ON Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May, the British army will take up garrison duty in Tilbury Fort, Tilbury, Essex, for the first time since the fort was de-commissioned in the 1950s. The difference is that this time the army will be the redcoats of George III.
The 44th East Essex Regiment of Foot, one of the country’s foremost Napoleonic re-enactment groups, will be setting up a 19th Century tented camp within the walls of the fort, which is run and maintained by English Heritage.
Visitor’s to this historic site will see the troops drilling and firing the famous Brown Bess Musket, finding out how the King’s soldiers lived and played, how they were disciplined at courts martial and how the officers settled their dispute by duelling. The regimental surgeon will be on hand to explain how injuries were treated and to help with all your ailments, and yes, he does have leeches!
This year sees the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, the battle that changed the course of history. The 44th East Essex Regiment of Foot were actually present at that historic British victory and will taking part in the magnificent re-enactment at Waterloo in Belgium in June. This is your chance to see the preparations the regiment will be making before they “take ship”and experience the smell of the powder and rattle of the cannonball at first hand.
The flag will be raised at 10:00am and lowered at 17:00pm on Sunday (16:00 on Monday)
