Foreign Observers

[welshman15]

What Simon said. The way I see it, if someone wants to do a foreign impression, why not do it in the ranks? Just about every European nation had citizens (or emigrants) that fought in the war. Of course, I think a large part is the "Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee" mentality, but you can't go far wrong developing a European accent and background for your foot soldier impression. I fights mit Sigel!

[Reliccrazy]

Okay, I've thought of a twist here on the topic. Think of this, what if as Americans we go over to Europe as Foreign observers for the Crimean war event? Could go as McClellan or someone else. I've been to Europe for reenactments often enough, somewhat tempted to do the whole observer thing at event in the Crimea events in the Ukraine.

I guess another thing to think of with what I'm saying, if you had a guy from Europe who knew his subject, might be rather fun to have them as an observer, since might be a fun cross over if they do mid 19th century European military reenacting, and I think they can pull off the accent too!

Though if you can't pull off the accent at least, be a private!

[Rob Weaver]

You know, Simon, you've almost got the accent nailed down perfectly.
Realizing that I'm coming at this from the simple infantryman in the ranks perspective: other than the chance to wear a cool uniform, what is there really for a foreign observer in the reenacting world? At a living history, you might be able to interact with the public in either a first or third person fashion, but you're talking about an extremely specialized and small slice of the conflict. At a non-spectator event, can you keep a first person going for a day or two? You're not going to write a book when you get home. Officers who don't know you aren't going to invite you to dinner because they want your cool cache. Newspapermen aren't going to interview you because they want your perspective. I read the above post from the guys who were trying to act like observers while observing. I think they did a good job, but I found myself asking: how was the event enhanced by this impression? Staying out of the way and observing from a distance sounds like one step removed from invisible. I'm not trying to pick a fight, but I really don't see this impression as much beyond a money pit.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Valid points.

IMHO as with ANY "specialty impression," they can be "done" well or poorly.

As shared, Reenacting Culture does not usually know what to actually do with a specialty impression, especially one-of-kinds. So, what can they do, other than walk around with a uniform or kit serving as a substitute for a "Hey! Look at me!" sign?

And, the other side of the same coin is, is the impression historically "valid" for the time and place of the event being depicted/portrayed/reenacted? Say on a larger scale, Berdan Sharpshooters at Shiloh. Or General Lee at Pea Ridge. Or John Carter at Gettysburg. Or Jonah Hex at Petersburg. Or Klingons at Bull Run.

Curt

[Rob Weaver]

So maybe some coordination needs to happen, then, between the observer and major staff of one side or another? Mapping out beforehand what each expects, rather than the common "whosoever will" "I'm here. How can I have fun?" style of most reenacting?

[G.R. Boyd]

First and foremost, at least get a copy of "Three Months in the Southern States" by Lt. Col Freemantle, who was an officer of the Coldstream Guards who observed the CS army. As to your query:
1. Historically, never. The British were nuetrals officially, and the wearing of a uniform signifys non-nuetrality or partiality, which was against the accepted behavior of the times.
2. Depends upon regional attitudes. The southern officers treated British observers quite well, as they were trying to get England into the war on the southern side. Northern officers probably treated them with disdain, as there was ample examples of England already helping the south with arms and equipment, despite their "nuetrality"
3. Yes, unless you can document an observer who may have been Canadian or born in North America
4. Yes, they provided their own camping gear and equipment, would have an intensive amount of papers to get them through the lines, to include letters of introduction, letters of credit, passes, etc. Fancy uniform - probably not. Freemantle makes little mention in his book, but his collected papers are available on-line through the UK (just conduct a Google search).
Now my personal opinion, for what its worth. You're going to get a lot of unfavorable attitudes, as you've already begun to see, UNLESS you do extensive research and can back it up. Most people who reenact start at the beginning as a private or citizen and work their way up into specialities. A young person just getting in may not have "paid enough dues" to be walking around as a foreign officer. Dont let that detract from doing the work to make it right. There were a ton of foreign observers, some of who served honorably on the staffs of generals on both sides, others just quietly passing through and doing what they were sent to do-observe. A proper observer, in my humble opinion, should quietly go about his impression and subtly make contact with senior staff through his papers. Despite that, I honestly believe that foreign officer impressions are overdone in reenacting today and I encourage folks to begin with a good citizen or soldier impression for the US or CS service first and foremost and branch out if you feel the need later

Thanks so much for answering my questions, but due to all the negative feedback from most everyone on foreign observers, I think I might set the impression aside and join as a regular in my unit. Ever since I was a wee lad I wanted to be a Brit in something. I guess I'll have to set this one aside. But thanks again everyone for all your advice, I hope sometime in the future I will be able to pick up being an observer again maybe when the light towards them is more favourable! I really like this hobby and the people in it, so thank you all for being so helpful!

[pvt t a white]

Hey - lets dont forget the Prussians at the Remembrance Day Parade in Gettysburg every year

Pvt T A White

[Jim of the SRR]

I am sure there are plenty accounts of Brits in the ranks both North and South. That might not appear unique, but could be very cool and actually add to the event instead of creating a questionable impression or disctraction. Plus, a generic impression could be used at many events vs one or two.

Jim Butler

[Bitter_Bierce]

... Or Klingons at Bull Run.

Hmmmm... so that's what those were.

But seriously, folks... if you think there are too many foreign observer and other specialty impressions out there, then it stands to reason you've been attending the wrong events for far too long.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!





Curt