Birney's Division 2d Battalion News

Perryopolis and Romney event news

First, the registration form for Perryopolis is now on-line. You can get to it by visiting the Birney's event schedule page, or just click here to download.

Next is the status of the Romney, WVA event in September. This is a major event for Birney's and all of the organizations in the Division. Please see a message from General Kelley below.

This is of the utmost importance please give us your full cooperation. We have been in contact with the event folks at Romney West Virginia, to date the registrations are slow and they are considering pulling the plug on the event. From talking to our units in Birney's, some Vincent's Brigade units etc., there are a lot of people planning on attending the event. Procrastination is the problem I'm sure and the fact that the registration fee is only $1 folks aren't putting a great priority on registering. It is imperative that I contact the event folks and pledge an estimate of how many folks you are bringing to reassure them that yes we are attending in force and that they need to proceed with the event. In all fairness these folks need to know how many reenactors to expect so if you would email me asap with your intent to attend and an estimated headcount so I can relay it to them. Then if you all would follow through and get your people registered quickly. This is as good an event as Old Bedford Village and one we would not want to lose due to procrastination. I look forward to your response. The registration form is on our website under events.

Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr. , Major General
Federal First Division
Birney's Division
Commanding

Posted by CL Smith @ 10:29 PM
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AFTER ACTION REPORT: Old Bedford Village

This past weekend was another Birney's Division success in Old Bedford Village, PA. 2d Battalion was again the largest Federal military organization at the event. Our units attending included:

The 105th OVI as 1st Company, the 69th PVI as 2nd, the 5th OVI, 4th OVI, and 74th NY making up 3rd, and the 54th PVI, 11th PVI, and the 105th PVI assembled as the 4th Company. All told, we had a little over 80 men.

Saturday morning saw the usual dress parade and drill. We could already feel the temperature climbing. It promised to be in the high 80s and humid. It certainly didn't disappoint (I am almost sure it was more like the low 90s, but at that temperature, who is counting). I was personally honored to have the 69th as our color company and march under Erin's harp.

Our first battle of the weekend kicked off with the Battalion placed in the town to watch the river and the corral. We were glad to have an old hand like Col Rich Adams from the Mifflin Guard with us as a Division Commander and to get a chance to see what Birney's is all about.

The 74th deployed as pickets to watch for Reb infantry down on the water. The rest of the left wing under Capt Towarnicki took the high ground on the road at the edge of town. The right wing under Capt Van Meter posted along the fence at the cav corral. When finally engaged at the river, the 74th alerted us with shots fired down range. The Rebs tried a go-around by fording the river (cold, wet feet must have been welcome in the heat) but found the 2d Battalion left wing up above them protected by a steep hill full of brush. Realizing that they could not really press an attack up that hill, they taunted us to "come down and fight". Be careful what you wish for! The rest of 3rd Company joined the skirmishing 74th and went at 'em. With this formation pressing their front, and the 4th Company above the Rebs continually sliding down to fire into their flank as the Rebs fell back, Col Essig and his men splashed back across the river to try the other wing of our Battalion in hopes that they might find some better ground. These were text book tactics. Good job boys. Too bad it wasn't on tape to show other reenactors how a classic pincher movement works.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch...

The right wing at the corral was behind the fence overlooking the dry scrub grass when suddenly some familiar Rebs came across the bridge to try their luck again. After some exchange, word was sent from on high to "push 'em". The right wing moved into the field and started for the Rebs (in spite of their mountain howitzer). With the left wing taking some water and shade up the hill, Col Adams and I went down to the corral to find the battle heating up in a shoulder-deep center of the allergy universe. What looked like smoke was actually a sea of pollen. Musketry mixed with sneezes and coughs (if only we could have sent back to the wagon train for a case of Claritin).

Col Adams looked at me as the right wing kept advancing and mentioned that he felt there must be something else out there. You could feel it. And just as he finished his thought, another large company of Rebs came across the bridge and poured into the paddock. They must have seen us turn around and look in their direction, because the resting left wing came streaming down the hill to join the other half of the Battalion now engaged. After some pushing and more sneezing, the Confederate force pulled out and left the field to us (and without so much as a Benadryl... bastards).

No rest for the weary however! Across a fence (the third time for some of our folks) and we were called into action at the other end of the battlefield. At this point, I really do have to apologize to all of you for the inordinate amount of "double quicks". We were were a long way from the 1st Battalion and word came down that they were about to get their clocks cleaned. Long story short, we got there to support them and pushed the Rebs off the field to conclude the fight for the day.

Once back in town and camp, the Battalion cooled down (90 plus degrees in the sun, 120 degrees inside your coat). The rest of the evening was spent shooting the bull and filling our guts. Later that evening, we had a hell of a time at a fine, robust gathering. I can't give to many details... what happens in Old Bedford Village, stays in Old Bedford Village. Let's just say that Capt Towarnicki, Lt Murphy, Sgt Maj Donahue, 1st Sgt Kruger, and myself spent the evening trying to keep each other out of trouble. We did use the opportunity (along with some malted beverages and Irish guilt) to talk a Confederate bag-piper into falling in with us on Sunday to lead us into the fight.

Sunday morning saw breakfast, church call, and some of the usual pre-packing in order to vacate the site later in the day. Col Price and Col Adams took the Battalion staffs out on the field to do a little tactical planning. Once back at Battalion HQ, the orders went out for maximum hydration as the temps started to climb again.

Certainly one of the highlights for me in my reenacting career was marching out to battle with the colors of the 69th and the pipes and drum in the lead. Many of you said it gave you goose bumps and I certainly agree!!

Our spot in the fight on Sunday began out in the far corner of the battlefield. With the Battalion hidden in the woods, the 1st Company went out as skirmishers and made things interesting for the Reb cav engaged with Maj Raymond and the Federal cav. Before too long, the Reb infantry popped up on the far side of the field after a donnybrook with the 1st Battalion in the aforementioned corral. Once out of the woods and on the field, the 2d Battalion wasted no time in taking the fight to the boys in butternut. They saw and heard us coming 80 plus stong with the pips and drum driving us on. The plan for Sunday was to let the Rebs have their victory for the weekend (everyone needs a story for the kids at home). We certainly made them work for it! With cartridge boxes almost empty, they backed us into a corner and forced us to retire the colors. It didn't stop every hot, dirty, and sweaty reenactor from having a grin on their face. We had a GREAT time. Some spectator said to me that they had never seen such a spectacle! I said, "Wait till you see us at the Cracker Barrel on the way home! We haven't showered in two days!!!"

I want to thank all of you for showing why Birney's 2d Battalion is shaping up to be the finest unit in Civil War reenacting. My gratitude goes out to our Wing Commanders, Don Van Meter and Rob Towarnicki, Adjutant Mike Murphy, Rich Adams, and of course General Kelly and ALL the Birney's staff (especially John Price, Denny Rohrbaugh, Matt Donahue).

If OBV doesn't get you excited about going to Manassas, you'd better just stay home and do your quilting!

Faugh a ballagh!
Lt Col Christopher L. Smith, Commanding
2d Battalion, Birney's Division

Posted by CL Smith @ 11:57 AM
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Old Bedford details

All,

Be reminded that the Old Bedford Village event is this coming weekend and all is ready at the site all water is working, the amenities are in place , the temporary bridge has been removed and we have over 800 reenactors registered. Walkons will be accepted upon prior approval .

We have some really different and pleasing scenarios planned that will be pretty intense to enhance your experience and keep it fresh at this grand event this coming weekend. Bring plenty of ammunition the battles could last 2 hours or more each day if you like to fight this will be the event of the year, we plan to step it up a notch, I promise. The weather looks great so come on out and enjoy.

Your Servant,

Edward L. Kelley Sr. , Major General
Federal First Division, 2nd Brigade
Birney,s Division
Commanding

Posted by CL Smith @ 10:09 PM
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Reenactor internet auction site opens

www.reenactorstuff.com is a great new site for living historians of every time period. The site is young so catagories are just now filling up. Registration is free and is a good place if you are looking for some great deals on used or new stuff. It might be worth listing one of your extra items as well.

Posted by CL Smith @ 11:01 PM
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2d Battalion Order of Battle - Old Bedford

Next weekend will be a major Birney's Division event at Old Bedford Village. For those of you who were there for the Fredericksburg weekend, you know we had a hell of a time!

All 2d Battalion companies should send their numbers BY THIS TUESDAY to Maj Anderson (if your unit is NOT participating, please let him know as well). Also let us know if you and another 2d Battalion unit plan to merge for the weekend.

Company Commanders should report to the Battalion HQ tent once you have set up. I am hoping to encamp the 2d Battalion together in the same area. I will do a logistics survey once I arrive early Friday afternoon.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me an email, clsmith@5thohio.com.

See you next weekend!

Chris

Posted by CL Smith @ 10:26 PM
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Blankets for Reenacting

I know what you are going to say... We are going to Virginia in July. What do I need a blanket for?

It can't be hot forever!

I just landed a source for really nice brown French 100% wool blankets that are perfect for reenacting. I put some up on my Ebay Store if you would like to see it, but if anyone in your units would like one, let me know and I will make sure to get ahold of what we need.

Cheers,
Chris

Posted by CL Smith @ 3:06 PM
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145th Antietam

As many of you may have heard, due to funds and logistics, there will not be a "grand" 145th anniversary event for the Battle of Antietam next year. As a result, PACS and Birney's will be organizing an event on September 15-17, 2007 near Harper's Ferry, VA. This is open to ALL reenactors no matter what their affiliation and promises to be a better experience then the public display as this is a non-spectator event for reenactors only.

The web site link is on the front page of www.birneysdivision.org and you can click here as well. Please make sure you start distributing this information to your troops!

Posted by CL Smith @ 4:38 PM
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After Action Report: Burton

During the weekend of 26-28 April 2006, 52 soldiers from the 2d Battalion of Birney's Division assembled at the Civil War weekend at Century Village in Burton, OH. The units represented were the 5th OVI, 61st OVI, 105th OVI, and 83rd PVI with elements of the 69th PVI.

Upon arrival I reported to the event's Federal Commander, Col Waffler, and gave him some initial numbers. Birney's essentially comprised 50% of the Federal force at the event and I was additionally assigned as the deputy commander for the Federals.

The usual Friday night setup proceeded and the volume of rain from the first part of the day clearing off.

Saturday morning saw the beginning of our first real hot weather in Ohio for the season. Temps would be in the 80s over the next couple of days. Abbreviated activities were the rule for the day. Col Waffler called me up to meet with him and the Confederate Commander Col Perry. The Rebs were very "thin" that weekend and if not for the galvanized Feds, they might have had a hard time even pulling off a bridge club meeting let alone a battle. The three of us decided on a scenario and then conducted an officer's call.

The entire battalion assembled in the town green before the high heat of the day. A short dress parade was followed by individual company drill.

The early afternoon was spent getting some food, staying in the shade, and starting to juice-up with water and Gatorade. The battalion went on-line at 1:30. After weapons inspection, Birney's 2d Battalion (the right wing) moved out and deployed skirmishers. Our job was to draw the main Reb force into the corner of the battle field so the left wing could come in behind them from the town. That is exactly what happened though the Rebs retreated in good order.

After the event sponsored meal Saturday night with my pards from the 5th, I spent time with a few of our other units. The 105th Ohio has a very entertaining camp and the 83rd likewise. I thank you all ladies and gentlemen for making me feel at home!

Sunday morning saw the heat set in early. I visited with the 61st (who really know how to lay out the food). Sunday's battle was just the same as Saturday. However, one ConFederal unit thought they would flank us as we drew them back into the lower corner. They ALMOST got their clocks cleaned as the other wing came out of the town. Had it not been for a safety issue with the artillery, the 83rd/69th/5th would have pinned then into the upper corner along with a company of the left wing. I won't play games when it comes to the business end of a canon.

As I promised 2d Battalion, though the Burton battles are "soccer field fights", we would burn powder and create a hot fight just giving and taking with our enemy. It's all in the attitude you take on the field. I was told by many afterward that they were very hot fights for Burton and no one every remembered clearing out most of their cartridge box at this event before.

All companies withdrew in good order and all made the trip home safely.

Submitted 1 JUN 06
Lt Col Christopher L. Smith, Commanding
2d Battalion, Birney's Division

Posted by CL Smith @ 6:20 PM
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Old Bedford Village battle is on the horizon

Hard to believe that is was cold and raining only a few months ago when last we were at Old Bedford Village. And hard to believe the public event is just a couple of weeks hence (16-17). Please make sure you email Maj Anderson ASAP to let him know your numbers. We still have to lay out the Battalion.

Additionally, check out the home page of www.birneysdivision.org. Believe it or not, there is NO national public reenactment planned for the 145th Antietam. That won't stop us! I will keep you posted as more info comes out.

Your Servant,
Lt Col Smith

Posted by CL Smith @ 4:02 PM
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Monday, June 26, 2006

Perryopolis and Romney event news

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

AFTER ACTION REPORT: Old Bedford Village

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Old Bedford details

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Reenactor internet auction site opens

2d Battalion Order of Battle - Old Bedford

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Blankets for Reenacting

Sunday, June 04, 2006

145th Antietam

Thursday, June 01, 2006

After Action Report: Burton

Old Bedford Village battle is on the horizon