We thought it about time for another caption competition! Here we see our formed sectione, with @theparrotandcocoatree on the right. But what are the awe-struck redcoats saying in the background? According to James Graves (and with no bias at all!), the British are saying "Are we small, or far away?" Photo by kind permission of … Continue reading Cromford Caption Competition
Avançant par demi-peloton / Advancing in half-platoons
with our colleagues in La compagnie la Courbière at the Château de Fontainebleau Photo by kind permission of Franck Loiseau
Morning Inspection
Inspecting the men was a tireless job! Every officer (commissioned and non-commissioned) performed the task (to varying degrees), from a Caporal up to Chef de Battallon - and indeed even higher. In this case, our Sergent is examining the sectione's havresacs for missing items...or contraband. This poor recrue appears to have lost his havresac entirely! … Continue reading Morning Inspection
Marching in Step?
Contrary to popular belief, it was not common for eighteenth-century armies to march fully formed and in step. Contemporary military theorists all agreed that it achieved nothing - other than tiring the men (and the drummers) out unnecessarily. More commonly, once a formation was en route, the soldats would be ordered to carry their arms … Continue reading Marching in Step?
Research in Action!
On the left, Charles M. Lefferts's early 20th century illustration of le Regiment de Gatinois; on the right is our impression! It is always interesting to see how far we've come in our understanding - but also what details differ from other interpretations. Photo kindly provided by Skipping Red Panda
Descendez vos armes / Lower your arms
Although not in the 1776 Ordonnance du Roi, a practical and period solution to the need to lower muskets whilst in wooded areas! Photo by kind permission of Skipping Red Panda
Ordres du jour / Orders of the Day @ Chateau de Fontainebleau
Photo by kind permission of Franck Loiseau
An Update to our Coffee-House
Our recent trip to the Chateau de Fontainebleau saw the premiere of our new venture - The Parrot and Cocoa Tree Coffee and Chocolate House! Although in its early stages, this project will showcase the nature and experience of "luxury consumables" for Americans during the American Revolution. including demonstrations of a wide variety of hot beverages and foodstuffs. It … Continue reading An Update to our Coffee-House
Say less, mon ami.
Photo by Paul de l'étoile
Chargez et feu par files / loading and firing in files @ Château de Fontainebleau
Photo by kind permission of Martina Cammerata
Le Régiment Gatinois 