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Mont Delancey this year was just great. Compared to 1999, the re-enactors took a much greater part in the organisation, and the event really worked for both us and the visitors to Mont Delancey. I was particularly impressed to see so many groups from around Melbourne contributing to a great event. The story board below hardly does justice to the effort put in by the troops and the lead organisers.

The event was held over two days. Saturday included set-up of a period camp as well as several walk throughs of the battle planned for Sunday. One of the walk-throughs on Saturday was a full dress reheresal although with fewer troops and no pyrotechnics.

Sunday was the big event - rehersal and planning paid off in a spectacular display which my pocket camera is really unable to do justice to.

The Battle - about 30 minutes of attack, counter-attack, charge and counter-charge

Gallery reduced to thumbnails only November 2002
 

We march off for a day at the office.	The French see us coming and prepare to defend their camp - artillery, infantry and hussars as well.
The 95th skirmishes forward to harass the infantry and artillery crews.	The French infantry have had enough of our galling fire - they advance to drive us off.
Our fire has some effect but the French infantry presses on.	Weight of numbers tells - we are driven back by the infantry assault. The man looking over the wood is our pyrotechnics maestro.
Our supports - the stalwart 42nd - come forward. Smoke in the background is from some impressive pyrotechnic explosions.	Some sharp volley fire drives back the French attack.
Rear rank - make ready.  Front rank - fire!	The weight of fire from the French infantry and artillery inflicts heavy casualties, and the valiant British are eventually driven off (after all, it was Bastille Day).

Around the camp

Rounding up re-enactors for morning parade - gives an impression of the numbers present.	Gun rack and cannons added to the camp life spectacle - the 42nd even had a pot belly stove!

Photos owned and provided by:

David Sadler
Rifleman
2nd Battalion 95th (Rifle) Regiment