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A Redcoat at WAR
Tuesday, 7 May 2024
Thursday, 8 November 2018
Monday, 23 February 2015
Fort Klapperkop.
Visiting
Fort Klapperkop.
Fort Klapperkop is one of four
fortifications that were built prior to the out break of hostilities between
the Boer people of the OFS, Transvaal and the British Empire.
The Fort is situated on a hill south of
Pretoria it faces towards Johannesburg with a commanding view of the
surrounding countryside. To my surprise I was expecting to find the area dry
and the vegetation brown as have
previous visits to the area, however this visit fell between the winter and the
South African summer, typically spring time in the UK.
This was my first experience of how green
it can get here, previous visits have been made during the hot and dry season.
There had been in fact quite a bit of rain
over the past few days and the area was quite obviously very green but quite
cold at night and fresh first thin in the morning. The soil, rocks and dirt
here are a reddish brown something one should consider if wanting to build
terrain for any South African Wars.
History
of the Forts.
Worried about the increasing tension and
possible conflict with the British the Zuid
Afrkaanche Republiek (ZAR) government took the decision to fortify Pretoria
to protect the nations capital.
Owing to the politics of empire and
expansion the Cape Colony Government egged on by Cecil Rhodes who wanted to
gain control of the two Boer states, owing to their rich deposits of gold and
diamonds found within each Boer Republic.
The Jamison raid of 1895-96 and the finding
of a detailed spy map of Pretoria alerted the ZAR government of the
inevitability of war with Britain. The threat to the Boer republic and the
descent of Uitlanders caused a plan of miltarisation and want of modern
arms, these were ordered and plans were established for the defence of the Boer
lands.
A French military engineer Leon Grunberg
who had previously served in the French Army as an artillery officer was
commissioned to draw up plans for the defence of Pretoria. Eight sites were
identified for the building of a ring of forts strategically placed around these
eight hills which surrounded the capital.
These sites were of strategic value and his
suggestion that each be built with revolving dome towers with each equipped
with a heavy artillery gun. The eight places were Klapperkop, Schanskop,
Kwaggaspoort, Daspoortrand (West), Magaliesberg West, Wonderbommpoort,
Derdepoort and Strubenkop, with these places erected Pretoria would have been
turned into a virtually impregnable fortified town.
Redcoat 37th.
Redcoat 37th.
Monday, 16 February 2015
Boer War's.
It was
during a visit to Pretoria that rekindled my interest in the Boer War(s),the
visit was at the time of year the climate around Pretoria is rather chilly at
night and a little wet with sporadic rain showers, the countryside was a very
green colour and not the red brown with light brown dryed foliage and grass as
witnessed in previous visits, the season being the end of the South African
winter.
The plan now
was to dig out my Boer War collection, I have figures for the Cape (Kaffir) War’s,
Transvaal War and the Anglo Boer War, a while back I did dig out my Foundry
collection for the Anglo Boer War, all un-painted.
I have now
added more to the Boer War lead pile, I also added some DvD's to give me some
inspiration, Breaker Morant, Young Winston and a documentary or two, there is
another Boer War film "Torn Allegiance" which came out in the early
1980's was what I remember a reasonable effort with Carla Lanes
"Bread" Adrian as one of the main characters, this can only be found
on video from the United States.
There is
also "The Boer War" worth watching on YouTube, this a BBC's Boer War
documentary has been seeded in five segments, however part 1 appears to be missing.
There is also the Channel 4 documentary on YouTube in 4 parts, again worth a watch.
I am
foremost a keen American Revolutionary War student and there are some parallels
that can be highlighted that show the Boer War(s) and the American War of
Independence being somewhat similar with blockhouses used as defensive
positions, fortified hills and redoubts, the British under siege, marksman, farmers,
citizens and a few regulars namely the ZARP and Staats Artillery standing
against the might of the Empire and her “redcoated” regulars.
There are
two distinct periods when the Imperialist Crown became embroiled with a
slogging match with these up-start farmers, for the first conflict it was about
Empire for the British and Independence for the Boer.
The second
round of hostilities was mainly about wealth and controlling the share of wealth
as natural minerals and precious metals were rich within the two Boer
Republics, again Empire was also in the background, for the Boer it was always
about Independence, in both wars the Boer would give a good account of himself
and forced Britain to the negotiation table on both accounts, the Boer was able
to inflict some damage on the armies of the Queen, un-like the Patriot of the
rebellion who required foreign military assistance, the Boer was able sustain
an aggressive stance on his own.
There were
various conflicts leading up to the first Boer War, or the Transvaal War which
was fought between 1880-1881 culminating
in the defeat of the Colley's Natal Field Force atop Majuba Hill, the other
being much larger, this the "The Anglo Boer War" which dragged on
from 1899-1902, you can also look to the earlier South African conflicts, the
Cape Wars, Zulu War and there was hostility between Boer and Britain (between
1830 – 1840’s), seek information on the Great Trek and the siege of Durban as
well as the Battle of Bloomplaats.
Redcoat 37th.
Monday, 1 December 2014
Part1. The 37th Foot, a typical line regiment of the American Revolution.
The
37th Foot started life around 1701 and was first known as Meredith’s
Regiment, raised in Ireland by a Thomas Meredith they served under the Duke of
Marlborough during the wars of Spanish Succession, there were early battle
honours awarded to the regiment including the great battles of Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde,
Malplaquet.
During the
mid 18th century the 37th were now “Munros”, the regiment
again found itself fighting on the continent this time during the war of
Austrian succession, they were at the battle of Dettington fought on 27th
June 1743. Munro’s Regiment
returned to England and was placed under the command of General Henry Hawley in
Scotland, fighting at Falkirk in what was a defeat for the Kings army. They
were then again back under the command of the Duke of Cumberland, this army fought
at Culloden during the end phase of the “45”
Jacobite rebellion, it was during Culloden that the regiment was heavily
involved taking the brunt of the highland charge along with Barrells Regiment in
what was the last land battle to be fought in the United Kingdom, the defeat
was that of the army of Charles Edward Stewart “The Young Pretender” and his
Jacobite highland clansmen.
In 1747
Munro’s were back with Cumberland on the continent taking up where they left of
in the Austrian War of Succession, the regiment is listed as being at the
Battle of Lauffeldt 2nd July where Cumberland lost to a French Army.
In the year 1751 the British Army established the numbering system of its line
and cavalry regiments which was to serve them for around 150 years, Munro’s was
designated 37 in the line establishment, now His Majesties 37th
Regiment of Foot settled into a peaceful existence, however further trouble
with the French was only a few years away.
During
the Seven Years War the 37th served in Europe, 1759 the regiment was
in action at the Battle of Minden as one of six battalions of British Infantry they
advanced in line, for this was the first time British Infantry attacked massed
squadrons of French cavalry, this action became a victorious win over the despicable
and dastardly French, however it came at a cost 15
officers and 231 men were killed and wounded at the battle of Minden.
The Regiment wears a rose in its head-dress each year to commemorate the victory, “The Minden Rose” is in memory of those infantrymen who were supposed to have picked roses as they returned from the battle, there is some dispute over this as some argue that they fixed roses to their hats before the battle, either way it became the regiments tradition to do so on the anniversary of the battle on the 1st August each year. The ‘Hampshire’ rose which forms part of the Hampshire Regiments cap badge actually commemorates the rose awarded to the trained bands of Hampshire who fought so valiantly for King Henry V at Agincourt in 1415, the 37th were destined to be associated to Hampshire during further army reforms.
The Regiment wears a rose in its head-dress each year to commemorate the victory, “The Minden Rose” is in memory of those infantrymen who were supposed to have picked roses as they returned from the battle, there is some dispute over this as some argue that they fixed roses to their hats before the battle, either way it became the regiments tradition to do so on the anniversary of the battle on the 1st August each year. The ‘Hampshire’ rose which forms part of the Hampshire Regiments cap badge actually commemorates the rose awarded to the trained bands of Hampshire who fought so valiantly for King Henry V at Agincourt in 1415, the 37th were destined to be associated to Hampshire during further army reforms.
At
the outbreak of the American War of 1775 the 37th Foot were part of
the British garrison in Ireland, they were quartered in Dublin, previously the
37th had been at Fort George near to Inverness Scotland under their
Colonel Sir
Eyre Coote, the 37th were under orders to police the highlands, Fort
George was built as a direct result of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.
Sir
Eyre Coote also commanded the fort during the 37th’s 1773 posting, the
Lt Colonel of the 37th at the time was a John Pennington
who had entered the army in 1756, finally rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel
of the 37th regiment of foot by 1773. Pennington eventually retired from
military service later in the 1770s to pursue a political career, he gained a
seat in parliament as member for Milbourne Port in 1781, Major Brewse was also
of the 37th and served with the regiment as adjutant at Fort George,
he would later see service in the American War, this Revolution or fight for
independence was perceived as out-right rebellion to His Majesty King George
III.
Col.T
Townsend’s Orders to the Light Infantry in Ireland, with some comments by Christian Cameron
Rules and Orders for the Discipline of the Light Infantry Companies
in His Majesty’s Army in Ireland, 1772
in His Majesty’s Army in Ireland, 1772
The Light Infantry Companies are always to be drawn up two deep with a
space of two feet between the files. Marching in a wood upon any service of a
secret nature, they are to be taught to lower their arms in two motions and
carry them in a diagonal position, with their hands on the swell of the
firelock; and they are to shoulder in three motions.
They are to perform all Evolutions by Files and never to wheel any part
of the circle by platoons or subdivisions much less by a larger body.
When marching through a wood or any strong country by Files and ordered
to form a front to the left, the right hand file is to face to the left and the
others to run up briskly and dress by it. If to form a front to the right, the
right hand file is to face to the right and the other files are to form briskly
to the right of it; and then the rear rank of the detachment becomes the front,
when a few files are formed the Commanding Officer is to order an Irregular
Fire to begin, and to continue until the signal shall be given for ceasing.
It is to be particularly observed that each file has an entire
dependence upon itself and that the firelocks of the front and rear men are
never to be unloaded at the same time.
When the
front rank man fires, the rear rank man is to make ready and step up briskly
before his comrade, but is by no means to discharge his firelock until the
other has loaded, and then he is to step briskly before the rear rank man, and
this method to be followed until a signal shall be given for ceasing to fire.
This mutual defense and confidence is one of the most essential principles of
Light Infantry.
The men when in a wood are to be taught to cover themselves with trees
by placing the right foot about six inches behind the left, and presenting to
the right of the tree, and after firing to step back two paces and give room to
the rear rank man to come up to the same tree and to fire alternatively,
according to the directions before mentioned.
All officers commanding companies, or any body of Light Infantry, are to
fix upon signals for extending their front to the right or to the left, or to
both flanks, or to close to the center, to retire, or to advance, and these
signals must be made by a loud whistle, a posting horn, or some other
instrument capable of conveying a sufficient sound to be heard at considerable
distance, and the stoutest of the Drummers is to be taught to sound these
instruments by directions from the commanding officer, who is to give the
strictest orders to the men to be silent and attentive without which it is
scarce possible that any action in a wood can be successful.
Tho’ the posting of guards depends on the ground yet in general,
officers who command Light Infantry must never place their outposts at to great
a distance from the main body. If it should be necessary to occupy an height,
which commands the country, care must be taken to post other guards near to the
most advanced, which may aid its retreat.
When a corps of Light Infantry is composed of Companies from different
regiments they must do duty by companies with their own officers, and as double
sentries are always to be posted, the file must mount together; to be relieved
every hour; messes are to consist of a non-commissioned officer and three file
and where it is necessary to detach a corporal’s command the men are to go
together.
The Light Infantry must also be taught to take advantage of large
stones, broken enclosures, old houses, or any strong feature which presents
itself upon the face of a country. But they must take particular care not to
run in crowds to these objects.
When a corps of Light Infantry shall be employed in this kingdom a small
wagon loaded with intrenching tools will be ordered to attend it, and the
officers are therefore to make themselves acquainted with the usual method of
constructing redans, square redoubts, and other parts of field fortification,
likewise the manner of felling and freizing trees for making abattis d’arbres
and to turn their thoughts upon fortifying church yards and making crenaeaus in
houses.
When there is appearance of service the men must be instructed in the
Use of Intrenching tools and to make Fascines and Gabeons of different sizes.
The Light Infantry must be careful not to fall into Ambushes when they
are marching through a wood or any inclosed Country and care must be taken to
advance a Guard, and to detach flanking parties, the flanking parties to march
in front and the files to move at a distance of ten yards from each other; when
either of these parties shall discover an enemy, they are not to run into the
main body, but to take posts immediately and begin an attack according to the
directions before mentioned, and the Commanding Officer is to form his
detachment to the flank that is attacked and is to support his party by sending
a few men under the command of a Subaltern officer, and to repeat this
reinforcement as frequently as the Exigency of the Case may require. He is also
to be very careful that the men do not crowd, and that the enemy do not turn
his flank; when there is any likelihood of that being the case he must order a
signal to be sounded for extending the front. If he should command a
considerable corps he should keep a small reserve disengaged as long as
possible.
The success of any Engagement in a Wood or Strong Country depends upon
the coolness and presence of mind of the commanding officer, and the silence
and obedience of the men fully as much as upon their bravery.
The Light Infantry are to be taught to fire at marks, and each soldier
is to find out the proper measure of powder for his firelock and make up his
cartridges accordingly.
The Arms of each Soldier should always be kept in good order, But the
Light Infantryman in particular, must not neglect his arms, his ammunition or
throw away his fire, as his existence may depend on a single shot’s taking
place. The Light Infantry must consider that the service upon which they are
likely to be employed is very different from that of Heavy troops, the former
being always to engage in open order and the attack may frequently become
personal between man and man. It is therefore necessary to be particular in
selecting men for this service not only of activity and bodily strength but
also of some experience and approved spirit.
Each man must have a sufficient number of cartridges made up, but as it
may be necessary to have recourse to the horn, the men are to be taught to load
from it. Every part of the accoutrements must be kept in constant repair, the
Tomahawks sharp, and fit for use. The Hatchet men of the Light Infantry
companies must be able, Active men and they should know how to make use of
their axes.
When a considerable corps of Light Infantry is to march through a wood
or Inclosed country that can admit of it, the Commanding Officer may order it
to move from the right or left of companies by files; the companies are them to
march in parallel lines, but the flanking companies must march in front and
form flanking parties.
An Officer Commanding a Corps of Light Infantry and marching thro’ an
open country may shorten his line of march, or move them in whatever manner he
may think best.
Should any of the enemy’s Cavalry appear near a Corps of Light Infantry
they must endeavor to retire to a wood or some strong ground, in good order and
with a firm countenance. But if that cannot be affected they must disperse by
files at considerable distances from one another, fix their bayonets, take
great care not to throw away their fire until they are sure that a shot will
take place, still endeavoring to gain a hedge, Broken House, Ravin, Wood or
Large Stone. Cavalry seldom attacks infantry in this dispersed situation if the
men are resolute and determined not to throw away their fire, and the files are
attentive to the directions before given.
The Light Infantry Companies are to practice Marching very frequently in
quarters.
Besides what is before directed the Light Infantry Companies are to be
instructed in the Manual and every other Evolution which the Battalion may be
ordered to perform.
And Officers Commanding Regiments may employ the Light Infantry Company
in the manner which will appear to them most proper, for the safety and
protection of the Battalion whether upon a march or in the Field. And We do
hereby direct and require the Commander in Chief of his Majesties Forces in
this Kingdom to cause these Rules and Orders to be Duly Observed and executed
and he is to direct the Adjutant General to send Copies thereof to the General
Officers upon the staff and to the Commanding Officer of every Regiment of Foot
upon this establishment.
Given &c. the 15th Day of May 1772
Friday, 12 April 2013
Black Tree Design - Part.1
Funny how it goes! We were talking about the Zulu War and what we would have to do to have a go at raising forces for the Natal, it was then I remembered that I have some of the old Harlequin range, raising Zulu’s would be expensive and I wanted to cover the 1st Boer War or Transvaal War, I thought about treading water with the Zulu conflict to see if the others would actually commit to the Zulu period.
Dug out the Harlequin figures and set about a search for additional items to add to what I have, Harlequins are now Black Tree Design (BTD), being some years ago that I originally purchased these I was somewhat cautious about worn moulds and poor figures.
So with the 32 British and 19 Boers sat ready on the painting table and armed with 35% discount offer I hit the Black Tree website and ordered up some of the aforementioned two nation’s.
The order came very promptly from BTD, as for the figures the years have been good to them as they matched in very well with the originals, yes there is a problem with the British and the service helmets but with a file and some head swaps this is pretty easy to resolve.
I like the BTD range and plan on adding to it, hence another order has just been sent for more British forces, these will be the last for a while from Black Tree.
Now I am at a fork in the road........... I want to vary and add to the period!
Redoubt Enterprises Zulu Wars range is extensive but posses are limited, their figures are somewhat larger than BTD.
Empress Miniatures range I believe are somewhat smaller than BTD’s.
Having searched on the web I see some mix all the above into the Zulu War cooking pot, I cannot make up my mind where to go on this, I think I might wait until Salute and take a look in the flesh.
Col.T
Dug out the Harlequin figures and set about a search for additional items to add to what I have, Harlequins are now Black Tree Design (BTD), being some years ago that I originally purchased these I was somewhat cautious about worn moulds and poor figures.
So with the 32 British and 19 Boers sat ready on the painting table and armed with 35% discount offer I hit the Black Tree website and ordered up some of the aforementioned two nation’s.
The order came very promptly from BTD, as for the figures the years have been good to them as they matched in very well with the originals, yes there is a problem with the British and the service helmets but with a file and some head swaps this is pretty easy to resolve.
I like the BTD range and plan on adding to it, hence another order has just been sent for more British forces, these will be the last for a while from Black Tree.
Now I am at a fork in the road........... I want to vary and add to the period!
Redoubt Enterprises Zulu Wars range is extensive but posses are limited, their figures are somewhat larger than BTD.
Empress Miniatures range I believe are somewhat smaller than BTD’s.
Having searched on the web I see some mix all the above into the Zulu War cooking pot, I cannot make up my mind where to go on this, I think I might wait until Salute and take a look in the flesh.
Col.T
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