Blog Posts - Royal Sussex Society - 35th Regiment of Foot

Royal Sussex Society - 35th Regiment of Foot

East Jersey Old Town Occupation

4/3/2022

The East Jersey Old Town site in Pistcataway, NJ, held its occupation event which saw British and Loyalist troops in the village of preserved historic buildings, engaging with the public and doing activities one might see in a garrison environment. There were crafters, a blacksmith, cooking demos, drill and marching, musketry demos, fife playing, and a cannon. The Crown forces on hand were the 35th Regiment, the 22nd Regiment, the Brigade of Guards (fellow grenadiers!), Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment, some 4th NJ Volunteers, and the artillery unit. Our favorite opposition, the 2nd New Jersey, came "in mufti"--that is to say, in civvies, since to appear in uniform would invite instant arrest by His Majesty's forces.

The weather was on the cold side, but wool has its advantages in the brisk weather.

Captain Tom Vilardi was the officer, our own captain being replaced by his identical twin in the ranks. Recently-promoted Corporal Tom Carton had his debut of commanding a combined section in drill. Our civilians were Sharon, Madison, Rebecca, and Tom Senior. With Jesse also in ranks, we had 3 soldiers, which was about the size of the other British units. The loyalist militia were the largest force with about 5 or 6.

The captain's writing chest had a number of loyalty oaths which we filled out for visitors--just to make sure they attested that they were on the lawful side. Our camp also featured our new fly shelf for the first time. This was essentially a suspended plank which was painted light blue like our poles. It was another surface to keep things off the ground such as bearskins when not in use, keeping them cleaner.

The museum on the site has a mannequin dressed as a 35th Regiment soldier in its display case. The 35th was in the Raritan area and they had recovered a 35th button, also on display, so EJOT has a very solid, direct connection to our regiment.

We brought our own cold rations, including hard boiled eggs, cheese, sausage, bread, etc. but the site had also invited a smoked meats truck and an ice cream truck. Yours truly made sure to sample the pulled pork and cole slaw, to make sure everything was up to standards. (It was!)

Our first sizable Revolutionary War event since Fort Tryon in November, we had not been to the site before. This was a lot of fun and the consensus was that we would definitely like to do more activities there in the future. For most of our members, it was easy to get to, coming from the north down NJ Rt 287 and more or less there. We got to see old friends, make new friends, and had a great time.

We salute the staff of EJOT for having us, our fellow Rev War units, and all our members who attended!

Photo by Jeff Bross

Photo by Sharon Van Vliet

Photo by Sharon Van Vliet

Photo by Jeff Bross

Photo by Rebecca Cataldi

Too Much Winter for Winter Victorian Garrison

3/13/2022

One thing that we cannot control, no matter how much we plan and organize, is the weather. The difficulty with winter planning particularly is snow, and while the week leading up to the event was fine, we had predictions of a tough snow storm for March 12, the day of our event. In the end, we decided to cancel the event with Willow Hall and the decision was a good one. We were hit by several inches of snow and the roads were less than ideal for driving on. Additionally, a St. Patrick's Day parade in Morristown had apparently been scheduled the same day and they, too, had to reschedule. So, the best laid plans of mice and redcoats...

We are looking forward to participating in the East Jersey Old Town Revolutionary War occupation weekend in the beginning of April. Willow Hall is also on our schedule for a repeat of the October Victoria and Albert Celebration, so we shall return!

Social Sewing Session a Success

2/9/2022

Last week several of our members got together to run a sewing session to work on various projects at a local Episcopal Church (the Yankee version of the Church of England). It was also a good opportunity to see each other again and catch up during the slow winter months.

Most of the projects being worked on were for our American Revolution and 1830s Victorian impressions. The Lance Corporal cut out all the parts for a new uniform coat while our ladies worked on their dresses and petticoats. Buttons and badges were the business of the day for one gentleman while another worked on hand sewing a linen haversack in which to store rations. The captain finished off some Victorian forage caps, bearskin badges, altered trousers, and provided the lunch for the occasion.

Notice of Regimental Promotions

1/23/2022

By the Captain's recommendation, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Royal Sussex Society:

Mr. Thomas C. Carton is promoted from acting-corporal to Corporal of His Majesty's 35th Regiment of Foot, Grenadier Company - Revolutionary War section.

Mr. Michael J. Grillo is promoted from private soldier to Lance Corporal of Her Majesty's 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment of Foot, Grenadier Company - Early Victorian section.

Corporal Carton and Lance Corporal Grillo are hereby empowered with the authorities of their respective ranks and entrusted with the responsibilities of the same. Tom Carton, a member of the Royal Sussex Society for the last 12 years, has demonstrated exceptional dedication, knowledge, research, and committed no small amount of time and energy to the 35th Regiment. Tom serves in every time period of the Society and has done so commendably. He served as the head of the Society's Napoleonic/1812 Bicentennial efforts from 2012-2015 and spearheaded research on the regiment during the Indian Mutiny and its participation with the Nile Expedition Camel Corps. Tom's energy, passion, and example make him a fine section leader.

Corporal Carton has earned the following Society awards: The Waterloo Medal, India Mutiny Medal, Egypt 1882 Medal, Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, and Queen's South Africa Medal.

Mike Grillo has been part of the Royal Sussex Society since its earliest days as a key advisor and supporter. As a museum educator, professional historical interpreter, and student of the British army, Mike brings some 28 years of reenactment experience, having served in the line, as an NCO, and as an officer during his time. A talented tailor with an eye for detail, Mike's leadership will serve our early Victorians well.

Lance Corporal Grillo has earned the following Society awards: Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and Long Service & Good Conduct stripe.

January 2022 Meeting in the Books

1/18/2022

On January 16, the Royal Sussex Society conducted its annual meeting. Once again, it was carried out via Zoom, but this allowed for 15 members to attend in the comfort of their own homes. The year ahead has a lot of potential and the Society has a vibrant schedule of events!

35th Royal Sussex Marches in 2021 Christmas Night Parade

12/4/2021

Hawthorne, NJ, restored their Christmas Parade this year since it had to be canceled in 2020. However, in addition to bringing the parade back, they also resumed the night time format again. In the past, the parade began Friday night and ended with the borough Christmas tree lighting. We would typically then have a unit Christmas party after that. Then, the format was switched where the tree lighting was done on Friday night and the parade was held on Saturday morning. Unique and atmospheric, the night time parade came back and the 35th Royal Sussex Regiment made its debut parade with the largest turn-out of 1830s Victorians so far. The ladies--Sharon and Athena--carried our new Society banner, followed by the captain, our Ensign Shane, and four soldiers with fixed bayonets. We remained for the tree lighting to celebrate with the town, then regrouped to go to a nearby diner to eat and end the day's festivities.

Waiting for the parade to start.

Marching down Lafayette Avenue (Photo by Lynford Morton)

Marching down Lafayette (Photo by Lynford Morton)

End of the Parade (Photo by Lynford Morton)

Pte. Carton, Pte. Pena, Pte. Pellegrini, Sjt. Grillo, Capt. Van Vliet, Ens. Paules, Mrs. Van Vliet, Mrs. Wu.

Mrs. Van Vliet, Private Pena, Private Pellegrini, Ensign Paules, Private Carton, Sjt. Grillo, Mrs. Wu.

Privates Pena (with Best Musketry Award), Pellegrini, Carton (with Waterloo Medal), and Sjt. Grillo making up the Thin Red Line.

Fall of Fort Washington at Ft. Tryon Park Returns

11/16/2021

Fort Tryon held their annual Fall of Fort Washington reenactment, restored after being put on hiatus last year. The opinion of many of the reenactors was that the 2021 event was the largest and best Ft. Tryon event to date. The British side was represented by NJ/NY locals, the 35th Regiment, the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, and the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers. Our opposition consisted of the Continental Army, New York Line, commanded by George Washington. Additionally, Dawn Elliot came to demonstrate period cooking, there was a blacksmith with working forge, and the Trenton Barracks Fife and Drums Corps came up to entertain the crowds. The audience was large, steady, and consistent throughout the day. The British camp was anchored on the 35th's fly, positioned on the northern end of the field, while the Continentals and Washington's HQ was on the southern side.

At Tryon the 35th Regiment had Sharon, Rebecca, Madison, Jesse, Alex, and the captain. Command of the British forces was held by our captain, with Sjt-Maj. Bob Shepard of the 42nd marshaling the troops.

In true historical fashion, Fort Washington fell to the British and the public enjoyed the afternoon of drills, talks, musket demonstrations, and camp life. The weather was also clear and chilly--fine weather for wool!

Battle of White Plains 1776-2021

10/26/2021

In 1776, the New York & New Jersey campaign saw the capture of New York City and its surrounds by British forces and plunged the rebel cause itself--into confusion and doubt. Defeat after defeat would mark the year of the Declaration of Independence, with the Christmas-fought Battle of Trenton an exception.

The Battle of White Plains, New York, took place on October 28, 1776, and the 35th Regiment formed part of the British left flank, a force which included Hessian troops. They crossed the Bronx River and assaulted the Continental positions which occupied higher ground. Though the regiment sustained several casualties, including its commanding officer Lt. Col. Robert Carr, General Sir William Howe was able to gain a victory. The victory, however, was incomplete as Washington was not trapped, as the plan was intended, but escaped further north to fight another day.

The Jacob Purdy House invited the 35th Regiment to its Battle of White Plains event on Sunday, October 24, where reenactors from area units held ceremonies, displays ranging from drill to blacksmithing to period surgery to fabric crafting, and a skirmish for the public. The 35th's Grenadiers along with gentlemen from other units represented the Crown forces at this event which was very heavily attended by the public. Additionally, two bands from the vicinity: a marching band and a fife and drum corps, entertained the audience.

All in all, a very busy but satisfying day, our first Revolutionary War event in some time due to the challenges of this season both as far as public health and weather were concerned.

The Royal Sussex Society thanks the White Plains Historical Society which hosted the event and extended its invitation to us. We were proud to support the endeavor and represent the regiment which played a key role in this battle.

Mr. Al Pochek has a photo album of the event on Facebook.

Special thanks to J. Gerber and R. Cataldi for the pictures below!

Engagement of Victoria & Albert Celebrated at Willow Hall!

10/17/2021

The ladies and soldiers of the 35th Royal Sussex Regiment were proud to celebrate the engagement of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert on Saturday, October 16. This was an event we had in the works for the past few months. It was 182 years and 1 day from the actual proposal, where the young queen asked Albert, her cousin, to be her husband. On our side of the pond, our early Victorian 1830s branch commemorated the occasion at Willow Hall in Morristown, NJ. The visitors enjoyed our display, we had some great conversations about the lives of Victoria and Albert, and a plethora of things to eat. Our member Michael M. replicated copies of the invitations to the Royal Wedding which Kim G. would fill out with a calligraphy pen for visitors to take as a souvenir. We did not make any guarantees that said invitation would still be valid in 2021.

The encampment featured our unit's new bell tent, set up for the first time. The bell tent stands nearly ten feet tall and almost thirteen feet in diameter. This conical design would accommodate a number of soldiers who would sleep arranged like the spokes of a wheel from the center pole to the edge of the tent.

Kim also brought the Queen's Colour--which she sewed--for its debut to the regiment. This enormous battle flag is 6 feet tall and six feet, six inches on the fly, on a 9 foot pole. Our newly minted Ensign Shane P. received the Colour from Kim in a short ceremony, boldly showing our 35th Royal Sussex spirit and fidelity to Her Majesty.

Very special thanks to Mr. Erich Huhn, the Passaic River Coalition, and Friends of Willow Hall for hosting the event.

God Save the Queen!

We thank M. Hackett, T. Hitt, and anyone else we snatched photos from!

1830s Victorian Weekend at Locust Lawn

8/11/2021

Thanks to the management of the Locust Lawn historic site and Dawn Elliott, the 35th Royal Sussex Regiment was able to enjoy a fun weekend a la late 1830s at the Federal-era mansion in New Paltz, NY. The weather was good, although very hot (August will do that). Thanks to our fly and our linen sun curtain, however, there was never a problem getting into the shade. We set up a wedge tent for our supplies and brought out our new folding table from Townsends along with another campaign table we had to make a small but mighty headquarters.

The Union Flag flew proudly from our ridge pole and our new event sign was displayed along Route 32 to attract the attention of passing cars, which, apparently, worked.

Saturday was the quieter day of the two. Throughout the weekend, the house was conducting limited tours to keep contact to a minimum, considering the pandemic has not gone away. We were joined by Anne M. who had made her own period dress and set up her display near the front of the mansion while another demonstration station was set up to the rear. Our army encampment was positioned near the Stone House, so there were four active points of interest all spaced out rather nicely.

We were very appreciative of the lunch provided by the site, consisting of pies and fritters on Saturday and chicken and beans on Sunday.

On Sunday, our numbers increased. We had our captain, Sharon, Madison making her first foray into reenactment, Private Carton, and Privates Pena and Gerber likewise taking their first spin into Victorian from the Revolutionary War branch of the Society.

On the grounds, we conducted drills following His Majesty's Regulations of 1828, which is not very dissimilar from the familiar 1764 Manual of Arms, and marching. After cooling down and refreshing, a Mad Minute competition was held with the venerable Brown Bess. The object was to see who could fire the most rounds within 60 seconds. Madison kept the time for the soldiers who were competing and Anne documented it for us.

The first round was done individually, with Privates Gerber, Pena, and Carton. Pena and Carton tied and had to go into a second round where they competed together at the same time. Sixty seconds is a long time on a battlefield but in a competition it flies by. Pte. Pena won and was presented with the Regimental Musketry Medal by Madison, which was then tied around his neck by the captain.

In terms of visitation, both days had visitors arriving over the course of the day who were universally pleasant and it was a nice feeling to be part of a public event again considering the difficulties of the last year and a half. We thank Dawn and her volunteers for letting us have the opportunity to enjoy this fun-filled weekend.