We have some great events to look forward to this year! Starting in April at Allaire Village NJ. Both Mounted and Dismounted sections will be out on the field.
Congratulations to our new Dismounted troop commander, Sgt. Andrew Clive. Sergeant Clive was given a field promotion over the winter due to the retirement of our senior Sgt Greg Fisher. We wish him well and hope to see him on the field again in the future.
Over the winter, we have been working on researching and improving our kit, especially for the dismounted troop. We are working on an improved dismounted helmet, are issuing billhooks and/or hatchets to all ranks. Sgt Clive will be working on drilling our dismounts in light infantry tactics and musket drill.
During the American Revolution, the 17th LD were augmented with 192 dismounted non commissioned officers and Dragoons. There are distinct differences in the kit they had compared to mounted dragoons, which is well documented. We are always actively looking for new recruits both Mounted and dismounted. If you want to reenact British Infantry, especially light infantry, we might have a spot for you with one of the coolest impressions there is.
Dismounted troops wore a shortened regimental coat cut in the light infantry style, long brown cloth gaiters, a helmet similar to the light infantry and carried a knapsack with a short cloak. They all carried billhooks and hatchets. They carried an Elliot carbine, and 4 rifles were issued per troop.
Dismounted section working and firing in pairs
At events, the dismounted troop will either work independently with the mounted unit, or work closely with advance guard units such as the 40th Foot, Jaegers, Queen's own Loyal Virginia Regt., Native contingents, or other light infantry units. Always at the forefront of battle, their job is never dull! If you are interested in joining our dismounted troop, contact Sgt. Clive drew.clive@gmail.com
Our members come from up and down the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Virginia, with members in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Dismounted section wearing linen smocks at Wyoming 2014
