1NJV Info

Our Brigadier / About Us / Join Us?

Our Brigadier

Colonel Michael Vernon-Powell

Honorary Colonel

1st New Jersey Volunteers

Mr. Vernon-Powell followed a normal and enjoyable professional military career from Officer Cadet Training in Sandhurst in 1932 till he left the service in the rank of Colonel, Brigadier Army Air Corps, in 1985. He considers himself lucky enough to have travelled a lot and to have held varied commands and appointments that took him from his regimental career to flying military helicopters and working in both national and international staffs at the highest level. On leaving the service he became a Military Consultant to Westland Helicopter Ltd and to a number of other industrial and international consortiums involved in third dimensional warfare. He advised on the military/industrial interface and the potential of a number of industrial products either already developed or at conceptual stage. Also since his military retirement, our Colonel Vernon-Powell has been instrumental in running many large-scale charity fundraising efforts for the best of causes. It gives us the greatest honor as loyal British subjects from an age long past to be able to have a father in England watching over us. Colonel , Sir (snap salute), until your next word is given, we will carry on.

Michael Vernon-Powell (Brigadier 1NJV) was commissioned Officer of 49th Royal Berkshires Regiment in 1955.

Our Major and Honor Guard were present at a ceremony near Brandywine Battlefield Park in 2006 where Colonel Vernon-Powell and two of his fellow Officers were honoring the 49th Royal Berkshires of 1777. As the Colonel has adopted 1NJV, 1NJV has adopted the Brandywine Flash.

Click here to learn about the Brandywine Flash.

About Us

1st Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers

Major John Naulty

Commander 1NJV

maj1njv@msn.com

Based in Philadelphia and New Jersey, the modern 1NJV reenactment unit currently consists of 25 soldiers, musicians, and camp followers. Our goal is to give the best performance we can, while having a great time. Led by Major John Naulty, we often call ourselves Naulty's Raiders, and have adopted "Gary Owen" as our Regimental Song in coherence with the villainous reputation that the group to which we reenact had built. Why would we want to be the bad guys? Well, it takes two sides to have a battle, and the precision and tactical dominance of the British style of line warfare caught our interest. What makes us stay? Quality leadership and a positive environment with great people that are eager to teach, learn, and help are big reasons. Reality that takes you far beyond what any video game can offer is another.

We have worked hard to make 1NJV one of the most accessible groups in our hobby to newcomers. 1NJV gladly accepts men and women of all races to try out fighting and camp life in the 18th century way.

1NJV participates in 10-15 events per year. Most of these events are in our local Philadelphia-New Jersey area. Every year there are special large events with thousands of soldiers that sometimes require some traveling if you wish to attend.

There is a small annual fee for membership and insurance.

Annual Dues:

$10 Campfollower or Drummer

$20 Private

$25 Corporal

$50 Sergeant

$30 Ensign

$35 Lieutenant

$40 Captain

$50 Major

***Entire Family Fees will not exceed $50.

Make checks or money orders payable to :

1st New Jersey Volunteers Association

C/O John Naulty

8609 Tiona St.
Phila., Pa. 19128
215-482-0322

Join Us

The First New Jersey Volunteers Association has worked hard to make it as easy as possible for people to get involved with the reenacting hobby. 1NJV is proud to allow men and women of all races who can demonstrate the physical ability to play the role of a soldier in our ranks. Most units require members to own their equipment before coming out to events. The full kit; uniform, equipment, tent, and ect., can be quite expensive when purchased at once. 1NJV has an inventory of loaner clothing in common sizes, and equipment, that usually allows people to field their first day, and helps them along as they purchase pieces on their own. We make it easy for you, because we want you to have fun with us.

The first step you have already completed by getting to this page. Take the second step by contacting us. We will discuss which event would be best for you to start coming out with us, and make plans for suiting you up and equiping you. On your first day, you will be taught the drill (pictured on the Manual of Arms page), and how to fire the weapon. If you can demonstrate the ability to remember an acceptable amount of the drill excercises and already know how to fire this type of weapon, you will fight that day. If you have not fired this type of weapon before, you can fight on the field, but will be required to "dry-fire" (without powder) for a minimum period of one battle. On your second day of reenacting you will be required to join the unit, and pay dues to get you insured. As mentioned on the About Us page, dues for the entire year are $10 for people who do not carry a musket, and $20 for private soldiers, no family to exceed $50. This is an extremely small amount to pay to cover your insurance for an entire year.

Playing the role of a soldier (Infantry or Field Musician) is only one aspect of reenacting, we also have our resident Privateer (Pirate), camp musicians, and fine ladies who are experienced in managing and cooking over an open fire. If you are interested in learning about or reenacting one of these roles, or other possible roles, contact us.

Once you have joined, 100% attendance is not required, but you will find it hard to keep yourself away. Camping at events is a great way to get away for a weekend. Towards the end of a weekend event, when our younger members are asked whether they missed having a TV, computer, or game console around, they are quick to answer no.

maj1njv@msn.com

HISTORY

James Moody, New Jersey Volunteers

................................................................................

New Jersey Volunteers

In the early part of the war, The Board of Associated Loyalists was formed in New York and chaired by William Franklin. The King authorized this group to conduct raids in order to acquire continental supplies, and to show his gratitude, allowed them to divide captured goods among themselves. 200 acres of land were promised to all of those who stayed the course for the duration of the war. Although the raids were to be strictly against military targets, many loyalists were very angry over loosing their homes, land, jobs, and friends, and found it quite difficult to limit their aggression to military targets. Being in disagreement with British military tactics, and knowing that Britain had failed to put down the initial uprisings in the colonies, The Board of Associated Loyalists felt that it would take a more unorthodox approach to warfare in order to shift the war back into England's favor. In 1776 the New Jersey Volunteers were formed and based in New York which was occupied by the Britsh. To have a such a large loyal group of New Jerseyeans working with them was most beneficial to British military efforts, for with free reign of New Jersey, the British army could attack the continentals in Pennsylvania while easily protecting their supply line in New York. The King's authority to conduct raids, the anger of loosing their lives as they were, the promise of booty and land, and the largest loyalist population percentage of all the colonies would soon prove to be the recipe for the largest and most feared loyalist regiment serving the British army, and this regiment would embark upon a cruel, fear-based campaign that New Jersey residents at the time would much rather forget than remember.

We initially learn about the Revolutionary War with stories of grand battles where long lines of dashingly clad men faced each other on famous battlefields, but we later learn that there was much more to that war than meets the eye. It was not only fought at Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston, it was fought in Crosswicks, Mount Holly, Hancocks Bridge, and in practically every town in every colony either by pen or by sword. Out the New Jersey Volunteers' anger and hatred, a leader emerged who would transform their feelings into actions, a leader who would most definitely bring the sword, Ensign Moody.

"MOODY IS OUT!"

Ensign Moody led New Jersey Volunteers in countless raids and robberies that were not necessarily aimed at supply wagon trains for the main army, but at the farms, businesses, and towns that supplied the wagon trains, and at any people in those towns who were in support of the rebellion. The brutality and inhumanity of NJV acts under Moody quickly earned a sinister reputation for the group. Aided by reports of NJV attrocities in the newspapers, fear would turn into hysteria when warning of Moody's being near was heard. Moody paid great attention to the smallest details, for if news came to him that a rebel had stolen a few Tory horses, the Rebel would be hunted down by a NJV detachment, if a Tory prisoner was executed so would a Rebel prisoner, if there was a rebel garrison in your town, your town was a target.

During a raid, Moody was captured and sent to West Point, a heralded prize to the rebellion where as a prisoner, he was treated poorly for a gentleman. This treatment occured under the fort's commander, Benedict Arnold, who was at that point but a short time away from turning coats. Moody escaped and after a short time was back with NJV to continue his plight of anger and revenge. Did Ensign Moody play a role in Arnold's turn, and was Arnold involved with Moody's escape?

In 1782 a course of events would unfold that would end up being the "last straw" for NJV. A village in Toms River was attacked, the rebel garrison and their commander were taken, and the village was put to the torch. While in NJV custody news came that a loyalist prisoner was killed and mutilated by rebels, so with no official authority from the Board of Associated Loyalists, the rebel commander was hung. This caused an uproar of rage from both the continentals and the British army. NJV had gone too far. George Washington vowed to kill a loyalist officer in revenge if the man responsible, Capt. Lippincott, was not handed over. An officer was highly valuable in prisoner exchanges, so the British army was upset at the opportunity lost. The Board of Associated Loyalists refused to hand Capt. Lipincott over, and would not take responsibility for the act. The King now felt that the board or it's NJV Regiment no longer served his interests, but served their own. This led to the eventual disbandment of the Board of the Associated Loyalists. The disbandment was inconsequential, for at this point, all sides were tired of the war and wanted it to end. After Yorktown, the British gave New York over to the Americans, and the loyalists fled to eastern Canada, where the King made true on his promise of land, and where descendants of NJV soldiers still live.

Loyalists landing in Nova Scotia after the war

Gathered from the Loyalist Institute, below is a chronolgy of the engagements that detachments of the 1st Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers participated in:

1. October 15, 1776
Staten Island, New York

2. December 10, 1776
near Pennytown, New Jersey

3. December 12, 1776
Short Hills, New Jersey

4. December 12, 1776
near Amboy, New Jersey

5. December 13, 1776
Capture of Lee, Boundbrook, New Jersey

6. December 16, 1776
Freehold, New Jersey

7. December 20, 1776
Shrewsbury,New Jersey

8. December 23, 1776
Freehold, New Jersey

9. December 23, 1776
Upper Freehold, New Jersey

10. February 18, 1777
Lawrence Neck, New Jersey

11. February ?, 1777
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

12. March 15, 1777
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

13. August 18, 1777
Middletown, New Jersey

14. August 22, 1777
Staten Island, New York

15. August 28, 1777
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

16. September 17, 1777
Hunterdon County, New Jersey

17. October 3, 1777
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

18. November 5, 1777
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

19. November 27, 1777
Staten Island, New York

20. April 1, 1778
Woodbury, New Jersey

21. April 5, 1778
Squan, New Jersey

22. April 8, 1778
Shark River, New Jersey

23. May 24, 1778
Middletown, New Jersey

24. May 28, 1778
Middletown Point, New Jersey

25. June 10, 1778
Staten Island, New York

26. July 21, 1778
Elizabethtown Point, New Jersey

27. October 5, 1778
Chestnut Neck, New Jersey

28. October 15, 1778
Egg Harbor, New Jersey

29. April 26, 1779
Shrewsbury/Middletown, New Jersey

30. May ?, 1779
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

31. June 10, 1779
Tinton Falls/Shrewsbury, New Jersey

32. July 1, 1779
Woodbridge, New Jersey

33. October 4, 1779
Staten Island, New York

34. January 12, 1780
Staten Island, New York

35. January 15-16, 1780
Staten Island, New York

36. Jaunuary 26, 1780
Elizabethtown, New Jersey

37. February ?, 1780
Rahway, New Jersey

38. February ?,1780
Elizabethtown Bridge, New Jersey

39. April 15, 1780
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

40. April 22, 1780
Squan, New Jersey

41. April ?, 1780
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

42. June 6-7, 1780
Connecticut Farms, New Jersey

43. June 21, 1780
Newton, New Jersey

44. June 23, 1780
Springfield, New Jersey

45. July 7, 1780
Staten Island, New York

46. July 21, 1780
near English Neighbourhood, New Jersey

47. April 21, 1781
Elizabethtown, New Jersey (1st or 4th Battalion)

48. May 9, 1781
Staten Island, New York

49. June 16, 1781
New Jersey, opposite Staten Island (1st or 4th Battalion)

50. June 25, 1781
Tremblyâ��s Point, New Jersey

More 1NJV Information:

http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/rhist/njv/1njvhist.htm


	Our Brigadier / About Us / Join Us? Our Brigadier Colonel Michael Vernon-Powell Honorary Colonel 1st New Jersey Volunteers Mr. Vernon-Powell followed a normal and enjoyable professional military career from Officer Cadet Training in Sandhurst in 1932 till he left the service in the rank of Colonel, Brigadier Army Air Corps, in 1985. He considers himself lucky enough to have travelled a lot and to have held varied commands and appointments that took him from his regimental career to flying military helicopters and working in both national and international staffs at the highest level. On leaving the service he became a Military Consultant to Westland Helicopter Ltd and to a number of other industrial and international consortiums involved in third dimensional warfare. He advised on the military/industrial interface and the potential of a number of industrial products either already developed or at conceptual stage. Also since his military retirement, our Colonel Vernon-Powell has been instrumental in running many large-scale charity fundraising efforts for the best of causes. It gives us the greatest honor as loyal British subjects from an age long past to be able to have a father in England watching over us. Colonel , Sir (snap salute), until your next word is given, we will carry on. Michael Vernon-Powell (Brigadier 1NJV) was commissioned Officer of 49th Royal Berkshires Regiment in 1955. Our Major and Honor Guard were present at a ceremony near Brandywine Battlefield Park in 2006 where Colonel Vernon-Powell and two of his fellow Officers were honoring the 49th Royal Berkshires of 1777. As the Colonel has adopted 1NJV, 1NJV has adopted the Brandywine Flash. Click here to learn about the Brandywine Flash. About Us 1st Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers Major John Naulty Commander 1NJV maj1njv@msn.com Based in Philadelphia and New Jersey, the modern 1NJV reenactment unit currently consists of 25 soldiers, musicians, and camp followers. Our goal is to give the best performance we can, while having a great time. Led by Major John Naulty, we often call ourselves Naulty's Raiders, and have adopted "Gary Owen" as our Regimental Song in coherence with the villainous reputation that the group to which we reenact had built. Why would we want to be the bad guys? Well, it takes two sides to have a battle, and the precision and tactical dominance of the British style of line warfare caught our interest. What makes us stay? Quality leadership and a positive environment with great people that are eager to teach, learn, and help are big reasons. Reality that takes you far beyond what any video game can offer is another. We have worked hard to make 1NJV one of the most accessible groups in our hobby to newcomers. 1NJV gladly accepts men and women of all races to try out fighting and camp life in the 18th century way. 1NJV participates in 10-15 events per year. Most of these events are in our local Philadelphia-New Jersey area. Every year there are special large events with thousands of soldiers that sometimes require some traveling if you wish to attend. There is a small annual fee for membership and insurance. Annual Dues: $10 Campfollower or Drummer $20 Private $25 Corporal $50 Sergeant $30 Ensign $35 Lieutenant $40 Captain $50 Major *Entire Family Fees will not exceed $50. Make checks or money orders payable to : 1st New Jersey Volunteers Association C/O John Naulty** 8609 Tiona St. Phila., Pa. 19128 215-482-0322 Join Us The First New Jersey Volunteers Association has worked hard to make it as easy as possible for people to get involved with the reenacting hobby. 1NJV is proud to allow men and women of all races who can demonstrate the physical ability to play the role of a soldier in our ranks. Most units require members to own their equipment before coming out to events. The full kit; uniform, equipment, tent, and ect., can be quite expensive when purchased at once. 1NJV has an inventory of loaner clothing in common sizes, and equipment, that usually allows people to field their first day, and helps them along as they purchase pieces on their own. We make it easy for you, because we want you to have fun with us. The first step you have already completed by getting to this page. Take the second step by contacting us. We will discuss which event would be best for you to start coming out with us, and make plans for suiting you up and equiping you. On your first day, you will be taught the drill (pictured on the Manual of Arms page), and how to fire the weapon. If you can demonstrate the ability to remember an acceptable amount of the drill excercises and already know how to fire this type of weapon, you will fight that day. If you have not fired this type of weapon before, you can fight on the field, but will be required to "dry-fire" (without powder) for a minimum period of one battle. On your second day of reenacting you will be required to join the unit, and pay dues to get you insured. As mentioned on the About Us page, dues for the entire year are $10 for people who do not carry a musket, and $20 for private soldiers, no family to exceed $50. This is an extremely small amount to pay to cover your insurance for an entire year. Playing the role of a soldier (Infantry or Field Musician) is only one aspect of reenacting, we also have our resident Privateer (Pirate), camp musicians, and fine ladies who are experienced in managing and cooking over an open fire. If you are interested in learning about or reenacting one of these roles, or other possible roles, contact us. Once you have joined, 100% attendance is not required, but you will find it hard to keep yourself away. Camping at events is a great way to get away for a weekend. Towards the end of a weekend event, when our younger members are asked whether they missed having a TV, computer, or game console around, they are quick to answer no. maj1njv@msn.com		HISTORY James Moody, New Jersey Volunteers ................................................................................ New Jersey Volunteers In the early part of the war, The Board of Associated Loyalists was formed in New York and chaired by William Franklin. The King authorized this group to conduct raids in order to acquire continental supplies, and to show his gratitude, allowed them to divide captured goods among themselves. 200 acres of land were promised to all of those who stayed the course for the duration of the war. Although the raids were to be strictly against military targets, many loyalists were very angry over loosing their homes, land, jobs, and friends, and found it quite difficult to limit their aggression to military targets. Being in disagreement with British military tactics, and knowing that Britain had failed to put down the initial uprisings in the colonies, The Board of Associated Loyalists felt that it would take a more unorthodox approach to warfare in order to shift the war back into England's favor. In 1776 the New Jersey Volunteers were formed and based in New York which was occupied by the Britsh. To have a such a large loyal group of New Jerseyeans working with them was most beneficial to British military efforts, for with free reign of New Jersey, the British army could attack the continentals in Pennsylvania while easily protecting their supply line in New York. The King's authority to conduct raids, the anger of loosing their lives as they were, the promise of booty and land, and the largest loyalist population percentage of all the colonies would soon prove to be the recipe for the largest and most feared loyalist regiment serving the British army, and this regiment would embark upon a cruel, fear-based campaign that New Jersey residents at the time would much rather forget than remember. We initially learn about the Revolutionary War with stories of grand battles where long lines of dashingly clad men faced each other on famous battlefields, but we later learn that there was much more to that war than meets the eye. It was not only fought at Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston, it was fought in Crosswicks, Mount Holly, Hancocks Bridge, and in practically every town in every colony either by pen or by sword. Out the New Jersey Volunteers' anger and hatred, a leader emerged who would transform their feelings into actions, a leader who would most definitely bring the sword, Ensign Moody. "MOODY IS OUT!" Ensign Moody led New Jersey Volunteers in countless raids and robberies that were not necessarily aimed at supply wagon trains for the main army, but at the farms, businesses, and towns that supplied the wagon trains, and at any people in those towns who were in support of the rebellion. The brutality and inhumanity of NJV acts under Moody quickly earned a sinister reputation for the group. Aided by reports of NJV attrocities in the newspapers, fear would turn into hysteria when warning of Moody's being near was heard. Moody paid great attention to the smallest details, for if news came to him that a rebel had stolen a few Tory horses, the Rebel would be hunted down by a NJV detachment, if a Tory prisoner was executed so would a Rebel prisoner, if there was a rebel garrison in your town, your town was a target. During a raid, Moody was captured and sent to West Point, a heralded prize to the rebellion where as a prisoner, he was treated poorly for a gentleman. This treatment occured under the fort's commander, Benedict Arnold, who was at that point but a short time away from turning coats. Moody escaped and after a short time was back with NJV to continue his plight of anger and revenge. Did Ensign Moody play a role in Arnold's turn, and was Arnold involved with Moody's escape? In 1782 a course of events would unfold that would end up being the "last straw" for NJV. A village in Toms River was attacked, the rebel garrison and their commander were taken, and the village was put to the torch. While in NJV custody news came that a loyalist prisoner was killed and mutilated by rebels, so with no official authority from the Board of Associated Loyalists, the rebel commander was hung. This caused an uproar of rage from both the continentals and the British army. NJV had gone too far. George Washington vowed to kill a loyalist officer in revenge if the man responsible, Capt. Lippincott, was not handed over. An officer was highly valuable in prisoner exchanges, so the British army was upset at the opportunity lost. The Board of Associated Loyalists refused to hand Capt. Lipincott over, and would not take responsibility for the act. The King now felt that the board or it's NJV Regiment no longer served his interests, but served their own. This led to the eventual disbandment of the Board of the Associated Loyalists. The disbandment was inconsequential, for at this point, all sides were tired of the war and wanted it to end. After Yorktown, the British gave New York over to the Americans, and the loyalists fled to eastern Canada, where the King made true on his promise of land, and where descendants of NJV soldiers still live. Loyalists landing in Nova Scotia after the war Gathered from the Loyalist Institute, below is a chronolgy of the engagements that detachments of the 1st Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers participated in: 1. October 15, 1776 Staten Island, New York 2. December 10, 1776 near Pennytown, New Jersey 3. December 12, 1776 Short Hills, New Jersey 4. December 12, 1776 near Amboy, New Jersey 5. December 13, 1776 Capture of Lee, Boundbrook, New Jersey 6. December 16, 1776 Freehold, New Jersey 7. December 20, 1776 Shrewsbury,New Jersey 8. December 23, 1776 Freehold, New Jersey 9. December 23, 1776 Upper Freehold, New Jersey 10. February 18, 1777 Lawrence Neck, New Jersey 11. February ?, 1777 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 12. March 15, 1777 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 13. August 18, 1777 Middletown, New Jersey 14. August 22, 1777 Staten Island, New York 15. August 28, 1777 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 16. September 17, 1777 Hunterdon County, New Jersey 17. October 3, 1777 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 18. November 5, 1777 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 19. November 27, 1777 Staten Island, New York 20. April 1, 1778 Woodbury, New Jersey 21. April 5, 1778 Squan, New Jersey 22. April 8, 1778 Shark River, New Jersey 23. May 24, 1778 Middletown, New Jersey 24. May 28, 1778 Middletown Point, New Jersey 25. June 10, 1778 Staten Island, New York 26. July 21, 1778 Elizabethtown Point, New Jersey 27. October 5, 1778 Chestnut Neck, New Jersey 28. October 15, 1778 Egg Harbor, New Jersey 29. April 26, 1779 Shrewsbury/Middletown, New Jersey 30. May ?, 1779 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 31. June 10, 1779 Tinton Falls/Shrewsbury, New Jersey 32. July 1, 1779 Woodbridge, New Jersey 33. October 4, 1779 Staten Island, New York 34. January 12, 1780 Staten Island, New York 35. January 15-16, 1780 Staten Island, New York 36. Jaunuary 26, 1780 Elizabethtown, New Jersey 37. February ?, 1780 Rahway, New Jersey 38. February ?,1780 Elizabethtown Bridge, New Jersey 39. April 15, 1780 Sandy Hook, New Jersey 40. April 22, 1780 Squan, New Jersey 41. April ?, 1780 Shrewsbury, New Jersey 42. June 6-7, 1780 Connecticut Farms, New Jersey 43. June 21, 1780 Newton, New Jersey 44. June 23, 1780 Springfield, New Jersey 45. July 7, 1780 Staten Island, New York 46. July 21, 1780 near English Neighbourhood, New Jersey 47. April 21, 1781 Elizabethtown, New Jersey (1st or 4th Battalion) 48. May 9, 1781 Staten Island, New York 49. June 16, 1781 New Jersey, opposite Staten Island (1st or 4th Battalion) 50. June 25, 1781 Tremblyâ��s Point, New Jersey More 1NJV Information: http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/rhist/njv/1njvhist.htm