British Marine Caps c. 1775

 

  Recently got some information concerning the uniforms of the British Marine detachment at Boston in 1774-5.  There were especially nice clear pictures from the museum of parts of the flank company caps that survived into the 20th century.  There is also some information about the button lace actually worn but that will be another post.

  First some background.  General Thomas Gage, military governor of Massachusetts and commander of British troops there needed additional Soldiers.  Admiral Graves agreed to land some of his Marines from the ships.  These were organized into a infantry battalion or regiment (terms interchangeable in 18th century) under Major John Pitcairn.  They were issued regular army equipment which included haversacks, water bottles, should belts for bayonets and cartridge boxes.  Orders were sent to Britain for Grenadier and Light Infantry caps.

Original Grenadier Cap from period

Original cap taken apart.

  The new Grenadier cap was light weight and folded flat.  Above is a photograph of an original cap in remarkably good condition as well as one that fell apart and the parts that made it up.  Grenadier caps  were constructed around a tin front plate which gave the cap it's outline and shape.  The bear skin was sewed around it.  Here are pictures of a original cap's various pieces to show how it was put together. Note the bear skin sewed in shape, the tin plate it is attached to and front plate to cover it.  There is a linen cap inside the cap and decorative cords outside.  The only part missing is the red wool covering the back.  That made them portable and very light.  You can fold them flat.

Photographs of an original marine cap in the Marine's  Regimental museum.  All that was left was the thin tin plate and the Marine regimental front plate.  Its fascinating and showed the plate very well that Marines wore.

here is the Light Infantry cap.  The plate is very detailed.  The body of the cap is cloth with white lace sewed on.  You can also see in the top photo the holes where the cap plate was attached.  Although the black and white photos make it appear the body of the cap is black, the Charles Stadden illustration at the top shied it as red.  I know Stadden was very careful in his research so its possible he examined the original.   The cap plate does not show any traces of paint on it.

In the sunny south

 

  We made it here safe and sound.  Since arriving we have been having a wonderful time.  Lots of free music each night.  Playing pickle ball, bacchi ball, archery and more.

I have been hanging out with a small group who do Radio Control boats.  I find these great fun, although I do not care for the speed boats.  The sailing ones are more enjoyable and most relaxing.  Sort of zen like.  Anyway Janine is hinting she might get me a boat of my own.  We shall see!

Long drive south and battlefields

 

The weather is turning cold.  There is less daylight each day.  And we are feeling blue so its time to pack the car and head south for a couple months  to the sunny warmth.  We do not push ourselves and it usually takes two to three days.  But once there is time for friends and lots of outside activities.  I use it as a time to recharge the thoughts about the hobby and what I am planning for the next year and try out some new activities.

Look!  Another battlefield I have not seen yet!

On the way we quickly stopped at a couple battlefields.  No pictures as it was dark but a couple impressions and some illustrations or maps if you wish to convert to the table top for a game.

Nice 3D illustration of field of battle minus snow

Map of start of battle

view if battlefield today

Another 3D illustration of battlefield.

  Princeton.  A nice small scenario but historically very one sided.  You basically get a British Regiment (17th) and some drafts and recruits  taking on Washington's entire army.  Which arrives in blocks of brigades.  The other two battalions in the British Brigade (40th and 55th) were out of position defending Princeton itself.   Also its winter so snow on the ground.  A little crunching of numbers and creative thought could make it into a interesting game;  possibly but still one sided.

Really nice view of the town of Trenton.

From a movie about Washington shown at Mount Vernon.

Trenton.  You get two actions in one location.  We all are familiar with Washington's dawn attack.  But later there was a interesting delaying action against Cornwallis' corps which ended with the stand at the Assunpink Bridge.  Both can make interesting table top battles.  And you need a lot if houses!

Fort Devens Game Day 2024

 

  17 November was the annual Fort Devens game day.  This is a wonderful event held each year at the Fort Devens Museum. A dedicated group of gamers put it on and always hold a variety of games.  The public is invited to come out and try the hobby.  Admission is free and includes a visit through the museum itself.

  This year there were a variety of games that caught my eye.  The battle in Bohemia 1619  was especially colorful and the players were having a great time.  There was also a Command and Colors American Civil War game that looked good.

  For me the highlight each year is Adam's games featuring (a heavily modified) Black Sails rules and sailing ships.  Each model is a little work of art and Adam is especially knowledgeable about the period.  I have great fun playing and when home looking up books he recommended.  

This year he put on a series of single frigate fights from the War of 1812. These usually last a half hour to forty five minutes (or much less if I was commanding).   This way a great number of people could try out a game.  There were a number of families who dropped in.  They all looked to be having a great time.

Alas!  My record in sailing games of never winning a game has held firm.  I am now something like 0 to 125 in wins and losses.   In my first game was HMS Java vs USS Constitution.  Single frigate to frigate action.

I maneuvered well at first and got a beautiful raking shot at Constitution.  Did some damage but not enough. For me that was the high point!  Then the wind changed

Constitution then closed and devastated me.  At the end I was burning and out of control.  Historical it was after this engagement (and the loss of three other ships)  that the Royal Navy order its frigates not to engage the much heavier armed American frigates one on one.  So perhaps I did not do so badly after all!

Next up was two smaller ships Levant & Cyane vs Constitution.  Again a historical engagement where the bigger heavier American frigates took out the two much smaller British ships.  But the sacrifice saved the convey Constitution was after so there was that.  I commanded HMS Levant

The game started with the two smaller ships working to get on both sides of the larger enemy.  Unfortunately the wind gage was against us and constitution had the advantage.  Cyane got a good raking fire but unfortunately her smaller guns did minimal damage.  We were like little yorkie's snapping and nipping.

Things changed when Constitution turned and got an excellent raking shot at me.  It was devastating and did horrible damage.  But since my partner was getting good shots in I stayed in the fight hoping to divert attention and give our side a chance

Then, my luck ran out.  A devastating raking shot at point blank range!  Fires broke out, crew Aran away and magazines blew up.  Not much left to show where I once was!   Shortly after Cyane was knocked out of the fight.  Another American victory.

In spite of my poor record it was a great day out and a fun experience.  I met some new gamers and once hone from vacation will enjoy mire gaming in my area.

Park Signs you wish you saw

 

  Here is a little humor to brighten up your day.  I will be taking a but if time off my blog.  Fact us the election has caused a major depression in myself.  I need time to adjust.

  Hopefully see you soon.

Battle of Inkerman 5 November 1854

 

 

Anniversary of the Battle of Inkerman in 1854.  Here are a couple paintings by Lady Butler which capture the feel.of the battle.  

 The Return from Inkerman: top of page

"The painting depicts a column of exhausted soldiers trudging back to camp, many of who are wounded and are only just able to stand up.  Their commanding officer on horseback rides at the head of the column.  The men try to keep their heads held high as they pass fallen comrades who lie at the side of the road.  Their tattered uniforms remind us of the ferocity of the battle which has just concluded.  The battle took place on the heights of Inkerman where the Russians had mounted a counter-attack on the British forces.   The weather had been terrible during the battle with driving rain interspersed with thick fog making the commanding of the troops difficult for both sides.  It was a ferocious battle and cost the lives of 2,500 British and 12,000 Russian troops.   In her painting the troops depicted are mainly from the Coldstream Guards and the 20th." Devonshire regiment.

The Roll Call

The remnants of a battalion of Grenadier Guards, many exhausted and wounded, are answering a roll call in the aftermath of a battle generally assumed that the scene represented the aftermath of the Battle of Inkerman, which took place on the 5th November 1854.

BTW, here in the states its election day.  Please, vote!

General Leopold Philip de Heister

 

  My latest command stand, General de Heister.  During the New York 1776 campaign Heister commanded the German contingent of Howe's army.  In addition while Howe divided his army into two wings these were commanded by Clinton and Heister.

  At the Battle of Long Island the Hessians under De Heister forming the centre of the British attack  at Flatbush Pass (today Battle Pass).   De Heister personally commanded the attack that over ran Sullivan 's division and captured that general.  Later Heister commanded the Hessians at White Plains on 28 October 1776 and the capture of Fort Washington.

  He was removed from command in 1777, after the Battle of Trenton and continued disagreements with General Howe. He was replaced by his second-in-command Wilhelm von Knyphausen.  Heister, suffering ill health return to Hesse Kassel and died soon after.