The long trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario for the Brigade Napoleon Grande Tactique was well worth the travel time.  Crossing the US-Canada border was not a problem for anyone.

This event was situated at Ft. George, a War of 1812 Canadian defensive post.  The fort was reconstructed by Parks Canada and was an excellent venue for the Grande Tactique.  The battle scenarios included a battle outside the fort walls; a surprise assault over a corner bastion by the Rifles and Glengarry Light Infantry; and an assault on the fort’s main gate.

Brigade Napoleon units of French and British infantry were augmented by units of the Crown Forces of North America (CFNA) to make a combined group of 250-300 reenactors.  The 95^th Rifles 1^st Battalion were represented by Jim Tate, Bill Goumas and Dan Cripps.  We were joined by Glenn Harvey and Kevin Harrington from California (95^th Rifles 3^rd Battalion).  The squad of Rifles was combined with the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles.  It was a treat to merge the two groups and learn about the different drills and weapons used by each group. Ron Phillips of the Glengarry Light Infantry was our officer.  This combined group worked well together and accomplished all its tactical objectives with elan.

There were several dress parades of the entire British battalion.  These parades allowed us to learn battalion drill maneuvers with a full battalion.  In particular, the Saturday memorial service for the fallen of the War of 1812 allowed us to perform the “mourn on arms” drill.

The battle scenarios were will round and exciting.  I especially enjoyed climbing scaling ladders to enter the fort bastion and attack the French forces from the rear.  In the assault on the main gate on Sunday afternoon, after the gate was breeched, the Rifles and Light Infantry moved stealthily to a flank position to enfilade the French line.

The French units were camped inside the fort, while the British units were camped outside the fort’s walls.  The Park made barracks space available for those reenactors who were traveling by airplane and couldn’t bring tents.

The Parks Canada staff provided a solid breakfast each morning for all reenactors.  In addition, most of us participated in the Brigade Napoleon Meal Plan for dinner and supper each day.  Having a catered meal for dinner and supper allowed us to travel without cooking equipment.  We were treated very well by the site management.

Several of us had the opportunity for a night time tour of the beautiful, 19^th century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  The town was destroyed by the American Army in the War of 1812.  After the conclusion of this war, the occupants rebuilt the town.  Its buildings are restored in a Williamsburg-like setting.  It is a very picturesque town surrounded by vineyards.

Saturday evening the Brigade Napoleon sponsored a Regency Dance.  It was well attended with good music, a knowledgeable dance master and excellent refreshments.  This dance gave the ladies a chance to show off their ball gowns and enjoy the attentions of the soldiers.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim Tate, Serjeant

95^th Rifles 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Coy