The Alabama Crew was originally conceived to man a replica of the CSS Alabama, which was at the time an on-going project of the Alabama Trust, based at Birkenhead, England.
Initially, it was for twelve reenactors to dress in the uniform of the period, merely to have photographs taken to display in the offices of the Alabama Trust. However, after speaking with the then captain of H.M.S. Warrior 1860, Captain Allen, the idea of a courtesy visit was discussed and since then, we have supplied a crew once or twice a year.
It has been unfortunate, that since the conception of the crew, the a change in predicament within Liverpool and Birkenhead has resulted in the postponement and possible cancelation of the Trust's ambitious plans. However, the crew has continued to man the only surviving warship of the period still afloat, one in which Raphael Semmes CSN, future commander of the C.S.S. Alabama was entertained.
British Sailors & ShipsBritish seamen played an important part in the navies of both sides of the conflict. Not only did they represented the majority of the blockade running activities, but also crewed a number of Confederate commerce raiders such as the Shenandoah, Florida and the Alabama. Additionally they also served aboard Federal vessels within the blockading fleet and the warships which attempted to protect the Union merchant fleet from the Confederate raiders around the world.
The H.M.S. Warrior 1860, by her very being detered open hostilities between Britain and Lincoln's Government, and at the same time, prevented naval engagements between the belligerents in British waters. The Warrior must therefore be considered to be one of the very few sites of Civil War interest in the UK.
Some American reenactors have spoken of the importance of the Warrior, and consider us fortunate to have this facility. They are themselves devoid of any ocean going warships of the period, particularly one constructed with such an advanced design as to be a threat to all the other navies of the world.
Raphael Semmes visits the H.M.S. WarriorExtracts from notes from "The Cruise of the Alabama and the Sumter", Gibraltar Harbour 1862.
Saturday, February 8th
"Early this morning the British frigate 'Warrior' came in and anchored near us. Sent a lieutenant on board to make the usual complimentary call."
Monday, February 10th
"Received a visit from Captain Cochrane of the Warrior, son of the late Earl of Dundonald, notorious in the war of 1812, and distinguished in the South American Service."
Monday, February 17th
"Visited the Warrior. The Governor and a number of naval and other officers, civilians and ladies visited her by appointment at the same time.
The Warrior is a marvel of modern naval architecture, and for a first experiment must be pronounced a success. She is a monstrous, impregnable floating fortress, and will make a revolution in shipbuilding. Wooden ships, as battleships, must go out of use. With this single ship I could destroy the entire Yankee fleet blockading our coast. And this is the best illustration I can give for the necessity of this revolution in shipbuilding."
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When the Alabama's keel was laid, Roll, Alabama, roll. It was laid in the yard of Jonathan Laird, O, roll, Alabama, roll. It was laid in the yard of Jonathan Laird, Roll, Alabama, roll. It was laid in the town of Birkenhead, O, roll, Alabama, roll. Down the Mersey ways she rolled then, Roll, Alabama, roll. Liverpool fitted her with guns and men, O, roll, Alabama, roll. From the Western Isles she sailed forth, Roll, Alabama, roll. To destroy the commerce of the North, O, roll, Alabama, roll. |
To Cherbourg port she sailed one day, Roll, Alabama, roll. To take her count of prize money, O, roll, Alabama, roll. Many a sailor he saw his doom, Roll, Alabama, roll. When the Kearsage hove in view, O, roll, Alabama, roll. A ball from the forward pivot that day, Roll, Alabama, roll. Shot the Alabama's stern away, O, roll, Alabama, roll. Off the three mile limit in '64, Roll, Alabama, roll. The Alabama sank to the ocean floor, O, roll, Alabama, roll. |
H.M.S. Warrior 1860, Portsmouth [February 14th - February 15th and July 18th - July 19th 1998]
Soskan's Alabama Crew once again take over H.M.S. Warrior 1860 for a weekend of living history in Portsmouth's historic Royal Navy Dockyard portraying confederate sailors in port.
Other American Civil War events in the U.K.
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