Birney's Division 2d Battalion News

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

2006 Fall Schedule

This year's schedule is coming to a close in the next few months. It has been a great year and Birney's Division has grown incredibly. Here is a reminder of the events yet to come.

Sept 9-10 -Romney, WVa (major Division event)
Oct 6-8 - Perryopolis, PA
Oct - 20-22 - The Battle of Cedar Creek, VA
Nov 18 - Remembrance Day - Gettysburg

You can find more details at www.birneysdivision.org/events.htm

Posted by CL Smith @ 8:52 PM
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Charity tactical in November

Col Essig of PACS has passed on some information regarding an event in Elizabethtown, PA on November 4-5, 2006 sponsored by a charity called Brittany's Hope. The organization aids in the adoption of special needs waiting children around the world. 100% of the money raised will go directly to these deserving children.

The reenactment will be a 48 hour running tactical. Each reenactor is to sign up at least ten sponsors toward their participation, plus a small registration fee.

For more information, check out the Hope's Campaign web site.

Posted by CL Smith @ 11:55 PM
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Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Adjutant Report: Hale Farm

The site of the re-enactment was at the historic Hale Farm and Village which was adjacent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The site resembled a quiet New England 1850's community with a white church that has a tall steeple. The village looks as if it should be showcased on a calendar.

The camp site, location of water, village, farm, sutler's, battlefield, entertainment, parking and distances between each were very convenient. The historical site went all out to make the re-enactors stay enjoyable. I think that this event should be given serious consideration as an event to attend next season.

Saturday's battle re-enactment opened when 50% of the union forces reached a clearing and eliminating the element of surprise. The open field offered little in the way of protection for the Union soldiers taking fire from the Confederate lines. Casualties mounted for both North and South. The secondary column of union forces hearing the action rushed to the aid of their Union brothers. Now in battle line the secondary force joined in the fight. Casualties continued to mount on both the northern and southern sides. The southerners would have taken the field if it weren't for the quick orders of Lt. Col. Chris Smith to double quick and flank the southerners. Now with the Union lines pushing the enemy from the field the southern commander requested a truce to tend to the wounded.

Sunday's battle was partially scripted for the cinematographers. Once the historic recreation filming was completed, the fun began and the real battle commenced. All seemed to enjoy the battle. There was a lot of hits being taken on both sides.

LT. Bill Andrews

Posted by CL Smith @ 3:25 PM
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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

After Action Report: Hale Farm

I am pleased to report that this year's reenactment at Have Farm and Village was a HUGE success for the 2d Battalion of Birney's Division!!

ORDER OF BATTLE:

We had a total of 71 military personnel on Saturday, and 64 military personnel on Sunday. We were more than twice the size of the US V's 1st Battalion as a third of their force gavanized in order to give the Rebs a fighting number of 60 or so. Our units included (in numeric order): The 5th OVI, 5th US Colored Troops, 7th Wisconsin, 74th NY, and the 105th OVI. We also had about four members of the 23rd OVI who joined us because they didn't want to galvanize.

LOGISTICS:

The camp area for the Battalion was discussed and chosen ahead of time based on Col Waffler's suggestions and my familiarity with the facility. Our assigned area was a bit more private and surrounded by woods on three sides, with the road in front of us. This made load-in and load-out VERY easy. It was also a quick march to meet up with the rest of the Federal Army for drill and battle. Hale farm gave us our own two porta-johns. We had our own water trailer (which I kept eyeing as it was actually a rehabbed WWII model... hmm, wouldn't that look good in my collection...), and though wood was sometimes scarce, there were plenty of forage opportunities.

WEATHER:

What a relief after Manassas! Though the sun was sometimes intense, the air temp was in the upper 70s-lower 80s. Step into the shade and it was almost cool. The night time temps were in the 40s with the mornings being chilly, but making a good cup of coffee even more enjoyable. And... wait! No rain!! This can't be right?! What kind of reenactment is this!!?

COMBAT:

The Hale Farm battles have always been lacking. Maybe it was because this was my first year at the site as the Battalion CO, but they were at least a bit entertaining this time.

Saturday, we moved into the far woods with the 1st Battalion. The USCTs went out to drill with a platoon of sharpshooters on guard post. The 1st Battalion stayed on the edge of the woods, while we say back under the trees about fifty yards from the field.

Low and behold, Confederate muskets could be seen marching out of Hale Village and then into the pasture. The Berdans and USCTs took a defensive posture and began skirmishing with the arriving Rebs. The 1st Battalion formed up and headed across the field.

As the fight heated up, Birney's marched down the wooded road toward the sound of the guns, stopping at the edge of the tree line. The 1st Battalion, the sharpshooters, and our advanced company of USCTs got a good sock in the nose. The Rebs thought it was turning out to be a good day. At the appropriate signal from Col Waffler, we moved into the field, thru the gate in a column of fours, "by companies into line" to become a column of companies, and finally "forward into line" to present the Rebs with a fresh, larger, battalion (gulp!).

The long and short of it is, Col Perry of the ANV has always been known to try and flank the Union Army at our events. When the 2d Battalion sent a flanking unit out to fire into his right, the Rebs momentarily furrowed their brows and scratched their heads. 'Nuff said.

On Sunday, it was our turn to go out first and play. The scenario was very similar and we got beat up pretty bad at first. The 1st Battalion came on to the field and to lengthen the Union line. As expected, the Rebs moved a company to our far right. Lt Dave Woods had his rotation to command the 105th. I pointed in that direction and Dave took the entire company out to meet the flanking maneuver. As the volleys went back and forth, Dave and I looked at each other again from across the distance. With the command "press 'em", he took the company forward at the charge bayonet and the double-quick. Ooo weee! You should have seen those Rebs run. For a moment it looked like they may go all the way back to camp!

CONCLUSION:

I would like to thank all the Birney's folks that participated. What a great job was done by all! My thanks to Lt Bill Andrews for serving as my adjutant (as well as the other folks who pitched in to administratively run the Battalion).

Since my assignment to this post, I have been very pleased after every event to be a part of Birney's and a member of the 2d Battalion. We are so fortunate to have a group of people who enjoy each other's friendship and work so well together.

Your Servant,

Lt Col Christopher L. Smith
Commanding
Birney's Division, 2d Battalion

Posted by CL Smith @ 6:36 PM
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2009 2d Battalion Events Schedule

May – 22- 24 – Civil War Days
Burton Ohio (& - Lt Col Smith)
CLICK HERE for more information.

July – 25- 26 – Beaver Creek
Canfield, OH (& - Lt Col Smith)
Contact Col Unger for registration for registration.

August – 8-9 – Hale Farm
Bath, OH (& - Lt Col Smith)
CLICK HERE for registration.

September 18-20 – Battle on the Ohio-Erie Canal
Zoar, OH (& - Lt Col Smith)
CLICK HERE for registration.

CLICK HERE to view the entire Birney's Division 2009 schedule.