Joining the 44th
How do I join?
The 44th is always looking for new members. Send us an email or complete the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We generally recommend coming along to meet us at a training day or event to see what we do and whether the 44th is the right regiment for you. We will be able to provide you some unit kit to enable you to join in and see what it’s all about.
Do I need to get any equipment before join?
No, come along and meet us first before you buy anything. If you decide that the hobby and the 44th are for you we have an approved list of suppliers to start buying your kit from. A lot of the items you need are made by small suppliers or within the regiment so it’ll take a while to get everything together. We are also aware that you will need to build your kit up as your budget allows. We aim to have our uniforms and civilian dress as authentic as we possibly can, and we have a continual process of research ongoing to drive our high standards
What roles are there available?
The unit is made up of various roles that would have formed part of a Napoleonic Regiment. Generally, we would expect everyone to join as a private soldier or a company women (sometimes known as a camp follower). Although we are a miltary re-enactment group that doesn’t mean that’s the only thing we’re interested in. We are portraying life in the army and therefore there’s lots of opportunities for getting involved in living history as well as the battles and drill displays. Currently, the roles of ‘redcoats’ (soldiers) are only open to male members. Women are a vital part of what we do, just as they were in the army of the time. We are always looking for ways to expand what we do and we are keen to encourage a variety of appropriate living history displays so any ideas are welcome.
All of our roles are fairly active and depending on the type of event may involve covering a fair distance carrying kit for all roles so there is a need to be reasonable fit.
How much do I need to know about the Period?
A passion for history is a must but it doesn’t matter how much you already know about the period and the regiment. We can point you in the right direction for some great sources of information.
What are the rules about firing a musket?
We use replica muskets for our displays. To start with we can lend you a dummy (non-working) musket to get you started on learning the drill. You will need to apply for a shotgun licence and a blackpowder licence but we have plenty of experience and can help you with that process. Anyone firing in the line will have to have had training and passed an accreditation test to ensure we keep everyone safe.
I’m under 18 – can I join the 44th ?
Yes, although you will need to be accompanied to and at events by a parent or guardian as we do not have the safeguarding mechanisms in place to have unaccompanied minors at events.
Do I need to have done drill before?
Absolutely not, our experienced NCO’s will teach you everything you need to know. Napoleonic drill is very different from more modern periods so even if you are experienced there will be plenty to learn.
What sort of events do you do?
We do a mixture of display and battle events. Each one can be very different depending on what the organiser is looking for and the location. We do some events with just the 44th and others where we join up with other Napoleonic re-enactment groups, along with Multi Period events. There’s also opportunities to attend events across Europe. The main season runs from Apr – Sep with some social and training events in the winter.
Our events are spread across a large geographic area, so although we do have a focus in Essex, our members aren’t restricted to this area. Re-enacting is a hobby that involves a fair amount of travel but in return we get to spend our weekends in a variety of places often with a fascinating history of their own.
How often do I need to attend?
You don’t need to commit to any particular amount of time. We encourage everyone to come along to as often as they can but it’s your hobby so it’s completely up to you.
Booking the 44th for an event
I’m organising an event, how do I invite the 44th
Just get in touch using the contact form or our email address. We are always looking for interesting new events to attend. Please note we try not to over commit and our calendar often gets filled up early so the more notice the better.