So you are interested in
joining the 42nd? Well as long as
you can answer yes to the following
questions then you’re of the right
stuff for us. Do you like History?
Are you prepared to wear period
costume? You’ve passed!
"How can I get
more involved?"
If you fancy
seeing us in action or trying a bit of
Drill (we can usually supply some kit to
try on if we know you are coming), then
check where we are on the calendar page
of this web site. We are a friendly
welcoming group who are only too happy
to discuss our Regiment, the kit and
what we do, we even have our own
Newspaper, The 42nd Times and back
issues are available through this web
site which will give you an idea of the
fun you could have.
"I want to
fire muskets?"
We have our
own Armourer (supplier to many other
Regiments), we make much of our own kit
and uniforms ourselves (helps to keep
the cost down) and should you wish to
become a firer then we can help there
too. We give advice on Licences, Muskets
and accessories and of course extensive
training (we have an excellent safety
record). We can loan you a replica
musket for drill practice and if you
want to be a soldier in the line but
don’t fancy owning a musket then you may
be able to purchase a replica one. Our
uniforms tend not to be ‘off the shelf’
but show the wear and tear of
campaigning.
"Where are the
events held?"
We usually travel to France at least
once a year where we always take part in
some excellent re-enactments and we
campaign in the UK as well. We like to
take part in NA events as they tend to
be well organised, membership of this
group is compulsory if you wish to take
part in the leading large scale
re-enactments. We do regular Drill meets
at Fort Amherst in Chatham, a Napoleonic
Fort where we have our own room (the old
sergeant’s mess) in the Upper Gatehouse.
We usually put on a Garrison weekend
during the season at the Fort when some
of our extensive range of Period Tents
can be viewed; we have a display we put
on at Fetes to help raise money and are
adept at getting the public involved. As
long as you are willing to ‘have a go’
you’re the type of recruit we need!
"How much is it going to cost?"
So what does it cost?
Soldiers make up the main part of the
Regiment and, well first of all you
don’t have to buy any kit! Come and have
a go at the drill (our Drill Sergeant is
ex-Guards) and we will lend you the
basics to start with, unfortunately you
can’t take part in battle re-enactments
until you are a member for insurance
reasons. We usually do firing at these
Drill meets and even have some
‘volunteers’ who can dress as French
soldiers so we can get in some practice
shooting at them! If you want to join up
and are looking at the costs, well the
basics (Kilt, Jacket, Hose and Hat) will
set you back about £200. We recommend
starting with the basics and then buying
the rest as you go. Muskets are
available from the Armourer who is also
our Major and can be bought second
hand from around £200. For Musicians the
basic kit is the same but instead of
water bottle, bayonet e.t.c. you have
the cost of your instruments. Camp
followers can buy or make their own
outfits, patterns are available from
most good Fabric shops and the cost of
the materials is the most expensive
item!
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