Chelmsford, ninth and tenth of October in the year 2005

Battle of Chelmsford

It was a dark and storm night... or some such Bulwer-Lytton rubbish. The rain did pelt the British, French, and Americans fielded at Warren Farm, Chelmsford, on Friday evening and into Saturday. Still, as long as all were safe, the reenactment continued.

On Saturday morning, the camp opened to the public at 10 am. As people ambled through camp, they stopped at the various tents taking in the warmth of cooking fires and enjoying a conversation. The Kings Own had a couple pots from which the men would 'noon' (eat lunch). Inside, chicken, rice, and vegetables stewed.

One could see the armies reconnoitering the battlefield for shortly after twelve there would be a tactical skirmish. A tactical to reenactors is an unscripted battle maneuver. Commanders would have a mission to accomplish, but they were free to use whatever colonial means possible. The goal on Saturday was to capture a flag in enemy territory and bring it back to camp.

Serjeant Woolf was placed in command of the light infantry. Leaving a few men to protect the cannon, Woolf set off to the North. An Indian guide, George, lead the way and soon alerted the Brits that French and American troops were approaching. A fire fight ensued. Fearing getting caught in place, Sjt. Woolf split the force. Part encapsulated the enemy while the others skirted further to the North.

Lead again by George, the 4^th quickly moved down a trail. One man would run ahead and take position near a tree. He would scan the woods for the enemy while another soldier would leapfrog the position. Soon the enemy was encountered again, but they were retreating. To the 4^th's surprise, they left the American Flag unprotected. Snatching the flag, Serjeant Woolf quickly led the men back down the trail to the British camp and victory!

The mid-afternoon was spent cleaning gear and muskets. The rain was steady at times. Still the public turned out to see the public battle. A Private gave a presentation to 30 camp followers on the King's Own role in history, their tactics, and their gear. He also provided a musket demonstration.

A public battle in the afternoon stalemated as the two sides deployed on either side of a stream, deemed unfordable even prior to the deluge. Undeterred, two detachments of volunteers rushed across the waist deep water to drive the enemy back. Sjt-Major Condrick led a detachment of King's Rangers, and A/Corpl Bill Irish led volunteers from the King's Own. Being already soaked from the endless rain, it wasn't such a hardship but by god the enemy were dumbfounded.

Hearty rum rations kept up morale through supper. But like King Canute, we could not keep the waves back. By late Saturday night, pieces of kit started floating out of tents.

By Sunday morning, the heavy rain eased to light rain, but the fields were all waterlogged. Much to the chagrin of the rank and file, the event was cancelled, and the salvage operation began.

As a humble participant, I must extend an enormous thank you to the organizers of our event, and our sympathy too. We all know how much energy, time and money goes into an event like this. But fear not. Your sacrifice was not in vain. The Battles at the Chelm River and the sufferings of the troops involved will live forever in legend.

Your most awed and humbled servant,

Chris Woolf
Serjeant, King's Own

Photo courtesy of our brethren, the Hanau Jager Corps at http://www.hanaujager.com.