Sat, 28 Sept
|London
Bayonets and Baggy Trousers: American Civil War Zouaves
With their heroic actions during the Crimean War and distinctive dress, French Zouave units were the media darlings of the late 19th century, celebrated in print and song. This Zouave Craze spread to America, where more than 50 Zouave regiments were formed in the Civil War.
Time & Location
28 Sept 2024, 13:00 – 16:00 BST
London, Civil Service Club, Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HJ, UK
About the Event
Storming the heights of the Alma, charging gallantly at the Battle of Inkerman and scrambling up the Malakoff during the Crimean War, with their heroic actions during the Crimean War and their distinctive dress the Zouaves of the French army became media darlings during the late19th century, celebrated in print and song. Newspapers and magazines were full of accounts of their daring.
In America Elmer E. Ellsworth, lawyer and military enthusiast, toured the country in 1859 with the unit he created, the United States Zouave Cadets. On the eve of the Civil War, a Zouave craze swept the country. Many eager recruits saw themselves as something more than blue or grey clad volunteers. They would join Zouave regiments instead.
More than 50 Zouave regiments were formed, mainly in the North. Many achieved impressive service records. One of the most famous, was the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry. At Second Bull Run in 1862 they suffered appalling casualties.
About the Speaker
Robin Smith is the author of American Civil War Zouaves, Number 62 in the Osprey publishing Elite series. He is a member of the 5th New York re-enactment group and has travelled to the Sates many times to campaign with the unit. He has written for many military magazines and he is also renowned as a pop music journalist. Â Kate Bush hates him, Madonna kissed him and he almost joined the French Foreign Legion with Ozzy Osbourne!
Discounted tickets are available to Full Time Students, please contact us for further details.
Tickets
VENUE TICKET
This ticket is for people attending the meeting in person at the Civil Service club. Space is limited, so while we will admit 'walk-ins' if possible, anyone not purchasing a ticket in advance may be turned away if the venue is full. Tea, coffee and biscuits are included. Also includes access to the CSC bar before and after the event. A 50% refund will be given on the day to Full Time Students on presentation of a Student Card.
£8.00ONLINE TICKET
This is a hybrid physical and online event (via Zoom). A small fee is charged for online access to hybrid events to cover costs. Zoom attendees cannot participate in the raffle. The online link will be sent to you on your email receipt. FullTime Students are eligible to attend free by Zoom - please contact us for a discount code
£3.00DONATION (VOLUNTARY)
We welcome voluntary donations to enable us to continue our education and conservation projects on both sides of the Atlantic. You can now make a donation of any value from £1 upwards on a single 'ticket'.
£- Sale ends: 27 Sept, 12:00 BST
RAFFLE TICKET (VENUE ONLY)
We will be holding a raffle of books and other memorabilia. You must be present in person to participate, but to save time on the day you can purchase these online in advance. ONLINE RAFFLE TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED NO LATER THAN MIDDAY THE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT.
£1.00
Total
£0.00