Napoleonic Newsdesk
Harwich Redoubt
by Toni Monks
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A typical day's programme consisted of the following scenarios:
11.30 am A civilian riot protesting at lack of food and work 12.30 pm Flogging of a Corporal who objected to the treatment of the civilians 1.45 pm A successful attack on the fort by the French 21st regiment 2.30 pm Lunch served to the troops and camp followers (a 19th C. chimps tea party?) 3pm French drill demonstration 4pm Successful attack to retake for fort by the British 5pm Ceremony of the keys
An officers mess was set up in one of the rooms and this was beautifully occupied by three officers who did a splendid job of commanding us, sitting outside the room drinking port and strolling round the fort looking stylish. As the fort is surrounded by houses and allotments on what used to be the Glacis, we set up the period camp in the moat around the doorway and the modern camp was set up in the other side of the moat away from the public. At night the period tents were occupied by re-enactors and during the day food was prepared using traditional recipes such as beef and bean stew, chicken casserole, pancakes and bread. The public were fascinated by the preparation of the food and constantly asked whether we were "really going to eat that". What they thought we were going to do with it was a question we longed to ask but we successfully resisted the temptation. The camp followers and soldiers did a grand job of talking to the public about life in the Napoleonic Wars and demonstrating the equipment. The civilian riot was a great success with several of the 'civilians' being shot for threatening the Foot Guards. One of the 9th Corporals had been positioned on guard duty outside the officers mess and he intervened to help the civilians - all to no avail. He was quickly arrested and sent to the cells. A punishment of reduction to the ranks and 50 lashes was ordered by the Major. During his time in the cells the Corporal caused great amusement by complaining loudly about his treatment. While awaiting punishment, he was first brought out for exercise and later ordered to pick up rubbish which proved very useful as the floor was covered by spent cartridges. Mind you he got his own back by tipping the rubbish over the head of the drummer who was jeering him. The drummer then got his revenge by doing the flogging. We much enjoyed seeing our Corporal being run around the parade ground. Once the soldiers had been assembled to watch the flogging, the Major asked if anyone had anything to say on the Corporal's behalf. The Corporal's wife begged for mercy (a very affecting sight) and his sergeant spoke up for him. After being told what a good husband and solder he was, the Major reduced the punishment to 10 lashes. The flogging was great fun and looked extremely realistic - one lady in the crowd was seen to have tears in her eyes at the sight. For safety, a piece of leather under the shirt protected the re-enactors back from the cat. The two skirmishes were a great success. We called all the public onto the upper level where they couldn't get hurt and they had a great view from there. Soldiers were diving in and out of connecting rooms which made it look as though there were 50 - 60 soldiers instead of only about 30 (there is not room for more soldiers firing because of safety distances).
On Saturday night we invaded a local pub and ruined our voices with a Karaoke session and on Sunday night we had a communal barbecue. The regiments taking part in the weekend were 1st Foot Guards, 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot, 60th Rifles and last but certainly not least, the French 21 Infantry (including some re-enactors from Belgium and Holland). We were all delighted that our three days efforts raised the princely sum of £ 1500 profit for the Redoubt and have been asked to return again next year (probably for a weekend during the Harwich festival in June). EVERYBODY who took part performed brilliantly but special mention has to be made of two people: John Horwood who gallantly agreed to be flogged and who startled many a child during his time in the cells by banging on the door and begging for water; and last but certainly not least, Peter Catley for a) his bread pudding and b) for his riotous impression of a drunk and a deserter. Many, many thanks to all the re-enactors who took part. We couldn't do it without you and organising it is made so easy by your terrific efforts. Thank you also to the volunteers who look after the fort. They couldn't have been more helpful - even going to the extent of providing a fridge for the re-enactors! If only all events could be like this. The weather was good which was the icing on the cake and we look forward to next year with great anticipation. More Napoleonic Newsdesk
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As most of the Napoleonic Association re-enactments take place in an open field, it comes as a pleasant surprise to stage an event in a real Napoleonic fort. The Redoubt at Harwich is the largest ancient monument to be renovated by a voluntary group and in order to help them raise much needed funds we agreed to 'man', 'woman' and 'child' the fort for the three days of the August Bank Holiday, following a successful weekend event last year. One difficulty is caused by the fact that access to the lower level and moat can only be reached by stone steps and all equipment has to be man and woman-handled down and then back up on Monday night. Fortunately a hoist is situated near the gate and the fort thoughtfully provided a large canvas sack for all the small items. At the end of the third day all the re-enactors co-operated to lift the equipment back up to the top and the clearing up was finished by 6.00 pm.
Between these major scenarios we provided little cameos with re-enactors weeding the grass, cleaning windows, sweeping the floor, sewing uniforms, playing dice and cards and chatting in character, etc. Although at the beginning it is a bit of a strain staying in character for 7 hours, by the third day it comes quite naturally and you almost forget that you will be going home in a horseless carriage. But you never forget that you have a shower/bath waiting at home. A full commentary was provided by the re-enactors and this commentator went home with a sore throat and sick of the sound of her own voice (comments only in writing please - they will be completely ignored unless signed at the bottom). There was a slight problem with the sound system but the officials at the Redoubt have assured us they will have it sorted out for next year.
As the firing progressed the smoke gathered in the well of the fort where the action was taking place and the flashes and smoke rings hanging in the air were extremely evocative. The noise was incredible and made a great impression on the public. We didn't actually hear mention of the World Cup, but each time a French soldier 'died' there was quite a cheer from the public.