2006 Williamsburg

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One of the highlights of the reenactment calendar is the chance to occupy historic colonial Williamsburg and provide security and reassurances for citizens loyal to the British rule crown. Added significance to this year's event was the fact that the day we stepped into the town was exactly 225 years to the day General Cornwallis marched his troops into the city on their way to Yorktown from the Carolinas.

Historically, the entire army would not be brought into a city for occupation, but rather a small force to maintain control and order over the populace while the remainder of the army would be camped outside of the city limits. With this in mind, the 4th Coy portrayed a part of the Provost Guard that would have briefly occupied Williamsburg 225 years ago. Carrying extra equipment with our uniforms dirty and faces showing the effects of a long, hard march, 4th Coy marched into the city to restore order, just as our unit's forebears would have. Slowly, and with the support of elements from the 17th Dragoons, Tarlton's Legion, as well as the 5th, 33rd, 40th, and 42nd Regiments, we made our way to the Capitol building to take down the American flag and put up the British flag. 4th Coy made their way back to the Courthouse to await the arrival of the rest of the army and the baggage to set up tents.

At this point, the weather decided not to cooperate and the skies opened up. Two hours of rain and lightening, including lightening striking a tree just thirty yards away from two groups of guardsmen, caused a cancellation of the rest of the afternoon's events and a sizeable amount of equipment maintenance in the evening.

Saturday morning, 4th Coy formed on the green behind the Courthouse and was informed that they would have afternoon guard duty. As this is also the time of the now annual firing competition, it also meant that we would be firing on Sunday. Since an idle Guardsman is of no use to the King, the morning free time was used to drill and prepare for the firing competition. After a reasonable amount of drill, the men were given their leave until the afternoon guard duty.

Guard duty for 4th Coy consisted of standing watch over the Courthouse and the west end of Duke of Glouster street, escorting prisoners, and executing all other duties assigned. The orders were to ensure that the citizenry remain safe from rebel influences, and to prevent mischief. Patrols were sent out on the streets and suspicious citizens were searched for contraband. After a successful afternoon, the Guards retired to their lodgings for an evening of cleaning and fellowship.

Sunday promised to be a busy one as 4th Coy drew morning guard duty (similar to Saturday's duties) and was slated to compete in the afternoon firing competition. What free time to be had was spent drilling to ensure that 4th Coy defended their championship. This year's firing competition was slightly different that in previous years...instead of each company firing individually with someone from the crowd timing the evolution, all three companies in competition were to compete simultaneously. The evolution consisted of recovering grounded weapons, marching to a point on the green, firing three volleys, fixing bayonets, and charging bayonets. In addition to the timed aspect of the competition, there was to be "people's choice" award, decided by applause from the crowd. 4th Coy burned through the competition, easily getting off all three volleys charging bayonets before our competition. A decent first volley was followed by a sub-standard second volley, which was far overshadowed by a thunderous third volley. The crowd agreed by applause, giving 4th Coy a clean sweep.

A few moments of rest were all 4th Coy was given before the final formation of the event. The Guards led the Crown forces through the streets of colonial Williamsburg and out of town, on our way to Yorktown.

Blanket Rolls and Muskets Guardsmen Under the Tree 1st Guardsmen Relaxing Under the Tree An Officer's Wife Guardsman and His Kids Guardsman and His Wife More Relaxing Under the Tree 4th Coy's First 3rd Guardsman Guardsmen Outside of the Courthouse Scene Outside of the Guardshouse Bringing in a Prisoner Guardsman and Drummer Outside the Guardshouse Group of Prisoners Changing of Guard Outside the Courthouse Prisoner Outside the Courthouse Changing of Guard Outside the Magazine Guardsman and Officer Outside Guardhouse Hessians Guarding the Street Composite Company in Formation Provost Guard Relief Formation Marching 4th Coy Guard Relief Preparing for Formation 4th Coy Campfollowers Relaxing Before Formation Firing Competition Formation Taking our Proper Distance Present Before Firing Yelling Volley Fire Receiving Firing Competition Award Provost Guard Formation with General Cornwallis Marching Down Duke of Glouster Street 40th Marching Town Major 4th Coy at Halt Dragoon 33rd Marching Highlanders Marching Loyal Militia Marching A Loyal Musician

For additional pictures from Under the Redcoat and the 4th Coy in action, please visit these sites -
I Heart Vanilla Pesto Flickr photo stream (4th Coy 1 2) 42nd Foot - Under the Redcoat Photo Page
His Majesty's 17th Regiment of Infantry, Captain Robert Clayton's Company