On Oct 16 and 17, the British Brigade hosted an event at the Fort Loudoun, PA.
The following After Action Report is from The Fusilier Winter 2021 edition.

Fort Loudon is recreated French and Indian War provincial fort located 59 miles west of Gettysburg. The site’s remote location provided the event organizers with an opportunity to use a scenario-centric event instead of the traditional schedule-based reenactment. Site operators also served as game masters and relayed changing conditions to the commanders of Crown and local militia units. The setting was a small frontier outpost in 1774. British Brigade units served as the fort’s garrison with local militia units in the surrounding wooded areas amidst a period of growing tensions.

Three companies and a section of two guns provided served under the command of Major West. The 23rd contingent consisting of John Crawford, Kyle Parker, and I were brigaded in First Company with Major Loane’s 43rd Regiment of Foot. Each company performed one of three duties: picket guard, roving patrol, or in reserve for sixty minutes before rotating. Soldiers were expected to rest, eat, and be prepared for action while in reserve. While guard duties and patrolling seemed to last longer than the required hour, the time in reserve seemed to be much shorter. Guard posts were established in a semicircle about 200 yards from the fort’s walls. These sentries guarded the main thoroughfares and stopped civilians (non-uniformed personnel) to inquire about contraband; there were additional guards posted in the fort’s interior.

From Saturday morning until mid-afternoon, it rained. Sentries in the field took cover under nearby trees and those in the fort ducked under the upper level firing platforms, although everyone remained at their post. Later in the afternoon and after the weather had cleared, First Company embarked on a reconnaissance patrol of the surrounding area. Heading east of the fort our detachment ascended a 600-foot hill, nearly 700 yards from the fort. Our return route brought us near the back of the militia camp and both parties exchanged shots while returning to the garrison.

Sunday morning once more found our company on sentry duty. John Crawford taunted the advanced militia guards with promises of cheese with the hope of causing them to desert their posts. John’s harassment helped escalate tensions as the militia grew unruly and emboldened to test Crown resolve. The situation reached a boiling point on Sunday afternoon and militia units began engaging the pickets. After the attack, the militia once more faded into the woodline and later reappeared in force moving toward the fort. Major West assembled all three companies and two guns, leading them to drive the threat off, forcing a parley, and end to the event.

Fort Loudon’s remote location, lack of event promotion, and weather patterns resulted in a sparse amount of visitors. This added to the realism with all areas being open to participants. The lack of a set event schedule combined with changing scenarios added to the uncertainty and tension between the opposing forces. Overall, it was an excellent event and I think everything went well for the first multi-unit British Brigade event at the site. This location may be under consideration for another event in 2023.