"So How Do I Become a Brigade of Guards Grenadier"

The best way to get started with the Brigade of Guards is to contact the Guardsman closest to you.  All of us began just like you.  You may have seen us at an event or parade.  You may have seen one of the documentaries on the American Revolution and seen the reenactors in it.  You have thought, "that looks like fun, that could be me."
 

It is fun and it can be you in that red coat in the British line.  Call us, and we can help you put together the uniform and equipment of an 18th Century Guardsman.  The cost of building a uniform, weapon, kit and tent is around $1,500.  But this cost is not charged all at one time.  As you build the uniform and gather the items for you impression you will be learning drill and life in the 18th Century.  Soon you will be ready to take your place in the ranks.

Families are encouraged to join.  The women of the regiment are very important to the impression.  They help with camp life as well as explore the women's role in the American Revolution.  Children also participate in the hobby.  Many of our current members have children who have grown up in the Brigade.  When they are old enough, the boys start to learn the drums.   As they get older, many have chosen to move to the ranks as soldiers.

 

Who are you guys?

We're a group of men and women from many walks of life who share an interest in bringing history to life.  As members of our parent organization, the Northwest Territory Alliance (N.W.T.A.), we work to accomplish our joint purpose: to keep alive the life and times of the common soldier of the American War for Independence.  To that end, we have recreated, as accurately as our research has allowed, a composite company of soldiers of King George's Brigade of Guards Grenadier Company made up of men from the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards (Grenadier Guards), the Coldstream Guards  and the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards (Scots Guards).
 

What is the Grenadier Company, Brigade of Guards in America?

The Grenadier Company, Brigade of Guards in America, commemorates the service of British soldiers during the American Revolution.  The Brigade was considered the premier combat unit of the Crown Forces in North America.  The Brigade of Guards was a composite unit containing company-sized formations from the Sovereigns personal guard.  The Grenadier Company was comprised of those officers and men from all three Regiments of Foot Guards.

 

What do you do?

We portray the military life and customs of the period in all its aspects.  Far from being the mindless automaton represented in popular mythology, the British soldier was a formidable adversary who won the vast majority of the battles during the Revolution.  We present "living history" demonstrations consisting of field tactics, drill, and camp life.  We present lectures and talks to schools, as well as interested civic and fraternal groups.  We travel to take part in re-enactments of Revolutionary War battles with other members of the N.W.T.A.and other Revolutionary War reenactors.  Members have appeared as extras in several major motion pictures and historical documentaries.  All our members are volunteers, and bear the cost of procuring their own uniforms, equipment, and travel.

 

Where do you get your uniforms and equipment?

We make everything that we can ourselves.  Our uniforms and equipment are the products of years of research, and we take great pride in our accuracy. Several British military museums were impressed enough by our work that they have asked for uniforms and equipment for display purposes.  Only accurate materials are used - wool, linen, brass, pewter, leather, steel, wood, etc., and we use period tailoring and assembly.  The unit is responsible for the production of equipment items unique to the Guards.  There are numerous commercial sources for a great deal of the equipment, but we highly recommend that new recruits consult with current members before they purchase any items.  Current members are willing to assist the new recruit with the gathering of the necessary items.

 

How much does it cost?

Unfortunately, it is not a cheap hobby.  The basic required uniform, arms, and equipment can run close to US $1500.00.  Purchasing used or second-hand uniforms and equipment can significantly reduce costs.  The good news is that much of the initial investment can last a lifetime and is not charge all at one time.  Travel expenses are deferred to a great deal by car-pooling to events and staying in encampments. (Yes, we sleep in period-accurate tents and eat period-appropriate meals prepared by our members in the unit's period-correct kitchen.)
 

Why are you depicting a British unit?  Aren't you patriotic?

The N.W.T.A. is made up of units representing all the nations that took part in the American War for Independence.  In order to tell the entire story of the times, all sides must be represented.  By depicting the British soldier as he was - tough, capable, and courageous, we educate the public, debunking many inaccurate ideas about the British that have been handed down for generations.  Being part of the Grenadier Company certainly does not mean that any of our members think our Founding Fathers were wrong to fight for our freedom.  We believe that an accurate portrayal of the infamous Redcoat will bring increased respect for the hardships the Founding Fathers had to overcome to create this great nation.  Recreating a British unit is also much more difficult.  The standards of drill, discipline, and dress are much higher than for the colonial side.  Knowing this, many of our members relish the challenge.
 

Who can join?

In order to take the field as a uniformed member of the Grenadier Company, you must be a male of at least seventeen years of age, and physically able to handle a flintlock musket.  Musicians can apply for membership at the age of fourteen, but require parental permission.  Children may participate as long as their parent(s) or legal guardian's) is an active member of the Company.  Wives and/or girlfriends are encouraged to participate.  There is no upper age limit.

What about the girlfriend or wife and kids, what can they do?

The armies of the time had a large number of women and children attached.  As living history is definitely a family oriented hobby, wives, children, and sweethearts of our modern day soldiers can take part by depicting their 18th century counterparts.  They portray women and children of the period, in all of the various roles that women and children held.  They enact their roles as officer's ladies, wives of soldiers, or camp followers.  The ladies and wives also do many of the crafts and daily chores that would have been done in the camp.  Without the women, the 18th century armies would have had a more difficult time than they did; women were an integral part of armies of the period.  Clothing patterns, which observe the same standard of accuracy as the menus, are available.