Reports from the Field
Reenactment Overview
Fishguard and Burpham (Guildford)
by Ed Parker
Colour Photos © by Paul Chamberlain
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Rare Breeds at Guildford
A childrens zoo and rare breeds animal centre may at first sight appear to have been an unusual choice for a living history weekend. But the excellent facilities provided for both visitors and combatants combined with some really good ground alongside the River Wey gave the units the opportunity to put together a really entertaining and enjoyable weekend. The absence of Artillery (we couldn't disturb the rare animals after all) did not spoil it a bit. On both Saturday and Sunday the period camp was the height of activity, the 95th and 60th Rifles in particular really got into the swing of things. Sick parade was followed by the court martial and eventual execution of the thief of the colonels wine goblett. One of the highlights of the public shows was the skill at arms and tent pegging demonstration by John Dudeney and Bernie Barker of the Chasseurs. John, the first ever civilian to compete in the UK military mounted skill at arms competition last year where he was well placed, and Bernie thrilled an appreciative audience with their well tuned skills. We'll take a closer look at them in a future issue of First Empire. In true NA tradition Saturday's storming of the redoubt by the French and their defeat of the British forces was avenged on Sunday when they were finally "anihilated" to a man. The whole weekend was watched by a highly motivated crowd who really got involved. We provided the biggest ever attendance the Park has ever experienced. Congratulations to you "Rare breeds" who supported the occasion.
1997 - 1997 the 200th anniverary of the last invasion of Britain. And the Napoleonic Association enjoying probably one of our most successful events ever. With so few people put off by the long journey the result was that we witnessed one of the best turn outs in the Association's history. - with nearly 500 taking the field. Every unit was represented and with our ranks boosted by other non NA regiments and many friends from overseas it was a memorable weekend - for many different reasons. The proceedings commenced on Friday evening at the Royal Oak where the British and French command met to re-enact the ill fated attempts by the French to negotiate a conditional surrender. Which, as we all know was met by a stern rebuffable from Lord Cawdor. The 1997 scene at the Royal Oak was truly memorable as the protaganists crammed into the tiny bar reconstructing the confrontation, jostled for space with the accompanying photographers and TV crews. The celebrations spilled over into the square and neighbouring bars and cafes as we set out to explore the Town. Saturday morning dawned fine and dry as the French and British Divisions went their separate ways to parade through the town and down to the beach to participate in the formal commemoration ceromonies and to salute the members of the Bicentennary committee who had organised Fishguard's year of celebration. Grateful and refreshed by the lunch provided for all, we were well set for the battle. And what an afternoon it was.
It's impossible to do justice in this space to a battle scenario that spread across the harbour, along the beaches, through the old town and covered the hills and fort above the bay. Watched by hundreds of spectators arranged across the hillside opposite the harbour and lining the roads and lanes it was a truly spectacular sight. Each of the various cameos that made up the engagement contributed to the overall effect. Creating a very genuine battle scenario. The incursions from the sea by the French, the meetings between the Chasseurs and British Cavalry on the hill top followed by the British horse attempting to help the heavy brigade's resistance in the Town. The skirmishing and volley firing in the the narrow streets of the town added to the realism. The attempts by the Rifles and Light Division to hold the fort, ending in typical fashion, perishing to a man. The barrage of artillery fire across the bay and pyrotechnics on the beaches and over the harbour all added to the cacophony of sound and colour. It didn't matter who won, for this was one of the NA's finest moments. Sunday morning, as always, got off to a slow start, and as we crawled out of our tents and sleeping accommodation the news of the death of the Princess of Wales began to filter through the camp. I think we shared with the rest of the Country the feelings of disbelief followed by shock as the news sunk in. We were all very aware of the irony of our presence in Wales at such a moment. All credit to the Organisers for making what must have been a difficult decision, that the show should go on. Despite the heavy overnight rain which unfortunately resulted in the cavalry being unable to particiate for fear of ruining the school playing fields, a full afternoon of displays was followed by an engagement on the field where the British divisions gained their revenge. The most abiding memory of which, was the extremely mobile British artillery "Battery" taking on the might of the Guard Imperial. "Make every shot count" was never more apt. I think everyone who attended Fishguard will have their own special memories. Mine include being ordered into the streets on horseback to assist the Heavy Brigade in the Town. Meeting for the first time our president David Chandler, the enthusiasm and hospitality of the people of Fishguard, the hundreds of little Welsh ladies all dressed the same to look like Jemima, the splendid work by our volunteer commentator Carol Brown who despite the Welsh damp in the vocal cords did a great job and the splendid turnout and support by our friends from overseas. But, and perhaps above all the lingering memory will be of the NA's tribute to the Princess. It is with some pride that I watched what was probably one of the first military tributes made in the Country. I have not seen any better. And as the following days proved we caught the mood of the country right and you did it so well. Having made the opening anouncement, I stood in front of the crowd during the ceromony and I can assure you that the people of Fishguard were moved and were grateful. Our special thanks to our guests from the European Federation and UK non NA units. Stephan Roder - General Etienne
We would like to hear from you about your experiences and memories of Fishguard. There was so much going on that it's impossible to cover everything in this one brief article, so let's hear from you - and we'll print it in the next isssue. Forthcoming Events October 18
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Burpham Court Park Farm just outside Guildford, in the almost forgotten heat of Mid August, was the venue for one of the most successful events of the year.
Two days make a weekend, Fishguard August 1997
