Warning: session_start() [function.session-start]: Cannot send session cookie - headers already sent by (output started at /home/sykes/public_html/vol9-5.php:2) in /home/sykes/public_html/tpro.php on line 19

Warning: session_start() [function.session-start]: Cannot send session cache limiter - headers already sent (output started at /home/sykes/public_html/vol9-5.php:2) in /home/sykes/public_html/tpro.php on line 19

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/sykes/public_html/vol9-5.php:2) in /home/sykes/public_html/tpro.php on line 105
vol9-5

Mail the Editor with Submissions for the Regular or if you have a good picture you'd like to see on this site.




Field Commander’s Report



Although the turnout was less than we had hoped, both the garrison weekend at Ft. McHenry in Baltimore, and the Oak Ridge event with the National Regiment, were attended by the Regulars. Several people were given the chance to switch rolls at the Ft. McHenry event. Sergeant Raoul Kelly, alias Will Hutchison, whipped the lads into submission early and often, while Frank Hall, Jim Wassel, Craig Mastapeter, and Steve Hanson worked well as officers. I fell into the ranks on Sunday and it was proven without a doubt that I should not handle a weapon larger than a sword. As it happened, I cut two of my fingers on the rear sight of my rifle, after having my left foot crushed into the parade ground by an over zealous and slightly off balanced pard. Cutting myself was the direct result of having to extricate my foot from several feet below the level of the parade ground. I was so overwhelmed with the pain that I could not pay attention to the exact position of my hand during the next sequence of movements in the manual of arms. This was not horseshoes, so close was not good enough. So concerned was he that I would further injure myself, or be injured by someone nearby, that the good Captain Hanson placed me on temporary duty guarding the hen house. Thus, I survived and came home to Peggy a true casualty of war. Now, if they only awarded the Purple Heart during the Civil War...
The Oak Ridge event(little Shiloh), was one of rain, small numbers of Federals, large numbers of Rebels, and more rain. The boyos handled themselves well, and Major Hutchison lead the NR fearlessly. The Grand Guard, scheduled for Saturday evening, was canceled due to lack of interest by the Rebs, and the Sunday tactical was washed away. By the time of Sunday’s afternoon battle, we were thinking if joining the Federal Navy. War is hell. Hope to see many of you in Gettysburg for the Forgotten Regular.

Capt. Don Rivera
Company Commander




This is the Jonah of the month. Pvt. Flexi McDevitt.
Beware. They change shape on a monthly basis.


'

Impresario's Message"



It's hard to believe it's May already, but it is and our 1998 season is off to a fine start. Overall, our attendance at events has been better than last year and we are seeing some new faces - not just recruits (Bill Ford, Andy Feikert, Joe Vilar, Neil Carmichale and Allan Thompson), but members who haven't been as active as they were in the past. Thanks to our attendance, we've been able to practice and learn more of the School of the Company than we have in the past and, perhaps more importantly, use our training in the field at actual events (such as the most recent event at Oak Ridge). Just so your know, we've been averaging about 15 men per event since the Annual Meeting in January, or about 33 percent. Although it would be great if everyone could show up at every event, we all know that's not possible or practical. So come when you can and have fun!
As we get closer to summer, please remember that what we do is a hobby. We aren't professionals, at best we're "weekend warriors" who have real jobs, real families, and real bills on Monday mornings. It's imperative to remember basic health and safety concerns and precautions when attending an event and especially when out on the field.
1.Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat sickness, heat prostration, and heat stroke. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, eat lightly (fruits, vegetables, etc.), avoid consuming copious amounts of alcohol, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Remember that when you stop sweating, haven't gone to the "sinks," or have developed an unusual headache, it might be time to take a "time out" so that you don't develop a more serious heat-related sickness. If these symptoms develop in the field, inform a file closer or your file mate that you aren't feeling well. Drop out with a companion, get in the shade, and drink...forget staying in uniform, get your leathers and blouse off and get comfortable. If necessary, request professional medical assistance.
2. Know your limits. Don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion and risk further injury simply because you think you're expected to because you're a Regular. If you get tired, overheated, pull something, take a "hit." Tell a file closer that you're "hit" and that it's not an emergency. Get comfortable, drink, and stay put. Don't try to be a martyr. If and when you can rejoin the company, do so. If not, get back to camp carefully and take care of yourself.
3. If you're not sure you can, or should, go out in the field, don't. Tell the First Sergeant. If the First Sergeant isn't on the street, tell the ranking NCO that you aren't going out because (...you fill in the blanks...) and that you'll stay in camp. Again, please remember that this a hobby and hobbies should be fun, not dangerous to our health and welfare. It's a lot easier to deal with a potential casualty in camp that a real casualty in the field.
4. Always use your common sense. Remember, in all things, moderation. Think prevention and not treatment. Although we pride ourselves, and rightly so, on being as accurate and authentic as possible and that we strive to do justice to the honor and integrity to the Regular impression, we must bear uppermost in our minds, individually and as a group, that safety comes first and that friends prevent, or at least try to prevent, unfortunate things from happening to friends - they would have. Please practice being "comrades-in-arms" with respect to health and safety just like you do on the skirmish line.
Enough on the "soap box." The year's going fast and we've got some really solid events coming up. Mark your calendars for "The Forgotten Regulars" 23-24 May 1998, the 135th Reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg (4-6 July 1998), and the Manassas Museum 29-30 August 1998 (a paid event) to name a few. Remember to submit your registration charges to Jim "Tank" Nickle as soon as possible for those events you know you will be attending and ensure that your section head and First Sergeant know whether you are attending an event or not..."head counts" are critically important for Captain Rivera to inform the NR of our strength and capabilities for their planning at each event.
In closing, keep up the good work, the good attendance, and the camaraderie.
Stay in touch, and see you at the next event. As always, I remain, with all good wishes and warmest regards, your most humble and obedient servant,

Craig W. Mastapeter, President



Jim Nickle’s Grumble Corner

In the army, one of the soldier’s favorite pastimes is to grumble, moan and complain. At in place rest, you would be hard pressed to find a large majority of uniformed men not complaining about something. Be it the food, or the waiting or the officers or the fatigue details or the uniforms or the pay or the shelter or the nco’s or a rifle position. Shall I go on.
In the spirit of this whining we have selected Pvt. Nickle our Co.Grumbler Elect. Each month Tank will regale us with some of his more colorful gripes until we just can’t stand it anymore. This month’s grumbles are:

1. Field officers who always feel the need for the troops to be at shoulder arms while they explain things to us we really don't need to know.
2.First Sergeants who stretch out their reports to the adjutant by saying "All present and-or accounted for, sir".
3. Privates who talk in ranks because they think they know more than everybody else.
4. Waiting, waiting, waiting!!

Reports from the Field
 Fort McHenry
Ah! The infamous shakedown event..... Does anyone remember how to stack arms?
 The Regulars gathered together at Ft. McHenry in their dress uniforms to ostensibly represent an early war training camp. Which was just as well, because having been stowed away in winter quarters for what seemed an eternity, we might as well have been a bunch of hayfoots just learning our military baby steps. It didn’t take us long though before the ol’ ‘drill’ came back to us and we were once again the proficient soldiers of yore.
Friday evening as the troops came marchin’ in, the lads were found at the Hull Street Blues tavern where a small but potent birthday celebration for Mr. Tank Nickle was in progress. Happy Birthday Tank. Just remember, you’re in good shape for being being 154 years old.
Saturday morning dawned early as Sgt. (Lite beer ) Kelly awoke bright and early to begin his day of sadistic coercion. Preparing for this eventuality required sustenance and so the lads made an excursion into town for breakfast. Arriving back at the fort, duty called us to hoist our beloved flag over the fortress where the ‘rockets red glare’ and begin our re-training. Captain Rivera, Lt. Hall and Lt. Mastapeter ran the company through ‘breaking into platoons on the march’ as much for the officers as for the men. The old but new training method of using 8 ft. furring strips to take the place of the troops in the company was used and to great advantage.
The knowledge of the upper echelons was passed along to a cadre of qualified officers and junior officers in addition to NCO’s making the Regulars one of the best units on the field. But the ‘ace in the hole’ is of course the knowledgeable enlisted who make the officers look good even when they do make the occasional mistake. Of course all of this takes practice and this was what we here for. Lessons that day also included color guard drill because as you all know, both units have their new and glorious banners and if called upon we should not look silly while carrying them. Sgt. Kelly also conducted guard mount and later showed the corporals their job in posting sentries as ‘corporal of the guard’. Their job as high privates. In between all of this drill of course the boys became reacquainted with their brass and their rifles and the ol’ elbow grease.
During the day a ubiquitous figure in a black hat and apron roamed the area in search of martial imagery to capture. This was our own Bob Szabo who’s work in ambryotypes and collodions has progressed to the point where in the near future we may count him one of the best period photographers in the hobby. Bob captured many great likenesses that day. These images can be viewed on his web site as well as own Sykes page on the internet.
The day ended as the colors were lowered and the Regulars retired with a renewed sense of confidence for the coming campaign.
Sunday began with a change in the rank structure as Don R., Craig M, and Frank H. stepped down into the ranks and Steve Hanson and the Editor took the reigns of command. The morning was filled with company drill as 2nd Lt. Wassel got his first taste of command and marched the troops through the basic maneuvers with the help of the indomitable first Sgt. Mastapeter. Having assumed the officer’s position for the first time, I have a new found respect for the job. The officer is required to retain a large list of commands and to be able to give them at the correct timing in order that the troops can implement them without loss of cadence. He is also responsible for thinking on his feet and directing a sometimes sizable body of men to a destination in the most efficient manner possible, sometimes having to think four or five commands ahead. He is also exiled from his comrades if he has risen from the ranks and due to military protocol is not supposed to fraternize with the enlisted. (I wanted to play cards.......sob) The job is challenging and if one can retreat back to the ranks where the responsibility is minimal the assumption of rank is highly rewarding.
On the other side of the coin we have officers back in the ranks and in the instance of a Corporal Rivera an unconscious battering took place. During an inspection, said Corporal incurred a small cut from his rifle sight, that bled profusely and had the butt of a heavy rifle slammed on his foot minutes later. The woeful Corporal limped off excused from duty after some protest as he was bleeding all over the company. Welcome back to the ranks, Sir. We didn’t mean it. (Or did we........)
In the afternoon we covered the skirmish drill led by Lt. Steve Hanson and later 1st Sgt. Mastapeter did his ‘ballet for men’- Bayonet drill.
At the end of the day the Regulars gathered to review their lessons and make recommendations for weak areas.
Right shoulder shift: the musket is lowered with the hand still cradling the butt and on the second move, when the hand is brought back to the side the rifle slides to the shoulder arms position.
"Right About - March": must be given with the left foot in the air. The left foot comes down, the men spin on the left foot bringing their right foot in place on the next beat, and step out again in the new direction with their left foot. This is another discovery that we have been doing it incorrectly. Quiet in Ranks:
Not only Corporals must be quiet in ranks, but everyone who sees something happening they think is wrong, also. Every leader forgets something sometime, and everyone else knows some minute point that may have been forgotten. The time to point it out is at the end of the formation or at Rest; not in ranks. Corporals may instruct recruits QUIETLY USING ONE OR TWO WORDS ONLY - not go on about the history of the evolution or the parentage of the NCOs and officers. This problem is becoming evident because of our attempt to train everyone above their normal station so we can better execute the duties of higher ranks. The result is that we are getting a lot of leaders and not enough followers. (Submitted by1st S. Hanson)
Skirmish Drill: If voice commands are given in Skirmish Drill, the execution command "March" must be given. If commands are given by drum or bugle,the men wait for the last beat or note before executing the command. By recognizing our mistakes we can make corrections in the future. The idea of having a review session at the end of each event presents itself as a fine idea. On to Richmond.

Submitted by the Editor



Brigade Schedule
May-June 1998
ME-maximum effort
FYI-for your information


Date: 23 - 24 May, 1998
Place: Gettysburg, PA,
Event:The Forgotten Regular M.E.!!!!!!!!!
Info: This event, at the Leister House, more than any other that we do, should bring out a large number. We are the Regulars, so we should support the event that honors those men who went before us. We will once again sleep on the battlefield, and present to the public the life of the Regular. This is a Brigade maximum effort event.
Uniform: Sack coat, kersey trousers, fatigue hat, polished brass, clean weapon, darkened leathers, canteen, dog tent, blankets, and foul weather gear.
Directions: U.S. 15 to Gettysburg, take the Tanneytown Road exit to the Leister House which is located just below the Visitors’ Center, near the Cyclorama, and across from the “tower”.

Date: June
Place: Reading, PA
Event: Gruber Wagon Works.
Info: This event is another easy event at the beautiful site in Reading. More details will be coming in the next month’s Regular
Uniform: Bring your Zulu warrior outfit and short spear. (just seeing if you were paying attention.) Usual kit.
Directions: See next month’s Regular.

Date: 3 - 5 July, 1998
Place: Gettysburg, PA
Event: 135th Gettysburg
Info: This is the 135th Anniversary Battle reenactment at the end of Pumping Station Road, South of Gettysburg. If you haven’t registered by now, you must do so immediately by sending you $10.00 to Civil War Heritage, PO Box 1292 Ft. Washington, PA 19034-1292. This is an NR event, and a Brigade maximum effort event.
Uniform: Sack coat, kersey trousers, fatigue hat, polished brass, clean weapon, darkened leathers, canteen, dog tent, blankets, and foul weather gear.
Directions: US 15 to Gettysburg, take the road past the Eisenhower Farm and continue to the end where you will find the event site.



Military Observer’s Report from the Crimea

The Charge of The Light Brigade

As we have learned, in September 1854, the allies landed in the Crimea at a place curiously named Calamita Bay. For the common soldier of both sides, the next two years were to produce harsh Russian winters, summers with searing heat, poor food, disease, terror, boredom, insufficient clothing and medical supplies, insufficient supplies of equipment and munitions, incompetent leadership, and even a hurricane in November of 1854. Interspersed with this sad state of affairs were the battles of The Alma, Inkerman, Balaclava, and the long siege and evidential capture of Sevastopol.
To understand why there was a charge of the Light Brigade, one must first understand the British army of the period. Not since Napoleon Bonaparte had been defeated at Waterloo had the British fought a large-scale battle. All of their engagements during the period between Waterloo and the Crimea were small pitched battles with minimal numbers of troops. Additionally, the leadership of the British army at the time of the Crimean War was seriously weakened by the earlier death of the Duke of Wellington, who had ruled the military with an iron hand, by a lack of experienced generals and field officers, and the system of obtaining and promoting officers in the army.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, born in Dublin in 1769, had been commander-in-chief of the army, among other notable positions. As C-in-C he had been a brilliant tactician, but had preened no one to take his place. Thus, after his death in 1852, the military was unprepared for a large-scale operation. After England entered the war, Fitzroy James Henry Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan, was given command of the British Expeditionary Force. It must be remembered that during this campaign, no one person was in command of the allied army. Thus, in order to do anything, the commanders of the French and English armies had to agree on any course of joint action. Lord Raglan was an able and energetic soldier under Wellington in the Peninsula but by the mid-1850s he was past his prime and did not perform well in the Crimea. He had the unfortunate habit of referring to the enemy as “the French” regardless who was around. Lord Raglan was unable to open the siege of Sevastopol for nearly a month, won a victory at Balaclava, although the latter was due party to his command talents and partly to Lord Cardigan’s mulish interpretation of Raglan’s orders thus resulting in the glorious but largely futile “Charge of The Light Brigade”. Raglan died soon after the battle, of a broken heart as a result of stinging criticism from the English press.
The last piece of the puzzle involves the purchase system. It seems that in order to obtain a rank in the British army, one had to purchase it. For example, in 1854 if one was a lieutenant in the Horse Guards and wanted to advance to the rank of captain, and a vacancy existed, he had to pay the holder of that rank 3,500 pounds, and “sell” his lieutenancy to another for 1,600 pounds, assuming the colonel of the regiment agreed. This was the “going” rate, but most purchases were well above that rate, In fact, it is reported that Lord Cardigan purchased his commission to lead the 11th Hussars for 25,000 pounds, well over the “going” rate of 7,250 pounds. Thus, it can be said that only the rich could afford to become army officers. Moreover, while the infantry school at Sandhurst was operating, most of the graduates were not assigned to army units. Only the top two or three cadets were given appointments without purchase, should their fathers have clout with the unit’s colonel, and a vacancy exist.
From this background we enter the field above Balaclava. General Scarlett and the Heavy Brigade have just charged into the Russian Cavalry, and Sir Colin Campbell and the 93rd Highlanders have stopped the Russians above the port. Unfortunately for the British, there is now a long delay between Scarlett’s dash and the deployment of the line infantry. Raglan, on a hill miles away, sends repeated messages urging the Duke of Cambridge and Sir George Cathcart to move into position. Impatient at the tardy passage of the infantry, Raglan attempts to use his cavalry to unsettle the Russians. He sends Lord Lucan a message shortly after 1015 hours on 25 October, 1854, “Cavalry to advance and take advantage of any opportunity to recover the Heights”. Receiving the order, Lucan moves the Light Brigade into the North Valley, keeping the Heavy Brigade close to Redoubt Number 6. Much of the ground in front of Lucan is obscured by undulating land, and he cannot see Raglan or his staff. Raglan, suddenly seeing that the Russians were about to take captured guns from Redoubts 1 and 3, now sends another order to Lucan, “Lord Raglan wishes the cavalry to advance rapidly to the front, and try to prevent the enemy carrying away the guns. Troop of horse-artillery may accompany. French cavalry is on your left”.
As fate would have it, the messenger is one Captain Edward Nolan. Nolan, a fine horseman, has served in the Austrian Army, and in India, but has not gotten along with either Lucan or Cardigan. Moreover, Nolan has been highly critical of the cavalry’s performance to date, a fact well known to both commanders. Later, Lucan will claim that he had read the message with ‘consideration' bordering on consternation’. From where Lucan sits, he can see neither enemy nor guns. Lucan asks Nolan for clarification and Nolan replies, “Lord Raglan’s orders are that the cavalry should attack immediately.” Lucan responds, “Attack what? What guns, sir?” Nolan, critical of Lucan’s leadership to date, points ahead and says, “There my lord, is your enemy; there are your guns.” Later, Lucan will claim that Nolan spoke in a disrespectful manner, but sadly, his pride will not allow Lucan to further question Nolan.
Now trotting over to Cardigan, Lucan issues the order to move the Light Brigade into action. The antipathy between to two officers prevents them from rationally discussing the situation, and Cardigan raises his sword in salute and responds, “Certainly, sir, but allow me to point out to you that the Russians have a battery in the valley in our front, and batteries and riflemen on each flank.” “Yes, I know, but Lord Raglan will have it”, answers Lucan, “we have no choice but to obey”. Thus, the die is cast for the bloodiest, most glorious, and most senseless engagement in British military history.
Cardigan now rides ten yards in front of the first line and five yards ahead of his staff officers. In the uniform of his old regiment, the 11th Hussars, his gold-laced pelisse worn like a patrol jacket rather than thrown over one shoulder, Cardigan sits erect in the saddle, his sword at the slope. It is 1100 hours, and now the brigade begins to move. Behind Cardigan rides the Light Brigade in three lines. The first line has on the right the 13th Light Dragoons, and on the left the 17th Lancers. Only the 11th Hussars comprise the second line. The third line consists of the 4th Light Dragoons to the left, with the 8th Hussars to the right.
The Light Brigade is not alone, however. Lucan sees the attack as a divisional action and rides with his staff between the two brigades. Behind Lucan ride the Scots Greys on the left and the Royals on the right forming the first line of the Heavy Brigade. The Inniskilling Dragoons fill the entire second line, and the third line consists of the 4th Dragoon Guards on the left and the 5th Dragoon Guards on the right. Aware that the Heavy Brigade cannot move as quickly as the Light Brigade, Lucan has cautioned Cardigan not to ride too fast. However, despite Lucan’s order, Cardigan now quickly begins to trot, all the time thinking of the dangers that await them.
In addition to these soldiers, there is another riding into history. Captain Nolan is riding with the 17th Lancers when suddenly he surges forward ahead of Cardigan and crosses his front. Nolan now shouts at Cardigan indicating that the Brigade is moving in the wrong direction. However, Cardigan thinking that Nolan is grandstanding in front of the brigade, dismisses Nolan’s cries. Almost immediately, a shell explodes close by and a splinter pierces Nolan’s heart. Nolan’s sword drops dramatically to the ground and, although now lifeless, his arm remains aloft. As the horse’s reins slip from Nolan’s grip, his terrified horse whirls around and plunges back through the racing 17th Lancers as the corpse utters a horrifying and unearthly scream before toppling to the earth.
Behind Cardigan, the Heavy Brigade is losing ground. Now a dangerous gap separates the two bodies of cavalry. Lucan must decide whether or not to continue, or stop the heavies. Under fire and taking casualties, and now well behind Cardigan without a chance of catching him, Lucan orders the Heavy Brigade to halt. Perhaps they can cover the Light Brigade on their return, thinks Lucan.
With the heavies stopped, Cardigan is running the gauntlet of shot and grape from three sides. Keeping a strict order of attack, he leads his troopers into hell’s fire. However, gaps are beginning to appear as saddles are emptied and horses fall screaming. Now a hundred yards from the batteries, they continue to gallop. His staff is shot away, and now alone, Cardigan rides in splendid isolation, statuesque, sword still at the slope. Eighty yards, now sixty, onward they rush. The regiments behind Cardigan now lose their order, as some fall away dead while others become divided. Smoke and shellfire are everywhere, seeing becomes difficult.
Traveling at an estimated speed of 17mph, the brigade is now only ten yards from the batteries. Suddenly, the artillery in front the brigade let loose with grape shot. Riders disappear, but Cardigan somehow dodges all missiles and continues onward. Approximately 20 troopers crash through the line of artillery pieces now, and slash at the enemy gunners. Some survivors quickly scramble away, while others are run down and lanced or slashed. Suddenly, there appear hundreds of grey-coated Russian cavalry immediately to the front. Without hesitating, what is now left of the 17th Lancers charge the Russians. As with the charge of the Heavy Brigade, the Russians now astonishingly turn and run. Savage hand-to-hand sword slashing continues, with bodies falling all around and blood splattering everyone. It is total carnage, death is everywhere; men are dying as they leave the saddle.
However, Cardigan is not one of them. Emerging through the guns, he finds a body of Russian cavalry to his front. The Russian commander, recognizing Cardigan from a visit to England some years ago, orders Cardigan’s capture. Ten Cossacks ride toward the Englishman now and surround him. He contemptuously pushes their lances aside and rides through the body of cavalry. Believing that he has sufficiently done his duty, he rides away toward the Allied lines from which he came. Over a mile to the east, the pitiful remnants of his regiments are still fighting the enemy, and dying. Cardigan would later remark to the surviving men, “ Men, it is a mad-brained trick, but it is no fault of mine”. One of his troopers would reply, “Never mind, my lord, we are ready to go again”.
Of the 673 men who went into action, only 195 were fit for duty now. The brigade lost 113 killed, 247 badly wounded, 475 horses killed or lost, with another 42 injured. Cardigan himself is wounded, and his bravery is never in question.
Riding down to the plain, an angry Raglan rebukes Cardigan by saying, “What do you mean, sir, by attacking a battery in front, contrary to all the usage's of warfare, and customs of the service?” “My lord,” replies Cardigan, “I hope you will not blame me, for I received the order in front of the troops.” To Lucian, Raglan remarks, “You, sir, have lost me the Light Brigade.”
Lost or not, the charge continued to impress the Russians throughout the remainder of the conflict and they never challenged the British cavalry again during the war. Following the Battle of Balaclava, the fighting continued with engagements at Inkerman, 5 November, 1854, and at Sevastopol, which finally fell on 8 September, 1855, ending the war. The Treaty of Paris was signed on 30 March, 1856. However, by 1871, Russia had abrogated the treaty, refortified Sevastopol, and rebuilt the Black Sea Fleet. And so, the folly of men at war is again demonstrated.

Submitted by Major R. Fitzhugh-D’Arlyn, Her Majesty’s 23d Foot

bugle call

Bugle Call!

A Fond Farewell,
To my fellow Regulars,

Soon, I will be departing the eastern theater to further my career in the USAF at Little Rock AFB, AR. The month of June not only brings me the opportunity to return to what I love to best-fly airplanes, but also brings with it my chance for promotion to Lt Colonel, USAF. I would like to thank all of you for the many hours of fellowship we have spent together on the campaign trail the last seven years. All of us come from different walks of life, but on civil war weekends we are bound by a common bond/drive-the chance to honor the professional soldier-The US Regulars of the American Civil War.
Anchoring the left of the Regular Company is something that has brought me more enjoyment than I can ever put into words. Each of you has left a mark on me, I hope I have done the same with you. I will miss each of you dearly. I firmly believe the Regulars and the National Regiment are the best thing going in the hobby today. Everyone can be replaced-but it is up to the remaining officers and NCOs to ensure the standards of the unit remain high. My last event will be the Forgotten Regular at Gettysburg in May. I will continue to subscribe to the unit newsletter and hope to hook up with the unit maybe once or twice a year-especially when ya’ll come out west to TN! Long term, I hope to return east when my time in the USAF is up. I will provide a forwarding address at a late date, but remember, I can always be reached on AOL.

I remain your obedient servant,
Mark C. Vlahos, 2d U.S. Infantry



Jonah! Jonah! Jonah!

This month’s Jonah is awarded to Mr. Flexi McDevitt for smashing the toe of Cpl. Donal Rivera (back in the ranks) during an inspection at Ft. McHenry. Not only did the poor Cpl. have to endure a flattened foot but also lacerated himself on his own rifle. (See Commander’s Report) Always remember, Jonahs don’t come with warning labels. Sharing the Jonah this month is Craig Mastapeter for the classic ‘jonahing’ of the fire. Defined, he put the fire out by dousing it with coffee.
Jonah honorable mentions go to Flexi additionally for dumping half a plate of eggs on his brogans and one to 1st Sgt. Hanson for dumping a cup of coffee into a plate of bacon. Well done lads, lets keep creative with our mishaps.

Regular
Impersonates
Admiral!!!

Escorts President Into Fallen Richmond!

“I almost got away with it.” L.Cpl. Peter Brooks
U.S. Regular, Peter Brooks was brought up on charges in Richmond last month for impersonating a superior officer. It seems that Mr. Brooks bears an uncanny resemblance to Admiral D. Porter and on a substantial bet with comrades took it upon himself to escort the President into the ruins of conquered Richmond dressed in one of the Admiral’s very own uniforms.
President Lincoln arrived in Richmond to visit the conquered Confederate capital and was slated to be escorted by the Admiral and a substantial guard. Mr. Brooks, with great audacity delivered an urgent communique to Admiral Porter drawing him away from the scene of the Presidents arrival. Having secured one of the admiral’s best uniforms he quickly dressed and non-chalantly joined the escort party. Speaking little, he drew his hat over his eyes and succeeded in fooling even the men of the Admiral’s own command. He walked with the President for some time before slipping away as the real Admiral approached the President’s party. Some confusion naturally ensued as unknown topics of conversation shared by the President and the wily impersonator were brought up again to the real Admiral.
Cpl. Brooks would have gotten away completely with his charade had it not been for the insistent pursuit of 1st Sgt. Stephen Hanson who had been on the trail of the wily impressionist Brooks. Donning one of his own many disguises, that of a miscreant rat catcher, Hanson collared the would-be sea commander by throwing a fake rat at the false Admiral, knocking his pill box cap into the river. Brooks was so upset at losing his cover to the river that the 1st Sgt. had time enough to slap a set of wrist bracelets on the perpetrator and lead him off to the guard house. President Lincoln, being so elated that the war finally at an end granted Cpl. Brooks amnesty and said, “ Get that man a position with the Pinkerton agency.”

Believe it or not.

Written by a spinner of tales



Report from the Field

"Soon we will be warm and in Dry Socks"

Standardsville.
The weekend of the 18th of April found the Regulars beginning their campaign season in what we hope won’t be a precedent for the year - RAIN!
The event started well enough with a few late arrivals coming into camp in the middle of the night without any intention of waking any slumbering comrades but.... Excited once again to be wearing the wool their exuberance manifested itself in loud discourse, for which they humbly apologize.
As the chorus of nasally challenged soldiers snored their way to dawn, dreams of falling rebels danced in their heads. Once awakened by the distant sound of the bugle, the Regulars put themselves to work with the chores of camp while awaiting another breakfast from Chef Il y’a du Fromage (alias P. Brooks). They also noticed a new face blinking the sleep from his eyes, that of recruit Allen Thompson. Welcome recruit. Being a recruit of the first order Pvt. Thompson accompanied by several comrades went on an early shopping spree (we just love to shop) and acquired a large portion of his uniform.
After a dress parade that found the NR compliment somewhat small, the lads set about their business waiting to put into action the creative military wonders that swim within the mind of one Major W. Hutchison. The ‘Ambuscade’ as this one was formally titled entailed the NR compliment to 1. Hide behind an obstacle while observing strict ‘noise discipline. (hand signed expletives were in great abundance) 2. Wait for the signal to be given (or until the entire company fell asleep). 3. Then run from around the obstacle with great ‘running’ discipline to the enemy and shoot them. The plan worked well as we sent six surprised rebel skirmishers scampering back up the hill in tears. I’m sure they must have had surprised looks on their faces. Then we marched back to camp.
We then prepared for the afternoon engagement which was embraced with great enthusiasm as we charged the brambles of a nearby woodline. We made contact with the enemy and with the fearless and daring leadership of Major Hutchison we forced back three times our number. This was partly due to a sound verbal thrashing meted out by Jim Nickle all over the enemy. Some were offended but most were just down right scared. The rest of the company took example and we pushed the rebels back until they were nothing but a pile of quivering forms cowering before our might and manliness. (forgive the hyperbole but we were really good.)
We marched back over the hills and far away to our camp and set about deciding through the rain that had begun to fall if we wanted to do a ‘grand guard’. As our dander was up and we were interested in doing something we rarely do we of course consented as good Regulars always do. All we needed was an enemy. This of course is the hard part and we failed to persuade any rebels to come out and play in the wet woods. So we fell on our alternate plan. We stayed on the street and did what soldiers do. Chat, make up stories and abuse one another verbally and in song while having a few ales until we all straggle into our giant soldier nests of warm straw.
But before this occurred it must be mentioned that a new stew has been added to Pete Brooks Stew museum display. The hauntingly mysterious ‘Druid Stew’. Trying desperately to stick to the recipe Chef B. wearing his druid antlers was of course thwarted as venison was substituted for lamb and the infamous ‘desecrated vegetables were snuck into the stew and someone succeeded in throwing in some hot peppers. A gallon of red wine added just the right flavor. For all of this culinary anarchy the stew came out quite good. Our compliments again Chef Schmoopy.
The next morning a dawn tactical was scheduled and unceremoniously cancelled due to 500,000 gallons of cold rain that poured on us during the night. We were too disappointed for words so we kept sleeping. A stalwart few awakened and started the cook fire and stared bleary eyed into the embers while the coffee took approximately 4 days to get hot. Whoever made up the saying that a watched pot never boils should be beaten to death with a coffee pot. Chef Brooks created another flawless breakfast and another day started damp and dreary. Since no tactical was in the offing we shined our brass for dress parade and that’s all there was to that. But just then, through the mist came members of the 53rd PA (NC contingent) with an offer to play baseball. They had an excellent period bat and ball and with these authentic props succeeded in drawing the ever competitive Regulars to the field. The Regulars came to the plate first and began a game of acrobatic fielding (an excellent left field collision by P.Brooks, C. Mastapeter and F. McDevitt) and powerhouse hitting that left the 53rd stunned. Final score was Regulars 30 something and the 53rd 20 something. Flexi ‘The Man’ McDevitt was named MVP. It should be mentioned that the 53rd had a wringer in the guise of a little lad named Patrick. The bat was bigger than he was yet this little man succeeded in getting to 1st base twice. We unmercifully threw him out at first the rest of the game. We took no prisoners. Look for the Regulars whenever there is a game to be won.
The afternoon battle was memorable for a flying flanking maneuver led by none other than the indomitable Johnny Good and the phrase “Soon we will be warm and in dry socks”. Then we went home through the rain.

Written by a trenched foot sore individual

Report from the Field
Frt. McHenry
A Military Demonstration
Frt. McHenry was once again the host for the Regulars, and this time we brought a few comrades. The National Regiment. Major Hutchison deftly drilled the regiment and brought us before the audience to demonstrate battalion maneuvers. Co.’s of the Regt. also demonstrated the skirmish drill and the bayonet drill for the audience’s edification. Once again the Nat’l Regiment proved that they are the best organization in the hobby today. Positive comments were received from all quarters. The Regulars having very few men, were once brigaded again with our friends in the 96th PA. We had the honor of being the color guard of the regiment carrying the 4ths Nationals and the 2nd’s Regimental colors. Militarily speaking it was a stellar weekend.
It was also a grand weekend for the handful of Regulars that attended in the social vein. We were once again reunited with our great friends in the 27th Conn. and 5th NY as well as the 96th. Friday night found us at Hull St. Blues Tavern where the barmaid Mara has our drink orders memorized. This Latvian beauty has always made us feel welcome and the Regulars thank her for her special attentions. We return her efficient service in song and in large food and drink orders. Joe Gannon and Leslie Sweetman and the rest of the 27th Conn. were in attendance and with their banjo and voices made the rafters ring with many a Civil War tune. The Singing Regulars of course hopped right on the band wagon.
The rest of the weekend, the lads spent a relaxing two days aside from drill, playing our wist games and attending to our chores. Bob Szabo was do a thriving business in the photographic trade. First Sgt. Hanson was arrested on some trumped up charge. Capt. Rivera’s tent was knocked down in the night right on top of him by miscreants unknown. Flexi dumped a half a plate of eggs on his foot. The Editor’s tent fell down in the wind because it caught the disease from Tank’s tent. A bagpiper played on the ramparts of the fort. Tanks Sgt. stripes were flapping in the breeze. We fed well on roast beast and big frankfurters. We stayed out of a game of town ball. Pete Brooks showed up finally on Sunday morning. Craig did a fine job as adjudant. The color guard learned to hate the ‘shoulder arms’ position. Steve dumped coffee on the plate of bacon. Craig jonahed the fire. Mars attacked -Ack-Ack-Ack! We were warm and in dry socks. Bill Ford was visited by Australian Boy Scout leaders. We almost blew our welcome at Hull Street. Tank grumbled and moaned at every opportunity because it’s his job. We had crab cakes on the way home. Now see how much you missed by not coming. So don’t forget, if you have the opportunity and real life is getting on your nerves come out with us where the abuse is free and is always followed by a warm handshake and a “good to see ya.” That’s what Regulars do. The Editor



Book Review
by Frank ‘Books’ Hall




And now for something completely different.

Rorke's Drift

A Victorian Epic, Michael Glover
By one of those quirks of fate, some events shine bright in a countries history while others, sometimes of far greater significance, pass swiftly into the dust of time. The Defense of Rorke's Drift has become enshrined as one of the epic tales of the Victorian Era. The facts however, show it was an event of little consequence - the causalities were slight and the outcome had little effect of the outcome of the Zulu War, which was finally settled at the little remembered Battle of Ulundi. Michael Glover sets out to answer the question of why this small action is remembered as one of the great battles of history. The result is a truly absorbing book. Though the Defense of Rorke's Drift falls far short of being a turning point of history, it certainly represents the dogged bravery and determination of the British soldier fighting for Queen and country. Glover also explores the political exploitation of this bravery and the battle resulted in the award of more Victoria Crosses than any other single action in the medals history.

From the Desk of the First Sergeant

 After years in the making, the much-anticipated, often talked about, much-doubted, often thought of as a never-will-happen project, now almost forgotten, "An Annotated Casey's: A Manual of Arms for Reenactors" will soon become a reality. Thanks to the auspices of our new publisher and purveyor of fine literature, Jim Wassel, the project is in galley stage, and initial alterations are being made as we read this. It contains all the arms movements grouped into most-often used, more-often used, often used, sometimes used, rarely used, and esoteric movements, so you can study from cover to cover in a natural progression without being confused. Naturally, " Books" Hall may want to write a critique about it, "Twine" Mongo may want to tie up some loose ends, "Cooky" Brooks may want to stew over it a while, but it should be a welcome addition to the libraries of any Regular.

Written by 1st Sgt. Steve Hanson