After Action Report
This dispatch is regarding the recent North Carolina Highland Regimental "Militia" force actions at the Philip Alston House near Carthage , North Carolina 7th and 8th August 2010 .
The diligent Quartermaster followed by the Thane of Dunning, Gary occupied the camp site promptly at the 12th hour on Friday and embarked upon setting up the provincial forces bivouac. The skies refused to drop rain upon our heads. We sought assistance from Patrick Montgomery in order to set up the dining tent. Later in the afternoon, the Regimental Pyper Colonel Cone arrived and by the 17th hour we departed to forage provisions. Upon returning from our foraging detail, we encountered Mary "Queen of Scott." She had left the provisions for the weekend and instructed us that our breakfast would be bacon and eggs.
After an evening of good fellowship and stories, we called it an evening. All the while we noticed lightening on the horizon to the south, fortunately the evening had no rain. The following morning the Thane of Dunning and the quartermaster prepared breakfast for the pyper. During the day we noticed that the Thane of Dunning was suffering from lack of adult leadership in the personage of Miles, who is currently becoming an officer of the Artillery Corps. The quartermaster attended the Officer's briefing and informed the commander David Fanning (Patrick Montgomery) that the No.CHR would have three muskets on-line and one stalwart Bag Pyper.
During the morning the Samson's arrived - Mary Queen of Scott, Scott and the rather large puppy Savannah embellished the encampment. The foraging by the distaff allowed us ample sustenance to weather the afternoon's battle at the 16th hour. The weather was dry, sunny and hovering over 90 degrees, a typical day at the "Shoe." Our rendition of the battle went according to plan, we held the far right of the battle and we failed to burn the house as David Fanning was more than willing to submit to a woman's wiles. Our pyper was raising the courage of all Scots on the line. We were able to run off the Yankee rebel scum after they signed their mark on a document swearing not to partake in the rebellion.
Upon rallying at the encampment, the Thane, the Pyper and the Quartermaster departed to partake of a refreshing dip at a nearby swimming hole in order to slough off the day's battle grime and sweat. We partook of another sumptuous feast provided by Wendy, along with the youngest son Jeffery, grand daughters Taylor and Bethany. During the meal we plotted the upcoming Historic event at the Museum of the Cape Fear .
The following morning Gary prepared another spectacular meal of bacon and eggs. We attended divine services provided by the Anglican minister Tim Weiss, with a large stately tree as his backdrop alter. The service was inspiring. The officer's call resulted in a discussion to consider next year's battle by doing something different on Saturday. The first thing that came to my mind was the capture of the Whig Governor in Hillsborough. Most likely the Whigs wish to portray a battle that they come out victorious. That shall be a discussion for the future.
Sunday's battle started at the 14th hour and the regiment's left wing had a lowly Whig who chose to fight on the side of goodness and light. We assured Steve Harriman that his "turn coat" foray would not be reported to his Whig brethren. Our battle played out the same, we held the far right line, expended our cartridge boxes in order to make way for the cart of burning straw, witness Mrs. Alston make a deal to allow the Whigs cower away into the country side.
We rallied at the encampment, entertained visitors and started disembarking after the 15th hour. With the encampment packed up and the wagons loaded the regiment departed with a plan to meet on the 18th of September at the Museum of the Cape Fear , Arsenal Park .
Dutifully submitted, &tc. &tc. &tc.
Kirk Smith
Quartermaster
No.C.H.R. & 71st Highland Regiment of Foot
It is with diligence that I immediately send out this dispatch notifying you of the 71st Highland Regiment of Foot's successful mission in escorting His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
On Friday mid-afternoon we linked up with elements of the 42nd and the 84th Royal Highland Regiments of Foot, north of the settlement of Greenville, S.C. Upon arrival I set up the encampment for the detachment from the 71st Highland Regiment's contingent.
That contingent consisted of the SGT Scott Samson, Mary "Queen of Scott," Gary - The Thane of Dunning, the newly minted Leftenant Miles Dunning, Recruit Tom Pulley, and just in the nick of time Pvt. Ron Evans, his son Henry, as well yours truly - the quartermaster.
The Highland Brigade consisting of elements of the 42nd, 71st and 84th with bayonets affixed, embarked upon the parade third in line following the S.A.M.S. Color Guard and a pipe band. The Royal Prince's vehicle with His Majesty followed his most honorable guard. The Highland Brigade requited itself well enduring the heat and long march. The hordes of loyal subjects lined the route cheering and clapping as we marched by. The commands barked by SGT Samson were as always, loud and clear. At the end of the parade route we moved from column to line and at the order of present arms saluted as Prince Edward moved from his car to the reviewing stand. The Pipe Band behind us played Scotland the Brave and Amazing Grace all the while our troops continued their salute and the Prince demonstrated his stalwart pose in honor of the moment. With that the Brigade Commander David Branson ordered the Brigade back to column and we marched off the parade route to the applause of the crowd! Our regiment performed well maintaining their discipline in the heat and distance of the march. We returned to the encampment and the troops enjoyed a robust meal provided by the 42nd Distaff. Later that evening the heavens let loose and the winds blew! You will be glad to know that the regiment's tentage and that of our Highland brethren withstood the winds, but not the same could be said for the Highland Games tents.
The next morning had the regiment enjoying their meal provided again by the Distaff of the 42nd. The troops formed for that morning's opening ceremony scheduled for 0900 only to learn that the time moved to 1000. Upon the noted hour in a column of twos with bayonets affixed, the Highland Brigade marched out onto the field behind the S.A.M.S. Color Guard and deployed in a line to the left and right of the Colors parallel with the reviewing stand. Much to our honor the Master of Ceremonies introduced the Highland Brigade and the units comprised within it. Upon the arrival of the Prince's entourage, we received the order of Present Arms until the delegation assumed their seats. All the while the pipe band massed on the field behind us was playing inspiring tunes!
After a brief number of welcomes the National Anthems of the United States and Great Britain were sung all the while the Highland Brigade was at Present Arms. The bayonets glistening in the sun was seen by all. Once the formal greetings given by the officials of the games the announcement was made that the games were officially opened. That was the cue to our illustrious Commander Branson to order Make Ready, Present and FIRE!
There was a noticeable shock throughout the crowd after the crisp and loud volley! A piper was overheard commenting "he loved the smell of cordite in the morning." After which we faced right and marched back into column escorting the colors off the field. Soon after the opening ceremonies the 42nd Distaff again provided another sumptuous meal for the mid-day. After the meal the encampment honored the presence of His Majesty Prince Edward. Our illustrious SGT Samson, the Thane of Dunning, a member of the 84th and I entertained questions from the prince. He wanted to know what period we were portraying. I told him we were representing Highland Regiments during the American Rebellion and Scott added the battles that the Crown won! He acknowledged our participation and thanked us. Mary "Queen of Scott" was able to capture a couple of photos with the Prince addressing his Highland delegation. Most of the regiment enjoyed the festivities of the Highland Games and the evenings repast provided again by the most diligent and gracious 42nd Distaff. Another rain shower endowed the camp later that evening. The next morning a "continental breakfast" provided by the 42nd Distaff enabled the troops to fold up damp tents and the quartermaster to depart by 0930 for the long journey to North Carolina.
Respectfully submitted, &tc. &tc. &tc.
Kirk Smith
Quartermaster
71st Highland Regiment of Foot
The Quartermaster's regimental team (Wendy and I) arrived around 4:00 pm Friday to find two stalwart troops standing by Ron Evans and the Thane of Dunning along with a new recruit drummer Henry Evans. Soon after arrived the Regimental Pyper Col. Cone who assisted in the setting up of the camp in good order. The regimental representation in full regalia attended the dining event that featured a new caterer but noteworthy was the serving on china! Music, food, and froliking was in order for the evening. The Samsons arrived later after dinner followed by the intrepid President and Lee.
As always, dutifully submitted, &tc. &tc. &tc.
Kirk Smith
Quartermaster
After Action Report: Walnut Grove 2009
The presidential baggage train was late coming to Walnut Grove but thankfully the quartermaster and his "volunteers" had already prepared camp and were winding down the night. In attendance we had Kirk and Wendy, Mary and Scott, Lee, Amy, Dave, Miles and his protégée Gary second Thane of Dunning as well as Miles' girlfriend Devon, Ron and Henry, and myself.
Saturday we prepared for two battles, our first skirmish was around the house. The usual surround the house technique for some reason this never seems to work out in our favor year after year. We were firing well striking to fear into the hearts of the seditious scoundrels alas it was to no avail. We were repulsed back to camp. It seems Lee has been taking lessons from the Thane on the proper way to take hit as we have seen his most dramatic display to date, rivaling even the Thane himself. For the second battle we were wiser and we defended the house, we also had artillery support and our intrepid field commander arrived to lead us to victory. We defeated the rebel scum, pushing them back at bayonet point in a glorious assault. Unfortunately we pushed them directly into our camp and therefore had to quickly push through the rebels to secure the King's rum and provisions. After Saturday's battles we held our annual meeting, election results will be posted on the bottom of the page.
Sunday's battle was the second scenario and again we were successful even against greater numbers. The highlanders put on a great display with both bayonet charges and all were mystified by our military precision. On Sunday, actually Satruday night we welcomed Amy back to the regiment. We were all glad to see her back and hope to see her again at future events. As always we were well fed being well provisioned by Wendy, the quartermaster's wife. All the meals were excellent and I doubt that any other regiment in the kings army is so well fed. Though the rebels do look as though they are eating well. The weather was excellent for both battles as well as for the evening festivities and we were treated well. This is probably one of the most re-enactor friendly events we attend and nothing has changed in that regard over the years.
At our annual meeting we handled several pieces of important business. We approved next years schedule which will be posted on the website. Kirk and Wendy were voted, by unanimous decision, to be made lifetime members in honor of all the hard work and sacrifices they have made for the regiment over the years. Huzzah! This was also Ron's third event and he was approved for membership in the regiment. The treasurer collected dues for 2010, if you were unable to attend you may mail your dues to her before January 1st. Here are the results for the board of directors.
President Denis Byrd
Treasurer Wendy Smith
Secretary Gary Dunning
Quartermaster Kirk Smith
Distaff Mary Samson
Field Commander Miles Dunning
Your humble and most obedient servant,
Denis Byrd
NCHR/71st Highland Regiment
http://nchrhighlandreg71sthighlanders.org/
Here is my report on the 12th September 2009 Festival of Yesteryear held at the Fayetteville Arsenal Park. As always, the intrepid Quartermaster with his team of many horses, oxen and mules arrived promptly at 0830 of the hour on the 12th of September, 2009 with the regiment's light encampment provisions. Accompanying him on his trek to the Arsenal Park were his lovely and gracious bride Wendy and their adorable 5 year old Grand Daughter Taylor. Upon arrival and selection of the prominent area in which to establish our light encampment, I immediately set the task of directing the emplacement of the Quartermaster's tent, the Pyper's tent, the troop tents, and the dining tent. We received assistance from the staff David and Clifford in putting up the larger dining tent. We debut the Pyper's Table that our Regimental Pyper requisitioned many months ago. The Pyper arrived in good order and was pleased to use his new table. After the successful setup, we were treated to a light fare of baked items, fruit and beverages. We depicted the 71st Highland Regiment and were located next to a British Artillery unit. We followed our firing demonstration after the cannon crews drill and firing. Wendy participated in the task of recruiting and demonstrating 18th century games. Our youngest charge Taylor beat her grand father in a game of checkers and demonstrated her abilities with the variety of 18th Century games. We fired promptly at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and finally at 4:00 p.m. I was able to demonstrate the correct times the musket failed to fire to our guests. The musket firing demonstration was followed by the other weapon of the Highland Scots and that of course was the bag pipe. Col. Cone was well versed and acquitted himself very well, earning the applause of those attending. The site provided us lunch and beverages to fend off the 85 degrees that our day saw. We hailed at least 200 spectators and made some interesting acquaintances. It was noted that the Samson's paid a visit in between wedding and reception to proudly show us Scott's coat and tie. . . Yes, he was wearing a coat and tie, which definitely complimented his lovely bride Mary's attire. Sorry, Wendy forgot her camera uh . . . easel, canvas, brush and palate in order to capture the moment. Where is the President when his artist skills are needed? We successfully broke camp and returned to Lee County by 6:30 pm without any delays. The Fayetteville Observer had covered the event along with Photographers but the paltry story is mentioned ever so briefly, behind the dogs . . http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/09/13/933434 GOD Save the King.
Respectfully submitted, &tc. &tc. &tc.,
Gary the Theign of Dunning and his spawn, the soldier formerly known as Miles, arrived early, very early to reconoitre the site and prepare for the arrival of the Quartermaster. Many, many hours later, as Gary liked to remind everyone, Kirk our noble quartermaster arrived with the baggage train to prepare camp. Lee and myself arrived in the evening after taking the scenic march to Franklin from the colony of Georgia via the Mississippi. We also recieved reenforcements in the morning from the great colony of South Carolina, this was Ron's first event and we hope he was too traumatized by the general mayhem the accompanies the rascals in the highland camp.
The weather was pleasant for Saturday's festivities. We participated in the morning parade following behind a strange group of pagans in colorful attire with, shall we say, very strange habits. We did three firing demos where all were mistified and amazed by our speed and precision. The site staff was extremely friendly and accomodating. We felt very welcomed and appreciated. After our 3rd demonstration we joined the frolicking of the musical entertainment where we were saluted by the band with a rousing rendition of " All for me Grog. We were also informed by our quartermaster that he has a "load of bats" not sure where that fits in as it was a random musing of our brave quartermaster.
After pleasant weather all day we broke camp Sunday morning in a driving rain storm bringing back fond memories of Savannah and Guilford. I would like to thank everyone who came and thanks for doing such a good job. Members present: Gary Dunning, Miles Dunning, Kirk Smith, Lee Bartlett, Ron Evans, Denis Byrd.
God Save the King. Huzzah!!!
Denis Byrd
NCHR/71st Highland Regiment
http://nchrhighlandreg71sthighlanders.org/
Denis Byrd
NCHR/71st Highland Regiment