 |
Who are we?
We’re a re-enactment group portraying the 43rd Regiment of Foot—The
Monmouthshire Light Infantry, but also operate as a “Provisional
Battalion” made up of detachments and individuals separated from
their own regiments. We are a part of the “Light Division”, which
includes the re-enactment groups: 5/60th, 3/95th Rifles, The 52nd Ox
and Bucks and the light infantry of the 3rd Buffs.
As a re-enactment group, we’re aiming for campaign look with the
ability to look smart if required. We plan to take part in many
foreign events, especially those on sites the 43rd really fought and
with the bicentennials, it’ll be a busy few years. Already we have
taken part in events in France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and all
over Britain. Some of our members have been re-enacting as far
afield as the U.S.
The 43rd were ordered to become a light infantry regiment in 1803
and started their training as Shorncliffe in 1804. They served in
the Peninsula, under the command of ‘Black Bob’ Crawford, as part of
the light division with the 52nd and 95th. By the end of 1813 about
one in four of the 43rd were armed with rifles, mostly Bakers.
After the French were defeated at Toulouse, the Light Division was
split up and the 43rd was sent to America where they took part in
the brigade action known as the Battle of New Orleans.
After returning to England, they were soon sent to Brussels, but due
to storms and the amount of traffic at Ostend, many regiments were
unable to land their soldiers and the 43rd missed the Battle of
Waterloo by one day. They had to be content with chasing the French
back to Paris and occupying the city for a coupe of years.
We also portray The York Rangers;
Raised on the Isle of Wight in 1793 by Captain G.W. Ramsey (late the
Light Company of the 30th Foot), The York Rangers were made up of
mostly French officers and German rank and file.
Also known as the York Chasseurs and Ramsey’s York Rangers and armed
at least in part with the breech loading Ferguson rifle, they saw
action in the Netherlands before being sent to the West Indies in
1796. They fought the French on St Lucia and St Vincent.
By 1798 they had been drafted into the 3rd and 5th Battalions of the
60th.
In re-enactment terms we are part of the “43rd Battle Group”, which
gives us the opportunity to do something a little different when we
fancy a change from red coat. We do have the best hats in the
British Brigade!!
Maybe one day we will be invited to events in the West Indies,
Flanders or event the Isle of Wight. |
