A Post Christmas Post.....

"I am changing my wish list to Santa.  Pray I don't change it further."
Lord Vader

        

Merry Christmas To All

 

                         A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.  

     Thank you all who have followed my blog.   I have enjoyed writing the blog, and I enjoy hearing from all of you so much more.  And thank you to those who drop by and post comments.   I hope you enjoy it or find it fun.  You have all helped to make my life brighter and happier during the past year.

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!