The Artillery

Of the Artillery:

I joined Blackwell's Regiment with my family at the tender age of 12 in 1983. My first battle wasn't until later at Basing House. I spent the first day just watching and decided that it would definitely have to be the Artillery for me. My first role in Blackwell's Artillery was Powder Monkey and Wad Maker which I did for the best part of 10 years (at one point my wads were banned as they were more akin to missiles than wadding).

I learnt and performed every role in the Artillery and was made Matross in 1990 (second in command) and in 1994 made Blackwell's Officer of Artillery. I am sure that there would be many who would say nepotism was involved (my father being previous Officer) however I am proud to think that I earned the position through my knowledge of and commitment to the Artillery as well as Blackwell's.

I don't think that there is anyone who knows Blackwell's gun as intimately as I do having spent time rebuilding the carriage with my father, maintaining her and transporting her around to battles for a number of years. Over the years I have seen a number of people join and leave the Artillery crew and each team have had their magical moments which I will treasure for ever.

Every year and every battle is different, some more exciting than others, however it is not just the battles I look forward to, that is just a part of it. Mostly it's for the people, my friends, some of whom keep reminding me of how long they have known me and what I used to get up to when I was a 'lass'. It's fun to look back on it all and who knows, one day I'll be bringing my own family to events hoping that they will follow in the footsteps of their mother and join Blackwell's Artillery.

Annabelle Smith, Officer of Artillery