My Greatest Reenacting Experiences: The Fog of War
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
- The Recreated Coldstream Guards, 1815 can be found here: / coldstream.reenactment
The reenactment footage I referenced:
• waterloo at spetchley ...
Like any other reenactor, I have often found myself sitting around a fire sharing heroic and harrowing tales from previous events, and listening to my 'comrades in arms' share their own tales. From the largest and most spectacular of battles, the "Waterloos" and "Yorktowns," to the small local fairs and festivals, there's always another incredible story to share, and new historic insights which might be gained from such experiences. So, I thought that it might be fun to start a little series of videos specifically about stories such as that!
In this video, I discuss a time when I learned first hand just how obscuring the smoke of a crisply laid volley can be, and also, of how incredibly terrifying such a thing can be, when in the heat of action.
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Ah, I love when the smoke envelops the battlefield. I do War of 1812 reenactments as a Canadian Provincial Marine, and the most memorable experience I had was during a particularly rainy weekend, when the air was heavy. We were sitting at camp, believing the battle to begin in about an hour when we heard the firing of muskets and cannons in the distance. We immediately sprinted to our cannon, and rolled it to the battlefield. Frantically, we began loading and firing shot after shot. I looked up after 5 or 6 shots only to see a wall of smoke over the field, with flashes of muskets in the distance. We continued firing, and noticed an infantryman approaching us. To our surprise, it was an American. He said his unit was capturing the cannons, and we were to surrender. He added that they were only doing this because the audience couldn't see the field, but it was still shocking nonetheless. Now, I get excited for potentially rainy events, if only to relive this experience. And, to advertise, should you be looking for an event to bust out your Napoleonic gear, you should check out Mississinewa 1812 in Marion, IN. I don't know if that is within your range, but it really is a great event.
3:05 - This is, at least to my knowledge, also because of the lack of numerically significant cavalry troops on the American continent at the time, whereas in Europe, a spread out formation would be at risk to being smashed through by a massive wave of cavalry.
After all, the Napoleonic wars saw some of the largest cavalry charges ever recorded in history.
Absolutely, the fact that there were so few mounted troops during the war meant that large bodies of infantry could advance in very open order largely unmolested. I should have mentioned that!
Great story! I've never done Napoleonic reenactment, but I have done medieval reenactment with significant numbers of archers on each side, and there's always that instant of "OMG it's real!" when an arrow strikes the man in front of you and he crumples or drops wounded. It's the little things that make it seem real -- just for a moment -- but that's why we do it.
I have such awe and respect for the people that do medieval...it requires a level of dedication to the hobby that is beyond me, at the moment! That sounds absolutely brilliant, being in a battle with *actual* projectiles and hitting each other with swords! (even if they are blunted!)
My first reenactment was the Battle of Cedar Creek, in Virginia, for the American Civil War. On the original battlefield, at predawn (when the 1st day's fight did), and it was a doozy. Musket fire through the fog, becoming a "casualty" and being knocked through the rear rank because someone in the enemy unit's ranks "forgot" to raise their musket for "close-range" discharge. Coming to and trying to find my unit, and falling in with a group, only to discover that it was another unit, but still on the same side.
I was hooked......
A fantastic breakdown on the experience.
A comparable experience that I think you would find comparably terrifying (or thrilling for reenacting) from the Renaissance and the early 18th century would be the tactic called the Swedish Salvo. In the Thirty Years' War, many nations had their musketeers would arrange themselves 6 ranks deep and rotate through so that they could maintain a constant stream of fire. When the Swedish army under Gustavus Adolphus joined the war, they introduced a more linear form of fighting, whether their musketeers would only be arrayed 2-3 ranks deep. Rather than try maintaining a continuous volume of shotte, the Swedes would advance (I assume initially at the "quick" time and later "at the double") as if to charge. But then they would stop at a very close range (about 20 to 30m), the front rank would kneel, the second rank (if 3 deep) would crouch, and the 3rd rank would stand. Then all of the musketeers would fire together, unleashing a massive volley at close range which would be absolutely devastating to the imperial infantry (and I expect terrifying to anyone not killed or wounded). Immediately after firing, the Swedish forces, instead of stopping to reload, would immediately push into a charge with the enemy. Reloading could wait until after the melee.
Absolutely it would be horrific to see! Just as you recover from the shock of the volley, you see out of the thick smoke charging hundreds of men! The British utilized similar tactics during the American War of Independence, often firing a single volley in two ranks before charging the foe.
And it's basically the definitive highland charge.
Well the Scots and the Swedes did get along amazingly well in the Thirty Years' War. While Gustavus Adolphus is credited with being the "father of modern warfare," he actually didn't do much creating so much as taking various elements that worked very very well from a variety of other armies and implemented them in a single force, with astonishing results.
Maybe the Scots influenced the development of the Swedish Salvo.
The swedes had highlander mercenaries in the 30 years war, maybe they took the tactics that the swedes used back to Scotland?
You're my favorite commentator on, well...anything. I mean, your channel is my favorite. I think it's the combination of knowledge of your subject, your love for talking about it (I have the same problem when discussing the naval side of the Napoleonic wars), and your vulnerability while doing so. Any man who can see that he is rambling off the subject, is a man who is not overly impressed with himself. I love it when you do that, it makes you human and interesting. You're a cool guy dude, and I can tell you're a great friend to those you love. Hussah! [ You can get a bit of the feel by playing Mount and Blade Napoleonic. It's especially good on the fog of war. It's as close to re-enacting as I'll ever get. And you've forced me to add 'pedantic' to my vocabulary. =) ]
Well thank you so much! High praise, indeed! As well for your earlier comment on my video about the war-widow, Mrs Cochan, which I took note of. I'm glad you enjoy the content so much.
My parents visited the Coldstream guards museum this weekend and picked me up a small book about the Coldstream guards and their role at Hougoumont during the battle of Waterloo. Fascinating. Keep up the good work sir.
Thank you!
I've had a similar experience. In WWI events we simulate gas with smoke grenades (gas grenades were used in the war, which is a helpful excuse), and its unheard of to get any warning that you're about to get gassed. You might hear it bounce off the trench wall and start hissing, but that's it. . Once you've got your mask on and are at stand-to the smoke obscures everything. The machine guns are hammering away on both sides, you're firing your rifle blindly into the cloud. You don't know where the Germans are, if they're about to come rushing through "gas" cloud while you're blind and trying to keep your breathing even.
And in that moment, it all falls away. Its obviously not the same as the real thing, but its a hell of a lot closer than most get.
I am hoping to get to Newville this Autumn for that exact sort of experience! That sounds brilliant.
I somehow missed that you replied, my apologies.
Newville is definitely an experience. What unit you falling in with?
A great story Brandon. I reenacted American Civil War here in the States for about 10 years (I got tired of wearing wool in 90 degree (F) weather and sleeping on the ground). We call what you were talking about as "being in the moment". Sometimes it lasts for just a few seconds, at really good events it could go for hours.
Who dares to unlike Brandon's video?😅😅😅😅😆
Zyrel Nyaaa People who actually know their history and material culture and know they he himself is a farb.
@@gabekurens4787 *salt*
@@gabekurens4787 no it's people that either missclick or just hit it out of spite
Probably some embittered Frogs or treacherous colonials.
The 95th Rifles don't like the line regiments.
after about 10 seconds in the video I was like "YESS!", great idea and thank you for sharing these stories!
Its experiences like this that make me glad im a Green Jacket.
Standing in a line staring at your own powder smoke? No thanks.
one of my favourite reenactment memories was at Waterloo, we, the valiant French, marched down the slope and exchanged a few vollies then got marched to our left.. there were banks of smoke and suddenly the wind picked up and Hougoumont was in front of us, crawling with redcoats and men grappling at the barricades as others fire.. I see this image.. and then the smoke comes back and I know we are marching through this waist high corn into hell!
Was at the Waterloo reenactment in 2015. There were times when I looked down the line and the only way to tell where the other British battalions were was from the muzzle flashes when they let off a volley. There were also a few times when a French cavalry troop appeared out of the smoke and there would be an urgent call to "Form Square!". We had the privilege on the 2nd day of facing off against the Old Guard on their final push.
You should read the book "On Killing" by Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman. It talks about why the musket replaced archery even though archers had a greater volume of fire at similar ranges. Good book and what you're saying here mirrors a lot of the psychology mentioned in the book regarding soldiers and the things they faced in that time.
Thumbs up for Lawrence James - I have that on display on my bookshelf as well!
You really make me want to go to a reenactment. It looks so cool. I've only been to one, but I was very young and I forgot the battle's name. It was in front of a house (or mansion, memory is a little foggy at that.). But, I remember having a lot of fun there.
Great video! The french adopted the column, because they had become capable of recruiting huge numbers of men, but not capable oftraining them. It is much simpler to make a newbee charge with the bayonet, than stand in line and fire in an orderly fashion. Only very well trained infantry were able to withstand the column- but it was an extreemly costly tactic, and vulnerable to artillery and cavalry. The column was still very popular in the years after the Napoleonic era (but largely ineffective as proven in the Prusso-Austrian war) and was even tried on a large scale in the opening of ww1.
Isn't it great when that moment is there. A gift of insights that you would have never gotten without being exactly where you were, when you were there. Enjoy the feeling.
Love this video! I still sit around with friends away from events talking about moments like this! Awesome to see your passion in this man!
This August there's supposed to be a Revolutionary War Reenactment where I am. And although I'm legally not allowed to fire (Age restrictions of course) I will be carrying a firearm. I hope to experience something like this! Thanks for sharing
The Abstract Chicken how old does one have to be
john Jacob Astor 16yrs old to carry a musket in the unit i'm with
John Jacob Astor You have to be 16 and sign legal documents to fire or even touch black powder. But if you prove yourself (As I was lucky enough to) you can carry a musket, but not fire it if you are younger.
I’m in America, and I love reenacting unfortunately where I live now there are not many historical sites and re-enactments. I really admire your videos, as a long term fan of the Sharpe novels and a history major I would love to fight as a British soldier in a re-enactment at least once. Love the videos my friend keep em up.
this man is, without a doubt, both the most and the least cringey intellectual I have ever layed eyes on! he stays proper, but without that whole 'I'm better than you' vibe you get from most intellectuals. keep on keeping on! (btw, I could only stay on pace with his info because I played Napoleon: Total War because I have no real experience with this stuff)
Considering i'm someone who wishes to become part of this hobby, but is currently a bit young to do so, I await the even further development of this series (and channel too) rather happily. That is, not to so, of course, not to certainly say it isn't already great as it is!
Dantelope you never to young to join a unit, in our unit there are small children in the unit, they are children and their parents are in the unit. just go to reenactment and see what you think of it and ask around and get to know the different units and you might find a unit you might like
There are a number of complications. First of all, I am the only of my immediate family with such interest in history. Also, I do not have a working job so scrounging up money get obtain pieces of kit are another issue. However, there are some things working to my advantage. I live in Virginia, so here history is rather the important subject. Also, I have a third cousin who runs a quaint antique shop and has nearly been everywhere in reenacting in the last twenty-five or so years. I'll make a point to attend some reenactments this year, along with my two friends who have an interest in the hobby. Thank you for your advice.
I do American Civil War and WW2 re-enacting, primarily(Federal and varies, respectively), and my best re-enactment to date has to be Olustee of this year--Saturday's battle was a wonderfully unique experience for me--the 'fog of war', as it were, was particularly heavy when I reached the field as my company was part of the battalion of reinforcements. We mustered just off the field and watched as the other boys in blue marched past us to battle, and nervously waited our turn to head to the front as the crack of musketry and boom of artillery rolled back to us--lightly, at first, as cavalry and skirmishers opened the battle, then more and more as troops were committed. By the time we arrived on the field I was completely psyched up and into it, and the field was covered in a thick layer of smoke(as the wind was almost nonexistant, that day), limiting visibility to perhaps four or five yards ahead. We came out of the woods just to the right of our cannons(of which there were eight, I believe, all 3-inch Ordnance Rifles), and were halted just behind them as they discharged their loaded rounds. Then we marched beyond them and into the fray. The battle itself from there was perhaps another half hour at most, but it was incredibly fun because I'd been so thoroughly sucked into things that day. We linked up with the units on the field and fought as a brigade--something I've seldom done--and the sheer volume of fire that day was delightful. That evening and night we had an amazing Tactical event(which I had the honour of commanding a patrol for, despite only being a private--though I've been angling for Corporal for two years, now), in which we were to locate a deserter believed to be a spy and bring him back to the Colonel--we set up pickets and screens and went about with wanted posters asking reenactors and civilians if they'd seen the man, and when we found him we hauled him back to the camp--never once breaking our first-person impressions, and he, amusingly, insisted he was a Georgia native(the man was from a Connecticut unit) with the most outrageous accent I've ever heard and protested his mistreatment as a citizen of the Confederacy--we brought him to the Provost, who verified he was the correct individual, found classified documents he'd been carrying on his person(marking him as a spy, as well), and, after receiving our $500 Bounty(in reproduction period money, naturally, making it of limited use to us outside of events--I still have my share in my haversack, I believe), and splitting it five ways between the patrol's members(we actually had to be issued it twice as the Captain of the company asked the Provost for the money to 'count' it and then 'misplaced it'[all in-character, of course], and the Provost had to issue another $500 from the 'company coffers', which was all very fun as well), we dragged the man behind the camp, tied him to a tree, and, with the help of a drum and (slightly disturbingly eager) Lieutenant, 'shot' him as a traitor to his country(he twitched rather convincingly as he went down for a man blindfolded and shot with blanks). Remarkably, based on the way he 'died', all five members of the patrol hit him.
Nevermind the 'golden moment', that was a 'golden *day*'!
Clausewitz opened a chapter of "On War" with a depiction of a chaotic battlefield to explain his concept of the fog of war based on his experiences during the Napoleonic Wars.
Could you do a video on women in (Napoleonic) reenactment (in the UK)?
-They are coming on, in the same old style
-So we'll have to meet them, in the same old style
You look quite dashing.
Uhh….
+Thenateo ¿Me perdonas?
SMASHINGH
I don't want to be annoying for asking. But incase you didn't see my comment on the other video. Can you make a video on "Last of the Mohicans" a French and Indian war movie. I am sure there are plenty of Unrealistic Stuff you can Critique.
Robert Rogers a better Channel for something like that would be History Buffs
One of these days I'll probably cover that one! There is one scene in particular, the defence of the fort, that actually has a lot of really brilliant little details. Men being ordered to take their dressing from the centre, backwards wheeling, etc.
I love your channel keep up the great stuff
Great video, interesting topic. Thank you.
When i was at bicentury of waterloo i had this great moment - French part of reenactors arrived beforre british or prussian armies so we were just chilling, laying in our positions etc. just watching british forming up becouse of our position on a hill. then suddenly an officer gallops in front of all the lines (remember there were over 6000 reenactors at waterloo so about half of them were french) shouting to get ready. We all rush to stand in formations waiting for further orders. Everything went silent, British got to their positions, no artillery fire yet , no further orders given. We stood there in silence for few minutes and them we heard powerful "En Avant, marche!". At the same moment all french cannons (around 100 pieces) opened up and starter unleashing on the british. And through all of this fire the drums still could be heard and we started marching down the hill where i could feel the ground shaking from artillery fire, drums and our step. Although could be imagined as easy thing (we literally just started walking) it was thing that i definitely remember the most about waterloo bicentury (although there are dozens of other stories just from this one reenactment)
Can you do a full video on Napoleonic Infantry Tactics (focus on Britain). Thanks and keep up the good work.
Fantastic video! Really makes you think how the men felt back then.
I had a moment of aw like this at my first event. I reenact the Second World War as a GI. We just had secured our first objective which was a small hill with a thick forest around it. The terrain at the bottom of the hill was about 50 yards of totally open fields. This objective was a total nightmare to take on. We also lacked reliable communication with the other assault teams since they were not receiving our handy-talkie transmissions.
I was on my belly crawling up the hillside while the GI's behind me lay down some covering fire. In between shots you could here the wounded comrades from other assault teams cry out in pain. The location we were at was a pasture so, there was a decent amount of cow shit on the ground. Luckily, it had been there awhile and it had rained heavily the day before so it did not smell at all. Eventually, I rose to my feet and rushed forward in a frenzy. I came across three Germans in rapid succession of each other and managed to get the drop on all of them. They fell with a very audible scream.
I took a breath, looked around and realized we had secured the objective. I was exhausted and hungry since it had been about 5 hours since my very light breakfast. We had to cross a small creek at the bottom of a pretty steep gorge, then climb vertically back up another hill. We marched in a staggered column. It was in this moment when I felt tired, hungry and a little bit lonesome since I had only just met the guys I was with that day and realized what an incredibly powerful feeling it was to be in that situation. Just the smallest taste of the day to day misery made me realize how strong you had to be to survive a war like that. It gives me chills thinking about it to this day.
your lighting has improved, the whole thing looks more clear now. thank you for another good video :)
I'm reminded of those two British soldiers in that great movie "Four Feathers" when the Mahdists are charging:
"Look at 'em all!"
"Close yer eyes if it makes yer nervous, I'll tell yer when to open 'em!"
The fog of war GREATLY depends on weather conditions...
5:44 Odd sound when you said "work"
Waterloo 2015- I fell while charging the british line before the Old Guard was sent in as final reinforcement. I was laying right at the feet of the British while they where fiering volley after volley at the approaching brave Grognards carrying out the final french charge. Cavalry retreating up the hill. A grey sky, flames at the horizon, french troups fleeing through the smoke and gunpowder fog. It was glorious. ruclips.net/video/ymelACG3dX4/видео.html
You are great at painting a picture of the field of battle
I've always found military history to be incredibly interesting, especially the black powder era (as my grandfather collects black powder firearms, specifically percussion locks).
Naturally, my interest has turned to re-enacting. I'm 6'2", so I reckon i'd make a good British Grenadier (I love the redcoat), but despite doing a bit of research i can't find any re-enacting groups near me (I live in Australia). Do you know of any groups active in Australia, or is it mostly in Europe and the US?
Also, could you do a video on books concerning drill and equipment throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries? I can't seem to find any and i'd like some insight into this topic.
There are some Napoleonic groups in Australia. If you send me a private message or email, I can see about putting you into contact with a fellow I know who reenacts out there!
Reminds me of a medieval event well over a decade ago, where the field was mostly dry sand. The amount of dust that was picked up by hundreds of people moving across it (some even deliberately dragged their feet to kick up some extra dust) meant that after a minute or two, the entire field was engulfed in a haze and you just saw different coloured shapes. It was complete chaos where friendly fire was exchanged (saw a crossbowman from our side shoot a guy from my unit) and enemies could just appear in front of you (was carrying our unit colours in one battle, some dude just walked out of the haze, stabbed me, and walked away with the banner).
My best experience as a spectator I’m getting into the hobby now was the siege of fort Erie my regiment the (49th ROF) took heavy losses as they advanced then charged with their bayonets over the wall but they were almost wiped out as the cannons and muskets fired volley after volley into the British advancing a Brit fell from being wounded, a soldier came to pick him up but was shot himself it looked really good I can’t wait for the next season
I reenact as a Federal light infantryman in the US Civil War, and I will have to say that still being able to see anything after firing is a great advantage of skirmish order fighting.
Imagine standing they’re and you hear off in the distance a French volley and the men next to you collapse
Finally! An another video about the Napoleonic Era. This video is actually terrific! I will wait for some more Napoleonic videos!
P.S.
I wish you tell about the napoleonic army tissues like how a battalion was formed or what kind of distinctive regiments in that era like the 57e regiment de infanterie la terribles.
Also there were some mistakes in your lecture. In the Battle of Waterloo, the Old Guard didn't charge the British. The Middle Guard which is the 3e grenadier(and the chasseur) a pied de la garde imperiale charged. The Old Guard(1er grenadier a pied de la garde imperiale) standed there last stand with Cambronne at the rear of the French position.
Well I guess you didn't read specific books about Waterloo(Les miserable waterloo section, Waterloo 1815 are good books). I wish you have time to read those. Bye!
this is a cool video and its funny that i am joining the the 42nd highlander grenadiers has a drummer boy hope to see your regiment
A colume is also a good thing if you have a badly trained unit. most of them only have to follow the man in front of them and they don´t have to be that fast in reload. By the way the fog of war didn´t disapear with smokeless. the men in the ranks still has no clue where the next unit is and what they are doing.
Columns were not attack formation.. its common misconception.. French charged from line formation... Column was to get men closer to enemy, then they deployed into line, fired salvo and charged... At Waterloo, last charge of Imperial Guard was delivered exactly like this - battalions moved forward in columns, then they deployed into line to fire.. they actually exchanged fire with British for 15 minutes, tried to charge but fell back.. Old Guard battalions were in reserve, covering Middle Guard, so when they started to retreat, Old Guard formed square and moved back in formation.. In one of those squares, Napoleon took shelter and they marched from battlefield
Please Keep Making More Of This
Sounds aewsome! I re enact second world war US infantry here in New Zealand, but i have always wanted to do American Civil War union.
I thought, that a wider and shallower (less deep) formation is better than a deep narrow column. A line has more guns being utilised, thus has more firepower, whilst a column only has the guns in the first two ranks, (excluding firing from the side-files). Also, the beaten zone of the volley would hit through the column and hit more men, whilst the beaten zone would hit less men in a shallower line. I thought, that the advantages of column-formation was more relative maneuverability and mobility.
I am only giving my experience as a Napoleon Total War player, that I know is not absolutely accurate, but the mechanic of the beaten zone of fire is significant.
I also understand, that you disclaimed, that the given description is minimal.
So I’ve heard the idea that French “always” attacked in columns was overstated.
And it’s a bit hard to reconcile Wellington’s quote of “attack old way/defeat old way” with his “damn close run thing”.
So either way - curious to hear about your views on that (did the French overly favor columns attacks?) and also - the point of one?
Sure, at the point of impact, the line would crumble. But the line would likely try and close up on the side of the column and the whole thing would degenerate into a blob brawl?
I really want to do some reanacting when I get older but I'm only in high school so. But 7 years war or revolutionary war reanacting would be fun
I was at Spetchley with the 23rd RWF, hope to see you there at the next event!
Sadly I won't be able to make it out there, this time around, but I am hoping that one day I will be able to return! It was a brilliant event. I even got some photos of me in Napoleonic kit attempting to operate a Maxim...but sadly the gentleman who took them never emailed them to me! Must have been lost somehow.
i hope you will be at the Battle of Monmouth this year its the 240th anniversary of that battle and it would be nice to meet you. you make great videos
Yes, I am planning to be there with the 54th of Foot!
Have You seen the movie Cold Mountain? Or at least the crater scene? I believe that this would be a somewhat good representation of the fog of war. You should check it out.
Now this makes the Swedish tactics of one volley from white-in-their-eyes range before bayonet charge during the thirty years war make even more sense...
And why it was so successful at breaking enemy morale.
I also found a new level of fondness for the smokeless powder in the 7.62x51mm self contained brass cartridges of my issued battle rifle, the platoon's sharpshooter rifles, machineguns and 84mm recoilless support weapons ^^
I saw you there but never got the chance to say hello to you, I'm in the 95th, I just wanted to add that our main objective would be to take out officers, NCO's musicians, flag bearers. Once a formation looses these key binds they would often break, you'd never put a specialist unit like the 95th against a French column cause that's crazy, not to mention you're sacrificing a looooot of money and time, Riflemen weren't easy to come by.
You should do American Civil War reenactment. But have them all because the east coast in the US.
Rambling and tangents break immersion brah
Must be difficult to re-enact Napoleonic firing methods because I imagine it takes a lot of training. Could you tell us more about fire by files, platoon fire and firing by ranks and what methods you think the Coldstreams used? Levelling practice seems more important given what you described. I wonder if being having mounted officers helps or how did they see the enemy to estimate the range?
Err in U.K. It was always French win Saturday and Sunday it's the Brits. (Former member of the 21eme de Ligne 1982-89, 1994-1999ish) mor lately done Medieval and yup there are those times that capture that moment, for Napoleonics there have been a few such as Fishguard in 97 where the musket shots echoed round the harbour, oh my that was a great event although the following day was rather surreal, waking up and seeing everyone listening to the radio, events had overtaken the biccential event and there was a ceremonial drumhead parade (Princess Diana had passed that very night), others were Waterloo 95, when we had a full company of 100 plus, Leipzig, Jena and so on. For Medievals again that moment where it's you v him with polearms and he gets the better of you!!!!
If you can't see and you are on uneven ground, how do you avoid firing over the enemies heads or in to the ground in front of them? Or did this happen a lot?.
it did happen on a few occurrences
You should make a video on your thoughts on the British Empire atrocities and accomplishments.
One small thing to realize when you think back on that experience. The chances are VERY likely that the French were not actually marching directly towards YOU. It is very possible that the front of the French Column would have hit somewhat to the left or right of you, depending upon where in the line you were standing. Now, yes, if you were in the middle of the British line (or, since you were there with the English Coldstream Guards Regiment, the English line), then that is where the French would have hit, but otherwise they were not coming for you. Perspective.
So close on getting 30k subs congrats dude ;)
Thank you! Here's to the next 30k, eh?
Yes!
Hey Brandon, if you are ever interested in Civil War re-enactment the 28th Massachusetts Irish Brigade would love to have someone with your experience!
This is unrelated to the video but, I'm curious what you would think about the game Holdfast: Nations at War. Awesome video by the way.
This is why I’d love to do Napoleonic reenacting, it feels so realistic, but right now all I can do is be in a M&B NW regiment and it’s M&B because Holdfast NaW has no sense to its melee so I’d rather play a more respectful and satisfying game.
This sounds opinionated but I don’t mind holdfast just the melee and feel isn’t the same in my opinion.
it's also interesting what happens to you at the back of a pike formation you don't realy know who is winning until your time is on and you get also the artillere from the sides and where ever the various pices of artillery or small arms fire... artillery in the bakc ground is basicly taking your hearing, and you just try not to get hit,
your comrades are going down before you and you have to fill the gap or the enemy will take on speed and over run you so you ahve to advance into the enemys reach and try to keep them at range and then maybe being overwhelmed by the halberdiers at any moment either their halberdiers pressing down your pike and finnishing you off or your helbadiers binding the enemy and giving you the oppertunity. it 's realy a good thing
I am still trying to find a reenactment unit for youths in high school in my area. Still no luck.
Could that be a reason for rank firing or platoon firing? Firing in smaller groups may allow the smoke to clear better than everyone firing at once
Great insight.
Doesn’t a wider line create opportunities for encirclement of the more compact formation?
It can, but it’s not always a positive.
I was hoping to see some shots from a historically accurate Go Pro, but I think I prefer this.
I just recently joined a reenactment unit called the 2nd New Hampshire regiment it’s a American regiment
Makes me think....how come the casuality rates were so high? Was the cavalry or the artillery responsible? Not only the muskets were innacurate ..they coudln't see each other
Fire forward - don't bother to aim - there's so many of the buggers you're bound to hit *something*!
Of course our biggest reenactment in Europe is Napoleonic Wars. Second maybe American Civil War or German War 1866 (I guess). I heard there were 6000 Reenactors at Leipzig 2013.
About unit size. I was wondering why british troops are that small (about 60-100 men), the austrians had 160-200 men and an austrian regiment had 18 companies (3 battalions = 16 companies and 1 grenadierdivision = 2 grenadier companies). Pretty huge regiment. The french had also bigger unit size. So again, why were british troops much smaller than the others?
Would like to see some video of your reenactments.
There are a few first-person AWI videos from a few years back on the channel. I am hoping to get a lot more footage with my new unit this summer!
Thanks!
They shall soon expect an army of volunteers!! God save the King!!!
Has anyone tried doing melee reenactment by using rubber bayonets, I feel like that could create a cool experience given how prominent melee combat was. Also is there any current way to reenact melee combat?
Rubber bayonets would be very easy to spot, given their wiggling around, and even still you wouldn't want to thrust them angrily into someone else. It would cause severe bruising I am sure. If melee is ever done, it's very strictly coordinated/predetermined, or it just looks silly (sadly!).
Bayonet combat was actually very rare in the Napoleonic period, when you read of a column attacking the line usually broke and ran before contact. In volley Vs volley only when one side thought it was winning would they go in to attack, hoping the shaken battalion would not stand.
Was Clive there
He was! He's at most of the events!
Brandon F. I know him he is a ex guards man
I would join the reenacting hobby but my schedule does not agree with me
Can you do a video about British flag bearers and ensigns of the Revolutionary War
Do a review on Holdfast nations at war on its acurates
How much money do you think I would have to spend to get into this? Can any of you estimate how much it would cost?
i would say at least $1,000, but some units have loaner outfits to start you out with in case you change your mind and that you don't like the hobby. the unit i'm with was a very helpful unit. the commanding officer gave me the kilt, the musket i bought from the unit was $350.00, the jacket and waist coat was $500.00 which i was allowed to make payments on. the shoes are $135.00, with the shoes make sure to stay away from Fugawee shoes they aren't well made!! the tent if you get it from Townsend costs around $500.00 but the shipping is free. if you have to buy your musket look at Middlesex Trading Village, Loyalist Arms, and Veteran Arms.
chunkyd77 thanks!
in the 1st foot 1815 group.
Oi! Don't knock Ohio reenactments. Yeah Fort Laurens is small but Hale and Zoar (both cw events) can get quite big. Honestly though the largest one Ive been to in Ohio was an SCA event but you get such a different feel when black powder is involved. I had a similar story when I went to Sharpsburg at the 150th. Cornfields can be scary for so many reasons.
I always had an excellent time at Fort Laurens! Even for a smaller event, the crowds were always a lot of fun out there, and I loved being able to take part in the ceremonies they have. It's a nice little place.
Don’t run through corn.
hey where is the link of the full vid of the reenacment??
Ah, sorry about that! I've added the link to the description now.
Brandon F. Awesome
I love this vídeos. :3
how do you reenact bayonet charges?
The receiving end is always pushed back and they retreat before the charge reaches them, or the charge is beaten back.
@@BrandonF thanks!
War of 1812 -- Lundy's Lane -- read the account --
How realistic of a depiction do you think the Sharpe series does of Napoleonic warfare.
Not at all...
Brandon F. That is rather interesting. Is it for example to romantisized or are the tactics used wrong. I do now that the regiment wuch he serve in is fictional. Or is it simply due to the fact that its a novel and needs some action?
Do they do Anglo-Zulu war reenactments?
I’m sad there’s no re-enactment places near Aberdeen :(
Which period do you reenact? Student in Aberdeen here.
Could children join this reenacting group as drummers?
Friend of mine was in 41st and his son was the drummer
have you ever tried/wanted to reenact a pre gunpowder timeperoid ?
In the San Francisco Bay Area, there is a group of Landsknechts who are regularly seen in various holiday parades. They look like they're ready to march to Pavia.
Or rather the smoke of war.
I want to get into Napoleonic reenactment, how could I? I'm in my early 20s.
Google closest Napoleonic re-enactment. If you are not satisfied with it, the 5th bttn 60th rifles and Coldstream guards(who can be found on Facebook and Instagram now) should have some play to portray scheme: may help you out.