Delaware National Guard Camps and Campsite Names
Brig. Gen. Kennard R. Wiggins, Jr. (DE ANG Ret.)
kennard.wiggins@gmail.com
1881 Yorktown Va. Centennial Anniversary, 1st Infantry Regiment, 8 Companies, Oct. 18
1887 Rehoboth Beach, Jul 27-Aug 2
1888 Brandywine Springs, Jul 17
1889 New York City, President Washington Inaugural Celebration April 29-30
1889 Brandywine Springs, July 17-24
1890 Camp Gov. Benjamin T. Biggs, Brandywine Springs, July 26 -August 2
1898 Camp Gov. Ebe W. Tunnell, Middletown Delaware, May
1902 Camp Gen. Thomas A. Smythe, Newark, Homewood Farm,Sept 6-12
1903 Rehoboth Beach, Jul 11-18
1904 Near Cooch's Bridge, Newark, Jul 16-23
1904 Manassas Virginia Joint Field Exercise with regular army, 3-12 September
1905 Camp Colonel John Haslet, Morrow Farm, Lumbrook, near Newark
1906 Camp Gov. Preston Lea, Morrow Farm, Lumbrook, near Newark, Jul 21-28
1906 Camp Roosevelt at Mt. Gretna Pennsylvania, Joint Field Exercise with regular army July
28-August 5
1907 Rehoboth Beach,
1908 Camp Col. David Hall, Rehoboth Beach
1908 Joint Field Exercise with regular army at Fort Dupont for Coastal Defense, August 1-8
1911, State Rifle Range New Castle
1912, State Rifle Range, New Castle Officers Camp
1912, Regimental Camp Gov. Wm. Cannon, State Rifle Range, New Castle, July 27-August 3
1915, State Rifle Range, New Castle, July 24-31 (Pvt. Louis F. Wagner Co. C, killed by
Lightning, July 30)
1916 No Camp - Mobilized to Mexican Border at New Mexico
1917 No Camp - Mobilized to Homeland Defense Delaware, Camp McClellan AL
1918 No Camp - Mobilized Camp Dix, NJ, France
1919 No Camp - Mobilized France
1920 No Camp - The organization was unorganized postwar
1921 Camp Chandler, ( in memory of Pvt. John A. Chandler, KIA w/59th Reg. in France) 1-15
August, State Range
1922 Camp George W. Sparks (late Aide de camp to Governor Denney)July 31-Aug. 14 State
Rifle Range, River Road
1923 Camp Alexander Hamilton (Camp Upton, Long Island NY) August 4-18
1924 Camp Henry A. duPont, Rehoboth Beach, August
1925 Camp Robert P. Robinson, State Range
1926 Camp I. Pusey Wickersham, (former AG) State Range
1927 Camp Lt. Governor J. Danforth Bush, State Range
1928 Camp Governor Robert P. Robinson, Bethany Beach
1929 Camp Governor C. Douglass Buck, Bethany Beach
1930 Camp T. Coleman duPont (DNG Quartemaster General and U.S. Senator), Bethany
1931 Camp General T. Coleman duPont, Bethany Beach(deceased Dec. the previous year)
1932 Camp Edgar M. Hoopes, Bethany Beach
1933 Camp C. Douglass Buck, Bethany Beach
1934 Camp C. Douglass Buck, Bethany Beach
1935 Camp J. Warner Reed, (WWI Commander) Bethany Beach
1936 Camp Theodore Townsend, Bethany Beach
1937 Camp Richard C. McMullen, Bethany Beach
1938 Camp Simon P. Doherty, Bethany Beach
1939 Camp Weller E. Stover, (former AG) Bethany Beach
1940 Mobilized Camp Upton, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
1941 Mobilized Camp Edwards, Cape Cod Mass. Spring 1940
1942 Mobilized South Pacific - "Bobcat Island", Bora Bora
1943 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon (State Guard Camp at Fort DuPont)
1944 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon (State Guard Camp at Fort DuPont)
1945 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon (State Guard Camp at Bethany Beach)
1946 Camp John Rechek (State Guard Camp at Bethany Beach)
1947 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon
1948 Camp S.B.I. Duncan
1949 Camp Gov. Elbert N. Carvel
1950 Camp Theodore B. White
1951 Camp Joseph M. Barsky
1952 Camp Henry C. Ray
1953 Camp William S. Tawes
1954 Camp David A. Benson
1955 Camp William E. Lank
1956 Camp Frederick L. Manion
1957 Camp Paul R. Rinard
1958 Camp J. Parke Postles (former AG)
1959 Camp Victor D. Washburn
1960 Camp John P. LeFebre
1961 Camp Governor J. Caleb Boggs
1962 Camp John J. Dugan
1963 Camp Harry B. VanSciver
1964 Camp William Berl, Jr.
1965 Camp Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr.
1966 Camp George J. Schulz
1967 Camp John W. Davis
1968 Not Named
1969 Camp Governor Russell W. Peterson
1970 Camp MSG Relio DeBoto
1971 Camp Herman W. Cook
1972 Camp BG Ralph S. Baker
1973 Camp Governor Sherman W. Tribbitt
1974 Camp 1SG John Croce
1975 Camp SFC Michael A. Trotto
1976 Camp MG John B. Moore
1977 Camp Governor Pierre S. duPont IV
1978 Camp CW4 Edward R. Knight
1979 Camp BG James J. Ashton
1980 Camp Lt Gen Joseph J. Scannell (former AG)
1981 Camp MG Herbert O. Wardell, Sr.
1982 Camp SSG Heisler N. "Pappy" Eastburn
1983 Camp COL Frank P. Vavala
1984 Camp LTC James P. Marcozzi
1985 Camp Governor Michael N. Castle
1986 Camp BG Joshua T. West
1987 Camp John Dickinson
1988 Camp BG Frank L. Mathewson, Jr.
1989 Camp BG Lewis M. Miller
1990 Camp LtGen (Ret) Clarence E. Atkinson(ANG)
1991 Camp LTC (Ret) John L. Marenco
1992 Camp SGM (Ret) John R. Hughes Sr.
1993 Camp Governor Thomas R. Carper
1994 Camp Brig Gen (Ret) William W. Spruance (ANG)
1995 Camp BG (Ret) George R. Walton, Sr.
1996 Camp CSM (Ret) William A. Sharpe
1997 Camp COL (Ret) Paul J. Gallagher
1998 Camp COL (Ret) William A. Smith
1999 Camp COL (Ret) Thomas S. Lodge (ARNG)
1999 Camp Lt Col Robert N. Kirby (ANG) (posthumous)
2000 Camp CMSgt (Ret) Joseph J. Brown, Jr. (ANG)
2000 Camp BG (Ret) Norman V. Cochran, Sr. (ARNG)
2001 Camp MSG (Ret) Joseph L. Everett, Jr. (ARNG)
2001 Camp COL (Ret) Ralph A. Piazza (ANG)
2002 Camp LTG (Ret) William H. Duncan (ARNG)
2002 Camp BG (Ret) William F. Hutchison Jr. (ANG)
2003 Camp BG (Ret) Vernon A. Taylor (ARNG)
2003 Camp CMSgt (Ret) Melvin M. “Sonny” Gershman (ANG)
2004 Camp MG (Ret) Oscar E. Trivits (ARNG)
2004 Camp Brig Ben (Ret) Carl T. Butterworth (ANG)
2005 Camp CW2 (Ret) Ralph E. Baker (ARNG)
2005 Camp Col (Ret) James P. Scott II (ANG)
2006 Camp MG (DE) (Ret) Albert W. Adams, Sr. (ARNG)
2006 Camp CMSgt (Ret) Emedio A. "Tony" Nardone (ANG)
2007 Camp SGM (Ret) George B. Langford (ARNG)
2007 Camp Col (DE) (Ret) Walter G. Powell III (ANG)
2008 Camp BG (Ret) Walter L. Johnson (ARNG)
2008 Camp Lt Col (Ret) Joseph W. Lanahan (ANG)
2009 Camp BG (Ret) Kenneth C. Madden (ARNG)
2009 Camp MSgt (Ret) Clarence D. "Dale" Dickerson (ANG)
2010 Camp Governor Jack A. Markell (ARNG)
2010 Camp Lt Col James S. Gooding (ANG) (posthumous)
2011 Camp LTG (Ret) Austin C. Chidester (ARNG)
2011 Camp Col (Ret) William S. Fox Jr. (ANG)
2012 Camp MSG (Ret) Jerry Vavala (ARNG)
2012 Camp Capt. (Ret) Thomas W. Nale, III (ANG)
2013 Camp BG (DE NG Ret.)Glenn M.Watson (ARNG)
2013 Camp SMSgt Ralph F. McGrath (ANG)
For more information on Delaware Air National Guard Deployments, exercises, missions and
encampments click here.
Annual Field Training, 1906
The following is based upon several newspaper accounts from July, 1906, as well as the Adjutant
General's report to the Governor for 1906, especially the report of Lt. Col. H.G. Cavenaugh, Inspector, US
Army retired. The referenced clippings are unlabeled, but assumed to be a predecessor of the Wilmington
News Journal, included in the National Guard papers of deceased reporter William Frank.
OPENING OF CAMP LEA
-------
National Guard of Delaware
Went to Lumbrook This
Morning
---------
FOR ANNUAL FIELD SCHOOL
--------
Which is to Continue Until
Next Saturday
---------
TROOPS MADE A FINE SHOWING
----------
When they Left the City This
Morning
-------------
Seven Car Loads Started From French
Street Station at 8:15 o’clock and Proceeded
To Newark, Where They Joined
The Companies From Other Towns
The First Infantry, National Guard of Delaware, went into camp today on the Morrow Farm,
at Lumbrook, a short distance above Newark, to remain for a week. The four local companies,
regimental band and Hospital Corps went on a special train of seven cars on the P., B. & W.
railroad, which left French Street station at 8:15 o’clock and arrived at Newark center half an
hour later. It was a one mile march from the Newark station to the campground.
The local companies assembled at the Armory (12th and Orange Streets) and marched to the
railroad station, headed by the band, which numbered 28 pieces. In their summer uniforms
the men made a fine appearance. Besides their arms they carried blankets, but not much
additional paraphernalia. Their marching was excellent and the band played well. The
soldiers were given an ovation as they passed down Market Street.
Major Simon P. Doherty commanded the local troops. The band was under the command of
Drum Major Dawson.
Company H of New Castle came to this city by special cars on the Wilmington, New Castle
and Southern Railway and went to French Street station where they boarded the train with
the Wilmington troops.
The companies from the lower part of the state came up on the early morning train while
Company E of Newark marched to the campground.
According to Inspector Lt. Col. H. G. Cavenaugh, "the ground selected for the encampment
was well suited , the natural drainage excellent, but he soil did not quickly absorb rainfall,
but with ditching around the tents it soon disappeared. The tents were pitched and the camp
laid out in accordance with plan laid down in the United States Drill Regulations. The camp
made a very business like and military appearance, the men doing quick and intelligent work
in getting settled."
The work began yesterday by the advance guard was taken up on the arrival of the regiment
and the tents were erected in short order. Most of today will be consumed in preliminary
work. All necessary camp equipage quartermaster and subsistence stores were made to the
regiment from the assistant quartermaster general. Their kit was a khaki service uniform,
including blue shirt, campaign hat, leggings, , woolen blanket, rubber poncho, bed sack, rifle,
side arms, and fair leather waist belt, blanket roll, haversack, mess kit, and one extra change
of underclothing together with such toilet articles as may be required by the soldier. Officers
were permitted to wear the olive drab.
It is expected that Governor Preston Lea for whom this camp is named, will be a visitor this
afternoon.
The actual work will begin on Monday. It is expected that the camp will be successful in
every particular. A consolidated morning report of the regiment was forwarded to the
adjutant general daily at 11:00 o’clock. Rations were issued in accordance with United States
Army tables to include: fresh beef, bacon, fresh fish, soft bread, beans, rice, potatoes, onions,
canned tomatoes, coffee, sugar, vinegar, salt pepper, soap, candles, lard, butter milk and eggs.
Officers will be permitted to purchase commissary stores from regimental commissary at cost.
Colonel Cavenaugh described the meals as of "very good quality, consisting of the same as the
government rations in quantity plenty."
Strict discipline will be maintained, and while the week will be an outing for the soldiers, it
will also do the men good. Inspector Canenaugh described the men as "generally intelligent,
energetic, and interested in the work, and only needed instruction to do what was required of
them. There were but few causes of punishment, principally for absence without leave." He
added, "the men were not generally well set up from a military standpoint, that part of the
instruction evidently not having received much attention on the part of the company officers,
but in age and physical qualifications they compare with the recruit of the regular army most
favorably being physically well developed and healthy in appearance."
The local militia will compare favorably with the militia of the other states as regards military
discipline, but the men will be put on their mettle to an exceptional degree during the
encampment because a battalion will be selected to represent this state at Mt. Gretna during
the encampment by the regular army.
Adjutant General General I. Pusey Wickersham
Company A Captain E.C. Parks
1st Lt. H.W. Hill
2nd Lt. George N. Davis
Company C Captain T.A. Duggan
1st lt. H. A. Fox
Company D Captain I.T. Millis
1st Lt. C. N. Evans
2nd Lt. Willard Sweetman
Company F Captain G. H. Carter
1st lt D. L. Munson
2nd Lt E.G. Redford Jr.
Hospital Corps Major J. L. France
Regimental Quartermaster Chauncey P. Holcomb
Asst. Reg. Quartermaster Lt.Col. W. E. Stover
Inspector of Rifle Practice Col. J. G. Ewing
Asst. Inspector General Lt. Col. Charles M. Stevenson
Regimental Commissary Captain Hart
Commissary Sergeant Sgt. Megginson
Sgt. Dewey
Sgt. Maj. Lloyd
Quartermaster Sergeant Sgt. Jordan
Would you like to know more?
We recommend the following book available at local Delaware bookstores and from Arcadia
Publishing.
Delaware Army National Guard
The Delaware National Guard traces its roots to 1655, when the Swedish Colonial
government formed a militia to defend itself. That tradition carried through Dutch and then
English control of the colony. The militia served in all five French and Indian Wars and then
distinguished itself during the Revolutionary War as the First Delaware Regiment of the
Continental Army, earning its "Blue Hen" nickname. The Delaware militia continued to serve
in every major war, and currently it remains in the forefront. Images of America: Delaware
Army National Guard presents images of this fabled organization that survived from the
Spanish-American War to the present. The people, places, equipment, and facilities of the
Delaware National Guard are illustrated in this compilation of historic photographs from the
collection of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation.
Brig. Gen. Kennard R. Wiggins, Jr. (DE ANG Ret.)
kennard.wiggins@gmail.com
1881 Yorktown Va. Centennial Anniversary, 1st Infantry Regiment, 8 Companies, Oct. 18
1887 Rehoboth Beach, Jul 27-Aug 2
1888 Brandywine Springs, Jul 17
1889 New York City, President Washington Inaugural Celebration April 29-30
1889 Brandywine Springs, July 17-24
1890 Camp Gov. Benjamin T. Biggs, Brandywine Springs, July 26 -August 2
1898 Camp Gov. Ebe W. Tunnell, Middletown Delaware, May
1902 Camp Gen. Thomas A. Smythe, Newark, Homewood Farm,Sept 6-12
1903 Rehoboth Beach, Jul 11-18
1904 Near Cooch's Bridge, Newark, Jul 16-23
1904 Manassas Virginia Joint Field Exercise with regular army, 3-12 September
1905 Camp Colonel John Haslet, Morrow Farm, Lumbrook, near Newark
1906 Camp Gov. Preston Lea, Morrow Farm, Lumbrook, near Newark, Jul 21-28
1906 Camp Roosevelt at Mt. Gretna Pennsylvania, Joint Field Exercise with regular army July
28-August 5
1907 Rehoboth Beach,
1908 Camp Col. David Hall, Rehoboth Beach
1908 Joint Field Exercise with regular army at Fort Dupont for Coastal Defense, August 1-8
1911, State Rifle Range New Castle
1912, State Rifle Range, New Castle Officers Camp
1912, Regimental Camp Gov. Wm. Cannon, State Rifle Range, New Castle, July 27-August 3
1915, State Rifle Range, New Castle, July 24-31 (Pvt. Louis F. Wagner Co. C, killed by
Lightning, July 30)
1916 No Camp - Mobilized to Mexican Border at New Mexico
1917 No Camp - Mobilized to Homeland Defense Delaware, Camp McClellan AL
1918 No Camp - Mobilized Camp Dix, NJ, France
1919 No Camp - Mobilized France
1920 No Camp - The organization was unorganized postwar
1921 Camp Chandler, ( in memory of Pvt. John A. Chandler, KIA w/59th Reg. in France) 1-15
August, State Range
1922 Camp George W. Sparks (late Aide de camp to Governor Denney)July 31-Aug. 14 State
Rifle Range, River Road
1923 Camp Alexander Hamilton (Camp Upton, Long Island NY) August 4-18
1924 Camp Henry A. duPont, Rehoboth Beach, August
1925 Camp Robert P. Robinson, State Range
1926 Camp I. Pusey Wickersham, (former AG) State Range
1927 Camp Lt. Governor J. Danforth Bush, State Range
1928 Camp Governor Robert P. Robinson, Bethany Beach
1929 Camp Governor C. Douglass Buck, Bethany Beach
1930 Camp T. Coleman duPont (DNG Quartemaster General and U.S. Senator), Bethany
1931 Camp General T. Coleman duPont, Bethany Beach(deceased Dec. the previous year)
1932 Camp Edgar M. Hoopes, Bethany Beach
1933 Camp C. Douglass Buck, Bethany Beach
1934 Camp C. Douglass Buck, Bethany Beach
1935 Camp J. Warner Reed, (WWI Commander) Bethany Beach
1936 Camp Theodore Townsend, Bethany Beach
1937 Camp Richard C. McMullen, Bethany Beach
1938 Camp Simon P. Doherty, Bethany Beach
1939 Camp Weller E. Stover, (former AG) Bethany Beach
1940 Mobilized Camp Upton, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
1941 Mobilized Camp Edwards, Cape Cod Mass. Spring 1940
1942 Mobilized South Pacific - "Bobcat Island", Bora Bora
1943 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon (State Guard Camp at Fort DuPont)
1944 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon (State Guard Camp at Fort DuPont)
1945 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon (State Guard Camp at Bethany Beach)
1946 Camp John Rechek (State Guard Camp at Bethany Beach)
1947 Camp Gov. Walter W. Bacon
1948 Camp S.B.I. Duncan
1949 Camp Gov. Elbert N. Carvel
1950 Camp Theodore B. White
1951 Camp Joseph M. Barsky
1952 Camp Henry C. Ray
1953 Camp William S. Tawes
1954 Camp David A. Benson
1955 Camp William E. Lank
1956 Camp Frederick L. Manion
1957 Camp Paul R. Rinard
1958 Camp J. Parke Postles (former AG)
1959 Camp Victor D. Washburn
1960 Camp John P. LeFebre
1961 Camp Governor J. Caleb Boggs
1962 Camp John J. Dugan
1963 Camp Harry B. VanSciver
1964 Camp William Berl, Jr.
1965 Camp Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr.
1966 Camp George J. Schulz
1967 Camp John W. Davis
1968 Not Named
1969 Camp Governor Russell W. Peterson
1970 Camp MSG Relio DeBoto
1971 Camp Herman W. Cook
1972 Camp BG Ralph S. Baker
1973 Camp Governor Sherman W. Tribbitt
1974 Camp 1SG John Croce
1975 Camp SFC Michael A. Trotto
1976 Camp MG John B. Moore
1977 Camp Governor Pierre S. duPont IV
1978 Camp CW4 Edward R. Knight
1979 Camp BG James J. Ashton
1980 Camp Lt Gen Joseph J. Scannell (former AG)
1981 Camp MG Herbert O. Wardell, Sr.
1982 Camp SSG Heisler N. "Pappy" Eastburn
1983 Camp COL Frank P. Vavala
1984 Camp LTC James P. Marcozzi
1985 Camp Governor Michael N. Castle
1986 Camp BG Joshua T. West
1987 Camp John Dickinson
1988 Camp BG Frank L. Mathewson, Jr.
1989 Camp BG Lewis M. Miller
1990 Camp LtGen (Ret) Clarence E. Atkinson(ANG)
1991 Camp LTC (Ret) John L. Marenco
1992 Camp SGM (Ret) John R. Hughes Sr.
1993 Camp Governor Thomas R. Carper
1994 Camp Brig Gen (Ret) William W. Spruance (ANG)
1995 Camp BG (Ret) George R. Walton, Sr.
1996 Camp CSM (Ret) William A. Sharpe
1997 Camp COL (Ret) Paul J. Gallagher
1998 Camp COL (Ret) William A. Smith
1999 Camp COL (Ret) Thomas S. Lodge (ARNG)
1999 Camp Lt Col Robert N. Kirby (ANG) (posthumous)
2000 Camp CMSgt (Ret) Joseph J. Brown, Jr. (ANG)
2000 Camp BG (Ret) Norman V. Cochran, Sr. (ARNG)
2001 Camp MSG (Ret) Joseph L. Everett, Jr. (ARNG)
2001 Camp COL (Ret) Ralph A. Piazza (ANG)
2002 Camp LTG (Ret) William H. Duncan (ARNG)
2002 Camp BG (Ret) William F. Hutchison Jr. (ANG)
2003 Camp BG (Ret) Vernon A. Taylor (ARNG)
2003 Camp CMSgt (Ret) Melvin M. “Sonny” Gershman (ANG)
2004 Camp MG (Ret) Oscar E. Trivits (ARNG)
2004 Camp Brig Ben (Ret) Carl T. Butterworth (ANG)
2005 Camp CW2 (Ret) Ralph E. Baker (ARNG)
2005 Camp Col (Ret) James P. Scott II (ANG)
2006 Camp MG (DE) (Ret) Albert W. Adams, Sr. (ARNG)
2006 Camp CMSgt (Ret) Emedio A. "Tony" Nardone (ANG)
2007 Camp SGM (Ret) George B. Langford (ARNG)
2007 Camp Col (DE) (Ret) Walter G. Powell III (ANG)
2008 Camp BG (Ret) Walter L. Johnson (ARNG)
2008 Camp Lt Col (Ret) Joseph W. Lanahan (ANG)
2009 Camp BG (Ret) Kenneth C. Madden (ARNG)
2009 Camp MSgt (Ret) Clarence D. "Dale" Dickerson (ANG)
2010 Camp Governor Jack A. Markell (ARNG)
2010 Camp Lt Col James S. Gooding (ANG) (posthumous)
2011 Camp LTG (Ret) Austin C. Chidester (ARNG)
2011 Camp Col (Ret) William S. Fox Jr. (ANG)
2012 Camp MSG (Ret) Jerry Vavala (ARNG)
2012 Camp Capt. (Ret) Thomas W. Nale, III (ANG)
2013 Camp BG (DE NG Ret.)Glenn M.Watson (ARNG)
2013 Camp SMSgt Ralph F. McGrath (ANG)
For more information on Delaware Air National Guard Deployments, exercises, missions and
encampments click here.
Annual Field Training, 1906
The following is based upon several newspaper accounts from July, 1906, as well as the Adjutant
General's report to the Governor for 1906, especially the report of Lt. Col. H.G. Cavenaugh, Inspector, US
Army retired. The referenced clippings are unlabeled, but assumed to be a predecessor of the Wilmington
News Journal, included in the National Guard papers of deceased reporter William Frank.
OPENING OF CAMP LEA
-------
National Guard of Delaware
Went to Lumbrook This
Morning
---------
FOR ANNUAL FIELD SCHOOL
--------
Which is to Continue Until
Next Saturday
---------
TROOPS MADE A FINE SHOWING
----------
When they Left the City This
Morning
-------------
Seven Car Loads Started From French
Street Station at 8:15 o’clock and Proceeded
To Newark, Where They Joined
The Companies From Other Towns
The First Infantry, National Guard of Delaware, went into camp today on the Morrow Farm,
at Lumbrook, a short distance above Newark, to remain for a week. The four local companies,
regimental band and Hospital Corps went on a special train of seven cars on the P., B. & W.
railroad, which left French Street station at 8:15 o’clock and arrived at Newark center half an
hour later. It was a one mile march from the Newark station to the campground.
The local companies assembled at the Armory (12th and Orange Streets) and marched to the
railroad station, headed by the band, which numbered 28 pieces. In their summer uniforms
the men made a fine appearance. Besides their arms they carried blankets, but not much
additional paraphernalia. Their marching was excellent and the band played well. The
soldiers were given an ovation as they passed down Market Street.
Major Simon P. Doherty commanded the local troops. The band was under the command of
Drum Major Dawson.
Company H of New Castle came to this city by special cars on the Wilmington, New Castle
and Southern Railway and went to French Street station where they boarded the train with
the Wilmington troops.
The companies from the lower part of the state came up on the early morning train while
Company E of Newark marched to the campground.
According to Inspector Lt. Col. H. G. Cavenaugh, "the ground selected for the encampment
was well suited , the natural drainage excellent, but he soil did not quickly absorb rainfall,
but with ditching around the tents it soon disappeared. The tents were pitched and the camp
laid out in accordance with plan laid down in the United States Drill Regulations. The camp
made a very business like and military appearance, the men doing quick and intelligent work
in getting settled."
The work began yesterday by the advance guard was taken up on the arrival of the regiment
and the tents were erected in short order. Most of today will be consumed in preliminary
work. All necessary camp equipage quartermaster and subsistence stores were made to the
regiment from the assistant quartermaster general. Their kit was a khaki service uniform,
including blue shirt, campaign hat, leggings, , woolen blanket, rubber poncho, bed sack, rifle,
side arms, and fair leather waist belt, blanket roll, haversack, mess kit, and one extra change
of underclothing together with such toilet articles as may be required by the soldier. Officers
were permitted to wear the olive drab.
It is expected that Governor Preston Lea for whom this camp is named, will be a visitor this
afternoon.
The actual work will begin on Monday. It is expected that the camp will be successful in
every particular. A consolidated morning report of the regiment was forwarded to the
adjutant general daily at 11:00 o’clock. Rations were issued in accordance with United States
Army tables to include: fresh beef, bacon, fresh fish, soft bread, beans, rice, potatoes, onions,
canned tomatoes, coffee, sugar, vinegar, salt pepper, soap, candles, lard, butter milk and eggs.
Officers will be permitted to purchase commissary stores from regimental commissary at cost.
Colonel Cavenaugh described the meals as of "very good quality, consisting of the same as the
government rations in quantity plenty."
Strict discipline will be maintained, and while the week will be an outing for the soldiers, it
will also do the men good. Inspector Canenaugh described the men as "generally intelligent,
energetic, and interested in the work, and only needed instruction to do what was required of
them. There were but few causes of punishment, principally for absence without leave." He
added, "the men were not generally well set up from a military standpoint, that part of the
instruction evidently not having received much attention on the part of the company officers,
but in age and physical qualifications they compare with the recruit of the regular army most
favorably being physically well developed and healthy in appearance."
The local militia will compare favorably with the militia of the other states as regards military
discipline, but the men will be put on their mettle to an exceptional degree during the
encampment because a battalion will be selected to represent this state at Mt. Gretna during
the encampment by the regular army.
Adjutant General General I. Pusey Wickersham
Company A Captain E.C. Parks
1st Lt. H.W. Hill
2nd Lt. George N. Davis
Company C Captain T.A. Duggan
1st lt. H. A. Fox
Company D Captain I.T. Millis
1st Lt. C. N. Evans
2nd Lt. Willard Sweetman
Company F Captain G. H. Carter
1st lt D. L. Munson
2nd Lt E.G. Redford Jr.
Hospital Corps Major J. L. France
Regimental Quartermaster Chauncey P. Holcomb
Asst. Reg. Quartermaster Lt.Col. W. E. Stover
Inspector of Rifle Practice Col. J. G. Ewing
Asst. Inspector General Lt. Col. Charles M. Stevenson
Regimental Commissary Captain Hart
Commissary Sergeant Sgt. Megginson
Sgt. Dewey
Sgt. Maj. Lloyd
Quartermaster Sergeant Sgt. Jordan
Would you like to know more?
We recommend the following book available at local Delaware bookstores and from Arcadia
Publishing.
Delaware Army National Guard
The Delaware National Guard traces its roots to 1655, when the Swedish Colonial
government formed a militia to defend itself. That tradition carried through Dutch and then
English control of the colony. The militia served in all five French and Indian Wars and then
distinguished itself during the Revolutionary War as the First Delaware Regiment of the
Continental Army, earning its "Blue Hen" nickname. The Delaware militia continued to serve
in every major war, and currently it remains in the forefront. Images of America: Delaware
Army National Guard presents images of this fabled organization that survived from the
Spanish-American War to the present. The people, places, equipment, and facilities of the
Delaware National Guard are illustrated in this compilation of historic photographs from the
collection of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation.
| Delaware Military History |
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