Who Would Have Thought It! 

This event was a combination living history and small battle scenario at Old Bedford Village in Bedford, PA.  In attendance were Jim Tate, Dan & Cathy Cripps, John Dittamo and Rich Miller.  Because of the potential for rain on Saturday the spectator crowds were smaller than we had expected.  However, we found that many spectators spent a good deal of time at our displays and asked many questions.  Dan Cripps had an excellent display of flintlock firearms that created much interest.

As usual at this venue, we were billeted comfortably in one of the cabins.  We only pitched a dining fly for cooking and eating.

There were two skirmishes on Saturday and one on Sunday for the spectators.  The Saturday battles were based on a scenario of a French ambush of a British troop column.  The Rifles were, of course, in the van guard of the British force.  The Sunday battle scenario was a surprise attack by the French on a British guard post.  In spite of problems with my rifle’s ignition, the weekend score was British 2 and French 1.

Although we had seven French cavalrymen in attendance, their horses were not accustomed to gunfire. They were only able to make trail rides around the village and demonstrate maneuvers for the public.

After the spectators left camp, part of Saturday evening’s entertainment was a sword sparring exercise between Riflemen and the Highlanders of the 42^nd Royal Highland Regiment.  Using nylon waisters (practice swords), it was a good opportunity for live practice of the sword training I have been conducting at several past events.

The surprise of the weekend was from Rich Miller!  We were treated to the Celtic harp playing of Rich.  It was delightful surprise to learn that Rich was very accomplished on the Celtic harp.  His repertoire included Scottish, Irish and English folk songs of the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  One of the camp followers from the 88^th Foot brought her 2 ½ year old daughter to listen to Rich’s playing and tried her little hand at strumming the harp.  Cathy Cripps plays the dulcimer and we hope to have her join Rich in a duet of period music.  We need to find the words to as many of his songs as possible in order to sing along with him.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Tate, Serjeant

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