Lake George Tactical 2001
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Preface
Taking place in Lake George, N.Y. over the Columbus Day holiday each October, "The Lake" is THE tactical event to be invited to. Encompassing an area approximately 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, this body of water and the stone covered mountains that surround it contain the paths and foot steps of Rogers and so many other Rangers, Militia, Indians and French forces that just being here can be a spiritual experience. The year portrayed is 1756 and the basic rule is…"if it wasn't available in 1756 and you can't document it, you can't wear it, eat it, bring it, or use it." It "IS" 1756 and combat can take place around the clock every day. Some people attend for up to 10 days, others come in for a day or two but the main "event" takes place Monday thru Friday. People come from all over the country to attend "The Lake", as where else can you be chased down by Indian canoes, fired upon from bateaus, and ambushed along a rocky cliff? This is NOT for the weak of heart, the need for comfort, the unwillingness to do without, "The Lake" will test every fiber of your treking/reeanctment experience. Click here to see photos of this year's foes. Also, visit http://reenacting.net/lgt/lake01/index.html.
After Campaign
Report
To say that the 2001 Lake George Tactical was the best experience in my 47 years of reenacting would be quite an understatement. All of the men who served this year are to be commended for their professionalism, their dedication to their personas, and the true spirit of combat-tested Rangers and Militia. Maj Mike Fitzgerald: As fine an Officer and Gentleman to ever have
served with, well respected by his men and it is quite obvious why his
total immersion into his role is awe inspiring. Knowing that Mike started
reenacting just a few short years ago and seeing his growth is role-setting
and to be admired. Mr Wade Stoner, the finest, most respected, highly dedicated person to ever to serve the King. His vigor for nighttime raids into the enemy's camp is legendary. It is he whom the French and Indians fear the most. He has spent extra time this campaign to groom some of his followers to take his patrols and further increase the harassment of the French Forces. Alec and Eric seem to be the ones destined to follow in this great warrior's footsteps. Replacing Wade would be tantamount to man sprouting wings and flying, so adding specially trained Rangers to assist will increase the effectiveness of the Crown Forces. Mr Mark Miller, the most respected and sought-after counsel for tactical engagements. His advice was well stated and most welcome; he was truly worth five men with his dedication to the position, his knowledge, and his fighting ability. Sgt Paul Stevens, who not only served under Maj Fitzgerald, but also
served as Sgt of the Guard, sick enough to be on his death bed the Sgt
performed all of his duties and asked for more. His perfect fitness
for the position in both regards was astounding, no better pick could
have been made, and this man actually is a natural. His good temperament
along with the accurate portrayal of his position make him well respected,
admired and perfect for the position. Sgt Jonathan Whitcomb (Weasel), a more energetic and willing-to-serve man shall never be found. His craving for finding and killing the enemy is insatiable. If it needs to be done you ask Sgt Whitcomb and consider it done. A personal friend and respected compatriot, he deserves a special mention in Parliament for his dedication to duty, his attention to his duties and his valor in combat. Jonas, the native who serves under Maj Fitzgerald. A fine young warrior with a pleasing nature and polite tongue, dedicated to exact and complete portrayal of his persona. I would like to see him generate a larger Native presence with the British forces next year, he was highly motivated at this event, and he fits the role as a natural, has done his research and has my deepest respect. I hope to see him add a native friend or three to fight with us…. Alec, nowhere can be such a camp hero, a man with so much potential and a big heart. He has the most natural ability to assume the duties now performed by Mssr Stoner. I would not want to be of French decent at the Lake next year, skills honed, this man will be busy with bloodied knife. Chauncey Goodrich, a true soldier, dedicated perhaps more than most in her portrayal, a good good Ranger, one who truly cares about the welfare of her fellow Rangers. One who proved to all satisfaction that her fellow Rangers were truly justified in taking a united stand against the British Commander. Stating that if women were not allowed on the lake and Chauncey could not come, no Ranger would come, they took their stand. I now stand fully behind their action and thank Pvt Goodrich for the most important lesson I learned while at the Lake. Each and every soldier who served at the Lake this year deserves a special note about them as they all performed well, each hungered for a fight, each followed orders without question, each carried their own weight and each to a man has made me proud to be called their Commander. Each performed the boring but vital task of guard duty and patrol sweeps, some stayed in camp and gathered firewood, made water runs, all of the mundane but required tasks for a situation such as this. A special thank you to Paul Cripps and Nathan Travers from the Massachusetts Bay area attached to Ruggles Coy. They arrived a few days after most of the rest of us did and they guarded our shore. They added to our patrols and improved the whole camaraderie of the camp, a welcome addition. Unfortunately for me I never had the honor of meeting any of the Rangers from PA who came for a few days to get their flag back. Our Rangers did the job for them and Mssr Mark Miller presented me with the flag on Thursday. I hope they contact us soon for next year and can add troops to their roster. Hopefully for next year we can start today, to plan and grow as a team for the next event. I urge each of you to take an active part in recruiting new people by sending them my e-mail address, also the web site address. All the troops were watched as I am sure they watched me, each of
us will improve our gear, we must also improve our physical fitness,
battle tactics, and our durability. They will need to train as a team
throughout this coming year. Those who will come next year will need
to be a step or two above those who were here this year, the French
will not let this rest, they will not forget, they WILL train, gather
larger forces, and be willing to lie still longer, endure the cold longer,
wait in ambush longer, climb higher, run faster, be more patient, work
more as a team then ever before. The historical accuracy of the event was the highest I have ever seen it, and I long to attend next year if for no other reason than to see the changes and improvements each of us will make. I welcome news from each person who served on the British side to
send me a note describing what they will change for next year and what
worked better then expected this year. I'd also like to read about their
experiences and have these "diaries" on a web site. Less parched corn and more oats, no need for a second flint and steel kit, perhaps bring a fishing kit next year, I'll go back to the trump line and get rid of the knapsack, the shelter I got from Peter at Tentsmiths was most excellent. I'll look into a C.J. Wilde blanket, I'll change all my rope over to hemp, and I may build a double gun. I'll run this year as I used to, plus add simple exercise, I really don't have time for the gym as I used too. I'll put more effort into getting in to the woods and setting up more tactical events for practice, also I'll spend more time out at night to get better acquainted to traveling after dark. Finally I'll spend some more time reading this year, perhaps try and learn a little French….. For years we have heard: "This is the last "Lake", this has come about for many reason's, most of all, the waning participation numbers. If 2002 has the POSSIBLITY of being the last year, I submit that we all do as much as we can to bring back all of those who have fought at the Lake before, to come back for one final BIG year. If the Lake continues, then it is just an added plus. Some areas that need to be discussed, and some areas which we need
to clarify: I wish to inform each of you that as a result of your actions on the Lake this year I have been offered the promotion to Col., I have not yet accepted that honor: but I will advise you all of my decision. Finally and in closing let me state that THE most important thing
I tried to stress prior to the event, was that no matter what we do,
we do it with honor, lose or win, we do it with honor.
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