The Queen Wants You!
For that Celebrated Regiment, the 16th Queen's Light Dragoons
A few handsome young men, who are anxious to distinguish themselves in defense of their King and Country; which they will have an opportunity of so doing in a short period, as the new dismounted troops are now formed and have already seen action.
The character of the Regiment is too well known to need any comment, on service it has invariably met the enemy and defeated them; at home it is in every quarter a favorite.
Colonel Beale regrets extremely that he is prevented from offering A Free Musket and Full Equipment
But the greatest assistance will be given to the applicant in his acquisition and purchase of the necessary kit and weapons.
"You will be mounted on the finest horses… Your society will be courted; You are admired by the Fair… Young men out of employment or uncomfortable… nick in instantly and enlist."
The above is a variation of an actual 16th QLD British Army Cavalry recruiting poster. If you are interested in joining the re-created 16th, please read the material below.
For New England - Please Contact
For NY, NJ, PA - Please Contact
Requirements
AGE:
The minimum age to join the 16th QLD as a trooper is 16 years old. Trumpeters and drummers must be able to play their instruments and keep up with the regiment. For minors under the age of 17, a parent or guardian must attend events with the minor child.
Trumpeter recruits must be able to play the bugle or other horn or be willing to take lessons.
PHYSICAL CONDITION:
The 16th dismounted troop functions as a light infantry company. Unlike the line infantry which marches and fights at a steady pace in ordered ranks, the dismounts function independently and at a faster pace. This requires a trooper to be able to keep up while covering long stretches of open ground or in the woods. In short, you must be fit.
COSTS & EXPENSES:
Joining a re-enactment unit is an expensive proposition. Check the arms and equipment page to see how much must be acquired. Your major expense is your firelock. This is now ( 2010) approximately $650.00 -$750.00 w/ bayonet for the LI fusil and $900+ for the Brown Bess. Your uniform and equipage is about the same. A safe figure is approximately $2,000 for the complete uniform and kit. Once bought, however, the equipment lasts a very long time if it is cared for properly.
Please note that you may be able to deduct these expenses on your income taxes.
Dues: Dues are $25.00 yearly. These dues pay for unit insurance and membership into the British Brigade. This also covers the costs of web sites, bulk purchases of equipment for group savings and a powder allotment at specific events.
The quartermaster will assist you in the purchase of all necessary equipment. You must also factor in the travel expenses to and from events, food and ammunition.
LOCATION & WILLINGNESS TO TRAVEL:
Members of the 16th are currently in NY, MA, ME. We are looking for recruits in these states as well as the rest of New England, NJ and PA.
The majority of American Revolutionary War events are in the northeast. It therefore stands to reason that we travel to these historic sites for our events as well as events at other sites in the region. While many of these events are within the New York or Eastern Massachusetts region, many go further afield.
In the past our events have been as far west as Fort Niagara, NY to Boston in the east and from Fort Ticonderoga in the north to southern Pennsylvania. This is a wide area and requires members to sometimes travel hundreds of miles from their homes. There are also the occasional forays to Maine, Canada and Virginia.
