WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL receives visit from 'British soldier'

On November 14, Mr. David Hale from Wayne County RESA spent the day with Mrs. Kline's and Ms. Collins' Social Studies classes at West Middle School.

Mr. Hale spoke to the students about the American Revolution, but with a twist. Mr. Hale informed the students about the American Revolution from the perspective of a British soldier. Instead of reading information or showing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Hale gave the students a plethora of information by "reading historical replicas" that were associated with the British army during the American Revolution.

    

Mr. Hale had a replica of a British soldier's red coat. The coat had 26 decorative buttons. The buttons were stamped with a crown, three feathers and the number “23.” This button identified the soldier’s 23rd regiment. The coat had blue trim. The trim showed that this was a royal regiment sponsored today by Prince Charles.

    

The cap that this regiment wore was very tall and made of black bear fur. It was very heavy. But the purpose of this impractical cap was to add height to a British soldier, making him intimidating to American soldiers.

   

Another replica Mr. Hale showed the students was a cartridge box. A cartridge box was leather and filled with individually packed amounts of gunpowder and musket balls. It was attached with a leather strap and carried behind you for safety.

    

Other artifacts Mr. Hale brought with him were a canvas Gator worn on the legs to protect the shoes and legs much like a boot, a canteen for water, a satchel for holding personal items and a bayonet. The bayonet made a large wound that was very slow to heal.

    

Mr. Hale pointed out that one difference between British and American soldiers was that the British soldiers had to pay for their food, equipment, uniforms and health care. But interestingly, there were similarities to why men joined both armies.

Both in England and America men join to serve their country, for patriotism and loyalty and to protect people's rights.

    

West students thank Mr. Hale for bringing these historical replicas to life. It was interesting to hear the facts from "the other side of the coin.”  Mr. Hale gave great food for thought. One important takeaway was that truthfully, globally, we are more alike than we are different. 

Submitted by Sara Bochenek