Beyond the Mask Official Trailer!

My friend William Moore of For Christ's Glory beat me to posting this, but here it is again anyway.  This exciting American Revolution movie is coming in April!  Find out more on how you can bring it to a theater near you at: http://beyondthemaskmovie.com/#/screenings

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1780-1781 Southern Theater of American Revolution by F. C. Yohn

The Southern theatre of the American Revolution proved decisive, as General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown.  But both before and after Yorktown, many other critical battles were fought.  This gallery of paintings by the noted artist F. C. Yohn captures some of them.

To the left is a painting of the Battle of Camden.  Camden was a decisive British victory, as Lord Cornwallis destroyed an entire American army--the only one in the South--as well as the reputation of the American General Gates.

With Gates out of the way, Cornwallis sent the talented Major Patrick Ferguson on a sweep against the wild frontiersmen of North Carolina/Kentucky.  But at King's Mountain, the frontiersmen ambushed and killed him and most of his small army.

King's Mountain was matched by another British disaster at Cowpens, which led Cornwallis to chase General Greene (Gates's replacement) through North Carolina.  Finally the two armies fought it out at Guilford Courthouse, where Cornwallis defeated General Greene, though not decisively.

With Cornwallis now in Virginia, command devolved to Lord Rawdon.  Rawdon and General Greene fought it out at Hobkirk's Hill.  Another British victory, yet still not decisive.

Another British commander was appointed: Colonel Alexander Stuart.  Greene launched an ambush on Stuart's troops at Eutaw Springs, driving them back.  The battle looked like a decisive American victory, until the American attack bogged down and was then hurled back by a counter-attack.  The British repulsed the Americans, but as General Greene put it "We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again."

Greene's perseverance paid off, because Eutaw Springs was the last major battle of the Southern theater.  Late in 1782, the British army evacuated Charleston, their last post in South Carolina.

Sainsbury's OFFICIAL Christmas 2014 Ad

This touching advertisement is based on the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. Highly recommended!

Veteran's Day

Today is the American holiday Veteran's Day, a good time to remember the service--and sacrifice--of all who have served our country in its armed forces. Thank you!  The American holiday Veteran's Day was originally named Armistice Day, in honor of the cease-fire that ended World War I. Interestingly, World War I ended on the 11th day of the 11th month (November), at 11:00 AM.

Beyond the Mask Update

The Christian movie Beyond the Mask is coming close to its theatrical release!  The producers have released two videos with movie clips and information on how to bring it to a theatre near you.  I had the privilege to work on construction for this movie.  They will be releasing it in Spring 2015.
You can see their videos at http://beyondthemaskmovie.com/#/videos

This fellow is an officer of the elite Continental Light Infantry.  Serving with the young French general the Marquis de Lafayette, this gentleman has seen much of Virginia through the summer's campaign of 1781.  But neither he--nor anyone else--expects that this campaign will play a critical role in the American Revolution.  For Lafayette's maneuvering would lead Cornwallis to encamp at Yorktown, and Generals Washington and Rochambeau would entrap him there.  The American victory at Yorktown would mark the end of all major battles in what would later become the United States.

Figure by BMC; paints by Testors; varnish by Winsor & Dammar.

American Revolution Light Infantrymen

Here is the complete group of 6 Continental Light Infantrymen.  Light infantry were an elite corps generally used as advanced guards and skirmishers.  They were very useful in the forested continent of North America.  Figures by BMC, painted by the author.  Plumes made from pipe cleaners.

Plains of Abraham Gallery

Today is the 255th anniversary of the Battle of Plains of Abraham.  In honor of this battle which ultimately decided the fate of Canada, I have compiled this gallery of paintings related to the battle.

 On the night of September 12-13, the advance guard of Wolfe's army scaled the cliffs of the Foulon.  Their mission was to secure the road to allow the rest of the army to attack Quebec from its vulnerable landward side.

 Having secured the road and brought up most of his army,  Wolfe's men were counter-attacked by the French under the Marquis de Montcalm.  In the first few minutes of the battle, Wolfe was shot three times and mortally wounded.

 His infantry, meanwhile, had demolished the French attack to their center and proceeded to counter-attack.  The British 35th Regiment claimed to even capture the flag of the French regiment Royal-Roussillion.

As the French retreated back to the safety of Quebec, General Montcalm was shot and mortally wounded as well.  He died early on September 14.   Shortly after the battle, the governor of the city Monsieur Ramezay, surrendered it to the British.  The British defended the city against an attack in 1760 and, in the same year, finished the conquest of Canada.  But it all began with the daring night climb of General James Wolfe's 24 volunteers up the cliffs.

54mm Soldiers--AWI Light Infantry Sergeant

One of my interests is painting 54mm plastic soldiers.  This fellow is painted as a sergeant of the Continental Light Infantry during the American Revolution.  He originally came from a bag of poorly-cast American Revolution soldiers that I bought at Williamsburg.  For two years he was shuffled around in the closet, until I embarked on painting him.  But I ran out of steam quickly and back to the closet he went.  Finally, last year I pulled him out of the closet and painted him.  But he is not my only light infantryman.  He has five comrades, whom I hope to show soon (as soon as I glue on their red-and-black plumes).

Figure by BMC, paints by Testors, varnish by Winsor & Dammar.  The plume is made of two pipe cleaners connected by model cement.  

1761 Uniforms of the Bombay Marine

"The officers [of the Bombay Marine] were increased in number, by two commanders, ten more lieutenants; and, to improve the morale of the whole, divine service was now first performed on board, and all gambling, swearing &c., strictly forbidden; and in 1761, a regular uniform was adopted by the officers, who, by the Governor in Council, were 'ordered to wear blue frock coats, turned up with yellow, dress-coats and waistcoats of the same colour, and according to regulation pattern.  Large boot-sleeves and facings of gold lace were the fashion for the superior grades, while the midshipmen and masters of gallivats were to rest contented with small round cuffs and no facings.'"--pg 210, Cassell's Illustrated History of India by James Grant

Books

A blog reader recently asked me about the books from which I quote.  This is a good question, with two answers.  The short answer is simply to name the books from which many of my blog posts come. 

History of the Irish Brigades in the Service of France by J. C. O'Callaghan.
Chronicles of An Old Campaigner by M. de la Colonie
Many of the novels by G. A. Henty

Most of the books I quote from can be found on the Internet Archive (www.Archive.org).  In fact, if you are interested in history at all, look through the Internet Archive for time periods that capture your imagination.

The second answer, or perhaps a subset of the first, is that any journal, letter, or diary of the time is a fount of interesting anecdotes and quotes.  Because the writer was an eyewitness, he recorded the big events he saw (the Battle of Carillon, perhaps) and also the little things (for example, http://defendingthelegacy.blogspot.com/2012/08/generosity-at-carillon.html).

Look at journals of time periods you are interested in and prepare to discover hidden stories within their pages!

Note: If you are reading this and saying "I don't have any books written by participants in this event", then you should look at the bibliography of a book on the subject.  Many times, they will sort their sources by "Primary" (written by someone who was there) , "Secondary" (written by someone who was not there), and "Journals/Articles" (self-explanatory).

Liebster Blog Award!

My blog has been nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by Pearl of Tyburn at www.silverscreenspiritual.blogspot.com!  I am very grateful!  Thank you very much!

The rules for this award are: 1. Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.  2. Answer their 11 questions. 3. Post 11 random things about yourself.  4. Nominate 11 other blogs with under 200 followers for this award. 5. Ask them 11 questions.

So here are Pearl of Tyburn’s 11 questions.

1. What do you consider the greatest movie of all time and why?

I believe that the greatest movie of all time is the Jesus film by Campus Crusade for Christ.  A well-made adaptation of the Gospel of Luke, it has travelled the world with its important message.

2. What do you consider the worst movie of all time and why?

I’m afraid I am not able to answer this question.  I have enjoyed most movies I have watched (except for Sybil Ludington and Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel).  However, picking the worst of film history is beyond me.

3. Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Difficult to answer.  One actress’s performance that I was impressed by was Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities (1936).

4. Who is your least favorite actor/actress?

I don’t know, but I have seen some rather poor performances.

5. What scene from a movie do you find the most inspirational?

The most inspirational scene for me is from The Longest Day, when the British paratrooper commander remembers his orders to “hold until relieved”, with only a handful of men.  Honorable mention to Brotus (from Pendragon) ordering his line to be extended and meeting the criticism of “it’s certain death” with the retort “Then we die here!”

6. What movies have made you laugh the most?

Bugs Bunny, hands down, even though it is not a movie.

7. What movies have made you cry the most?

I’m not usually one to cry though movies, but probably Mrs. Miniver.

8. What movie do you find the most hoaky?

Definitely Sybil Ludington, but honorable (dishonorable?) mention to the end song of The Longest Day.

9. If you could only watch one more movie forever, what would it be?

The Longest Day.

10. What are some movies you’ve wanted to watch but never gotten the chance?

Beyond the Mask (I’m an extra in it!)

Waterloo

Zulu

11. What are your top 5 movies you would like me to watch and review?

Beyond the Mask

Alone Yet not Alone

Zulu

The Lego Movie

Waterloo

11 Random Things about myself

1.      I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and am glad to be part of a church that loves Him too.

2.      I run my own business at www.ThroughAllAges.com

3.      I love root beer, especially in a root beer float.

4.      Building with Lego bricks is a hobby of mine.

5.      I am the oldest of four siblings.

6.      I was a construction worker and extra for the Christian movie Beyond the Mask.

7.      I think that John Williams is the greatest modern composer.

8.      Most of the books I own are about history

9.      I paint my own 54mm plastic American Revolution soldiers and am expanding into Seven Years War in India

10.   I love old paintings.

11.   I am a contributor for the Young Patriot Magazine.

And now for my blog nominations:

1.      www.MountainsWereMoved.blogspot.com

2.      www.SonsOfTheRemnant.blogspot.com

3.      www.Tidders-KingdomOfWittenberg.blogspot.com

4.      www.GolcondaRising.blogspot.com

5.      www.flintlockandtomahawk.blogspot.com

6.      www.consecratedsword.blogspot.com

7.      www.forchristsglory.blogspot.com

8.      www.castlesoftin.blogspot.com

9.      www.civilwar150th.blogspot.com

10.   www.adventure-in-the-indies.blogspot.com

11.   www.warsoflouisxiv.blogspot.com

And here are my 11 questions:

1.      What is your favorite movie?

2.      In the Seven Years’ War, would you side with the French or the British?

3.      Do you play chess?

4.      John Williams or Hans Zimmer?

5.      What is your favorite historical era?

6.      Do you like root beer?

7.      How far back can you trace your family’s history?

8.      What is the most interesting job that you have worked at?

9.      What is the most important thing you have learned while blogging?

10.   What is your least favorite movie?

11.   Would you be interested in hosting a giveaway of Through All Ages’s products?  (Check them out at ThroughAllAges.com and please contact me if so!)

Plassey Gallery

Today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Plassey.  Plassey was fought during the Seven Years' War in India as Robert Clive of the East India Company battled Siraj-ud-Doula and his French allies.

Clive's men positioned themselves behind a mango grove as Siraj's army approached.  Some Indians attempted to attack, but were driven back by fierce cannon fire.  Before the battle began, however, Robert Clive had made a deal with one of Siraj's generals, Mir Jafar.  In exchange for neutrality during the battle, the British would seat Mir Jafar on Siraj's throne.  Jafar's inaction ultimately decided the battle and the British crowned him.  However, Mir Jafar soon rebelled against his ally and the British unseated him.  For a good summary of the battle, visit: http://www.kronoskaf.com/syw/index.php?title=1757-06-23_-_Battle_of_Plassey

About the pictures

The first and second pictures show the British lines receiving the charge of the colorful Indian horsemen. 

The third picture shows Clive (center) meeting Mir Jafar (in gold robe) after the battle.

The fourth picture showcases the Royal Artillery's contribution to the battle.  In the background is the old hunting lodge located in the mango grove.
The fifth picture is set in the British lines, as the gunners fire on the Indians.

Providence and a Thorn Walking Stick

During the Seven Years' War, much fighting took place in India.  In 1758, the Irishman General Lally was sent to take command of the French forces there.  But India was full of danger:

"The party to assassinate Lally was composed of 50 Black horsemen.  At dawn, riding from the city, at a leisurely pace, to the French camp, and being challenged by the outguard, they stated, that they came to offer their services to the French General; and, accordingly, required to be conducted to him.  Nothing wrong being suspected, they were conducted towards his quarters, about half a mile in the rear of his camp.  Lally, informed of their approach, got out of bed, and merely in his drawers, and luckily with a thorn-stick in his hand, went, accompanied by but 1 attendant, to meet them.  At about 100 yards from him, the troop halted, their Captain, coming forward on horseback; and being now near enough, to make sure, as it were, of their intended victim, and in order, apparently, to signify to their main force about the town, that the assassination-business was in hand, 1 of the Black troopers galloped to an ammunition-tumbrel, fired his pistol into it, and blew himself up with a suitable explosion, at the same time that the Captain of the troop rode in upon Lally, making a cimetar-cut at his head.  Lally, not losing his presence of mind, parried the blow with his wooden life-preserver; his stout and faithful attendant instantly despatching the baffled murderer.  The General, nevertheless, was trampled down and stunned by the onset of the rest of the Black troop, till his guard rushing up, he came to himself, and, sabre in hand, at the head, gave the villains, who charged twice, their deserts; 28 of them being shot dead, and the remainder forced to ride into a pond, where they were drowned; his guard losing but 2 men in the encounter."--page 514, History of the Irish Brigades in the Service of France by John Cornelius O'Callaghan

Admiral Valentina's Treasure part 10--Thunder in the Outback

Announcing my New Business!

I have an announcement for you, my faithful blog readers.  Earlier this year I started my own business.  Called "Through All Ages LLC", I sell historical posters and postcards.  Check out my website at www.ThroughAllAges.com!

Battle of Sainte-Foy (1760) Gallery

The Battle of Sainte-Foy took place on this day in the year 1760.  French General de Levis attempted to recapture the city of Quebec, which was held by the British under General James Murray.  Murray, having received advance warning of de Levis's march, moved out from the city and on to the Plains of Abraham for battle.  In the ensuing battle, the French defeated Murray and besieged Quebec.  A fleet of British warships arrived soon afterwards, and de Levis retreated to Montreal, which would surrender on September 8, 1760.

General de Levis encourages his men just before the battle.  Painting by Louis Bombled.

 A black-and-white illustration of Levis and his men before the battle.

 British soldiers cart firewood into the city of Quebec.  Painting by John Macnaughton.

 A view of the battle from British lines.  Painting by George Campion.

And last, a rather panoramic drawing of the final French advance that won the victory.

Charming Field for an Encounter

Before gaining fame as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington was a soldier for King George II.  His service included three campaigns, two years of keeping Indians out of Virginia's borders, and his only surrender.  These paintings, from the book "Charming Field for an Encounter" illustrate some of his early military exploits.  See the whole book with many more paintings at https://archive.org/details/charmingfieldfor00albe

 This painting (based on Peale's 1772 portrait) shows Washington in the 1754 uniform of the Virginia Provincial Regiment.

 This painting shows Washington and his men assembled.  Something appears to be burning in the distance.

This painting occurs during the Siege of Fort Necessity (1754).  Two Virginians, an officer and a private, fire a swivel gun at the French.

Review of Fort William Henry 1755-1757 by Ian Castle

Ian Castle's Fort William Henry 1755-1757, published by Osprey Publishing was an anticipated Christmas present.  Here, I will review it.

Topic: This book covers three major campaigns in the Lake George area during the French and Indian War.  Johnson's march to capture Fort Sainte-Frederic and the resulting Battle of Lake George are first.  Then the winter raid by the French to capture the newly-constructed Fort William-Henry in early 1757 is covered.  The third campaign is the successful siege and capture of Fort William-Henry in 1757, as well as the resulting massacre.

Writing: The author's style is clear and easy to follow, yet without leaving off important points of information for the sake of brevity.

Paintings: All of Osprey Publishing's books include specially commissioned paintings taking up a whole page (two for a battle scene).  Fort William Henry has four!  These cover (chronologically) the French firing line at the Battle of Lake George 1755, the British garrison watching as the French burn a sloop outside the fort in March 1757, the French (and an Indian) firing a cannon in the August siege, and the pursuit of Englishmen during the massacre.  All paintings are very well done by Michael McNally.

Illustrations: Every Osprey book also has a plethora of illustrations in the text.  Many of these illustrations are photographs of reenactors.  While some reenactor photographs are not historically accurate (for example, too many men wearing spectacles or tourists in the background), these are some of the best I have seen.  The other illustrations are excellent as well.

Final Analysis: A well-written book that is also a feast for the eyes.  Definitely recommended if you have even a casual interest in this period.

Seven Years War in India from Cassell's History of India

 All pictures from Cassell's Illustrated History of India available here: https://archive.org/details/cassellsillustra01gran.  These pictures begin with Robert Clive storming the Indian fort of Arcot to relieve the siege of Conjeveram.  Clive then defended Arcot against the Nabob's army.

 Arcot proved Clive as a soldier, but Plassey was the greatest victory of Robert Clive.  With 3,000 soldiers (and some negotiations with an aspirant to the throne), he defeated the Nabob of Bengal's army of 50,000.

 But the French East India Company sent a fleet and army out to India.  This picture illustrates the naval Battle of Pondicherry.

 This picture illustrates the British storming the fortress of Masulipatam, though the British stormed many fortified positions similar to this one.

Finally, the troops of the French East India Company were trapped and besieged in Pondicherry.  Here four French commissioners come to the British to ask to surrender.  The Third Carnatic War (or the Seven Years' War in India) broke French power and raised the East India Company to governing much of India.

Friar Roubaud and the William Henry Massacre 1757

A French officer informed me that a Huron at that very time in the camp, had in his possession an infant of six months whose death was certain if I did not immediately hasten to its rescue. ...The result was, that the infant should be given to me, if I would deliver to him in return the scalp of an enemy. ..."Well, there is the infant, carry it away, it belongs to you."...I arrived at the for, and at the sound of its feeble cries all the women ran towards me.  Each one flattered herself with the hope of recovering the object of her maternal tenderness.  They eagerly examined it, but neither the eyes nor the heart of any one recognized in it her child. ...I was absorbed in my reflections when I saw an English officer pass who happened to be well acquainted with the French language.  I addressed him therefore in a firm tone: "Sir, I have just ransomed this young infant from slavery, but it will not escape death, unless you direct some one of these women to take the place of its mother, and nurse it, until I shall be able to provide for it otherwise."...With that he spoke to the English women.  One of them offered to render it this service, if I would be willing to answer for her life and that of her husband, to charge myself with their support, and to see that they were conveyed to Boston from Montreal. I immediately accepted the proposition...

I was about quitting the fort, when the father of the infant was found, wounded by the bursting of a bomb, and utterly unable to succor himself.  He could not therefore put acquiesce with pleasure in the arrangements I had made for the security of his child, and I departed, accompanied by my English...  I cannot undertake to portray to you faithfully the new occurrence which here crowned my enterprise, for it is one of those events which a person flatters himself in vain with the hope of presenting true to nature.  We had scarcely reached the entrance of the camp, when a shrill and animated cry suddenly struck my ears.  Was it a cry of grief? or was it of joy?  It was all this, and much more, for it was that of the mother, who from a distance had recognized her child, so keen are the eyes of maternal love.  She ran with a precipitation which showed that this was indeed her child.  She snatched it from the arms of the English woman with an eagerness which seemed as if she feared that some one might a second time deprive her of it.  It is easy to imagine to what transports of joy she abandoned herself, particularly when she was assured of the life and the freedom of her husband, to whom she though that he had bid a final adieu."--pp. 183-185, Early Jesuit Missions in North America (read here: https://archive.org/stream/earlyjesuitmissi00kipwrich#page/184/mode/2up)

Liberty Day 2014

For several years our family has attended Liberty Day in central Illinois.  Liberty Day is a celebration of Patrick Henry's famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech.  Check it out (and watch the award-winning trailer) at www.libertyday.net.  Hoping to see you at Liberty Day 2014!

Thought on the New Year

"And yet ye cannot tell what shall be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and afterward vanisheth away."--James 4:14

God has been so good to give us all the year of 2013 and the beginning of 2014.  But we must remember that our life is passing away and that we must "the night cometh when no man can work." (John 9:4) God has given us today--let's work for Him!


Painting "Life is like a Sundial" by Laslett John Pott.