Then, as now, we have many people who support the combatants and archers in many ways.  Not every re-enactor wants to fight - and many enjoy the 'non-combatant' roles both on and off the battlefield. 

 

On the battlefield, our 'non-coms' take part in the battles as Banner Bearers, Drummers, Characters in the storyline (often 'owning' large castles, lands and titles, or commanding armies), or as water carriers.

 

Off the battlefield, everyone participates in camp life, but our non-coms often specialise in an area, such as medieval cookery, religious activities, or crafts & skills such as leatherwork and carpentry.

Water Carriers

A special word for this hard-working and essential band of re-enactors.  Armour and protective items such as padded jacks increase the body heat on the battlefield, and as armour doesn't breathe, the combatant's body heat will quickly become unbearable.  They will sweat, and losing fluid, and quickly dehydrate. 

 

Deaths were documented in the middle ages, where soldiers and nobility died of heat exhaustion without injury; even before they reached the battle in some cases. 

 

To prevent this happening, everyone on the battlefield has to take on water at regular intervals; more if exerting themselved with fighting.  The Water Carriers perform the admirable job of replenishing water to the live fighters, and often the dead and dying.....