Becoming a Water Carrier in our regiment’s Baggage Train is ideal for anyone who wants to take part in the battles but does not want to fight. It is the job of the Water Carriers to supply the thirsty troops with refreshment during a battle.
The Water Carriers are a vital part of our displays and battles as they supply our pike and musket blocks with water, as well as take care of kit malfunctions and those troops who require a temporary breather.
The Baggage Train is also a fundamental part of our Living History displays, its members giving the public an insight into life during the 17th Century.
History of The Baggage Train
The Baggage Train was the term used for where an army kept its supplies. It would follow the army across the country, usually in wagons or carts, and during the English Civil Wars often becoming the target of enemy raids.
Baggage trains would usually be chaotic and diverse collections of people involved in the organisation of an army, everything from women providing a wide range of services to preachers, from ‘barber surgeons’ to suppliers. In a time when food was scarce, the Baggage Train might even include herds of sheep or cattle to keep the soldiers fed.
In one notorious incident after the Battle of Naseby, Parliamentarian troops ransacked the Royalist baggage train – many of the King’s Welsh soldiers had brought their wives with them on campaign and these women were attacked, the Roundheads later claiming they mistook them for Roman Catholics from Ireland.
Being a Water Carrier
The Water Carriers’ battlefield role is an essential one – keeping the combatants watered while they march and fight. They carry large water bottles for the soldiers to drink from, a bag to carry sweets and/or glucose tablets, and any medication members may need such as inhalers. They also keep an eye on the soldiers’ wellbeing – helping with injuries, dehydration, or problems with kit. They often take care of musketeers’ match when they go off to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Being a water carrier can sometimes be hectic, but it’s a great way to be in the thick of the battle without doing any fighting.
On Living History displays it’s also a great way to learn about the 17th Century as well as interacting with the public and keeping our troops fed and watered. This can be perfect for someone not looking to go on the battlefield or who has a traditional skill that they like demonstrating.
The kit you’ll need to get started
All members of the Baggage Train, regardless of gender, must be dressed in men’s kit to go on the battlefield. In your first season, the regiment will be able to lend you your uniform of red soldier’s coat, breeches, and woollen stockings to make sure you’re not shelling out on kit before you’ve had a go.
You will need is a sturdy pair of boots of boots – preferably brown and without steel toecaps and obvious trademarks. Depending on your shoe size a member of the regiment may have spare authentic footwear that they can lend you for a muster.
If you’re interested in taking part in Living History, some members may have appropriate civilian clothes spare that they can lend you for your first season but clothes can be bought from specialist suppliers who attend large musters and reenactment traders’ fairs.
FAQ
Do I have to buy anything to be a member of the Baggage Trayne?
No, beyond your basic kit you don’t need anything. The regiment provides the water bottles we use to water the troops.
Do I have to fight?
No, the great thing about being a water carrier is that you can be in the thick of it but not have to take part in the battle itself. The role is a vital one that keeps the regiment going on the battlefield, so there’s rarely a quiet moment.
