After Action Report-Ronald Reagan Colonial Encampment

Since 1999, Members of The 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Haslet's Company of Light Infantry, and more recently, members of the 2nd Continental Dragoons have deployed en masse in support of the Colonial Encampment at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

The week/weekend of March 21st through the 25th was our latest event concluded with a resounding success.

Over 1500 school children per day attended the over-sold event, between three days of school programs, and two days of public demonstrations including battle vignettes portraying events of Lexington, Bunker (Breed's) Hill, The Cowpens, and our own choreographed presentation of " The anatomy of a battle ". The battles were narrated by Hank Kayser, who always does a superb job of explaining events to the public in real-time, while keeping up the level of enthusiasm and drama as tactics ebbed and flowed in each battle.

For the Lexington battle, Steve Columbus was our alarm rider astride Ticonderoga, faithful steed of the night. Steve rode up from the north, to warn the militia and alarm companies of the impending arrival of the regulars. One never knows how much history the public is aware of, but again, Sergeant Kayser brought them along for the ride.

The Anatomy of a Battle was well received, with Hank delineating all of the oft-missed subtleties of battle: how the Continental light infantry maneuvered differently than a line company of the crown forces, when and how each unit would load, fire, and advance while repeating the sequence, and ultimately fixing bayonets for the 'wet work'. At the grand finale', the public was treated to a recipients' eye view of the business end of cold steel (from a perfectly safe and preplanned distance)

Cowpens was another demonstration of light infantry versus line company tactics, although history was nearly revised by a British victory, had not Sergeant Kayser urged Mr.Lenz along in the battle------we were nearly bayoneted in the back!!....At the last possible second, pinned between the 23rd and the hedge, we wheeled about face with muskets at the level and unleashed a volley of lead, cutting down the Regulars with lethal efficiency, as did Morgan's men 230 years ago.

Speaking of the devil, Morgan's Rifles Paul Hildebrandt, Mike Hussey, Roger Gary, Jeff Black, and two of their latest recruits joined us for the battle, giving the Brits 'A Devil of a Whippin'. We were most honored to have the Rifles amongst us, and they performed superbly, providing the public with a rare glimpse into the life, equippage, and routines of Daniel Morgans' feared Virginia boys. The Morgans were well-received by the public, and we would like to see a contingency from their group at future events.

Here's a healthy and warranted Huzzah! to Morgan's Rifles.

There were other vignettes such as the Colonial recruiting party, which went well until vagabonds, footpads, and rabble-rousers so rightly protested the tools of ministry skulking about, taking our youth for want of the price of a schilling.

The Grand Forage, a short play which portrays the sufferings and dilemmas of the winter encampment at Valley Forge was performed both days by Mr. Lenz, Captain Ferguson and Mr. Kayser. The public was reminded of the great sacrifices made by those who came before us so that we should enjoy such bounty. We hope they left with a renewed appreciation of those who gave so much , when so little was of possession at the time.

This year's event was the smoothest yet, with very few moments of paucity, making for a very much engaged public..........our goal. There were no unsafe incidents of any kind, and we again thank the Morgan's Rifles for adhering to the Library's and our requests. Special thanks to Lt. Pritchard for providing the safety briefing, and to the 23rd for making their camp kitchen open to all. Thank you, Karen! Also, a special thanks to our newest recruit, David Savage, who was recruited by this blogsite. David drove from Lake Elsinore with his family to be with us in his first event. He continues to complete his Delaware kit. Let's all continue to encourage with sustained growth as a member of our unit.

It's the people in our groups that make this fun, year in and year out, and I can speak for Haslet's Delawares in thanking each of you for not only a event well done, but for an event well-enjoyed by all.

Congratulations to all who read this on our 7th Ronald Reagan Presidential Colonial Encampment!