Ft. Mott Boer War Event Debut

The Grand Victorian Tactical ran for ten years at Ringwood State Park, organized by the Royal Sussex.  The torch has been passed onto a new crew and another NJ state park, Fort Mott in Pennsville, hosted its own Boer War weekend.  The turn-out was very strong, as the last two GVTs had seen a significant surge in numbers and interest in this era, and the Royal Sussex fielded both a military wing (including two fine new recruits, Dan S., and Ian C.!) and our WWI VAD contingent adapted itself, like last year, to be Army Nursing Service personnel.  The Army Nursing Service was established in 1881 while the Voluntary Aid Detachment did not exist until 1908!  This was our largest and most comprehensive medical display, with half a dozen cots ready to receive the injured and those needing relief from the heat.  And it was a hot, humid event!  The Boer presented little threat than the atmosphere, but that could not be helped.  All in all, the British camp was a large and sophisticated one with the Royal Sussex's ANS outpost between them and the Boer camp which was posted near the entry of the park itself.  Fort Mott was a defensive installation to protect the Delaware River and so it afforded a lovely view all around.  On Saturday there were two skirmishes fought, in which the Boers emerged victorious over Her Majesty's forces, and they gained victory yet again at the Sunday skirmish.  Fortunately, the weather was less humid on Sunday than Saturday and after the skirmish, the army held an inspection for the men's health and ended with a cricket game for all those interested in playing.  Congratulations to the organizers of the Fort Mott Boer War event and best of luck in the future.  The Royal Sussex supports you!