Report: Bordentown

              

This was the big spring event for the British Brigade on a great location and nicely placed for the Colonel’s company. So much so that a large number of people made day trips to the event and some even went home in the night, seduced by soft sheets and hot showers, before returning to the second day.   

 

Parking was easy to reach. We were right by the sutlers and the port-a-potties were kept very clean. Big events, this well run, are the reason we love them so.  The Friday some of us arrived and set up tents was brutally hot but the weekend improved each day from there.

 

On Saturday Evening several of us witnessed Don Beale’s court martial, punishment for stepping down as head of the British Brigade. Among the things he was charged with were the wastage of His Majesties property- to whit the surrender of the army at Yorktown last year, consorting with the devil and intimate knowledge of unwilling livestock.  Major Ford, RWF, was the prosecutor. Major Siegel , RWF, provided the defense. Ensuring once more that the Royal Welch would have the victory. We also provided the execution squad, if needed, with Sgt, me, two grenadiers and drummer. Our services were not required.

 

The event saw the ladies of the Light Company providing their usual good fare and we saw some new faces. Forest Wilkes was able to take to the field in borrowed kit and get “a whiff of powder.”  Jay Grieves had to work so couldn’t take the field but was able to stop by and meet some of us and get a look in. Jay, We’ll get you in the field yet!

 

On Saturday we were supposed to lose the fight. Typical for their planning the colonials made such a mess of their maneuvers that at one point , we, the people who were supposed to lose the battle, were pressing them, the ‘winners’  on three sides , finally letting them out of the box so they could win but literally marching away, before charging right into their guns.  Sunday the situation was reversed and we, with diminished numbers, got to win the fight. That wasn’t too difficult, even with diminished numbers since the rebels repeatedly failed to press their attacks.

 

 

After Action report: Under the Redcoat!

This was our first return to Colonial Williamsburg since 1997, and it was marked by a somewhat smaller than hopped for turn out but the dozen or so who were there made a good show of it.  This is a place where the crowds want to learn and are learning to set aside their beliefs grown on the back of misconceptions. The hope is that we will be back in future years with a much larger contingent to dominate DoG street and the taverns as they should be.

 

Embroidered Regimental Shirts

Those of you who saw me on Friday at Bordentown might have noticed the red t-shirt I was wearing with the RWF grenade embroidered on the breast. I’d picked it up at the Reading air show. A few people asked me where I got it. Forest was able to provide us with the link to the makers: http://www.greenwoodstoysoldiers.com/category/n/?s=8&p=2

The charge is $20/shirt.

 

 

Promotions

Bordentown saw two promotions for recognition of ability of performance. L/Corporal Greg Urwin was advanced to full corporal. Greg more than knows the drill, makes regular and outstanding efforts to support large and small events and inevitably shows up properly turned out, with his gear crisp and polished. Recruit Daniel Delucia  was advanced to Fusilier having learned the drill, amassed his kit and reached the age at which the insurance will accept him as armed and in the field.   WELL DONE MEN!