Captain Charles Barrington

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’

Crown Forces Officer / NCO School, 9 / 10 April 2011

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’

Searching for Private Plum

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’

The 7/60th Presents to Parks Canada

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’

Good Luck Brenna!

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’