In their book, Rifle Green in the Peninsula Vol. II by George Caldwell and Robert Cooper (Bugle Horn Publications; 49 Cromwell Road, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9GU, England; www.buglehorn.co.uk; 2006. On page 50;  the authors described the special marching pace of he 95^th Rifles.  Sir John Moore developed this faster marching pace for the rifle and light infantry regiments.

This marching pace alternated three paces at a trot with three paces at a walk.  Remember a pace is two steps.  You count a pace each time your left foot strikes the ground.

It was important that Riflemen move at a faster pace than regular line infantry. On advance guard duty, the Rifles had to move faster than the following main body.  On rear guard, the faster pace was necessary to enable the Rifles to catch up to the main body.  A rear guard often needed to stop to repel an attack by following French cavalry.  This counterattack action would slow down the rear guard.  On flank guard duty, marching over rough unpaved terrain, the faster pace was necessary for the riflemen to stay up with the main body marching on a road.

I would challenge all of you to try this marching pace.  Practice it to become accustomed to the alternating trot and walk.

 James P. Tate III

7070 Highfields Farm Dr.

Roanoke, Virginia 24018

540-989-0298

jptate3us@aol.com

Please click here to see photos from the gallery that were taken during the Army Heritage Days, in 2019, in Carlislise, PA

Although this event is over ten years old, it was our first time at this event.  Army Heritage Days is sponsored by the US Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) at Carlisle Barracks in Carlisle, PA.  It was a much bigger event than we expected and was very well organized by the USAHEC staff.

The grounds were an existing walking path set up in chronological order outside the main museum and conference center.  There were stationary exhibits and the reenactment units were staged close to these exhibits.  Thus, the WWII soldiers were camped around the tanks and field pieces of the WWII era.  The Revolutionary units were camped at the reconstructed Redoubt #10 of Yorktown fame.  The Vietnam era units were grouped around the helicopters and tanks of that conflict.  There were no Napoleonic exhibits but we, and the 3eme Regiment d’Infanterie de Ligne, were camped between the Revolutionary camps and the Civil War camps.  The largest contingent was for the American Civil War.  It included an artillery unit that gave a firing demonstration on Sunday.  Continental light dragoons gave a riding and sword demonstration on Saturday.  We were impressed with the collection of armaments such as tanks, field guns (both German and US) and vehicles on display.

In addition to the stationary exhibits and the field demonstrations, there were frequent fly-overs of helicopters from Vietnam, and a C-47 and P-51 from WWII.

We set up our camp and exhibits in a manner similar to our Military Through the Ages (MTA) exhibit.  We were staffed by Jim Tate, Rich Miller and Bill Goumas.  The steady stream of spectators kept us busy both days.  It was estimated that we had over 3,000 spectators for the weekend.  Many people were familiar with the Sharpe’s Rifles book series and asked very good questions.  We discovered that many of the students from the Army War College at Carlisle came to the event with their families.  Most of the military were field grade officers and had an excellent grasp of military history to include European history.  Many spectators asked for our recruiting brochure.  There were several spectators who seemed to be interested in reenacting with us.  A lady from the Harrisburg, PA chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, wanted to contact us later to make a presentation to a chapter meeting.  Glenn Kaye of the Victorian Rifles stopped in to introduce himself, and explain the shooting competition of the VR group.

There were a dozen sutlers in attendance.  We met Roy Phillips (Tinman Roy) who is an excellent tinsmith.  There were two colonial craftsmen who were demonstrating the technique for rifling a gun barrel.  Another craftsman was carving wooden spoons.

We were allowed to camp and cook on the site.  The staff was very good about communicating with us and giving us news, firewood and straw.  The only misfortune  was a sudden summer rain and windstorm that arose at 3 PM on Sunday afternoon.  The staff alerted us to the incoming storm and allowed us to strike our tents and pack our gear as quickly as possible.

Based on the spectator interest, the publicity and exposure we gained at this event, it would be to our advantage to attend this event again.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Tate

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

The Military Thought the Ages (MTA) event for 2019 was full of surprises.  The theme of this year’s event was “Tenacity: Women in Jamestown”.  This theme is portrayed in the BBC series, “Women of Jamestown”, which captures the struggles and trials of the first women to arrive at the Jamestown settlement in 1619.  In commemoration of the 300^th anniversary of this event, each reenactment group was asked to emphasize the role of women in their military time period.  This theme request was a challenge for the 95^th Rifles.  By order of the colonel, the 95^th Rifles could not take their wives to the Peninsula War.

However, some research turned up the love story of Harry and Juana Smith that began at the siege of Badajoz.  A monograph of this love story can be found in the “Research & References” section at our web site, www.95thsharpesrifles.com.

This year’s MTA was attended by 593 reenactors depicting time periods from the Roman legionaries of 100 AD to the modern Virginia National Guard.  Over 4300 spectators attended this two-day event.  Because this event has a 30-year history and is well advertised by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, many spectators came specifically to talk with certain reenactment groups.  The questions and historical discussions were enlightening and challenging.

Cathy Cripps was our lead presenter in the presentation of the theme.  Her discussion generated a lot of interest among the spectators.  Several spectators were especially interested in our story because they were historical friction writers of the Regency Era.  The fact that we had a true love story unique to our regiment to share with spectators was a special feature of our camp presentation.  We also had spectators learn to strike fire with flint and steel.  At one time we had four teenage boys on their knees working for 30 minutes determined to strike fire.  Bill Goumas was instrumental in enticing spectators into camp and showing our equipment layout.  Bill also managed to capture a recruit for us.

Our field demonstration was early on Saturday morning.  Because it was scheduled early, we only had the two judges and two spectators to watch Rich Miller and Dan Cripps show our loading and firing procedure and a 2-man skirmish exercise.  After 2 mis-fires and one shot, I displayed my improvisation ability and explained the importance of flint replacement in combat.  It’s amazing what a little smoke and mirrors can do!

To say the least, we were all surprised at the Sunday awards ceremony to receive a 2^nd Place award for the Field Demonstration in the Black Powder class!  The ribbon now proudly hangs on our new company guidon.

Our Saturday dinner was a regimental dinner held again at the King’s Arms tavern in Colonial Williamsburg.  There were two ladies (Cathy Cripps, and Kathy Tate), four riflemen and two children in attendance for a fine evening of comradeship.

At this year’s MTA we were joined by the 42^nd Royal Highland Regiment and the 88^th Foot (Connaught Rangers) of the Brigade Napoleon.  We took this opportunity to compare notes on British overcoats.  There is no surviving example of a Napoleonic overcoat.  We will continue to compare notes and come up with a common set of specifications.

Although we did not choose to participate in the camp cooking demonstration this year; the organizers had a surprise ingredient to be included in the cooking.  A rack of goat’s ribs was issued to the participating units with the challenge to include it in a period meal.  Perhaps we will try this dish at another event later this year.

The weather was wonderful all weekend without the usual rain, snow or freezing cold.  Everyone had a great time and we gained new ideas for living history events this year.  I would urge anyone who has not seen the BBC series on the “Women in Jamestown” to buy the DVD or watch it.  It is an excellent historical drama.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Tate

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

Click here to see the photos from Military Through the Ages 2019!

Photos from Mississinewa 2018 are now available here!

Photo galleries are now available for the following the events:

Ft. George, Ontario – June 9-10, 2018

Ft. George, Ft. Niagara, Youngstown, NY – July 28-29, 2018

Grande Tactique – Old Bedford Village – September 15-16, 2018

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

Heritage Days at Old Bedford Village was a living history event and  attending from the 95th Rifles 1st Battalion were four riflemen, Rich Miller, Bill Goumas, John Dittamo and Jim Tate.

Old Bedford Village is restored village setting made up of 18^th century and early 19^th century buildings relocated from all over Pennsylvania and Maryland to make up a frontier village outside of Bedford, Pennsylvania.  The buildings include trade shops, living homes from simple log cabins to homes of middle-class families, a gaol, print shop, blacksmith shop, tinsmith shop, school house (an octagonal building) and tavern.  Many of the shops had craft workers available to work and explain their trades.  We were billeted in a large, middle-class log cabin on the town square.  Being billeted at this location, close to the visitor center entrance, made us easily visible to all the spectators.  We found that many spectators spent more time at our displays and asked may insightful questions.

The intermittent rain on Saturday reduced the spectator crowds that day and made it difficult for us to have outdoor displays.  However, the weather was clear on Sunday.  We found that Sunday’s spectators spent a good deal of time at our location and asked many questions.  We performed firing demonstrations in conjunction with the American frontiersman, and French Marine (of the Severn Years War period).  It was beneficial to have the weapons of three different time periods to show the public and allow them to see the differences between these weapons.

Although this was a relatively small event, it gave us time to polish our presentations and to have good discussions around the campfire after dark.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Tate, Serjeant

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

Rifles- First on the Beach, First in the fort

 The event at Ft. Niagara, NY on July 28-29, 2018 was the Grand Tactical event for the umbrella organization, the Crown Forces of North America (CFNA).  Many of this group joined the Brigade Napoleon for our Grande Tactique at Ft. George, Ontario on Jun3 8-9.

 The battle scenarios included a beach landing on Saturday from boats furnished and manned by the Royal Navy contingents; and a land assault on the fort by the British forces.

 The 95^th Rifles volunteered for the beach landing on Saturday.  We were rowed out from the camps onto Lake Ontario and the five boats of troops awaited the start of the battle.  As the main British force marched out to attack the American Force, the landing party had an excellent view of the developing land battle.  The beach assault force moved to the landing point and attacked the flank of the American force.  The boat crew landed us professionally with dry feet!  We joined the main force to drive the Americans from the field and win the day.  The spectator crowds (there were over 6,000 spectators on both days) had an excellent view of the fighting.  The Rifles were conspicuous by their enthusiastic volunteering to join the landing party and their fighting ability through the battle.

Saturday’s entertainment included a Regency Era dance and a Tavern (beer, cider and wine) organized by the Friends of Old Fort Niagara.

Sunday morning was spent in battalion drill, led by Sjt. Maj Wardle and Adjutant Pinn of the CFNA.  As part of an ongoing project to coordinate and enhance the drill of CFNA member units, we were introduced to new maneuvers.

The Sunday afternoon battle was held around the main fort.  It was a reenactment of the British assault to capture Ft. Niagara in the War of 1812.  The spectators could stand on a portion of the parapet that allowed for a panoramic view of the battle scenario.

 The Rifles, in combination with the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles, performed skirmish and light infantry duties for the British battalion.  We attacked an outlying ravelin and captured the American defenders.  Then General Craig Williams shouted, “Rifles follow me”, and rushed for the main gate to the fort.  We pushed open the heavy gates and raced through the Sally Port to attack the American garrison on the parade ground.  Riflemen were the first of the forlorn hope to reach the fort parade ground.  The successful assault on the fort concluded an hour-long battle to secure the fort for the Crown.

Riflemen in attendance for this event were, Dan Cripps, Bill Goumas and Jim Tate.  We were combined with the Canadian Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles for this event.  This is the same group we worked with at Ft. George in June.  The Friends of Old Fort Niagara provided a sumptuous breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.  We had a company mess for Dinner and Supper meals.  The event organizers provided wood, water, porta-johns, ice and trash pickup through the weekend.  The British camp layout was convenient to all activities and to Sutlers Row.  The weather for the weekend was clear, sunny with a lake breeze.  It couldn’t have been a better weekend.

 Fort Niagara was first built by the French in 1679 and expanded through the French and Indian War and the War of 1812.  It served as a U.S. Army artillery post past the end of World War II.  The site is beautifully maintained by the New York Parks Authority as “Old Fort Niagara” (OFN).  We were very well treated throughout the weekend.  More information can be found on the web site www.oldfortniagara.org.

 Respectfully Submitted,

James Tate, Serjeant

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

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

French Azilum is a French word for “Asylum”.  In 1793 a group of Frenchmen and their families traveled to America to escape the Revolutionary “Reign of Terror”.  They met a land developer who sold them land in north-central Pennsylvania (it was still Indian country!).  The French settlers quickly established a community. They built homes and cultivated prosperous farms for next ten years.  In 1803, Napoleon offered an amnesty program for any Frenchmen wishing to return to France.  Many of the French immigrants at the Asylum sold their farms and returned to France.

The site is a beautiful, pastoral setting with a grand farm house, several period buildings and a visitor center with an introductory video.  However, Bradford County, Pennsylvania is a GPS-challenged county.  The wandering adventures of several of our members made for hilarious campfire conversation.  Attending this event were John Dittamo, Bill Goumas, Jim Tate and Rich Miller.  We shared a mess arrangement with the six members of the 88^th Foot for the weekend.

This was a small event (it was a first-time event for the Brigade Napoleon) with British infantry and French light cavalry in attendance.  Although we had no battle scenarios, we had several drill demonstrations that elicited comments and interaction with the spectators.  It also gave the British infantry contingent the opportunity for both close-order and light infantry exercises.  A local English Country Dance troupe held dance demonstrations on Sunday afternoon.

The site had an excellent set of fields for demonstrations.  In the future this site would be a good location for battle scenarios, both infantry and cavalry.   There was a riverside nature trail that could be adapted for a “combat course”.

Submitted,

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