Project:52 – Week 32

This was my fourth time attending the annual reenactment of the Siege of Fort Erie, it was probably one of the best I have been to yet! All the forces both Crown and US were in top shape this year, plus the sheer number of people watching and those marching was spectacular. Historically the events that lead up to the siege started on July 3rd 1814 when American Forces captured the fort from British Defenders. But it wasn’t until August 13th, 1814 that British forces under General Drummond opened fire. However it was his night attempt at taking back the fort that forced a failure. British Troops were able to make it into the Fort but when the powder magazine exploded they were forced to retreat. The Siege was lifted on September 16th, 1814 and American forces retreated from Fort Erie in November after demolishing most of the Fort. British forces returned but never rebuilt the fort abandoning it in 1821.

Project:52 - Week 32
One of two blockhouses in the Fort.

Project:52 - Week 32
The British Camp. For once I’d like to go to one of these events and get proper barrack space inside the fort.

Project:52 - Week 32
My wonderful host unit, 7th/60th Regiment of Foot.

Project:52 - Week 32
Some downtime.

Project:52 - Week 32
The British Lines open up

Project:52 - Week 32
The Americans!

Project:52 - Week 32
I see what you did there.

Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 80-160mm 1:4.5 – Kodak Tri-X Pan (TXP)

Fort Erie 2011

It’s that time of year again to reenact the battle and camp out at Canada’s Bloodiest battlefield. Both US and Crown Forces were in top shape this year! Featured this post is the Fighting 60th, or rather 7th Battalion 60th Royal American Regiment of Foot, No. 6 Company. The 7th Battalion was formed of mostly German POWs who had been forced to fight for Napoleon over in Europe, but rather than languish in jail the British formed them into a unit specializing in light infantry tactics. The 7th Battalion No. 6 Company wore the rifle green of a rifle unit, however they were armed with smooth bore musket (New Land Pattern Light Infantry Muskets), in the 7th Battalion only the No 1 and No 10 flank companies were armed with the Baker Rifle.

The 60th Takes Position

Skirmish Order

Prime and Load

The 60th is Ready

Dramatic Death

Always Shooting

The 60th Fires!

Historically the 7th/60th never fought at Fort Erie, they served mostly in Nova Scotia and in Maine during the War of 1812. But Erie is always a big event. And green is much sexier than red.

Celer et Audax