Musketeers

The Musket


imageThe musketeer is armed with either a matchlock or occasionally a doglock (an early form of flintlock) musket. In a Civil War regiment of foot the musketeers tended to make up around 2/3rds of the total number of men. They were usually formed in the Dutch style with a wing of shot either side of the pikemen.

Muskets were muzzle loading weapons which fired a 3/4oz lead ball. The injuries inflicted by these projectiles were terrible; as one London Trained Band observer noted at the first battle of Newbury:

'It was somewhat dreadful ... to wipe the brains and bowels from our faces as we advanced...'


The drill manuals at the time encouraged the soldiers to work hard at their drill:

'and I shall farther desire the Souldiers (especially those that be of low Stature) to handle and take delight in the use of the Musket; for it is an exceeding great honour for him so to handle his Musket, as that he doth it with ease and in a comely manner, and he shall become expert therein...he that will take the pains to be a good Muskettier certainly cannot be idle, but hath gained something more to make him capable of such praise.'

(Richard Elton: The Compleat Body of the Art Militarie, 1659)


General

Handling a musket correctly requires even more care and training than a pike because you are carrying a replica firearm, musket rest, lit match and gunpowder with you.


Licences

To become a musketeer, you will have to pass a test to prove you are competent with the musket firing procedures and safety before being allowed to take the musket onto the field of battle. Before you will be able to purchase a musket you will also need to obtain a shotgun certificate from your local police force, and an Acquire Only licence for gunpowder. Please do not be put off by this! The regiment has a large musket block and each one of us has gone though these procedures in our turn. We will be on hand to offer whatever help and assistance you may need. Please refer to the section on licences for more information.


Basic Equipment

imageAfter you have acquired your basic linen shirt, regimental doublet, breeches, hose and shoes, there are other items, which you will need to buy to fulfil your role as a musketeer:

  • a set of bandoliers. These are 12 wooden flasks each containing a measured amount of Blackpowder.


  • a powder flask. This contains the finer gunpowder you will need to prime your pan.


  • a musket (usually a matchlock since this was the prevalent firearm of the period. Some of our more experienced musketeers have also purchased doglock muskets, but matchlocks are the staple of the regiment's division of 'shotte'). Several members of the regiment have spare muskets which can be lent to new members until you can buy your own, but please remember that these are expensive items and you will be responsible for looking after the musket, and also for cleaning it after a battle! We can direct you to the better arms suppliers on Traders Row, but you may be able to buy one second hand to keep costs down.


  • a musket rest. This is used to support the weight of the musket when firing and is an essential part of a musketeer's equipment.


    • Please remember: Because of the element of risk involved in using gunpowder, if you wish to purchase any of the above equipment, please make sure it is in good condition. This is especially so if you want to buy second hand. If you are in any way unsure, please do not buy, but first seek advice from one of the regiment's more experienced musketeers or officers.


    Additional Equipment

    As you attend more events you will wish to complete your basic equipment. You may purchase these items in any order and when it is convenient for you.

  • a buffcoat (optional). The London Trained Bands were unique among Civil War regiments of foot in that, being made up largely from the professional classes, many of them had the means to purchase protective buffcoats.

  • a snapsack (haversack).


  • a leather or pewter drinking vessel, a plate or bowl (wooden, pewter or slipware) and eating utensils (knife, fork and spoon set).


  • a sword, scabbard and baldric. Please remember that you will be required to pass a safety and proficiency test before being permitted to carry the sword on the field.



    • Photos: John Beardsworth and hikariuk on Flickr.