HOW IT STARTED
60th Rifles USA
This section is under revision
Thanks for your patience.
HOW IT STARTED
A while back I read Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series of books. When BBC America telecast the
series starring Sean Bean it rekindled my interest. I decided to collect all the novels in hardbound.
I was able to achieve that goal. Unable to leave it at that, I thought it would be interesting to recreate
a shako (military hat) of that period. from there it was a small jump to desiring an
entire uniform. I was fascinated by the character "Sweet William" Fredrickson of
the 5th battalion of the 60th Royal American Rifles.
We shared a common German heritage, loss of one eye, a somewhat advanced age,
and a liking for a slightly different uniform from the more famous 95th Rifles.
Suddenly I was a re-enactor with a 19th century persona. One thing leads to
another and this site is just the latest outgrowth of this interest. One of the greatest
moments in this hobby came when Richard Rutherford-Moore,
the Rifleman Moore and technical advisor in the Sharpe series,
christened me with the Sweet William nickname. From anyone else I would
refuse it but from him I consider it the highest honour.
One of our members, Zack Bleacher, has an interest in the Crimean War.
His interest in re-enacting the character of Sgt. Nash has been invaluable in creating this section of the site.
( Link to the Crimea section )
We are very pleased to provide a link to the 60th Foote, Gordon's Company,
a group of re-enactors that portray the early beginnings of the regiment.
I am slowly revising the layout of these links, please bear with me.
OFFICER'S UNIFORM 5th/60th
( Here is a link to some views of my uniform. )
A BRIEF LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE 60th HEADGEAR
CIVILIAN CLOTHES
One thing leads to another so a civilian outfit seemed in order.
( take a look )
SPECTACLES
One of the things that make this hobby a challenge is finding period solutions
to current problems. As a case in point my lack of sight in one eye makes protecting
the other a high priority. Firing a flintlock involves metal sparks, burning powder
and a number of hazards close to the eye. The concept of safety glasses really didn't exist
until the mid-1850s when wire screen shields were added to the sides of spectacles to protect
the eyes of artillery men. A bit of research ( see: http://www.antiquespectacles.com/ )
turned up a solution. In 1797 John Richardson invented four lens spectacles
that hinge on the sides. ( http://www.antiquespectacles.com/slide_shows/4_lens/4_lens.htm )
It simply became a matter of finding a suitable example, a difficult but not impossible task,
and replacing the old glass lenses with modern unbreakable polycarbonate ones.
( check them out )
LIST OF SUPPLIERS & SOURCES
( check them out )
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Even before I became a teacher, books were a large part of my life. I previously
mentioned the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. I thought it might be
helpful to post a link to the other books in my collection. Some are purely
reference while others give insight into the life and times of a rifleman.
19th Century References & Regulations
RECRUITMENT
Interested in joining us?
( Look here )
EVENTS
I'll try and add a few pictures from each of the events I attend.
Old Bedford Village living history week-end June 2007
Brigade Napoleon Gran Tactique Old Bedford July 2007
*** WATERLOO 2008 ***
I'm sorry but Waterloo is NOT just another re-enacting event.
I was proud to be an ADC (Aide de Camp) to Sir Michael Haynes commander of C division.
TINDER LIGHTER
An interesting piece of equipment is a tinder lighter. Invented about 1790
it made life easier for those challenged by flint and steel.
( take a look )
return to HISTORY