Birney's Division 2d Battalion News

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

First Call for Old Bedford Village

Our next event for Birney's 2d Battalion will be Old Bedford Village (Bedford, PA) on June 20-22. At this time I need to get the following information from each unit in the 2d:

1. Will your unit be attending?
2. How many soldiers?
3. Will you have an officer/NCO in charge

Please get this information to me as soon as possible. To register for the event, click here.

Your servant,
C.L. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel

Posted by CL Smith @ 3:50 PM
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Burton 2008 AAR

You could not ask for better weather than that which we experienced this weekend at Century Village in Burton, Ohio for the annual Civil War Days reenactment. Mid 60s and 70s. Cool breeze and sunny, with a crisp temperature in the mid 40s at night.

2d Battalion made a good showing with about 82 soldiers, and the US Vs brought about the same. With 55 Confederates, it made for a nice match up.

I sat with overall commanders General Waffler (North) and Colonel Perry (South) to discuss the scenario. As everyone knows, Burton is known as the "Battle of the Soccer Field". I think we did some interesting things this year to make it a little more exciting. The ambush scenario still needs tweaked. The Rebs need better cover.

My congratulations to Bob Penix, 2d Battalion Adjutant on his promotion to Captain. Mr. Penix has really been a key playing in making this unit come together.

Submitted:
C.L. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding, 2d Battalion
Birney's Division

Posted by CL Smith @ 10:20 AM
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

School of Instruction AAR

The Birneys School of Instruction was held this past weekend at Camp Markle, West Newton PA. This was our (105th PVI) first attempt at hosting an event and I must say guys I was impressed!

Our day started on Saturday with a hearty breakfast after which we went to the field for a day filled with drill and instruction conducted by Lt Col Smith and staff. The school was enjoyed by all and many said they would sleep well that night. We had our live fire competition after drill and as advertised the winner walked away with $100.00. The evening started off with an excellent prime rib dinner followed by a trip to the Markle home for a look at original artifacts and photos of Camp Markle.

An early morning rain on Sunday gave our troops a much needed rest with reveille being held back a bit, but soon we had clear skies. Dress Parade was held and the Battalion was formed
for our march into town giving the position of color guard to Frank and Howie Markle who proudly walked in their ancestors footsteps. The march ended at the original train station where
we received bibles and sewing kits from the citizens, and the local scouts presented us with a Sewickley Rifles flag.

To sum it up the food was great all the amenities were on hand, and the School of Instruction was superb. Mixed in with an unbeatable touch of living history. Thanks to the Markle
family and especially Sgt Roebuck who did most of the work. I can honestly say it was a profound experience to walk that close to history. See you next year.

YOS,
Capt Rob Towarnicki
105th PVI, Co. E

My thanks to Gen Kelley, Col Maffei, Col Sever, Col Meyer, Lt Col Freeman, Capt Rob, Lt Penix, Lt Andrews, and most especially Sgt Roebuck and Sgt Maj Donahue, for all of their help and hard work to pull this weekend off. The location was historic and enjoyable. I hope all of you will consider an event there next year.

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

Posted by CL Smith @ 1:02 PM
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Monday, May 19, 2008

2nd Call for Burton

Next weekend is the first 2008 event for 2d Battalion (Century Village, Burton, Ohio). I have had a few responses to my first call for participation and numbers. Here is what we have so far...

Battalion Staff: 2
Hospital Detachment: 4
4th OVI: 7
5th OVI: 15
5th Sharp Shooters: 8
42nd PVI: 1
74th NY: 4
82nd OVI: 5
83rd PVI: 7

There are still some units that I know are attending but have not heard from. Please get me a head-count of military personnel no later than Wednesday. I will be laying out the company structure and need as much information as possible.

You can email me at clsmith@5thohio.com

Posted by CL Smith @ 2:15 PM
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Directions to Camp of Instruction

From the North:

Take I-79 South to PA Turnpike. Go East on I-76 to New Stanton exit. Take I-70 West To PA Rt-31. Go West to PA Rt-136. Make a right and travel East approximately 2-1/2 miles. Camp is on the right.

From the West:

Take I-70 East to PA Rt-51 North to PA Rt-136 East. Go through the town of West Newton to top of the hill. Rt-136 turns left. Camp is approximately 2-1/2 miles on right.

From the East:

Take I-76 West to New Stanton exit and follow the directions from North.

Posted by CL Smith @ 10:58 AM
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Friday, May 09, 2008

First Call for Burton

The reeancting season is spooling up fast (next weekend is the Birney's School of Instruction). At the end of the month will be our first event of the season. Civil War Days at Century Village in Burton on the 23rd and 24th.

Please, all units respond with the following information:

1. Is your unit planning to attend?
2. How many military personnel?
3. Will there be an officer or NCO in charge?

REMEMBER... units that are not members of Birney's Division are more than welcome to participate as part of the battalion!

Please respond with your information no later than May 16th.

Posted by CL Smith @ 8:54 AM
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Beaver Creek update

One of our 2d Battalion max-effort events this year is Beaver Creek (Sept 13-14 in East Liverpool, OH). As many of you remember, last year was the first year for the event and everyone agrees it was a fantastic reenactment.

More improvements are in store for this year so make plans to attend. The registration for is now available. Click here to download it.

Posted by CL Smith @ 8:48 AM
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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.