Thinking of joining the 47th?
Places in the 47th as a redcoat are limited. We are happy to consider members from ages 12 - ? Under 16’s would need an adult to accompany them at events & would join as a fifer or drummer until old enough to handle a musket when they would need to apply for a shotgun certificate & black powder license. Members would need a reasonable level of fitness to take part in drill displays, skirmishes & battles.
Also required is a willingness to learn & put into practise the correct foot & arms drill for the period. All our movements at events are performed to the drill manual for the period.
A shotgun certificate is mandatory for all members who wish to use a musket & a black powder license is mandatory if you intend to fire the musket. The 47th can help you with filling out your applications.
Most current members camp overnight at events in privately owned authentic tents. Some members have spare tents which can be borrowed by arrangement. Some events will allow modern camping in a separate part of the event site away from the authentic areas.
Events can be anywhere in the country as diverse as Bath in the south west to Berwick in the North. Members would need to be prepared to travel & preferably have their own transport.
Members of the 47th own all their own uniform & weapons. The 47th have suppliers for all of these items & it is necessary to liaise with the Quartermaster & use these suppliers to maintain uniformity.
A basic set of kit, to allow a member to take part in drill displays, would comprise cocked hat, neck stock, shirt, redcoat, linen waistcoat, linen breeches, woollen stockings, half & full gaiters, straight lasted shoes, knee garters & buckles, waist belt, cartridge box & strap, forage bag, water canteen, musket & strap, bayonet & scabbard. Additional items can be acquired later such as wig, brush & pricker, forage cap, knapsack. These basic items will cost in the region of £800 to £1,000.
If you are interested but uncertain if membership of the 47th is for you it may be possible to come along to an event by pre-arrangement, meet the other members & borrow a set of kit for the weekend to help you decide.
Please contact either - Stuart Oden-Walder on 01909 723311 or Tom Ramsey on 0191 584 0923