The Regulars Are Out!

By Peter Ricci

Earlier this month the Job Lane Elementary school hosted members of His Majesties 10^th Regiment of Foot, a recreated British infantry unit that acts as an honor guard, reenactment group, and historical educator/presenters.

In existence for almost 50 years, the group is earnest about their authenticity and representation as an 18^th  century British military unit. They meet once a month through most of the year for a drill — a military exercise, and to make sure they keep to their self-imposed high standards.

Their care and concern has paid off, as noted on their website …“According to the British publication Military Modeling, the 10th Foot is the finest 18th Century British re-created regiment in the world, for its uniform and accoutrements and for the bearing of the officers and soldiers.”

This year, in addition to soldiers, two female historical interpreters attached to the 10^th visited Lane School. These women portray “camp followers.” During in the Revolutionary War, these women contributed to the army effor and were present on both sides. Sometimes they were wives of soldiers, they often performed duties such as laundry and mending, cooking and acting as nurses after battles.

Gathering outside the school in the back play area, Lane school 5^th grade students remained riveted, listening to the two Grenadier soldiers who towered over the students in their bright red uniforms, heads topped with their tall bear skin helmets almost casting a shadow on the students sitting on the hardtop. A young musician also was on hand in his contrasting predominantly yellow uniform, an indicator of his membership of the music company, creating a crisp image against the green tree and grass background of spring.

After speaking to the large group, the re-enactor/interpreters meet with smaller groups, discussing finer points, answering questions, and demonstrating some equipment.

At the end of the event, all the students walked off chatting about some of the facts they had learned, seemingly happy to have had the opportunity to meet members of this group, though one “partisan” student was reported to quietly say, “Back to Boston, you Lobsterbacks!”