2007 Williamsburg

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One of the highlights of the reenactment schedule is the annual Under the Redcoat event in Colonial Williamsburg. In the past, the late June date has meant high heat with equally high humidity, but this year's weather was positively pleasant compared to the past.

As always, members of 4th Coy met at the Williamsburg Fife and Drum building late Friday afternoon to participate in the initial walk-in and taking of the Capitol. Uniforms unwashed, faces unkempt, but muskets refulgent, guardsmen escorted the cavalry into the city and provided security while the Capitol Building was secured and the Crown's colors were raised. In a twist, the company immediately took guard duty at one end of Duke of Glouster Street. While unexpected, it did provide the first contact with the local populace (ie, tourists), who were more than willing to approach with questions. One of the best parts of the event is this interaction and opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn more about the time period. After being on duty for a part of the afternoon, 4th Coy was relieved by soldiers from the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers and were able to retire to the shade and await the baggage train with the tents and bell of arms.

Saturday was a full day of guard duty, drill, and the firing competition. The pleasant weather allowed much more drill than in previous year's, which was needed in leading up to the firing competition. This year, the firing competition consisted of a head-to-head rapid firing competition with the first round fired as a battalion and then the individual units firing at will for an additional four rounds (five rounds total). 4th Coy defended last year's title by a slight margin over the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment.

4th Coy drew the first guard mount Sunday morning, leaving the rest of the day for company drill and striking camp in time for the evening formation. As always, a game between the Crown forces and a volunteer opposition force went on through the weekend. The opposition was given certain objectives to accomplish, with the provost guard in place to prevent these objectives from being met. Compliments should be paid to this year's opposition, who were much more effective than in the past. They really took things to the next level and the Crown forces will have to be more vigilant in the coming year's to keep pace.