The 1812 War Society (UK)

[Ian Harbottle]

The American Brigade - The 1812 War Society (UK)

The American Brigade was formed to recreate the campaigns and events of ‘The Forgotten War’ of 1812 between the United States of America and Great Britain. The Brigade is based around a core of military re-enactment units that form an all arms composite brigade of United States’ Forces from the period, with a supporting civilian element. The main role of the Brigade is battle re-enactments and living history in which the majority of the membership is involved. In addition American Brigade members find themselves involved in historical research of the period and we even have a modest core of members who participate in re-creating the battles in miniature war-gaming. Members of the Brigade come from all corners of the UK and the Brigade has links and close relations with groups in America, Canada, and, across Europe.

The Brigade is still in its infancy and is looking for new members to fulfill a variety of roles. We would also welcome the addition of other units who would like to be incorporated into the Brigade.

The Brigade is composed of a composite infantry Brigade made up of regulars, rifles and militia with supporting artillery and cavalry.

The main units of the Brigade are detailed as follows.

Brigade Staff
The Brigade Staff recreates the head quarters and specialist officers of the Brigade. Living history interpreters depict a General Officer and Staff Aid de Camps of Brigade command who lead the Brigade on the field. In addition we would like to add a Surgeon and an Engineering officer to complement the head quarters staff in living history and on the re-enactment battlefield.

4th US Infantry Regiment
The 4th Infantry was formed after the Act of Congress May 30, 1796, from the infantry of the fourth sub-legion from the Legion of the United States upon its disbandment in November of that year. Thomas Butler, of distinguished lineage and revolutionary service was to command the regiment as Lieutenant-Colonel and Commandant. During the 1812 War the 4th Infantry was organised at the Nashua Deport outside of Concord, Massachusetts. Though they were poorly lead in the Detroit campaign by General Hull they performed with distinction through out the rest of the war including the siege of Plattsburgh. The 4th Infantry are based mainly in Scotland with members also coming from North Yorkshire and North Wales.

9th US Infantry Regiment
The 9th Infantry was organised in March 1812 under the Act of January 11. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Simon Learned from Massachusetts and was composed mainly of New England volunteers. Originally stationed at the Pittsfield Depot in Massachusetts the regiment was accredited to that state. In December of that year it joined the Army of the North at Burlington and participated in engagements at York, Fort George, Sacketts Harbor, Chrystler's Field, Plattsburgh, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Lundy's Lane, and the Chippewa River. Upon termination of the hostilities, all units of the army with the numerical designation of nine and above were disbanded. The 9th Infantry was disbanded on 13 March 1815. Due to their disposition on campaign they fell foul of uniform shortages due to poor transport services. The 9th US Infantry re-enactment unit is based in the North East and Yorkshire.

New York Detached Volunteer Militia
The Volunteer Militia were raised from the local citizenry by each state in times of conflict and were employed for the defence of the state. Each state militia regiment had its own officers and were equipped and clothed according to state regulations. Variations between units from each state were vast. Some had elaborate and colourful uniforms reminiscent of the Revolutionary War, some modelled themselves on the regulars’ uniform and others had no uniform except a piece of coloured cloth tied around an arm or hat. On occasion some militia could be convinced to go on offensive campaign and would become detached from their state establishment as was the case of the New York Detached Volunteer Militia when they took part in the Niagara campaign of 1814. The re-created New York Detached Volunteer Militia are based in the South West.

1st Regiment of Artillery
In 1794 a "Corps of Artillerists and Engineers" was organized, which included the original four companies of artillery then in service and an additional sixteen companies in four battalions, with a lieutenant-colonel commandant and four majors. This was the first 1st Artillery. During the War of 1812 the artillery of the army was represented in all major engagements and often out performed their British counterparts in the field. The Artillery are currently constructing 2 x 6 pounders and hope to start on a howitzer in the non to distant future. The battery is based in Teesside.

If you are interested in joining any of the afore-mentioned units or if you have a unit that you would like the Brigade to incorporate, please contact me through this forum and I’ll PM you details.

[steve stanley]

Interesting...We were talking about our 1750's MIlice up-dating to sedentry militia for 1812..............

[wurzul]

If you'd like some opposition to burn powder in the general direction of....

[Ian Harbottle]

Thanks guys, just the thing we need for our greens to cut their teeth. I'll keep you posted as to when units are ready to play.

[Andy R]

Yeah, be interesting as our kit when mixed and matched is quite similar to the Canadian Light Dragoons (although we have tarletons rather than the look-a-like taretons they wore)

[Foxe]

I've long harboured plans for a Wo1812 US Navy officer's uniform...

[Dave B]

Don't get carried away Ed, you've a 1720's colonial militia to do first!

[steve stanley]

Don't get carried away Ed, you've a 1720's colonial militia to do first!

Doing that.....Well, 1700-1760 Canadian.............

[Foxe]

So many outfits to make... so little time to wear them...

[Grymm]

There are a few 85th uniforms out there from or stint at the TOL but whether us fat wheezy boys could be persuaded to wear'em again is another matter.

[Mark Griffin]

We could white wash you and pretend you are that big important building in Washinton Grymm. Anyone got any matches?

[Grymm]

It may've bin us boys from Buck wot left a cigar burning in the ashtray after the meal there.....similar happened just after the 85th left N'Orleans.

[Ian Harbottle]

Here's our new website. It is still being developed but is a great way to contact the Society for anyone interested in joining or requiring more information.

http://sites.google.com/site/1812warsocietyuk/home

Cheers

Rob Harbottle

[Mark Griffin]

Nice site, best of luck with it all.