FAQ about Joining Up with Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group!
Question: I'm not located near Norfolk County, can I still join?
Answer: Absolutely! y'r humble webmaster himself is from Toronto and our other members range from Georgina to places South of the border! If you send us your information on our recruiting form, we will do our level best to ensure that you are kept in the loop and are able to attend our events. Of course, if you're located in someplace like the Outer Ural Mountains, we may have difficulty in helping out but we'll still try!
Question: How much will this cost?
Answer: To be involved at a minimal level, you'll probably be looking at around $300 to get started. We have information about this on our page of Mandatory and Recommended Requirements.
Question: Do I get to wear a red coat and fire a gun?
Answer: Yes and no... The Norfolk Militia was not really a "red-coat" regiment although we were issued 29 uniforms during the War of 1812 so you *could* end up wearing one. Again, it is all up to you and you should read through our list of Mandatory and Recommended Requirements.
Question: Do I need special training or a license? (CDN)
Answer: Canadian law says that on antique (or antique reproduction) flint-lock firearms, no standard FAC (Firearms Acquisition Certificate... which is being phased out in favour of the Possession and Acquisition License) is required, but in order to purchase the powder (black powder) you must have a valid PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) from the Federal Government. Information on this can be obtained by clicking here (opens a new browser).
If you're unsure about this or have any other questions, please contact us at firearmsnorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com
As far as training you on the use and safety of your flintlock (Brown Bess or other period replica), this will be done by the Norfolk Militia at our drills and, if possible, at some events.
Click here for an article about the various re-enacting weapons that are used by War of 1812 groups...
Question: Is the Norfolk Militia a historically "real" group or is it just one for re-enacting?
Answer: Absolutely YES! The Norfolk Militia was a real group that is very much entrenched in the history of Canada (and there is a modern Norfolk Militia still operating in The Armed Forces of Canada). We have a page devoted to the early history of the unit which you can view by clicking here.
Question: I see a lot of references to "The Canadian Volunteers" listed on this site. What are they?
Answer: The Canadian Volunteers were groups of militia mustered from Canada to fight on the side of the United States of America during the War of 1812. Like most militia groups in Ontario, we occasionally volunteer to "fill in the ranks" of the American lines with our members acting as this group. This is not to say that if you join, you'll always be fighting on one or the other side, it's just on occasion that we will "turn coat" and help with the re-enactments.
Question: I'm not really sure if I want to join up and would like more information. What's my best way to learn more?
Answer: Attend a re-enactment and come and have a chat with our volunteers! We have a "calendar" of events available for you to plan when and where you can come and enjoy a battle and an encampment! These events are truly fun and informational for the whole family! The calendar is available by clicking here.
Question: I'm a female and I'd love to join, but I want to be in the field as a soldier. Is this possible?
Answer: With Norfolk, absolutely! We have several young ladies in the field with the other soldiers and we welcome you to join us! More information is available on our page about Mandatory and Recommended Requirements.
Question: Can my family attend events?
Answer: Again, absolutely! Many families attend events and children are as much a part of an encampment as the adults! It's a great "community" for families to share and enjoy. For more information about bringing the whole gang along, please e-mail us at commandnorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com
Question: How much do we get paid for this?
Answer: Sorry, it's all strictly volunteer work. We are not paid to participate in events.
Question: How do I obtain rank?
Answer: Basically, you *must* earn rank through attending events, helping out and basically working to aid and assist the Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group as you can. Sorry, you cannot purchase your commission with us!
Question: I'd love to be able to do this and am willing to spend the money but I'm worried that I don't have enough time for it...
Answer: There are only two *must attend* events with the Norfolk Militia and we would appreciate seeing you at four or more events on top of these, but we do understand that this can be a problem for some. Have a read of our Mandatory and Recommended Requirements and if you have any other question, feel free to e-mail us at commandnorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com for more information.
Question: Does the Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group offer a military band or an artillery group I can join?
Answer: Yes! If you are interested in being a member of the number one band in re-enatcment or, the number one artillery group, please e-mail musiciansnorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com or artillerynorfolk@uppercanadianheritage.com for more information.
Question: I don't see my question on this FAQ! Where can I get the information?
Answer: This FAQ is a "living" document and will grow with time. If your question isn't "frequently asked", it may not be here and if it is, I will be adding it soon. Please, e-mail the question to norfolkwebmaster@uppercanadianheritage.com and I will get back to you within five business days with a reply.
Below: Brave Men of the Norfolk Militia Fend Off an Invader With Typical Elan!
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* - No live skunks were hurt in the production of this photograph.
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©2003 - Norfolk Militia (Heritage Regiment) Re-Enactment Group - This Website is C/O GHRS - Ontario 100632991
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