All About Us

American Civil War Re-enactment Group

We are a group of normal everyday people with normal everyday jobs, but at weekends throughout the summer we say goodbye to the 21st Century and travel back in time to the American Civil War, living and wearing the uniform and a Federal Soldier from the 1860's. It doesn't stop there though, not only do we live like they did but the society also recreates battles from the period, we have authentic weapons and act like a real army would do.

Re-enacting is a multi faceted hobby, with subjects and interests covering a wide array of historical areas, for example, historical research, acting, firing guns, camping and the "open air life", the music and songs, war-gaming and military scenarios. As a re-enactment group, our main objective is to portray a period of time during the American Civil War by dressing, living and fighting just as the people would have done at the time.

Our aim is to portray a 'living history' from a specific moment in time, by offering all those who come to view or participate at these events, an enjoyable and realistic impression based on the way of life of civilians, soldiers and their families from the Civil War. All aspects of the period are covered, from the way they dressed to the battles they fought in, civilian jobs and casualties from the battlefied all play their part in making the event as realistic as possible.

The regiment was formed in February 2003, when the 20th Maine decided to move to SOSKAN. The members left who were loyal to the A.C.W.S, were in a position of having to find another regiment,when Phil Golder and Hugh Martyr suggested we try to form our own regiment.When after many telephone calls, it was found that enough people were left, and with the enthusiasm to "give it a go". The ACWS board was approached, and we got the go ahead.Many names were banded around as to what to call ourselves, until we looked as to who was in the 1st Division, 1st Brigade, 5th Corps. The 118th Pennsylvania regiment stood out.

We travel all over the country,mainly Northern and Central England,camping in grounds of stately homes and magnificent parks. We dress as soldiers did in the American civil war, drill as they did, and sometimes eat and sleep as they did, but not all of us. We try to be as authentic as possible when the public are about and come through our lines, so they feel they could be anywhere in America during the civil war. But, It's not all Drill, Drill, Drill, when the public have gone we all relax, chill out have a b-b-q, several beers and just generally have a good time and forget the pressures of modern day life.

We are a friendly family unit, with members from all walks of life. We encourage everyone to take an active part in the regiment regardless of age or gender, there is a role for everyone, partners and children included. We have members not just from this country, but members from Sweden and a special member from the U.S, who's great-great-great grandfather actually served with the original 118th throughout the civil war. Other members have contacts in France and Denmark. So you see we really are a great bunch to join. So if you're interested, why not go to the contacts page and email one of us, we'd be only to happy to have you as a guest on a weekend,don't worry about kit or a tent we'll sort that out,so you can "try before you buy".

Go on !

Give it a go !

The 118th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment is part of the American Civil War Society (ACWS) and are just one of a number of 'regiments' from both Federal and Confederate sides of the civil war. The ACWS is the biggest civil war re-enactment organisation in the UK and has most of its activities in the Midlands and the North.

To find out more, contact any of our members on the contacts page.