Keeping It FUN!

by Judi McWilliams

Chris Robins - Part Four

"Musket Accuracy"
He explained so much to me, that I was overwhelmed. Mr. Robins is extremely well educated and trained in this field. I now find myself feeling inadequate to restating all he told me! I believe he told me that the muskets were not that accurate. So, if a group of men, shoulder to shoulder, shot all at the same time, the chances of hitting someone were greater. The object was to break the other sides line. The strategy, then, was for the soldiers load quickly and hold in line. However, the muskets sometimes used were not accurate as others. They would often use better weapons and sacrifice loading time for accuracy of the equipment. Some re-enactments, that Gary and I have been to, end with the Generals or Officers in Command holding discussions. They often take their helmets off and shake hands. I asked Chris what this was all about, as we could see them but not hear them. Chris said that in the War of 1812, this occurred often. Perhaps the opposing army was surrendering, or a truce was sometimes called, just to get the wounded out and then the battle would then continue.

"Practice Make Perfect"
I heard a school bell ringing and some of the students appeared in Mr. Robin’s history class room. He told them to grab a quick bit to eat and that we would meet in the drama room. The hallways were full of students by this time, so I stuck close to Chris on our way to the drama room. In short order, Mr. Robins had the students in a line. Some were late arriving, but when all was said and done, 4 girls and 6 boys, medium height to really tall, participate in this drill practice. Some of the terms became familiar as the afternoon session went on. Chris had the students “dress right, elbows flexed, be friendly … but not too friendly!” He told them about lining up in first rank, second rank, compared to first and second file. Mr. Robins tells the kids not to worry, “everyone is extremely rusty but it will kick in quick”! Other terms were "finger on seam of pants (if you were British)", or "thumb on seam of pants (if you were American)", "right face", "right about face", "right reel, march!" One of the students laughed when she said “elbow buddies”, while Chris insists, great, but no elbow fights! There apparently is a “golden rule”, when it comes to marching in the wheel, with that being to lean into the wheel but look away, if you are wheeling to the left, look right for example.
(To be continued)