Napoleonic Newsdesk
A Summer of Re-Enactment
Part 2
by Napoleonic Association
na.ltd@virgin.net
Pics courtesy of Dick Clark (Battle Abbey)
Angela Parker (Folkestone and Bourtagne)
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Over the last 2 months the great 1999 Summer of re-enactment has continued with events both home and abroad. One of the most notable being the pilgrimage to Corunna to join with many overseas groups of reenactors to celebrate and commemorate the 190th anniversary of the great retreat and final battle of Elvina. Five days with a mixture of parades, displays, civic receptions, battle reenactments and perfect weather provided an event of great enjoyment. All of which was a tribute to the great hospitality of the Spanish people and the energies of the organising committee.
Both the British and French contingents were provided with and appreciated the many opportunities to visit the memorials to the battle site, to meet re-enactors from many parts of the world including Russia and of course the Spanish themselves. Not forgetting of course the people of Corunna who welcomed us all with open arms.
We should also mention Alan Larsen commanding the British division in battle, Oleg Sokalov from Russia who led the French with spectacular aplomb. The 15 th Hussars, who overcame many horse difficulties and on occasion fought on foot with great enthusiasm on the French side to help make up for the lack of French infantry, the 60th rifles for also changing sides with great effect and not to forget rifleman Dave Gower who with his leg in plaster held his firing position on each day until overrun by the French.
It was truly a memorable week. So much so that a permanent record exists in song. The Ode to Corunna (all 27 verses of it!) written by Mick Baker and sung to the tune of the Moose song, commemorates the many happenings of Corunna 1999. Many of them will probably not mean a great deal if you weren't there, but nonetheless is a tribute to all who attended. Much of it as you would expect is uncomplimentary and disrespectful to many who took part. The full version is available from Mick via Email on mickbaker@webleicester.co.uk In great contrast was the English Heritage multi period event at Kirby Hall (Often called the "Mother of a re- enactments"). Several thousand re- enactors; representing every period of history from the Romans to the second world war mixed together in a wonderful collection of costume and sound. The NA had the opportunity on both days to present a brief battle featuring infantry, cavalry and artillery a great representation of what the NA can do. It was also good to see how well the Napoleonic era was represented by many living history displays and camp followers. Congratulations to everyone holding up the NA flag. Further events in August at Ramsgate and the Harwich redoubt were presented with great enthusiasm and skill rounding off a busy month. The French Cuirassiers mounted and ready to do battle at Kirby Hall
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The lighthouse at Corunna
Ron Brighouse and the Redcoats prepare to leave 1999 behind and march to the lighthouse and the year 1809
Mentions in despatches must
be given to many including of
course Mark and Victoria Dennis,
Dennis Wraight and of course Ron
Brighouse, who not only played a
great Sir John Moore ( yes the
French did get the chance to kill
him on 2 consecutive days), but
being fluent in Spanish was always
on hand to help out with any
problems.
The French contingent, comprising re-enactors from England, Russia and France,
gather at the memorial to Sir John Moore at Elvina University