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The primary military impression undertaken within the Living History Project is the depiction of the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps (QSVC) as it appeared in late 1888.
As a well drilled infantry squad, the QSVC is employed at a variety of functions. Some appearances are purely ceremonial (eg guards of honour, tattoos, and commemorative events); at some the QSVC maintains only a static display; and at others we undertake a living history encampment. We portray the QSVC as we believe it was during late 1888, and we see the depiction of the daily life of a volunteer soldier to be of primary importance. This may also include recreational activities, meal preparation, and demonstration of skills and interests.
It is not just how we look that is important to us, but also that our accoutrements and weapons are accurate, that military drill is of the era, that we maintain discipline, carry out all encampment duties, prepare and eat period foodstuffs, and conduct ourselves in a 19th century manner.
At living history events the camp of the QSVC operates on the military time schedule with members expected to be present for duty. Adherence to appropriate military protocol and discipline is expected while on the field. At living history encampments, the QSVC operates under the premise that it is continually ‘on display' during the daylight public hours, and all members behave and act accordingly. (If called upon to do so, we are capable of continuing the living history experience around the clock during events.)
We ensure that our uniforms are clean, and accoutrements polished at the beginning of our events, as is appropriate for peacetime colonial Volunteers. Items used in our living history impression are limited to those that can be carried to the encampment by the individual, or on regimental transport.
As the Corps we depict saw only brief Active Service during the Shearers Strike of 1891, combat is not a major activity for our group; whereas training for combat is. All drill and exercises are practised and follow specific instructional manuals of the era. We handle and maintain weapons in a manner intended to insure our safety and that of others around us, and which reflects period practices in a way consistent with our adherence to Commonwealth, State and local laws, and modern standards of health and safety.
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