The  Minstrel Boys

Faugh-a-Ballagh!

Recreating the role of the Irish in the American Civil War 1861-65

The Recreated Coy. K, 28th Massachusetts Volunteers

"I have not a word, other than that of unqualified commendation, to bestow upon this well-regulated and admirably disciplined regiment."

Brig. Gen. Thomas F Meagher

 

"When anything absurd, forlorn, or desperate was to be attempted,

the Irish Brigade was called upon."

George Alfred Townsend

 

"Perhaps the best known of any brigade organisation, it having made an unusual reputation for dash and gallantry. The remarkable precision of its evolutions under fire, its desperate attack on the impregnable wall at Marye's Heights; its never failing promptness on every field; and its long continuous service, made for it a name inseparable from the history of the war."

William F. Fox

 

We portray Coy. K of the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as it would have appeared during 1863, around the time of the battle of Gettysburg. Like the Emerald Guard, Coy. K had the honour of carrying the regiments colours in battle. Click here for a short history of the 28th Massachusetts.

The 28th wore standard Union army uniform of dark blue sack coat and sky blue trousers. For headwear the 28th were issued with the McDowell forage cap and the unit wears these plus a mixture of slouches, kepis and other style forage caps.

 

The 28th carried the British Enfield rifled musket (unlike the rest of the Irish Brigade who carried the smoothbore Springfield). New members are fully trained using the drill books of the period to safely load and fire a musket. We don’t fire bullets as we don’t wish  to reduce our membership numbers!, rather we ignite black powder which still gives the impression of what a battle would have been like. Anyone owning a replica Enfield must

Members of the Coy. K 28th Mass. in camp, Pennsylvania spring 1863.

The soldier on the left wears the new II Corps badge (a red trefoil) along with  the regimental number in brass on his McDowell forage cap.

 

Members of the Minstrel Boys lined up with our US comrades to recreate the 28th’s colour guard at the battle of Fredericksburg. The famous charge of the Irish Brigade was recreated for a film currently showing at the battlefield’s visitor’s  centre.

Faugh a Ballagh

Calling all brave and stout hearted sons of Erin

A few good men are wanted to fill Coy. K

 

28^th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment

4^th Regiment of the Irish Brigade

 

THE UNION ONE AND FOREVER !

apply for a Firearms certificate.

 

Our aim is to accurately portray the life of the common soldier in the Union army to the general public. We emphasise safety, authenticity, Company drill, battlefield tactics and  having a good time. We have roles for both soldiers and civilians, men women and children.