The 35th Regiment was invited to participate in Simcoe's Raid, an event held in Piscataway at East Jersey Old Town Village. This was to commemorate the loyalist/rebel conflict which took place in the region that ultimately resulted in the capture of John Graves Simcoe, the commander of the Queen's Rangers who first arrived in America in 1775 as an ensign in the 35th Regiment. Simcoe's Raid was held over the weekend with Crown forces and rebel forces more or less occupying the village itself prior to the skirmish event. The 35th was represented by Privates John V.V., Jesse G., and Tony S., with our camp followers Sharon V.V. and Rebecca C. There were a number of Hessians, including the Jaegers and Von Knyphausen, with British forces represented by the 35th, 23rd, and Brigade of Guards. Loyalists were represented by the Queen's Rangers and 4th NJ Volunteers, the Crown hosts of the event. Opposing us were militia forces supported by a wall gun (a very large musket) and a small cannon as well as dragoons.
From the unit, John and Rebecca volunteered to assist with setting up the rail obstruction that would be used in the skirmish scenario. A rail fence was put together fairly quickly as many hands make light work. Throughout the village there were demonstrators doing things from 18th C. cricket to a talk on printing and handwriting, crafts, tailoring, and more. We practiced on the "green" in the center of the village, going over tactics such as advancing and firing by files, to try to maximize our firepower for the skirmish.
The weather was hot but not ludicrously hot. It was, however, extraordinarily humid. Pte. Jesse G. gave a quick talk about the warning signs of heat-related illness prior to our moving onto the battlefield where we would make use of the rail obstruction we built.
The battle itself progressed with the Crown forces advancing onto the field, meeting with militia who appeared in different stages. Some were already in place as we advanced, later more appeared on our left flank, then others still to our rear. A volley and bayonet charge dislodged the rebels from the railings, but the cannon and advancing rebels made the position untenable. Simcoe went down and the British with the Hessians made a fighting retreat off the field, driven away by the rebels.
We thank our hosts and their partners, the staff at the village, and everyone involved who made an excellent event for us to be a part of and engage with the public.
From the unit, John and Rebecca volunteered to assist with setting up the rail obstruction that would be used in the skirmish scenario. A rail fence was put together fairly quickly as many hands make light work. Throughout the village there were demonstrators doing things from 18th C. cricket to a talk on printing and handwriting, crafts, tailoring, and more. We practiced on the "green" in the center of the village, going over tactics such as advancing and firing by files, to try to maximize our firepower for the skirmish.
The weather was hot but not ludicrously hot. It was, however, extraordinarily humid. Pte. Jesse G. gave a quick talk about the warning signs of heat-related illness prior to our moving onto the battlefield where we would make use of the rail obstruction we built.
The battle itself progressed with the Crown forces advancing onto the field, meeting with militia who appeared in different stages. Some were already in place as we advanced, later more appeared on our left flank, then others still to our rear. A volley and bayonet charge dislodged the rebels from the railings, but the cannon and advancing rebels made the position untenable. Simcoe went down and the British with the Hessians made a fighting retreat off the field, driven away by the rebels.
We thank our hosts and their partners, the staff at the village, and everyone involved who made an excellent event for us to be a part of and engage with the public.
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