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Fourth Michigan Cavalry Reenactment Group
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1862-1865
Unit History
Company H
More information contact: [email protected]
The unit has its origins in "Western" clubs, firstly in the London area, and then in South-western England. The founder members: Clive "Maverick" Greene (Captain); Brian & Stuart "Cas" Woodhouse (father & son); Dave "Drover" Sewell; Harry "H" Peters and Dave Burns were all "cowboy" re-enactors who discovered a common interest in the American Civil War and formed the 4th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry.
The unit is based at Tin Park Stables, Cornwood, Devon - on the edge of Dartmoor which has 34,960 hectares (14,142 acres) of unclosed moorland on which to ride, together with 849 km (540 miles) of access routes. The riding is on rough terrain subject to extremes of weather. Several owner- riders ride across the moor together most weekends, sometimes to Princetown - dominated by the famous Dartmoor prison.
Our training and drill is based-on Cooke's (simplified) manual and a video provided by the 7th Michigan Cavalry - a US re-enactment unit. Training events usually take-place on Dartmoor.
We are the sole providers of cavalry for the American Civil War Society, the premier re-enactment group in the UK: taking -part in most of their events, including the biannual international event (1999 et. Seq.) at Weston Park to which we get up to 50 riders, including guests from the USA, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands (the infantry have had guests from as far as the Czech Republic). Occasionally we "galvanise", in full or in part, to form Confederate cavalry when required.
"Health & Safety" is an important issue in the UK and we have had to "tighten-up" on our procedures to meet legal requirements, forming the 4th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Association to formalise the structure. The President of the Association, Captain Greene is assisted by the Adjutant: Brian "5" Rayden who, as a Senior Officer of H. M. Customs & Excise, is a qualified and legally appointed Health & Safety Representative for his union ("PCS"). Detailed Health & Safety procedures are now issued in the Constitution, General Orders, and Health & Safety Rules.
The 4th is always looking for new recruits: Experienced cavalrymen (especially from the USA) are welcome to join us as members or as guests, but we also invite applications from experienced riders who are not cavalry-trained: we will provide the cavalry training and ensure their authenticity and safety before participation. Exceptionally, we will take-on novice riders who are both enthusiastic and keen to learn.
For more information please contact the Adjutant at [email protected] or [email protected]
See also ACWS (UK) at http://www.acws.demon.co.uk under Union Cavalry.
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