The 35th Regiment returned to OBVR for the first time since 2019. We were invited by the Huntington Militia based out of New York to attend their Grand Encampment weekend. Old Bethpage Village Restoration is run by the county of Nassau and features a collection of historic buildings, farms, and some craft shops that are well worth checking out. The people have always been extremely friendly and accommodating as well.
The 35th fell in with our area fellow Brits, the 42nd Royal Highlanders and the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers. Opposing us was the Huntington militia and the New York Line of the Continental Army. The rebels also had artillery to further liven up the occasion.
Saturday, weather-wise, it was quite hot but there was a comforting breeze from time to time. Threats of rain did not materialize, which we were grateful for.
The public came into the village to see the soldiers march, drill, and talk about Revolutionary War life. Tents were set up along with marquees and flies to offer shade.
At 1:00 there was a joint ceremony of all the assembled units to pay tribute to the late Bob Small and Brian Shay, who passed and left a space in the ranks of the Revolutionary War community which could never been filled. Volleys were fired by the New Yorkers and some reflections on these men were offered.
At 2:30 the armies formed up in preparation for the 3:00 skirmish. All such activity took place on the village green where the 23rd's fusiliers and light infantry made contact with the enemy in the field. The 35th and 42nd were sent on a detached flanking maneuver, passing through the village, down a wooded pathway, and emerging on the enemy's left. The 42nd fell into the center while the 35th formed on the right of the British line, opposite the artillery.
Several volleys were exchanged and the gun crew was put out of commission, the position then overrun by a bayonet charge of our grenadiers. The 23rd and 42nd then gained the upper hand of the enemy and drove them from the field with a bayonet charge of their own.
Everyone made a fine account of himself and, though hot, exhausted, and sweaty, all were in agreement that the day had been time well spent with good company.
The 35th extends its thanks to our hosts and everyone involved.
Special thanks to Chris Lauterbach for filming the event.
The 35th fell in with our area fellow Brits, the 42nd Royal Highlanders and the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers. Opposing us was the Huntington militia and the New York Line of the Continental Army. The rebels also had artillery to further liven up the occasion.
Saturday, weather-wise, it was quite hot but there was a comforting breeze from time to time. Threats of rain did not materialize, which we were grateful for.
The public came into the village to see the soldiers march, drill, and talk about Revolutionary War life. Tents were set up along with marquees and flies to offer shade.
At 1:00 there was a joint ceremony of all the assembled units to pay tribute to the late Bob Small and Brian Shay, who passed and left a space in the ranks of the Revolutionary War community which could never been filled. Volleys were fired by the New Yorkers and some reflections on these men were offered.
At 2:30 the armies formed up in preparation for the 3:00 skirmish. All such activity took place on the village green where the 23rd's fusiliers and light infantry made contact with the enemy in the field. The 35th and 42nd were sent on a detached flanking maneuver, passing through the village, down a wooded pathway, and emerging on the enemy's left. The 42nd fell into the center while the 35th formed on the right of the British line, opposite the artillery.
Several volleys were exchanged and the gun crew was put out of commission, the position then overrun by a bayonet charge of our grenadiers. The 23rd and 42nd then gained the upper hand of the enemy and drove them from the field with a bayonet charge of their own.
Everyone made a fine account of himself and, though hot, exhausted, and sweaty, all were in agreement that the day had been time well spent with good company.
The 35th extends its thanks to our hosts and everyone involved.
Special thanks to Chris Lauterbach for filming the event.
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