Royal Sussex Society - 35th Regiment of Foot - Captain's Blog

Royal Sussex Society - 35th Regiment of Foot

Retreat to Victory 2025 Pulls Huge Audience

11/23/2025

Your Captain has not seen a crowd at the Retreat to Victory the size and scale of 2025 before. The parking lots were packed and people were being directed to park on side streets not-a-short-distance away! About 10AM, the first of two skirmishes took place, with British forces pushing against the Continental Army over the Hackensack River before the Von Steuben House. The armies then dispersed with mingle with the visitors and a superb lunch was provided by the ladies working in the out-kitchen ("neutral ground" as one of them described the place). The Bergen County Historical Society's event is the second of a two-day weekend event, with Saturday's activities taking place at Fort Lee historic park.

The "bridge that saved a nation" is not the original bridge, but it today a key pedestrian crossing over the Hackensack. For us, it was the passage to pursue Washington's retreating army following the Fall of New York and his subsequent withdrawal to seek safety ahead of winter quarters.

In the second skirmish of the day, the 35th's King's Colours fluttered overhead as the Guards, 15th Regiment Light Infantry, 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers Grenadiers, 35th Regiment Grenadiers, and 43rd Regiment formed the regular army presence. The 4th Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers represented the provincial or loyalist troops who fought alongside the regulars. Our opposition, the 3rd New Jersey Continentals, Outwater's Militia, and others provided a stiff resistance as the Crown forces made their incursion into Bergen County.

A terrific event as always, as we look forward to 2026 which will be the 250th anniversary, and perhaps (somehow) an even bigger program.

The Bergen County Historical Society produced a press release following the event.

Our thanks to Mr. Jeff Bross for sharing his pictures below.

New York 249th Continues with Fall of Ft. Washington

11/16/2025

The Fort Tryon Park Conservancy hosted the annual Fall of Fort Washington event on the cafe green of Fort Tryon to mark the 249th anniversary of the capture of Manhattan by the British and Hessian armies. Additionally, a small memorial ceremony was held to mark the passing of our friend, Park Ranger Michael Callahan. A short tribute was offered by Michael Grillo, who portrays General Washington, while the 35th Regiment came to Mourn Arms as the Trenton Fife and Drum Corps played Rosalin Castle. Michael will be deeply missed by us all. Black armbands have been ordered to by worn by the regiment.

The public turnout for the event was fantastic, and 2025 has shown what might be a greater increase of interest in living history events as the 250th draws nearer. As always, the Ft. Tryon crowd came with a lot of great questions and interest in their local history. A small skirmish between the 35th Foot and the Continental Army represented the fall of Fort Washington and gave the public an opportunity to see the muskets in action and see how they were handled by 18th Century soldiers.

White Plains Remembered 249 Years On

10/26/2025

The annual Battle of White Plains Commemoration was held at the Purdy House, hosted by the White Plains Historical Society. We were honored to be a part of the activities there once again, as White Plains was a major battle in the 1776 campaign for the control of New York and the 35th played an active role in the battle. We were joined on the Crown side by the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment. Opposite us were the Continentals and militia of Mr. Washington's army. The day began with the raising of the Union Flag and there were ongoing historical demonstrations, music, and a ceremony to remember the fallen American soldiers of the battle. A small skirmish added to the day's events, which drew a large crowd.

Our thanks to Mr. Jeff Bross for the pictures he shared below.

Rain on Roseland

10/13/2025

Unfortunately, bad weather necessitated the cancellation of the Roseland Historical Society Timeline event on October 12.

Long Pond Victorian Day a Rousing Good Time

9/21/2025

Our September 1830s Victorian event at Long Pond Ironworks was a great success! Our thanks to Nathan Bedford in particular, the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, the West Milford Players, and the staff of Ringwood State Park, and the sponsors for making a fantastic day. Our original Victorian Day was planned for May but had been washed out by rain. We were lucky that this time the weather was beautiful. A one-day program, we had crafters, artisans, and musicians as well as our own military demonstrations by the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment with our civilians. We were also joined by a former enemy, now friend, an ex-dragoon of the late Napoleon Bonaparte. We conducted drills and demonstrations throughout the day and enjoyed our dinner at DeMarco's Pizzeria after, which donated part of the proceeds to the site. At night, we were part of the Candle Lantern Tours which brought visitors from station to station with the West Milford Players putting on vignettes. All in all, a top notch event!

Video by Nathan Bedford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54I9hlG2OXE

2025 Ringwood Timeline Bigger Than Ever

8/19/2025

Followers of the Captain's Blog will know that last year, we had to pull the plug on the Ringwood Timeline due to lightning storms. Fortunately, we had an excellent weekend this time and had an even bigger turnout than before! Maybe people were extra excited considering we couldn't have the event last time?

The format stayed the same as before but each year is a little different and special in its own way. Set up began Friday afternoon, with people arriving to pitch their tents and set up their displays. This year we had a massive Vietnam and World War 2 display which also included two Jeeps for the first time. Our earliest impression was Roman, but we also had a Conquistador, the American Revolution era, and the full run of the 19th and 20th Centuries. This event was carried largely by the Royal Sussex Society Civilian Committee, although Reed debuted the 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, as it was in Burma in late World War 2.

Noon featured a firearms demonstration, conducted by the WW2 Americans on Saturday and the Civil War contingent on Sunday. On Saturday we were fortunate to have Celeste Sherry give a presentation and demonstration on spinning and fibercrafts at 1pm, which drew an audience that filled up the tent. On Sunday, Jack Sherry gave a presentation on Benjamin Franklin, complete with kite, likewise electrifying the visitors.

The Ringwood Timeline remains one of our flagship events and we are very appreciative and thankful to Sue Shutte and all the staff at Ringwood State Park for their support in hosting this program.

Next year's timeline is scheduled for August 8-9, 2026.

We also want to thank Arkady Gofman for letting us share some pictures he took Sunday.

250th Anniversary of Bunker Hill

6/23/2025

So much has been written online about the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, your captain has decided not to re-invent the wheel, so to speak, but will share some links below containing coverage and pictures.

How to describe the reenactment of Bunker Hill in one word? "Intense."

Without a doubt, the Bunker Hill 250th, held at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA, was one of the most impressive, greatest reenactment events the 35th has ever participated in. A huge turnout of reenactors, good weather, good planning by dedicated people, a massive audience, ships just off the shore, and good friends to be with, all combined for an epic start for the 250th anniversaries. The Lexington and Concord events, plus Bunker Hill, round out the major 1775 anniversaries for the region. Of course, the Continental army would march on Canada and attempt to wrest away a 14th colony from the Crown, but that would not be successful. The 35th's first taste of battle in the American Revolution was at Bunker Hill. The flank companies, specifically, fought the colonists in the bloodiest battle of the war. We attempted to show a degree of what that might've looked like at this event where our redcoats stormed the defenses on top of Breed's Hill three times with heavy casualties.

The 35th was proud to be part of this spectacular opportunity to showcase this major historical event and recognize the regiment's actual participation, albeit not on the same ground (Charlestown today is too built up to host a major reenactment).

We also want to thank our friends in the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers who we fell out with in a combined grenadier company, with the other grenadier company composed of the Guards, 10th, 49th, and 64th Regiments.

We were so invested in the event itself, we actually didn't get many photos of our own!

https://www.facebook.com/p/250th-Anniversary-Battle-of-Bunker-Hill-Reenactment-61560602770511/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhrM6rYl0X8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=5zfWZA42Zb4&t=225s

https://battleofbunkerhill250.com/2025/06/23/nearly-20000-gather-for-successful-weekend-of-battle-of-bunker-hill-250th-commemorative-events/

https://battleofbunkerhill250.com/2025/06/21/celebrations-are-underway-for-the-250th-reenactment-of-the-battle-of-bunker-hill/

Harrison House Hosts 2nd Victorian Day

6/2/2025

Victorians returned to the Roseland Historical Society at the Harrison House in even greater numbers than last year. This time, the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment was also joined by an international contingent of American (Michael), Russian (Jackson and Dylan), and Italian (Larry) guests, plus more civilians! Visitors came by to talk throughout the day and tour the house built in 1824. As a Sunday in June, the weather was pleasant - not too hot, which is ideal for wool-wearers. Military personnel conducted drills on the lawn and Celeste Sherry demonstrated fiber crafts on the porch of the house. Our new member, Thomas (of the Oxford Collar Co.), used the time alternatively between hand-sewing a pair of gaiters and learning musket drill. We are always better for the presence of our 35th ladies, too, joined by Sharon, Meredith, Anne, and Kristin making her debut 19th Century event.

Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day

5/28/2025

Last year, avid readers of the Captain's Blog may recall, the Hawthorne Memorial Day was canceled due to the threat of rain. This year, fortunately, the weather was clear and pleasant with great numbers turning out for the occasion, both in marchers and spectators. The Royal Sussex Society once again opened the invitation to other Allied representations to make up the World War One historical contingent. With two British Tommies, two American Doughboys, our British Red Cross VAD, and our civilian volunteer, we had a fine showing of smart marching through the borough of Hawthorne as we paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Flanders Fields Commemorated

5/16/2025

The Flanders Delegation and its partner organizations, the City of New York, and NATO allied countries held their annual In Flanders Fields commemoration at Clinton-DeWitt Park in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. Each year, the Delegation sponsors ceremony at the doughboy statue, raised with funds by locals a century ago. A bugler from the Doughboy Foundation played The Last Post and Taps during the program, where wreaths were laid in remembrance of those who served, and those who never came back home, for the liberation of Flanders during the First World War.

The Royal Sussex represented the British in our historical presence alongside the Americans of the East Coast Doughboys and bersagliere of the Italian Front Project.

Afterward, we were treated to a reception at Flanders House where, in addition to lunch, they showed a presentation on the American involvement in Belgian relief, and later direct military intervention in the conflict.

We are always honored and delighted to be a part of this occasion, now nine years running with the exception of 2020.

Pictures by Kevin Fitzpatrick