All is normal now - your ears no longer are assailed by staccato cracks and bass roars, your eyes are slowly blinking away the annoying sensation of the smoke that was surrounding you; and save for the laboured breathing of your friends, it is quiet.

You made it; the advance upon the artillery position was slow at first - almost stilted - but then that big gun fired, belching smoke, and the choice your Sergeant had made now seemed the right one - the squad in extended order had continued on unscathed.
The crew of the gun must have known they were in trouble.
The volley firing by their attackers was disciplined and correct, making the task of serving the piece difficult. Some picked up rifles and commenced to fire at the approaching bodies.

Voices strained as orders on both sides were called out, but the advance continued through the veils of smoke the rifles were making. The smell of gunpowder hung heavy in the air. Then the bayonet charge came.

Sunlight glinted as hands moved with practised motion from hips to rifle barrels - each one carrying with them a long shaft of steel, and as one the rifles were lowered.
The charge was steady with no mishaps, and it didn't come to you as a surprise that the guns surrendered.
The Artillery never liked to practice the Manual of Arms the way they should have anyway.

As you look around the scene, the applause started. Ones and twos at first, finally the large crowd as one, that sound interspersed with the odd baby crying.

The above scene actually happened recently in Brisbane - and it is a documented fact that Queensland Artillerymen of the 19th Century did not like the Manual of Arms.

Volunteers wanted to re-live part of Queensland's rich past.

No experience is necessary, as full training is given by kind and humane Officers and NCOs.

Whole families can also become involved, as activities are not restricted to military drill.

Those interested in joining the re-created Moreton Regiment may either:
Write to:
PO BOX 12325
BRISBANE ELIZABETH STREET
BRISBANE QUEENSLAND 4002

Telephone:
(07) 3899 2203 (ah)

FAX:
(07) 3224 4044.

Email:
The Adjutant (Anthony Cryan)

We look forward to having you join us, and be part of Queensland's oldest Victorian era re-enactment unit.

NOTE:
Membership is open to persons 17 years and over (spaces for drummers on application).
Uniforms, accoutrements etc will be provided by the Regiment. Should you not possess a Martini-Henry Rifle and Bayonet, a small Regimental armoury exists to supply you with a loan firearm. Besides Manual of Arms and Field Drill, the Regiment has a Bell Tent w/equipment and signalling equipment (flag & heliograph).

What do infantry with 18 years experience in re-enactment do ? Form an artillery crew........
After talks with Victoria Barracks Museum and Historical Society representatives,The Regiment has been asked to assist and provide at times extra personnel to man the Museum's artillery pieces (12pdr Brass ML Howitzer and 6pdr ML cannon) - this is an additional impression.

{Soldiers Three} {Pvt Ed Best, Pvt Andrew Goldsworthy, Pnr-Sgt Peter Anderson}

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN !!!!