This was a tricky lot, but they'll serve.
Gorham's Rangers primarily served in what is now Nova Scotia from 1744 to 1759 (Some of them probably crossed what is now my yard!) and then joined Wolfe's expedition to Quebec, Information on how they were dressed is scarce, and mostly speculative since no parts of their uniforms have survived, nor were there any contemporary drawings, just a very few vague descriptions in diaries etc.. Sooo, I decided to go with the most common descriptions, nearly contemporary drawings, and modern day reenactors who usually do a good job of digging into the history. I then crossed that with what I had to work with, decided to drop the sort of skirt or all round apron which wasn't always mentioned or sketched, especially in the early years.
The Scots bonnets seem to be the best bet for headgear and recent(ish) study has decided that the same sort of bonnets were worn by Roger's Rangers despite the old NorthWest Passage movie. Luckily, I happen to have Prince August's SYW highlander mould which includes what we called a 'Balmoral' cap when I was in the Black Watch of Canada Cadet Corps in my teens.
In the early days at least, many of the Rangers were recruited from First Nations in what is now New England, long time enemies of the Mk'maq and other tribes in what are now the Maritime Provinces, so, I included two of them by darkening their skin slightly.
Leggings or gaiters to above the knee were common enough but the next bit was tricky. They seem to have worn short jackets and Prince August presented Russians in summer gear without their long coats, but I wanted more poses. I also happened to have the Austrian Grenz moulds. The coats were a bit long and had lace and swords but a bit of work with knife and file gave me a few rather rough conversions, including reducing swords to hunting knives.
From there, I called heavily on the various interpretations and did my own to make it easy, after all, I want them to play wargames, not sit on display.
They have turned out really well and look grand now that they are dressed in their uniforms, very nice.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really nicely posed grouping - they look lovely.
ReplyDeleteSmart looking chaps
ReplyDeleteFine looking fellows ..
ReplyDeleteNice job, Ross. I would not want to meet those guys while trudging along a dark forest path!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking fellows for the fight.
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
P.s
ReplyDelete“ Gorham's Rangers primarily served in what is now Nova Scotia from 1744 to 1759 (Some of them probably crossed what is now my yard!)
I really like the idea of fighting something connected to where you live and know. That was a big factor in me eventually getting into Jacobite wars gaming.
Alan Tradgardland
As Alan said, recreating what happened on your home patch or yard adds much extra interest.
ReplyDelete