Today’s Battalion
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Today’s Battalion
In the winter of 1998-99, a dedicated group of experienced historical interpreters launched Captain Jones’ Company, First Pennsylvania Battalion. The expressed goal of the unit was (and is) to portray the Continental soldier in as historically accurate a manner as possible, both in physical and lifestyle terms. The unit endeavors to recreate the First P. B. as it would have appeared during its service in Canada in early 1776.
The battalion is based in central Pennsylvania, but accepts members from throughout the North America.
While many recreated Revolutionary War units tend to be “family oriented” the First Pennsylvania Battalion is not. We make no apologies for this fact; it is our intent to portray a military unit on active service. While there is a role for the serious female historian, the battalion is foremost an organization of soldiers. Details on using I.F.
The drill manual used by our unit is William Windham’s A Plan of Discipline for the use of the Militia of the County of Norfolk (commonly known as the “Norfolk Discipline”). First published in 1759, it was one of the more popular manuals of the many in use by the Continental Army during the early years of the Revolution.
While in the field, the First P. B. attempts to maintain an 18th century military bearing; we have developed a reputation for excellence which we jealously guard. At least part of every event will be spent drilling, standing a sentinels post, participating in collective work, and similar activities. There is always enough casual time to satisfy our members social inclinations, but as we are portraying a military organization we endeavor to act the part.
Individuals with an interest in the historically accurate representation of the American soldier of 1776 are encouraged to inquire about membership.
