The Sharpe films created an interest in songs of the Napoleonic Period and a CD of songs used in the series has been released. Although containing one or two interesting tracks, it is on the whole a bit of a disappointment. A far more successful attempt at producing an anthology of soldier’s songs was made some years ago with the issue of Songs and Music of the Redcoats. Based on the book of the same name by Lewis Winstock, this LP contained a selection of soldier’s songs and tunes, from the English Civil War through to the Boer War. Excellent though this record is, it has long since ceased production and is now a collector's item.

Faced with such a famine, it was with great relief that I was introduced to the work of Strawhead, a folk group based in the North West of England. I can only describe their work as brilliant, and exactly what is required by the military enthusiast. The use of electronic and traditional instruments allows a rich dramatic presentation of the songs, and the voices of the singers reflect a real love of the music.

Most of their early recordings have now been discontinued but you may still be able to track down copies of these records. They include Fortunes of War (Marlborough); Law Lies Bleeding (English Civil War); Gentlemen of Fortune (Elizabethan Privateers); and A New Vintage (a compilation containing a superb version of the Burial of Sir John Moore).

Unfortunately the disease of political correctness blighted the martial career of our gallant band. I was actually present at a folk club in Birmingham when the band was told that they would no longer be invited to appear at that venue, as their nationalistic repertoire was offensive and unacceptable. They had that evening sung a song about Flodden Field and another regretting the passing of Napoleon. Hardly surprising then, that the band turned their attention to less controversial subjects such as Victorian Broadside Ballads, Drinking Songs, and the History of Preston. All good stuff and well worth the listening to, but not really for wargamers. Luckily though, Strawhead’s popularity remained as great as ever amongst the re-enactors of the Sealed Knot, and this connection led to the production of Songs of the Civil War.

This anthology, available on tape cassette, contains both old favourites and a number of new recordings. The recordings are accompanied by a book that gives both background information on the songs as well as words and music. Many of the songs are modern renditions of contemporary songs, others are songs of a later period which still find favour with modern re-enactors. Whichever the songs are an exciting and stirring rendition chronicling the period, both militarily and socially, of the war and later period.

For a number of years now Strawhead have been considering producing an anthology of songs covering the Napoleonic Wars, and in fact started recordings. The project has apparently been shelved for the moment as it is felt that such a collection would only have a limited market attraction. This decision seems to have been based on the comparatively limited sales of Songs of the Civil War.

If the Napoleonic project were to be completed I am sure that the recording would find a ready market amongst enthusiasts for the period not only in the United Kingdom but also overseas. I am sure however that there exists an untapped market for Strawhead’s recordings. If the folk music world has few places for music recording our martial past, I am sure that wargamers and military modellers can provide a welcoming niche.

So why not give Strawhead a hearing, I doubt that you will be disappointed.

Songs of the Civil War is available by mail order price £10 inc. UK postage (Please make cheques payable to Gleaner Publications). Orders and further

Details from: - Gregg Butler,

Sunnyside House, 98 Kirkham Rd, Freckleton, Preston, PR4 1HT, England

Now ! visit the Strawhead website at Strawhead.org.uk