The citadel sits on a hill above the city of Halifax. Already at the beginning of the city's founding in 1749, a wooden fortification had been built there. The citadel, which was later built in various phases, was never captured. It was so well-protected that US-American generals were allowed to visit it to show them the futility of an attack on this citadel. I have now decided on reporting on the citadel in a brief outline, but then I will focus more on the 78th Highland Regiment to make it more comprehensive. There is always far too much material to render an attractive brevity almost impossible. Hence this splitting up.
Citadel Hill is a National Historic Site in Halifax [1]. The 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot was a Highland Infantry Regiment of the Line that had been raised in 1793 [2]. The current citadel is the fourth fortification since the city's foundation and was built in 1856, reflecting 19th-century military architecture. Like many other places, life from the past is presented here, keeping history alive. Of course, you can also visit the military museum in the citadel, but I found the drill much more interesting because it depicts something completely foreign to me. I did my compulsory military service in Germany 50 years ago – as a medic – and there wasn't much drill.
The Wikipedia article on the 78th Highland Regiment shows the regiment's history and many other details. The following sentence was the deciding factor for me to write this blogpost: "The regiment's legacy is retained through Nova Scotian institutions such as Citadel Hill, which features a living history program with animators portraying the 78th Highland Regiment and controls the 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) Pipe Band, a grade one pipe band formed in 1983." I was interested in learning more about the position of "Military Interpreter - Private," because they drilled in the courtyard of the Citadel; and I was surprised at how detailed the description is, right down to the hourly wage (C$16.70) [3]. The job posting, with the sections Duties & Responsibilities, Requirements for Education, Experience, Language, Skills & Abilities, Required Competencies, and Working Conditions, is about 880 words long.
Citadel Hill is a National Historic Site in Halifax [1]. The 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot was a Highland Infantry Regiment of the Line that had been raised in 1793 [2]. The current citadel is the fourth fortification since the city's foundation and was built in 1856, reflecting 19th-century military architecture. Like many other places, life from the past is presented here, keeping history alive. Of course, you can also visit the military museum in the citadel, but I found the drill much more interesting because it depicts something completely foreign to me. I did my compulsory military service in Germany 50 years ago – as a medic – and there wasn't much drill.
The Wikipedia article on the 78th Highland Regiment shows the regiment's history and many other details. The following sentence was the deciding factor for me to write this blogpost: "The regiment's legacy is retained through Nova Scotian institutions such as Citadel Hill, which features a living history program with animators portraying the 78th Highland Regiment and controls the 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) Pipe Band, a grade one pipe band formed in 1983." I was interested in learning more about the position of "Military Interpreter - Private," because they drilled in the courtyard of the Citadel; and I was surprised at how detailed the description is, right down to the hourly wage (C$16.70) [3]. The job posting, with the sections Duties & Responsibilities, Requirements for Education, Experience, Language, Skills & Abilities, Required Competencies, and Working Conditions, is about 880 words long.
“Military interpreters work at the Halifax Citadel and Georges Island National Historic Sites, and portray both a British army soldier and gunner, circa 1869-71, as well as a Canadian army gunner, circa 1939-1945.” The first description applied to my observations. During the visit, I was convinced that these were members of the military, similar to those at Buckingham Palace or other places in London, who have taken on representative tasks. And it was only when I returned home that I found out that it is more like we recognize it from museum villages: a representation of how things used to be, so that we can see it from today’s perspective. One could make fun of these drill exercises. I am also glad that I did not have to take part in it myself. Let's not forget that it led to the citadel not being taken.
What you can see in my pictures are a group of privates (both male and female) exercising with a female drill sergeant and two officers (or senior non-commissioned officers) critizing if someone stepped out of line.
In any case, I really enjoyed the visit, not just because of this performance, but also because of the view, the cannon shots, and the museum. I can only advise everyone not to miss the walk up to the Citadel.
What you can see in my pictures are a group of privates (both male and female) exercising with a female drill sergeant and two officers (or senior non-commissioned officers) critizing if someone stepped out of line.
In any case, I really enjoyed the visit, not just because of this performance, but also because of the view, the cannon shots, and the museum. I can only advise everyone not to miss the walk up to the Citadel.
No comments:
Post a Comment