LIVING HISTORY CAMP

Most of participants arrived to Narva on Friday noon and immediately set up the camp: ground in the yeard of Narva castle was allowed for this; a line of white historical tents with fire place in front of it, rough wooden tables and benches were placed next to the fire. Straw, firewood and water was provided by the hosting side. Territory of the camp was limited by pieces of historical fortification: gabions, knife-rests and wooden shelters. Recreation cannons were placed between gabions.
Having finished the camp, we walked around the castle, visited the museum and went downtown. Later in the evening we cooked our dinner on fire and spent great time together; many of participants never met each other before and took this opportunity to get acquainted with fellow-enthusiasts. Friendly chat around the fire lasted long after midnight: stars and white giant of castles' Herman tower watched us from their height. Rain started in the night but it couldn't spoil the cordial atmosphere: soldiers wrapped in their cloaks and enjoyed the moment - the moment brought back from three centuries ago. When it came to going to bed, soldiers went to their tents and had sound sleep on straw under their coats and cloaks; the drumming rain lulled us to sleep... 

Photos, part 1

DRILL SESSION

Saturday morning soldiers were issued black powder and were busy with preparing cartridges and filling their powder-flasks. Pikemen, then, had a drill session - handling more than 4 meters long pike was not easy for novices. English mercenary of Russian service Mr.Dave Allen shared his pikeman's skills. After all, a formation of pikemen on the drill ground looked not bad. Meanwhile, Narva inhabitants have been gathering in the castle, curious to see recreated life of 18th century. Sentry grenadier didn't allow strangers inside the camp but willingly told stories about military life, uniforms, weapons and so on.  
When Swedish artillery arrived from Rakvere, we helped them to disembark their impressing 6-pounder and were glad to meet the newcomers. Then it was time for lunch which was provided by organizers and brought into the camp. Graceful ladies with their cavaliers visited our camp as well - they were from local 'Theatre of historical costume" and presented their civilian 18th c. impressions.
After lunch we had general training session for all participants: Russian infantry formation marched here and there across the castle yard, wheeled left and right, advanced and withdrew, repulsed imaginary cavalry charges.  Both soldiers and civilians were impressed to see the results of the training. 

Photos, part 2

DESERTER

An accident happend around Saturday noon: one of soldiers abandoned ranks and carried with him His Tsar Majesty' issue uniforms and sword. Garrison was alarmed, patrols of foot soldiers and dragoons were sent out  to seek the deserter. The rogue, as further investigation showed, was trying in vain to sell his sword or at least change it for beer to local civilians; after all he was detected by dragoons, was cought but showed forcible resistance, attempted to escape but was finally brought back to camp under guard. Nothing could help him to avoind severe but just punishment: court martial sentenced him to death via firing squad. Bag on head, cold stones of a wall behind, commands of corporal, clang of muskets being loaded, volley...

Photos, part 3 

Russian dragoons were reconnoitring enemy positions, from time to time they closed to Swedinsh outposts; one of charges was unfortunate for a dragoon - he was dismounted and finished by a Swede. 

 Artillerymen from both sides worked hard: cannonade roared over the field, shells and grenades bursted all around and gunsmoke covered the scene from time to time. Clearly, there were not enough participants to perform linear tactics: advancing infantry first was occupied with skirmish, then grenadiers moved forward to throw grenades under cover of transportable siege shelters. Musketry was crackling non-stop. Eventually Russians formed a line and marched towards Swedish redoubt, bayonets and pikes were already lowered as moscovites approached, but - such are fortunes of war - sudden and powerful volley of Swedish artillery stopped the advance: formation fell apart and soldiers fled in disorder. Subsequent assault was more a success and relative historical accuracy, thus, was observed. 
At that very moment when we entered the redoubt, heavy shower started suddenly and both defenders and offenders  became wet to skin.

WAR

Photos, part 4

PEACE

Photos, part 5 

Boris Megorsky
SPb 
16.08.2004