Rogers Rangers in action in winter conditions. Art by Gary Zaboly.
We are finally getting some decent winter here in Central Oregon. Real winter temperatures and enough snow to mean something.
The conditions led my thoughts down the trail to New England and New York during the French and Indian War. One of the unique aspects of the long-term conflict on the northern frontier in the 18th century was that combatants engaged in winter operations. Conventional 18th century forces in that era pretty much shut down operations in the wintertime (Washington’s assault on Trenton in December 1776 being an important exception — and it was successful in large part because it broke with convention).
Rogers Rangers in winter. Note the crampons strapped across the instep. Art by Gary Zaboly.
Rogers’ Rangers were noted for their winter operations, which included two significant “battles on snowshoes.” One of their patrolling techniques involved skating up Lake George into French-held territory. That always intrigued me.
As a young man in Southern California, I did a whole lot of skating — but it was on rollerblades on the asphalt. The Clan ice skates at least once annually, on Christmas night. I love skating. But I gotta say that 18th century skates make my ankles burn just looking at them.
A young historical reenactor recently posted a video on 18th century frontier skating. He’s a hockey player and a good skater. Clearly, it’s different from skating in hockey boots. No ankle or foot support, and the blade shape is different. But the old-time skates seem quite functional, especially if the skater is simply trying to move straight up the ice.
Enjoy. Now, I must head out on my own winter operation — which involves a shovel and a roof-rake..
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.lane batot says
Great illustrations! So, in that first one, are those the wolf dogs of the Rangers helping them out, or the wolf dogs of the Indians trying to protect their humans?
JimC says
Rogers Rangers liked their dogs. There was one legendary one they called Sergeant Beaubien, which was officially entered in the muster roll and drew a sergeant’s pay and rations.
.lane batot says
Excellent!
Matthew says
It’s freezing here in Colorado. About five degrees.
Winter Operations are always difficult which is why even today they are specialized units in the military. One of the SEAL teams (2 I think) trains for Arctic conditions. Then there were ski troops in WWII.
Joe waters says
I was in the tenth mountain division light infantry..2nd brigade combat team commandos and we live and train in extewme cold while we are stateside then we deploy to the hottest places on earth haha..oh the irony..but to your point the tenth mountain were the teoops who fought on skis
Mike says
Maurice Isserman’s ‘The Winter Army: The World War II Odyssey of the 10th Mountain Division’ has been on my to read list for the same winter fueled reason.
I did just start Edward J. Larson’s ‘To the Edges of the Earth: 1909, the Race for the Three Poles, and the Climax of the Age of Exploration.’ Makes for a fun drive through the snow when you can pretend you’re on a polar expedition!
JimC says
A guy I used to play music with’s father was a soldier in the 10th Mountain Division in WWII. Went on to a career in CIA. Remarkable man, who you’d never guess was a badass.
Paul McNamee says
That’s really cool! And yes, my ankles scream in sympathy.