While the main interest of many of us in the group is the History of the Royal Highland Regiment, a good deal of the kit we've acquired can be used not only in Napoleonic re-enactments, but also in War of 1812 re-enactments

1812; the Napoleonic War.... what's the difference? Didn't they happen at the same time?

The War of 1812 is a term which has come to mean the War fought between Great Britain and the United States during the period from 1812 until 1815. While some of the Naval Battles were waged on the High Seas far from the coast of North America, "1812" is generally taken to mean the fighting that occurred within the borders of what is now the Eastern US and the Southern part of Canada.

The Napoleonic Wars, on the other hand, were those periods when Great Britain and coalition forces (such as Austria) took up arms in order to contain the ambitions of General Bonaparte. This fighting took place almost entirely on European soil.

These two terms a NOT interchangeable, and for the most part involved different Regiments of the British Army fighting on completely different continents.

The 42nd Regiment took part in only the European Napoleonic Wars, and therefore look extremely out of place at an 1812 re-enactment. If the 42nd had a less distinctive uniform, we might have been able to pass for one of the British Regiments in North America... but in our Kilt and Feathered Kilmarnock Bonnets, we just stand out too much. Normally, that's not a bad thing... but at an 1812 event...

Since we do have so much that could be used for either conflict, and since the 200th anniversaries of War of 1812 Battles were going to be coming up in the next several years, we have decided to also put together the impression of a British Regiment that took part in the War with America.

In September of 2008 we took part in the 1812 Grand Tactical, and one of the purposes in going was to look at different British Impressions and see where we might fit in among the existing Scottish Royal Regiments. After weighing many, many pros and cons, we have decided on portraying a Centre Company of the 1st Royal Regiment, The Royal Scots.

New members of the unit who are interested in doing a dual Napoleonic/1812 impression will be encouraged to start with the Fatigue Uniform of the 42nd... a Roundabout and Trousers. This uniform will enable them to go to either event and be able to fit in, as the Roundabout Jacket for the 42nd is differenced from other Royal Regiments only by the buttons. It is also a cheaper and much easier uniform to make, which allows the new man to get into the action quickly and with less reliance on borrowing gear from others. If the new recruit ONLY wishes to portray the Royal Highlanders, he may get right to work on his 42nd Regimental.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of the 1812 unit, please contact Iain Burns. You can also stop by and speak with us at an event...