Photo: Bill Thompson stands in front of the Army Museum Halifax Citadel wearing his 84th Regiment of Foot, Royal Highland Emigrants uniform. Photo supplied by Bill Thompson

by Gail Haarsma — If  you visited the  Halifax Citadel  National Historic Site of  Canada, commonly referred to as Citadel Hill, on September 21 and saw people wearing red woolen jackets, bearskin fur caps and kilts, you might have seen Eastern Passage’s Bill Thompson participating in the Encampment of Fort George at Citadel Hill. 

“My wife and I are part of the 84th Regiment of Foot, Royal Highland Emigrants reenactors and participate in encampments all over the province,” says Thompson. “We get together with other enthusiasts who love living history.”

Thompson says Nova Scotia’s 84th Regiment Reenactors includes passionate history buffs who bring their history to life by recreating the battles and military actions of the 1700s. He has been involved in reenactments for more than 20 years. 

“My love for history started with my dad who was in the Navy and brought me badges from around the world,” says Thompson. “I started collecting WW1 and WW2 regalia but got really interested in 18th century history and have stuck with it.”

The 84th Regiment strives to meet Brigade of the American Revolution standards and reenactors are sticklers for authenticity and details. Thompson explains uniforms must be period correct, hand stitched and complete, from headgear to footwear. The Regiment has an historical researcher who authenticates information to ensure outfits and actions are historically accurate. 

“One of the most frequently asked questions I get is ‘what is under your kilt’. I always respond, ‘my legs’”, laughs Thompson. He goes on to describe what his “kilt” is like.

“It’s about six yards of wool fabric. I put it on the ground, pleat it, lay on top of it and roll it around me, leaving enough fabric to go over my shoulder. When you’re not wearing it as a kilt, it can be ground cover or a blanket.”

The 84th Regiment is always looking for new members. There is a comradery among reenactors that appeals to those involved. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

“It’s difficult to attract new people to reenactments because of the clothing requirements, a super-duper appreciation of history and you have to get dirty!” explains Thompson. “But if you are a history geek who can appreciate the sounds of a crackling fire, the sparkle of moonlight off the snow, the lulling sounds of rain on a canvas tent or the whisper of wind in the trees, then reenactments are for you. We’ll kit you out till you get your own.”

The 84th Regiment of Foot, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highland Emigrants were active during the American Revolution. Stationed in present-day Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, the regiment successfully defended these regions against American attacks by land and sea and launched offensives into the Thirteen Colonies. The 84th Regiment had one of the oldest and most experienced officer corps in the region with 2,000 Scottish soldiers, many of whom had served in the Seven Years’ War and stayed in North America.

Bill Thompson is semi-retired, working for the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Service Fleet Gym. He lives in the Community at Fisherman’s Cove and does reenactments in his spare time.