Buekorps

Buekorps (Norwegian: [ˈbʉ̂ːəˌkɔrps]; literally "Bow Corps" or "Archery Brigade") are traditional marching neighbourhood youth organizations in Bergen, Norway.

The groups consist of privates (usually carrying wooden rifles or crossbows), officers (older children with more seniority) and drummers.

The tradition dates back at least to the 19th century when children would imitate the adult militia soldiers performing close order drill.

Consul August Konow tells from his lifetime that at the end of the 18th century there existed boy-gangs and companies who marched around and engaged in "warfare" with each other.

("We organized ourselves in long rows, marched bravely the streets of the city; we plundered our sisters' doll-boxes and made coats out of silk and linen.

In the council of war we gravely discussed the enemy's position and secret plans, and on the command of the chief we charged with shilling trumpets and paper banners".)

Nils Hertzberg says of the 1830s: there were organized boy-gangs in the different neighbourhoods which under changing alliances gave each other full-blown battles: the Nordnæs-, Drægge-, Nøste- and Skive-Boys.

The buekorps tradition, even with many battalions experiencing trouble in keeping up the recruiting of new members, continues to be a popular and proud feature of Bergen, excepting the odd complaint about noise.

Known ones are listed here:[7] Arendal Bodø Drammen Flekkefjord Fredrikstad Gjøvik Grimstad Hamar Haugesund Hemnesberget Kristiansund Levanger Molde Nordfjordeid Oslo Sandnes Sandnessjøen Stavanger Steinkjer Tingvoll Tromsø Vardø Volden Ålesund 1 - 12 Individual web pages for the brigades