In line with the new Northern Brigade emphasis on non-linear warfare, we will now be returning to our ancient practice of the use of whistle signals, and add the use of hand signals. First, a disclaimer.
Both types of signals are easily documented. There are at least nine or ten examples of British regulars fighting to whistle signals in Rev War, and more than half of them are Hat, or Battalion Companies. The same is true of hand signals, and Roger Stevenson1 suggests their use in several places, always in passing and in the manner of a writer who takes his subject for granted.
So, existence being documented, we move on to actual practice. In this case, we have several actual whistle sets, from sources as diverse as Ferguson and Ewald2. In fact, what we know suggests that EVERY UNIT had its own signals, and no other unit would have been able to understand them. With hand signals, the information is even sparser; while we have available hand signals that are claimed for Ewald and/or Robert Rogers, I am NOT satisfied as to their documentation. Did they use hand signals? Absolutely. But what signals?
We will start learning whistle signals, and we will continue to use our own, which will be standardized throughout the Northern Brigade. One reason is familiarity – we all know them, and so do many others. The other is that, sadly, we are reenactors, not professional soldiers. Fifteen note, two-tone signals are probably beyond us, at least until we can produce a CD. So be patient and understand that our particular signals are MADE UP. They are correct in spirit and allow us to be authentic in that we will be able to maneuver to whistle calls. And they leave room to improve!
WHEN MOVING
1 Blast – HALT
2 Blasts – MOVE (or move FASTER)
3 Short Blasts – Rally on the whistle
1 Short, 1 Long blast – RETIRE (Think Re – TIIIIRE)
Short blasts, over and over – CEASE FIRE
WHEN HALTED and FORMED
3 Long Blasts – MAKE READY (Think MAKE READ-Y)
2 Long Blasts – PRESENT (Think PRE-SENT)
1 Short Blast – FIRE
If the NCO or officer is judicious in using his voice and hands, these signals will cover a great deal. Of course, there is room for confusion. So, for instance, I recommend the words “Firing by Whistle!” be called out, to prevent the three whistle blasts leading to everyone running in to rally on the whistle blower!
| SIMPLE HAND SIGNALS FROM 1804 | |||
| Starting with arms at the sides, officer spread both arms wide, forming a ‘T’ or a line at shoulder height. | This means “FORM FRONT” from file or column. | ||
| Single arm up to one side at shoulder height | Wheel in direction indicated (or form front in that direction, depending on what formation you start in!) | ||
| Arms spread, both palms down and pressing down (the signal we often use for “calm” or “silence” with children) | This means “LIE DOWN.” | ||
Notes
1. Roger Stevenson, Military Instructions for Officers detached in the field, London, 1768
2. Ewald, Johann von. Diary of the American War: A Hessian Journal. Joseph P. Tustin, ed. and trans. (New Haven, Ct., 1979).
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