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| A camp of the 16th Light Dragoons during the Brandywine Campaign Very rarely do we have the opportunity to stay in dwellings. Usually we camp as the original troop would have during their active campaigning. If the regimental wagons were able to keep up with the troops, then men (and campfollowers) would have sheltered at night under canvas. If the baggage wagons were left behind, or there was a material shortage, then no tents are used and the men roll up in their cloaks, which is generally the type of camp we are used to. Research has provided some useful clues to the type of tents the regiment used. Early in the war, the 17th were issues 25, sixteen man round tents with a single center pole. and 7, five man wedge tents. In the closing months of the war, although both types of tents are mentioned, the wedge tents were much more numerous. Horses were restrained on piquet lines, which could be a length of rope set up between trees, or a rope strung along a line of posts driven into the ground, which each man carried on his horse The horses camp with us, and set up of camp revolves around where and how the horses will be piqueted. As with all animals, it takes a lot of time and effort to take care of them. Without their horses, cavalry becomes infantry, so the care of our mounts is the priority. This includes ensuring the lines are clean, the horses are fed and watered regularly and the public are safe when they visit camp. We have a policy that when horses are in camp, they are never left unattended. |
Our food is all cooked 18th century style over a open fire. We try to use food and recipes similar to what was available in the 18th Century. We eat and drink much better than the average British Soldier did however.
Everyone chips in to set up camp, fetch wood and water, and help with food prep and cleanup.
