Lt. Andrew Schroter poses at the end of the event.Memoirs of Andrew Schroter Click here for a biography of this individual
"On the morning of Thursday, May 23, 2002, I got up early and drove to Geoff's house. We loaded up our cars and, after stopping by McDonald's for a quick brunch, drove to Norwood District High School for the long-awaited annual Student Reenactment.
Together with some keen Kenner students who had already arrived, Geoff, Tim, Ryan and I set up the canvas marquee tents that Geoff had made. The conditions were very windy, but the tents held up handsomely and did not once topple for the entire event (the same cannot be said of the other students' modern tents). I was very blessed to be given a spot to sleep on the ground in Geoff's tent.
After three, the students started arriving in a steady stream from Norwood, Kenner and Lakefield College schools, setting up their tents in supposedly orderly streets. Although I was pleased to see the Kenner students' safe arrival, Geoff and I soon became concerned. The Kenner uniforms (17th U.S. Infantry) had not yet arrived; nor had my unit of Canadian Voltigeurs (composed of Katie, Athanee and Rachel). Geoff was worried because Norwood had begun to form up in their nice uniforms and he did not want Kenner to be outdone. Meanwhile, I was anxious because I feared I would have no function at the event, should my Voltigeurs fail to show up. But Geoff kindly told me he would make some arrangements for me to participate even if I had no unit to command.
Soon enough, Kenner's uniforms arrived and there was some late afternoon drill practice and dinner. I assisted in the training of the American contingent. Then the evening gave way to singing and laughter around a campfire. Geoff introduced me to his song "Blazing Rock Fire," while I played some tunes on my guitar for the students gathered around the fire. After midnight, it was surprisingly quiet in the camp, but I still had trouble sleeping on the rough ground. I had not slept much before I was awakened early in the morning by the sound of Kenner students chatting outside my tent.
We ate a hearty breakfast of pancakes. By this time I was
determined to find out what had happened to the Voltigeurs, so
I went with Norm to call Rachel. She answered and told me they
would soon be on their way; I was most relieved. In the morning,
some Grade 7 students arrived to tour the event (to the sight
of soldiers intensely drilling) and all the students attended
some 1812 workshops, while I relaxed. The Voltigeurs, Rachel,
Katie and Athanee came about 10:30. They had a lot to learn regarding
light infantry drill and French commands, but I was confident
that they would learn quickly, so I allowed them until 12:00 to
wear their day-dresses. We had a nice picnic and a good time pretending
to be ladies and gentlemen. Before lunch, I rapidly trained my
newly arrived troops. I was so happy to see that they were enthusiastic
at being soldiers as well. Then I drafted one of the Lakefield
teachers into my squad to make four Voltigeurs in total. I hurried
to lunch and gulped it down rather too rapidly, for there was
more training to do and a battle to plan.
Friday's mock battle commenced at 2:00 after precious little planning
among the officers. The dragoons scouted and found an American
force approaching. I deployed the Voltigeurs as skirmishers, but
was forced back and retired by rank behind the Canadian Fencibles.
Then we snuck around behind the fence and launched a surpise attack
on the American cannon. The Fencibles captured it but were repulsed
by a counter attack from American riflemen. Following this, we
joined the British line and gave the Americans a pasting before
they marched up to take the field.
Dead tired, I contemplated having a nap, but there was no
quiet to be had. Instead I had a shower and began to get ready
for the Ball. I figured I should find a lady to escort, so I eventually
asked Rachel, who consented. Geoff went with Athanee, Tim escorted
Veronica and Katie went to the dinner with Jeff so that we could
all sit at the officers' table together. We all looked very handsome
and/or beautiful in our costumes and white gloves.
The dinner and ball were splendid affairs, with much witty banter
at the officers' table and many toasts made. Norm received some
cheques from the Legion and Norwood's principal joined us for
the occasion. I had a great time playing the Canadian gentleman.
The dancing, of course, was great fun, and I did not miss a single
one. My favourite was the one involving the "basket"
spin. I was pleased to note that Geoff also seemed to be having
a good time at the ball.
Everyone was pretty tired after the evening's festivities. A few of us toasted some marshmallows around the bonfire. I attempted to show some students how to do it, but they cared not for my methods. Meanwhile, the night proved to be very cold indeed, and I had not brought many blankets. Fortunately Ashley from Norwood had a spare blanket and lent it to me, which kept me quite warm all night.
I slept much more soundly this time and arose near 8:00 to hear most of the students bemoaning the previous night's chill. We breakfasted on bagels and muffins. Geoff and I had a duel, which turned into a mini-film production. Then the Kenner students went on to film a mock execution by firing squad while I escaped this morbidity to try and track down Kelli O'Connell, who would be my fourth Voltigeur today. Her training was brief (my Voltigeurs learned so well). Since we were tired, we dispensed with a formal drill demonstration in favour of a short presentation on each regiment to members of the public.
After lunch, it was time for another battle. The script was the same, except this time the British won the day, advancing across the field over the bodies of the defeated Americans. The battle went much more smoothly (despite the poor sound system), with mes Voltigeurs offering up French curses for the Yankees. Then we gathered as a battalion to honour the reenactors and give three cheers for Norm.
It was the end of another successful Student Reenactment. I will miss the students I got to know; they were very enthusiastic and responsible. It is a great opportunity and privilege to have participated in this event every year since 1997 and have met so many great people. I am thankful for Geoff's tireless efforts in making my costumes and helping me fit in. If I'm allowed to go, I look forward to next year's Civil War Days.
- A. J. Schroter 2002"