The 55th is one of the oldest regiments within SOSKAN, having been reactivated in 1979, and in so being, is the first and premier unit reactivated to have the honour of the use of the name in the UK today. Although primarily from the South & South-West of England, it draws its membership from all over the UK, as well receiving support from many of the decedents of the original regiment in the USA today.

The reactivated regiment for many years actively supported the “International Event" that was staged bi-annually in the UK by the American Civil War Society, which recruits in the North of England, Scotland and North Wales. This international event attracted American Civil War re-enactors from all over Europe & North America, as well as the UK, but sadly no longer takes place.

As the reactivated 55th Virginia Regiment of Volunteer Infantry we actively support re-enactment in the USA.

In July 1998 we forged links at the 135th Gettysburg re-enactment, as Company H, Middlesex Rifles, with our sister unit, the 55th Virginia Infantry Regiment, which is part of the 1st Confederate Division, (The Southern Legion) being in the 6th Battalion, Army Northern Virginia recruiting in North Eastern United States & Canada. In September 1999 we were honoured to be the guests of the 2nd Georgia Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, at the 139th anniversary re-enactment of the battle at Chickamauga, Georgia. In July 2001 we had the privilege of fighting at the 140th anniversary re-enactment of First Manassas, as the guests of Taylor/Hays Louisiana Brigade, 1st Special Battalion, Wheat's Tigers Zouave's.

In September 2002 we were again the guests of the 2nd Georgia Regiment of Volunteer Infantry as part of the 53rd Georgia Regiment of Volunteer Infantry at the 140th anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of Sharpsburg, Maryland.

In October 2004, the most recent trip to date was as part of The Southern Skirmish Association society trip to the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek fighting as the 1st Louisiana Infantry Regiment as guests of the 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States Organisation, and an absolute privilege it was as well.

In February 2006 it is again planed we fall in with our pards from the 2nd Georgia Regiment of Volunteer Infantry within the 53rd Georgia Regiment of Volunteer Infantry at the 142nd anniversary of the Battle of Olustee Station, Florida.

Ladies are welcome to take part as members of our 'Soldiers Aid Society', or as combatants in the firing line. Should the ladies choose the latter, they are expected, in addition to equipping themselves accordingly, to make as great an effort as possible to disguise their female appearance for the benefit of the society's and their compatriot's impressions. Members of the regiment are renowned for their friendliness and approachability. The 55th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regimental History suggests, with a few exceptions, the unit was primarily 'temperance' (alcohol free). The reactivated regiment is not so draconian, only requiring abstention before the battle, 'self - policing' being the order of the day. During the evening, everyone gathers around the camp-fire, imbibing in the 'oh be joyful' and 'pop skull', and recount the day and past deeds. A good singing voice is a great advantage, as the 55th is well known for its camp song singing, especially the famous Confederate tunes "The Bonnie Blue Flag" & "Dixie".

To enlist in the ranks of the 55th is an easy matter. You send an e-mail to Pvt. Kev Pallet for an information pack, which will include all the relevant forms. On completing and sending the forms, with the correct subscription fee to the relevant addresses, you will be enrolled as a member of SOSKAN, and placed on the Regimental Roll of the 55th. You will then receive a company newsletter, 'The Virginian Vindicator' together with a bi-monthly copy of the SOSKAN magazine, 'Bugle Call'. Both these publications will keep you in touch with your regiments and your society's activities throughout the year.

Finally, many may ask why Englishmen wish to re-enact the American Civil War. Aside from the many cultural connections between our two nations, we of the 55th believe in honouring not only the brave souls who fought for their states' rights 140 years ago, but also the approximately 50,000 Englishmen who fought on one side or the other.