On Thanksgiving weekend a detachment of the 7/60th made the group’s first trip to Marion, Indiana for the Battle of Mississinewa.  While no British troops were present in the historical battle, the 60th’s distinctive uniforms generated numerous questions among reenactors and visiting public alike.  Rounding off its 2011 season, the group participated in battle demonstrations throughout the Saturday and Sunday, while also browsing the numerous sutlers selling period wares at the largest annual War of 1812 reenactment in the United States.  Pictures to follow soon!

‘Celer et Audax’

The 7/60th has recently had the pleasure of witnessing the marriage of two of its founding members – Ewan and Connie Wardle (nee Purvis) - in a lovely Presbyterian ceremony held in Toronto on 27 August 2011.  The entire group wishes the happy couple all the very best as they embark upon married life together!

‘Celer et Audax’

A small detachment of the 7/60th recently had the pleasure of pariticpating in the ‘Loyalist Days’ celebrations held in the town of Prescott, ON at Fort Wellington NHS on 20/21 August 2011.  The unit occupied the barracks at Fort Wellington, providing tactical demonstrations and living history demos throughout the Saturday.  Although rained out on the Sunday, the unit enjoyed a fun weekend at the small but picturesque fort, and looks forward to supporting its activities during the War of 1812 Bicentennial!

‘Celer et Audax’

On the weekend of 6/7 August 2011 the 7/60th was engaged in the unit’s third annual appearance at the Seige of Old Fort Erie weekend in Fort Erie, Ontario.  In addition to regular tactical demonstrations and spectacular night battle recreating the storming of the fort on 15 August 1814, members of the unit participated in fashion shows and the fort’s ever-popular evening candle-lit tours.  In the latter case, Schutze Wardle’s theatrical talents were once again eagerly sought after by site staff, while the rest of the men provided “atmosphere” for the tours by firing from the newly-built trenchworks outside the fortifications.  During the evening, the regiment was also treated to the surprise appearance of a mysterious German beer girl in authentic Bavarian costume!  Photos of the weekend are now available in our photo gallery.

‘Celer et Audax’

On the weekend of 28 / 29 May 2011 a small detachment of the 7/60th ventured to Perrysburg, Ohio to participate in the Siege of Fort Meigs.  Ironically the weather conditions and terrain were remarkably accurate to the actual siege in May 1813, including soggy ground, mud, and intermittent rainstorms – the same conditions two centuries ago frustrated efforts by the British forces to destroy the fortifications and defeat the American garrison.  Still, despite these adversities the 7/60th participated in battles throughout the weekend, including an interpretive program recreating the ambush of American working parties outside the fort.  In the latter case, proof of the tactical effectiveness of the unit’s green rifle uniforms came from the visiting public, who claimed to be unable to distinguish members of the 7/60th during the recreated skirmish in the surrounding woods.  After two days under challenging conditions the 7/60th returned home to Canada, muddied but satisfied with the weekend’s efforts.

Photos will follow soon!

‘Celer et Audax’

Recently the group was contacted by Ms. Dawna Wintermeyer, a descendant of Captain Charles Barrington, officer commanding No. 6 Company, 7/60th Regiment during the War of 1812.  Ms. Wintermeyer was kind enough to provide a copy of a portrait of Captain Barrington from her collection.

Captain Barrington was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1770.  He entered the British Army in 1795, receiving an ensigncy in the 85th (Bucks Volunteers) Regiment.  After transferring to the 65th (2nd Yorkshire, North Riding) Regiment, he received his captaincy in the 7th Battalion, 60th Regiment on 14 August 1813, but did not join the battalion until after its arrival in Canada in 1814, thereafter taking command of No. 6 Company at various postings throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.   Captain Barrington transferred to the 2/60th Regiment in 1817, and retired from the army on half pay in 1824, settling with his wife and large family on Cape Breton Island, where he died in 1848.

Further biographical information to follow!

‘Celer et Audax’

On the weekend of 9/10 April members of the 7/60th attended the Crown Forces Officer / NCO School at Fort George National Historic Site of Canada in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  This annual event allows unit commanders to gather, discuss and learn standardised drill for the upcoming season, and later return to their units to teach the new material.  While two of the 7/60th’s command staff attended the training school, other members took part in refreshing their drill elsewhere on site.  After spending the night in the barracks at Fort George, the entire contingent participated in the ‘All Ranks’ drill day, further honing their drill despite somewhat unpredictable weather.  This practice will hold the unit in good stead for our first event of the season at the Siege of Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, Ohio on 28 /29 May.  Photos of the drill weekend to follow!

‘Celer et Audax’

On 15 October 2010 the 7/60th Re-enactment Association was contacted by the descendant of a German soldier who served in the historical 7/60th Foot.  The gentleman has kindly agreed to allow the group to examine, transcribe and photograph the pay book and discharge papers belonging to Private Francis (Franz) Plum from Aachen, Germany, who served in No. 6 Company of the 7/60th Foot from 1813 to 1817, and settled in New Brunswick following his discharge.  These exceptionally rare documents will provide new and invaluable insight into the personal stories of the soldiers we represent, and will greatly improve our historical portrayal.  More news to follow!

‘Celer et Audax’

Members of the 7/60th were recently invited to present a talk on historic material culture to the staff of Parks Canada’s Ontario Service Centre in Ottawa.  The presentation, entitled ‘Green Germans and Petticoats,’ was made by Brenna Cook and Gareth Newfield, who spoke on the history and recreation of early 19th Century women’s attire and the uniforms of the 7/60th respectively.  While the uniform segment enlightened a group familiar only with the  red-coated British soldier of the War of 1812 period, the highlight was the discussion of women’s clothing, particularly the examination of a series of garments that were reproduced entirely by hand.  The talk was concluded with a lively Q&A period, and by all accounts was well received by the appreciative staff.  Photos will be posted shortly!

‘Celer et Audax’

Brenna Cook, one of the 7/60th’s newest recruits and a member of our distaff section has recently departed overseas for Glasgow, Scotland.  Already a gifted seamstress, she is embarking upon a two year course to obtain her Master’s Degree in Conservation Science.  Best of luck Brenna, the 7/60th will miss you while you’re away!

‘Celer et Audax’