A TRIUMPH OF FORTITUDE

BY CHRIS TIMM

Culloden 2001, which was held May 18 to 20, at George Rogers Clark Park in Springfield Ohio could best be described as a triumph of resiliency. Steady rain all day Friday turned the park into a bog, which tested the determination of even the hardiest re-enactor. But the spirit of the event could not be overcome and what at first looked to be a disaster was turned into a victory due to the fortitude of those who came out.

The event was truly an international affair this year with participants from Scotland and Bulgaria in attendance. From Florida to California, Vermont to Canada re-enactors came and braved the mud and rain to re-create this watershed battle in the history of both Scotland and England at this excellently run site which hosts the popular Faire at New Boston.

While this was going on Glenn McClain and Clan Fraser were preparing to host a series of highland games. Always a popular event at the re-enactment, this year there was a large junior division added which contributed to the excitement. In addition there were a number of the government troops who participated which added to the competition. Competing in ball and chain, stone throw, sheave toss and caber a large number of spectators were treated to excellent sport.

By this point the sky had cleared and glorious sunshine bathed the park. That evening, under a blanket of stars, a ceilidh was held to end Saturday. MC’d by Pete Raine and featuring the talents of Celtic group Highland Reign, among others, it was a fitting conclusion to an excellent day. In addition, the unplanned for marriage proposal by Jake Muir to Caryl McCabe of Clan MacGregor made the evening even more memorable.

Sunday saw the year 1746 come into focus. The government redcoats were again led by Barton Redmon who portrayed General John Cope/HRH The Duke of Cumberland. By early morning the grounds had dried enough that a troop of dragoons, led by Mike Krznarich as General Hawley was able to fight mounted. Finally, an imposing train of artillery anchored the government line and was professionally lead by Walt Dubbeld, which rounded out their bolstered ranks.

Meanwhile, an open-air church service was held and officiated by Rev. Tom Stout, a local pastor, for all the participants. After officer’s call and other preparations, it was time to prepare for that fateful day in 1746 at Culloden Moor. But in the meantime, spectators and participants were treated to displays of drill from the government forces, highland weapon displays, cooking and spinning as well. There was much to see and the sutlers in attendance did a brisk business all weekend. But in the afternoon the pipes and drums played as the armies assembled. Taking the field was the tired, hungry army of Prince Charles. As they waited the sound of the drums in the government camp signaled the arrival of the forces of the Duke of Cumberland. With cavalry in the lead, the infantry and artillery deployed as Prince Charles attempted to rally the spirits of his troops. A lone Jacobite gun, manned by John White and crew of the MacGregors signaled the commencement of the contest which was responded to by the roar of the formidable train of government artillery.

Under a steady fire the Jacobites could not stand against, the line buckled and surged until finally being unleashed into the highland charge. But as it was back in 1746, this day was to be owned by King George and the steady fire of government artillery and musket fire broke the attack. The shattered highland army fell back in disarray, which encouraged the government dragoons of General Hawley to attempt to cut them off. At this point Prince Charles was compelled to flee the field with but a few followers. Fortunately a spirited rearguard action by a group of MacDonalds, led by James Braund and Jim Selander as Brigadier Stapleton allowed the bulk of the army to flee as Cumberland’s army steadily advanced and cleared the field. The Union Jack, triumphant, floated victoriously over the moor.

Both battles each day were hard fought affairs that moved fast and were full of action. Combatants on both sides agreed that these were likely the best battles this event has had in its history.

To conclude the weekend both armies were brought together and addressed by the Duke, the Prince and also the host. A spirit of camaraderie and fellowship was evident between the two groups despite what had just transpired on the field.

Little was left other than to share memories and pack up to leave. Culloden 2001 was concluded.

Once again Elliott MacFarlane (who portrays Lord Elcho, the commander of Prince Charles’ LifeGuards) spearheaded an initiative to raise money for restoration of the Culloden Battlefield Park in Scotland. These efforts have been recognized in Scotland and a letter of greeting and thanks was circulated from the chair of the National Trust of Scotland. This worthy endeavor has been widely supported by the participants.

George Rogers Clark Park, led by Jim Campbell plus the staff and volunteers are to be congratulated for hosting an excellent event and persevering under difficult conditions. Their efforts were very much appreciated by all that attended.

From a once-a-year weekend the 1745 Jacobite Rising time period is building to a full schedule of events. In September there will be a re-creation of the Seige of Blair Castle, complete with medieval castle, in Delhi New York as well as Culloden: The Aftermath, to be held in Michael Illinois. For further details you can check out the Highlanders and Hanoverians web site at: http://members.tripod.com/culloden_1746 As for the spring of 2002, there are exciting plans in the works to add even more interest so stay tuned for more details to come.

Return to Culloden main page