The concept of His Majesty’s Ship Somerset began as most organizations in this hobby do – as an excuse to wear different clothing and socialize with friends. It was June of 1999 in Cape Cod where elements of the 10th Regiment of Foot, 5th regiment of foot, The First Regiment of Foot Guards and Royal Artillery were encamped on a cramped field. The plan was to have all of these regiments board boats on Saturday afternoon and storm a beach. We did so with limited success and surprisingly no drowning! As usual, the social activities began in earnest soon after the return of the now soggy and sandy brigade from the beach. Three people soon found themselves over the same campfire and discussing (what else) the hobby. Pete Condrick, then a sergeant in the First Foot Guards, Shane Clarke, then a sergeant in the 10th Grenadiers and Charlie Ziniti, then a Corporal in the 10th Light Infantry Company spent part of the night and into the morning discussing the Navy and its unique uniforms. As they parted that night, it was decided that the three of them would make midshipmen uniforms over the winter and “change” at night to social in kit that they would not have to worry about ruining for the next day. However this simplistic plan would only be a seed. The event had stirred up Shane and Charlie’s love for the Naval impression, whilst Peter, who had served aboard large square rig sailing vessels such as HMS Rose previously, had high hopes of jumping aboard one of the very ships that landed them earlier that day. Within a week’s time, Pete was aboard Sailing Vessel Providence and Charlie and Shane set about creating that which would become known as His Majesty’s Ship Somerset.
When Peter returned from sea six months later, Shane informed him that while he was gone, fate had taken its own stride. Shane and Charlie had been at all the events that summer and talked up the impression. They had also found a book on a 64 gun ship that was in Boston during the very early part of the war. This would be perfect! We would be recreating a ship of such size and importance to local history and at the same time, be the most Senior ship in the fleet. Untouchable!
Soon there were a few sailors and three events in the spring of 2000. However, there was one problem. No one had been sailing…ever. What would we do if we were out doing the impression ad someone asked what sailing a ship of the period was like? So, in light of Peter’s sailing and reenacting experience, and that he made a perfect fall guy should any one of the crew break any state or federal regulations, they made him the “Commanding Officer”. By the summer of 2000, His Majesty’s Ship Somerset was at their first event in Eastham, MA with four sailors, six Marines led by Captain Doug Chase, two Midshipmen (Shane and Charlie) and one very nervous Peter as Lieutenant commanding the crew.
Since then, Somerset has made a tremendous impact on the hobby in both the Naval impression as well as her Army counterparts. It was realized very early on that the three had hit upon a impression that was wanted desperately within the hobby and was very much an opportunity to combat the growing “pirate” impressions that everyone assumed was the Navy/Sailor of the period. Tremendous amounts of research and effort began to be focused on the clothing, duties and individual impressions of Royal Navy sailors of the period. When Frank Ross joined the crew, Somerset gained a seasoned mariner and rigger who fit the role of Boatswain and teacher perfectly. Somerset also gained another valuable member, when Naval Historian and clothing expert, Matt Brenckle join the crew. Matt’s immense amount of knowledge on clothing helped further push Somerset to separate our portrayal from some of the other naval units within the hobby.
By 2004, Somerset boasted 10 crew men and was often relied upon to be the source of good crew for many of the boats that did come to many events. She would continue to serve from boats and ashore with discipline, fortitude and energy. From Marblehead, Massachusetts to Fort King George, Florida, His Majesty’s Ship Somerset began to earn a reputation for hard fighting, well trained and dedicated naval personnel. With the help of the two southern ships crews, Falcon and Squirrel, Somerset organized the naval contingent at Williamsburg that matched the 1 to 1 historical proportion that had not been seen since that actual occupation in 1781. This has yet to be achieved by any Army unit ever attending the annual event!
Somerset is currently the flag ship of the North American Squadron as well as a charter member of the Age of Sail Maritime Association. She is also is blessed to have recognition by her modern counterpart, HMS SOMERSET, a Type 23 British Frigate presently in service in the Royal Navy. To this day she is considered member of the modern Royal Navy and caretakers of a ship that is still listed "On Station". She is regarded in england as This is a tremendous honor for all crew members.Whether it be storming ashore from long boats or acting swiftly as irregular light infantry with her fellow Provincial brigade brothers, Somerset has continued to maintain her ships long history and devotion to her motto “Faith For Duty”.
Lt. PJ Condrick, RN
Commanding Officer
His Majesty's Ship SOMERSET
