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

Royal Sussex Society - 35th Regiment of Foot

2025 Wraps with Old Bethpage Christmas Candlelight Tour

12/22/2025

For the third year in a row now, the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment has made the trip to Old Bethpage Village Restoration to bring some British Victorian Christmas cheer during their annual candlelight evening tours. We had Mr. & Mrs. Sherry accompany Privates Parker and McEvoy along with the colonel, set up in the Benjamin House, keeping warm on what was a very cold and windy night. Just like years past, an endless stream of visitors came through steadily for about four hours, and our Society members spoke about the Victorian origins of a number of modern Christmas traditions we enjoy today. From time to time, the redcoats left the Benjamin House to go on a short patrol of the village, visiting the Schenck House, where we were greeted with a full-throated rendition of "God Save the Queen"--all verses--with violins and guitar by the Huntingtonians.

Our Yankee friends, Sgt. Barboza and Ms. Martin, joined the five of us at the Benjamin House and shared the latter half of the evening with us, engaging with the waves of visitors coming through the village which was illuminated by countless lanterns. On another patrol visiting the barn, there as a different band, "Stark and Steady," that was somewhat less Anglophilic and struck up "Yankee Doodle" on our arrival. We later identified their concertina player as a deserter from the Royal Navy and fined him for his crime accordingly. This was not in any way a retributive action, of course.

While inside the Benjamin House, Mrs. Sherry demonstrated her drop spindle, which was complementary to another demonstrator in the house who had a spinning wheel. The drop spindle, of course, is an ancient and infinitely more portable device which is used to spin fibers into thread, and thereon into yarn. Mr. Sherry provided banter throughout the night and the 2025 season ended on a truly festive and upbeat note just ahead of Christmas.

To that end, as the Captain's Blog 2025 Chapter closes, the writer wishes the reader a very happy Christmas and new year to come.

Thank you to Pte. Parker and Sgt. Barboza for these pictures and video.

Hawthorne Santa Parade Timeline 2025

12/5/2025

The Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and borough have hosted an annual "Santa Parade" for the last several years, the Royal Sussex Society participating in most of them. The schedule has changed from time to time, going from Saturdays to Fridays, mornings to evenings. This year was a Friday evening, which can be tricky for our members who have to travel a bit, so it was decided that doing a timeline this year might be the most flexible way to get the most people who were able to attend. We have done marched as a timeline in many years, so it is a fun way to show off the Society to the locals amid the Christmas fanfare.

This year we had, chronologically, Private Sentinel Stephen P. for the War of Spanish Succession Lord Donegall's Regiment of Foot; Pte. John V.V. for the American Revolution 35th Regiment of Foot, Grenadier Co.; Pte. Ari L.W. for the Napoleonic 35th (Sussex) Regiment of Foot, Grenadier Co.; and Sharon V.V. for the First World War British Red Cross VAD.

The parade route was about a half-mile with the streets lined with area residents who came out to wave and cheer to the marchers, most particularly, Santa Claus. Afterward, the mayor illuminated the town's Christmas tree outside the municipal building to cap off the night. The Society withdrew to a local diner to warm up and enjoy something to eat!

Being a night-time operation, it was difficult to get pictures. We thank Lynford Morton with TAPinto Hawthorne for the best group shot of us on the march!

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.