What do you do?

We portray the military life and customs of the period in all its aspects. Far from being the mindless automaton represented in popular mythology, the British soldier was a formidable adversary who was able to adapt to their environments and not rigidly locked in tradition and inflexible combat styles.

We present “living history” demonstrations consisting of field tactics, drill, and camp life. In addition, we conduct talks to schools, as well as interested civic groups and travel to take part in re-enactments of Revolutionary War battles representing the British Army. All members are required to portray as accurately as possible either Soldiers or Camp Followers of the Army.

Is that real fire?

Yes, I have been asked that question, in all serious though we aim to accurately recreated the life of a British Soldier, from the clothes they wore, what they slept under and how and what they ate.

Why are you depicting a British unit and not an American Unit?

We are a group dedicated to history and seek honor the men and women who fought and suffered during the American War of Independence, nearly two and a half centuries ago.

We portray the Grenadier Company of the Brigade of Household Guards as they would have appeared on the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign during the American Rebellion. The soldiers we portray are a unique impression of the British soldier in North America during the American Rebellion, unlike stereotype we do not stand shoulder to shoulder in line, and we do not move slow. British Soliders were quick on their feet, highly adaptable, and were not criminals pulled from prisons to fill the ranks. They were career professionals who came from all walks of life... and were NOT the British soldiers of Hollywood.

We are presenting the American Colonies' military adversaries as the tough, professional, and EFFECTIVE fighting force they were. Not the stereotype from American folklore and Hollywood, but a remarkably professional and adaptable army - the most powerful in the world at the time. Thus, we hope our recreated unit impression does honor to both sides in the conflict.

What does it take to join?

Our standards of authenticity are extremely high and as such the basic required uniform, arms, and equipment to take the field can run over $3000.00. All our members are volunteers and bear the cost of procuring their own uniforms, equipment, and travel, though we try to produce as much as we can in house help mitigate the costs of entry. The good news is that the initial investment usually lasts a lifetime, and with much of the costs associated with the procurement of uniforms and equipment are potentially tax-deductible owing to the unit’s status as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, tax-exempt educational organization chartered in the state of New Jersey.

Who can join?

In order to take the field as a uniformed member of the Grenadier Company, you must be of at least sixteen years of age, and physically able to handle a flintlock musket and the rigors of soldierly life. Musicians can apply for membership at the age of fourteen if their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are active member of the Company. Women are encouraged to join and accurately portray "camp followers", however, anyone is welcome to carry a musket regardless of gender. There is no upper age limit.

What about women and children? What can they do?

The armies of the time had a large number of women and children attached. Family members can portray women and children of the period, in all of the various roles that women and children held. They would do many of the crafts and daily chores that would have been done in the camp. Women were an integral part of the 18th Century Military and without them, the 18th century armies would have had a more difficult time than they did.