©2004 Nova Scotia Coy 84th RHE's; Maynot Be Reproduced
About The Recreated
5th Company, 1st Battalion
~ 84th RoF ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS ~
Who We Are:
The 84th Regiment of Foot, the Royal Highland Emigrants, is an authentically recreated living history group that portrays the 5th Company, 1st Battalion of the 84th RHE's on campaign; raiding deep into the Mohawk Valley during the Rebellion of the Colonies more commonly refered to as the American Revolution.
Our company is comprised of men-at-arms as well as women and children who serve as Campfollowers & Refugees.
Great emphasis is placed on authenticity of clothing and behavior, and our members may also re-create trades and crafts of the 18th century. One aspect of life in the 18th century that continues today is the preparation of food.
The 5th Coy 1st Bn 84th RoF RHE's attend events that recreate the times & lives of the common soldier of the American Revolution, which may include (but is not limited to) living history encampments, tactical field demonstrations or other special 18th century commemorations.
Another high priority for the 5th Coy 1st Bn; in that we portray Scottish Highland soldiers (& many of us are of Scottish descent); is to attend regional Highland Games as a unit, the 5th Coy 1st Bn being sponsored at these events by the Clan Mackay Society of the USA (Washington State Branch).
Who Can Join?:
As members of the Brigade of the American Revolution (BAR) & because the events we attend on the westcoast are either BAR sponsored or follow BAR style guidelines, we must adhere to the guidelines as set forth by the BAR. These *may* include:
a) Minimum age for portraying a Man-At-Arms is 16 yrs of age. If an individual younger than 16 yrs of age wishes to join the 5th Coy 1st Bn, they need a parent or another adult member within the unit to be legally responsible for them. (Musicians maybe 14 yrs of age or older, but the above regarding guardianship still applies).
b) Women & children are not allowed to portray a military role (i.e. "cross-dressing" as men or fielding with muskets/rifles, etc). 5th Coy 1st Bn family members are however welcomed and encouraged to join as Campfollowers & Refugees.
5th Coy 1st Bn Requirements:
Membership:
Recruits for the 5th Coy 1st Bn 84th RoF RHE's may NOT be a member of any other Revolutionary War period reenactment group, and upon joining the 5th Coy 1st Bn, must submit a letter of resignation to the commanding officer of any such groups that they are currently a member of. This helps the 5th Coy 1st Bn to maintain the standard of quality for which it is known. This restriction does NOT apply to other time periods such as Civil War, French & Indian War, etc. nor does it apply to those who from time to time must reenact other regiments of the Revolutionary War period as part of their job descriptions for historic or educational sites such as Colonial Williamsburg, National Park Service, etc.
This requirement also does not extend to those individuals who are bestowed the title of Honourary Membership in the 5th Coy 1st Bn.
(note: Honourary Membership is a position that CANNOT be petitioned for by the individual, but is bestowed upon said individual by a consensus of the 5th Coy 1st Bn. Holders of honourary titles are exempt from dues or mandatory events, but have no company voting rights & must maintain the 5th Coy 1st Bn's authenticity guidelines & the quality of its impressions).
Physical Fitness:
Because the kind of activity we, as a unit, engage in & the clothing we wear can become oppressively hot, uncomfortable, & in some cases even dangerous; members should be in good physical shape, and should *not* be overweight (besides being a health issue it is not historically correct to have grossly overweight Highlanders running around on the battlefield). A slight paunch is okay, we'll work it off of you!
Hairstyles:
We realize that the modern work-world reality limits most from having 18th century hairstyles, & because the kind of activity we, as a unit, engage in makes wearing a historically-correct wig oppressively hot, uncomfortable, & in some cases even dangerous; most basic short hairstyles (& some long) are acceptable & length is left up to the individual member. We do require a natural hair color; *NO* outrages hairstyles &/or dye jobs allowed (example: spiked purple mohawks).
Uniforms:
Since the 5th Coy's primary impression is that of a small scouting / raiding party on campaign in the Fall of 1779, our basic uniform will conform to the following standard (there maybe some variation, i.e. no leggings, when doing a garrison impression):
Regt'l Coat with lace and buttons
Bonnet, bearskin tuft, badge, and company cockade
Black Neck Stock (horsehair or linen)
White Wool Waistcoat w/ regt'l buttons, company pattern
White Shirt, no ruffles
Plaid, gov't sett
Small Kilt, gov't sett, for scenerios involving heavy brush/ work detail
Raccoon Purse (sporran), regt'l pattern
Hose, company pattern
Red garters
Leggings, brown wool tube-style reaching "up near crotch"
Shoes w/ plain brass oval buckles, company pattern
Moccasins, plain Eastern Woodland (center seam) pattern (optional)
Haversack, regt'l pattern
Goatskin Knapsack, company pattern
Waist belt, black with plain open buckle
Belly box, regt'l pattern
Side box, company pattern
Bayonet, bayonet scabbard, and frog
Baskethilt Broad or Back Sword (Black Watch pattern)
Black leather sword scabbard, sling, and regt'l brass (by company)
Brown Bess Musket (1742 / 1756 / or Marine-Militia models; 1st-2nd Land)
Musket Sling, black and brass buckle
Plain Dirk, company pattern
Kidney Canteen w/ white cord or strap, company pattern
Sleeved Waistcoat, plain madder red, for closed tacticals only (optional)