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Old Sydney Town 2003 was substantially different to previous years as the area
was closed to the public. This removed one dimension but enable the whole site
to be included in battle re-enactments. Two large scenarios staged were fantastic
for the re-enactors because something like real time and space was available
- and used. The Rifles detachment from NSW saw lots of action and was able to
use the full range of tactics in conjunction with the 73rd and 42nd line regts.
The 73rd had organised a busy and entertaining round of events ranging from
canteen making through to period gambling workshops. Lots of rain again!! Regiments
present included the 95th, 73rd, 42nd, Royal Marines and the 21eme (French),
as well as some Hussars and assorted civilians.
Battle Practise
Scenario 1: The Battle of Coruna with the French pushing the British
units back to a port area.
Scenario 2: Convict rebellion in which French land and raise a convict revolt
- the French and convicts are suppressed by the garrison (an actual training
scenario used in the early days on the NSW convict settlement).
The convict rebellion went something like this:
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| The 95th kit up against a background of period buildings | Parade and safety brief | ||
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| The battle plan is explained to all | A professional camera man doing a video of the day means additional coordination of some scenes - here we work out the opening shots (pun). | ||
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| A "police" patrol encounters the French landing. | Some initial skirmishing while we call out the garrison | ||
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| The garrison arrives and the resistance is more organised | Numbers count, and the French take casualties | ||
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| More French and sympathisers reinforce the front | Artillery deploys to engage the French ship and revolting convicts | ||
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| The garrison clears the rebel remnants from town. | Smoke clogs the town | ||
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| Rebellions can only have one outcome - and the kids know what it is. | Firing squad | ||
After hours
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| The 95th Rifles team | |||
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| Plenty of workshops - fire making with flint and steel, lucet weaving | Formal dinners | ||
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| Tug of war - good picture of lots of period shirts | Rifleman Rob and 21eme Rod giving the 73rd a hand | ||
Photos owned and provided by:
David SadlerPlease e-mail me if you wish to use these images (other than to look at them on your own computer) at: c-d-s-a-d-l-e-r(at)webone.com.au (without the dashes)
Rifleman
2nd Battalion 95th (Rifle) Regiment