Number 3 Martello Tower, standing high on the East Cliffs of Folkestone, provided one of the most impressive back drops for an NA event. Spectacular views from the cliff tops across the channel caused, on more than one occasion, a few glances towards the horizon in expectation of a threatening invasion fleet. OK so it isn't often that the two opposing forces meet on a golf course, but the undulating terrain, which created a great spectator arena , provided the opportunity for a diverse and at times, somewhat creative application of military tactics.
This spectacular weekend, promoted by the Shepway District council, brought a good turnout from NA units with impressive support from The Kings German Legion. More of them later.
The custodians of Tower 3 are the Folkestone Heritage research group and it is because of the stirring work of their chairman Andy Mullen, secretary Anne Guston and their dedicated helpers that the Tower is kept in such excellent condition and the exhibition of such great quality during the event. It was well worth the look around. They must also take credit for the help given to many of the NA units getting together some of the drills , displays and forays into the town.
Back at East Cliff
Back at the East Cliff , the KGL had arrived in force. Having spent the majority of the previous week marching virtually the entire length of the Royal military Canal in commemoration of their original posting in the Sussex area and surviving the vandalism to one of their support vehicles, which left it one morning balanced on bricks minus all 4 wheels (Not the best welcome for our overseas guests). However, having typically overcome this little local difficulty , they set up an impressive and well organised camp alongside the 95th , 60th rifles and 71st highlanders , creating a really strong and truly international light division. Mind you waking up the whole of Folkestone with a 6.00 am reveille on Saturday (beautifully played though it may have been) was a bit much.
The battle ebbed and flowed , at the far side of the field the cavalry kept up their own private war as they moved backwards and forwards across the limited ground at their disposal. The French artillery doing most of the damage helped bring the battle to its final conclusion as the British colours were rescued and taken to the rear by the Hussars.
On Sunday the crowds were even greater (The organisers estimated that some 5000 people watched the 2 battles ) and the battle scenario, loosely based on the retreat from Quatre Bras as the Allied forces withdrew across the field , the rearguard held the French at bay until the reorganised and numerically superior Allies drove the French into the sea (Figuratively speaking that is)
The Earwigs? Anyone living in the period camp was still shaking them out of bedding and baggage days after the event. The verdict from everyone? - a great event, which, despite the unusual terrain produced a great feeling of Esprit de corps.
The Martello Towers were built in strategic locations along the coast in readiness for Napoleons invasion. Based on the design of a Tower at Mortella Point in Corsica, 133 of them were built between 1805 and 1812. Of these 43 remain today.
As the camp slowly came to life, it soon became clear what an excellent turnout there was and it was not long before the public began to drift through the period camp. There was still a lot of last minute tent pitching to be done but it was not long before the staff meeting on the golf course to plan the afternoons tactics took place. The displays met with great enthusiasm, in particular the skill at arms by the 15th Hussars proved a great crowd pleaser despite the difficult terrain.
Saturday evening saw a great congregation at the harbour side Ship Inn where the Guards great Morris dancing "Challenge" started with their own impressive demonstration. Reacting to this the 15th in typical cavalry style decided the answer was to treat the sticks as sabres, the 95th rifles decided to get their own back by assaulting their commanding officer. Thankfully the fast deteriorating proceedings were brought to an end as we trooped back to the pub for the more traditional drinking and singing.
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