What uniforms and equipment do I need to buy and where do I get
it all from?
You are expected to purchase your own uniform and you will need
at least your basic unform to participate in events, plus advanced
equipment at a later point, plus a musket (Shotgun), shotgun license
and black powder license or deactivated musket.
You can
obtain most of your kit in the Regiment, otherwise we can supply you
with details of where to get the kit elsewhere if you prefer to go
by this route.
Will I be given full training?
Yes absolutely! The whole Regiment undergoes training drills
throughout the winter months, where you are trained on drill,
marching, loading and firing, dress, military etiquette, everything
you will need to know to fight on the battlefield. New Privates get
one on one tuitition from an experienced chosen man. Most
importantly if you are using a live firing musket, we will make sure
you are profficient in using your musket correctly.
What roles are available?
Most men join as a Private, however there
are Officer (Ensign) positions available. If you have musical
skills such as you play the drums or could play a fife, then we
always welcome new drummers.
You could also join as a camp
follower or dandy. Women take on the roles of ladies, or camp
followers and wenches.
What events do you do?
An event might be a small skirmish, large battalion formed
battle, a public drill display, concert, TV work...the list is
really endless. We do a whole range of different events throughout
the year. Last year (2003), we were involved in the forthcoming
movie production of Vanity Fair!.
How do battles work and what are they like?
We employ military techniques and strategies of the period, which
means we usually form up in tight lines, shoulder to shoulder.
Usually we combine with other regiments to form a stronger force. In
actual battle we fire volleys at the French troops under command and
advance or retreat at the whim of our commanding officers. We may be
required to do some light skirmishing, we may be charged by a
formation of cavalry, which means forming a defensive square,
whereby the French cannon make mincemeat out of us! You may on
occasion be expected to fall in battle, but don't worry we have a
fully qualified surgeon who is well briefed in the medical
techniques of the day.
Is it dangerous?
Any hobby involving gun powder has an element of danger to it.
However, you will be fully trained and health and safety regulations
are very stringent.
Can all genders join the Regiment?
Yes - But only men can join the British Line Infantry . Women may
take on roles such as ladies or camp followers.
If you are female
and would like to join as a soldier, we recommend an alternative
Regiment within the Napoleonic Association.
What is the Regiment like and will it suit me?
The Regiment is very welcoming and very helpful to new members.
It has a nice family atmosphere, where we have entire families as
members (Including little ones). After events we stay together,
cook, chat by the campfire and freeze as the sun goes down. Some
even like to further the Army's tradition of excessive alcohol
consumption.
Please feel free to talk to our recuiting members if
you have any questions, or come and see us at drill or on the
battlefield.