Birney's Division 2d Battalion News

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AAR: Fredericksburg at Zoar a weekend to remember

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:36:00 +0000

I have finally thawed out enough to write a report on the events in Zoar, Ohio this last weekend. The 51st OVI has hosted a winter encampment as part of the Christmas in Zoar event in years past, but this was the first time a battle was held to commemorate the engagement in Fredericksburg, Virginia during December of 1862.

First lets just say to was COLD. Sixteen degrees Friday night, and by Sunday the wind and snow had whipped up a might fierce. Even with a small heater in my quarters, the wind just seemed to carry it away and the eight inch icicles hanging off of the sides of my tent were a testament to the challenges a reenactor faced this weekend.

But, the fires were large and wood was plenty! Food too. More than one wonderful meal of chili was enjoyed by the troops. And coffee was always on. Despite the weather, I can't think of a better place to be than in the company of such fine fellows from Birney's 2nd Battalion and The Army of the Ohio.

Numbers were smaller but that was to be expected. Two companies of Federals (about forty men) faced about seventeen Confederates. Lt Col Chuck Rusche and his Adjutant Lt John Buker from the Army of the Ohio administrated the overall command, while myself and Lt Kirkwood saw to the set up and provisions for the troops.

The engagement began fighting the Confederates through the streets of "Fredericksburg" as they attempted to slow our advance through town. The smaller force was pushed back across the open ground to "Marye's Heights" were they took cover behind fence near the bakery.

A company of our men moved into the open field and advanced in skirmish, being forced to withdraw under withering Confederate fire. The 2nd company advanced but was beaten back as well.

The scenario concluded as our own Bob Penix portrayed Sgt Kirkland, the Angel of Marye's Heights, moving among the dispatched Federal troops, giving them water and words of comfort.

Sunday's battle was a repeat of this scenario. However, the increasing snow forced a number of troops to retreat home. Smaller numbers on Sunday saw us field a single company but fun was had by all.

This was a different weekend to say the least. The environment offered a challenge and a true soldier's experience. Even with cold feet, I would not have traded it for the world! We learned that canteens freeze fast, and heel plates build up inches of ice in minutes when walking in the snow.

My thanks to Grant Kirkwood for his adjutating and fire building skills. I am sure it it could be seen from Canada. Also to Chuck and John for their leadership. I look forward to playing with the Army of the Ohio during the upcoming season.

A special thanks goes out to Mark Gaynor of the 51st OVI for all of his hard work to make this happen. Mark is also the lead on the Zoar event in September and 2d Battalion will be there in force in 2009!

For those of you who missed it (or just want to make sure you remember being frozen this past weekend for some reason), here is a link to some fantastic photos from Andy Donaldson.

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=christmas+in+zoar

Respectfully Submitted:

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

Events for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Official word is still forthcoming from Birney's Divisional command. However, here is a quick look at what was discussed at the meeting in Gettysburg.

National max-effort events will be the 145th New Market, Old Bedford Village, and the 145th Cedar Creek.

All other events will be regional events conducted by the two battalions.

2d Battalion has these events on the list at this time: Battalion Spring Drill (April), Burton (May), Beaver Creek (July this year), Hale Farm (August).

More information will follow.

Yearly Division planning meeting

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:44:00 +0000

The annual Birney's Division planning meeting will be held on Friday, November 21st, at 7 pm. The location will be the Hoss's Restaurant on Route 30 EAST of Gettysburg (near Walmart).

This meeting is held to discuss event planning for the 2009 campaign. Units should try and have a representative at the meeting if possible.

AAR: Perryopolis

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:46:00 +0000

With much regret, this report comes late. The campaign has been hard this year, and paperwork is running behind.

During the first weekend of October, the two battalions of Birney’s Division were quite fortunate to attend one of the best regional events I have witnessed in a number of years. Perryopolis is located just south east of Pittsburgh in a warm and wonderful community. The location of the event is a park which features an off-the-beaten-path rural area that has been turned over to reenactors to develop as they see fit.

If you have not been there, you don’t know what you are missing. A true reenactor’s play ground featuring trenches, buildings (including a two story barracks with wood stove). The modern intrusions are so out of sight that it REALLY gets dark at night.

The highlight for me was the battles. One would think that a small regional event could not offer anything exciting, but you would be wrong! Not only does the battlefield layout offer some new twists with the Petersburg style trenches, but the burning hay stacks and motion picture style ground charges make you feel like you were in the middle of some serious mischief.

Without going in to the details on the battles (where we had a hell of a lot of fun), I would like to say we did well with a moderate number of troops. It is a shame that more of you have not taken the time to put this event on your schedule. With 100 men on each side, this event could create some magic moments to match a few slices of the larger national events (without all of the cost and hassle).

The national events are few and far between folks. If we don’t support the regional events then we are not going to have those either.

The Birney’s Division meeting is Friday night of Remembrance Day. I will be putting out information on events shortly after. When you have your unit meetings, start looking at some of the places you wished you had gone, but didn’t put on the schedule.

Your servant,

C.L. Smith, Lt Col
Commanding

Registration for Fredericksburg in Zoar

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:14:00 +0000

The link below is the registration for the Fredericksburg event in Zoar, Ohio on December 5-7, 2008. Please get with your units and find out who is planning to attend so we have a firm grip on numbers.

If you have an any questions, please don't hesitate to email clsmith@5thohio.com

Click here to download the registration form.

2d Battalion at Perryopolis

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:54:00 +0000

We are just one week away from the reenactment at Perryopolis. The company structure and 2d Battalion camp layout can be downloaded at the link below.

CampLayoutPerryopolis08.pdf

If any units have questions, please get in touch with me at clsmith@5thohio.com

Drive safe and I will see you there!

Your Servant,
Christopher Smith, Lt Col

Update on Perryopolis

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:01:00 +0000

We have some initial numbers for 2d Battalion at Perryopolis

2d Battalion Staff - 3
61st OVI - 6
78th PVI - 7
105th OVI - 13
5th OVI / 74th NY - 6
83rd PVI / 5th OSS - 11

Total: 46

Please email clsmith@5thohio.com if you know of any changes or other units attending.

First Call: Perryopolis!

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:51:00 +0000

The last Birney's Division max effort even for the year is just a few short weeks away. Perryopolis will be held in PA on October 3-5, 2008. This event recreates the fight in the trenches of Petersburg and features fortifications, a large battlefield, and motion picture style pyro!

At this time, all 2d Battalion companies please send the following information to clsmith@5thohio.com:

1. Will your unit be attending the event?
2. How many military personnel will you have?
3. Will there be an officer or NCO in charge?

You can visit the Perryopolis info page at this link: http://www.birneysdivision.org/perryopolis.htm. You can also download the registration form (walk ons are welcome).

First Call - Beaver Creek!

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:09:00 +0000

Our next event for Birney's 2d Battalion will be Beaver Creek (East Liverpool, OH) on September 12-14. As you remember last year, we had an outstanding time and it is a wonderful location

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

Thunder Valley AAR

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:31:00 +0000

A combined force of one company of Infantry and one Company of Cavalry under the command of Capt. Bob Penix and Lt. Grant Kirkwood made a reconnaissance into an area outside of McKean, Pa known as Thunder Valley. Friday evening we were able to enjoy a pig roast while the 6th Ohio Cavalry picketed the perimeter to our front. We could see the Reb's campfires as they moved about their camp.

Saturday morning I had the company fall in for a little skirmish drill to sharpen our skills a bit. I had troops detached from the 23rd Ohio, 111th Pa, and 7th Wisconsin for this recon. They had all worked together before so drill was short and sweet.

That afternoon we advanced to the edge of the valley and sent the mounted scouts out. The scouts immediately made contact with the Reb's advance guard, dismounted and formed a skirmish line that held the Reb force in check until we could form up and come to their support.

We kept up our fire to hold their attention while the Cavalry remounted and rode around their flank and attacked the Rebs from the rear. We successfully performed a pincer movement causing Capt. Paul Baltzer to surrender his company and be taken prisoner.

After a short discussion with a crowd of locals that had gathered to see the commotion, we removed the prisoners from the field and paroled them.

Later that evening I sent Lt. Kirkwood out with a small detail to recon the woods to the south. Lt. Kirkwood engaged some Rebs doing the same thing and a running skirmish ensued that netted us a few more prisoners.

Saturday night was cool and a pleasant evening was passed listening to some musicians from the 111th Pa. while some of our troops danced with the local ladies.

Early Sunday morning our pickets reported Rebs moving in the woods to our South. Lt. Kirkwood and I took a platoon of Infantry in from the North and the horse soldiers went into the woods from the East and West. My squad jumped the Reb line and engaged in a fierce firefight. They began to envelope us and the situation was looking bad when the Cavalry crashed through the brush and captured all the Reb with little effort.

Later that morning we were able to attend a worship service with a Confederate Chaplin that came through our pickets to preach the Gospel.

That afternoon I took a small detail of infantry and a squad of mounted cavalry out for a short recon through the woods to our East. The cavalry scouts soon made contact with Reb horse soldiers and opened fire. I brought my infantry up at the double to support the troopers but the force in front of us soon received reinforcements and began pushing us back to the tree line. Their cavalry got into our rear and I was forced to surrender my detail to Capt. Baltzer who chose to remove us from the field under cavalry escort with the intention of executing all of us.

Many thanks to our hosts at Thunder Valley Stables for another great weekend. The pig roast and all the fixin's was worth the trip by itself. It's a great place to camp and the folks there treated us like royalty.

It's not often we get to work closely with mounted troops and I enjoyed it immensely. The troopers from the 6th Ohio Cavalry were the show. They are pleasant to work with and very professional. If you missed this event you should plan to attend next year. It's a short drive from northeast Ohio and well worth the trip.

Faithfully submitted by Capt. Bob Penix - Adjutant, 2nd Batallion
Birney's Division
Army of the Potomac

Hale Farm AAR

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:17:00 +0000

A special thanks to Rod Johnson for these great pics from Hale Farm. As always, Birney's 2d Battalion had a great time.

Click here to see all of the photos.

More photos from the Gettysburg 145th

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:47:00 +0000

Thanks to Dale Leach of the 13th US, here is a great collection of pics from Gettysburg.

Click Here

2d Battalion Camp at Hale Farm

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:59:00 +0000

Maj Van Meter and I did a site survey of the 2d Battalion camp at Hale Farm. This set up will be in the same place as last year but configured a bit differently.

Click Here: to download a map of the camp set up: Hale2008Camp.jpg

There is a specific area reserved for families with wall tents and flys. Families can also camp in the main family camp area by the Hale House if they so desire.

MILITARY PERSONNEL: PLEASE see Maj Van Meter when you arrive for your company street assignment. He will arrive at Noon on Friday. Please do not place your tent until you have reported to him.

Company assignments are:

1st Company - 5th OVI (including the 51st OVI and 74th NY)
2nd Company - 4th OVI, Co. E
3rd Company - 4th OVI, Co. B
4th Company - 105th OVI

Have a safe trip and I will see you this weekend.

Your Servant,
C.L. Smith, Lt Col

Perryopolis registration on-line

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:52:00 +0000

Sorry for the delay everyone. The registration information for our event in Perryopolis, PA is now on-line. Click here.

Just a little teaser for the event... Depending on the weather, for those units who wish to, we will be marching out of camp and sleeping in the trenches Saturday evening. This will give us an opportunity to get an idea of what the soldiers went through late in the war.

Again, this is strictly voluntary and depends on the weather (your battalion commander doesn't like to sleep in the mud any more than you do!).

Your Servant,
C.L. Smith, Lt Col

Fredericksburg in Zoar

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:01:00 +0000

As we have all experienced with the outragious gas prices, events closer to home are looking more and more appealing. Mark Gaynor of the 51st Ohio and I have been in touch regarding a new small event this December in Zoar, Ohio.

The Angel of Marye's Heights - Battle for Fredericksburg will be held on December 6-7, 2008. It will feature a winter encampment and battle in the streets.

I am trying to get three or four companies together who want to participate in this unique event. If you have ever been to Zoar Village in the winter, you can really appreciate what Fredericksburg must have been like in 1862.

Please talk to your pards and drop me an email in the next month. Visit the Zoar web site at http://www.zca.org/. You can download the information flyer at the link below...

Battle_of_Fredericksburg.pdf

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

Argus Park AAR

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:06:00 +0000

Head Quarters 2nd Battalion - Birney's Division

25 - 27 July 1863

Camped outside Canfield Ohio

We established our camp Friday afternoon on ground picked by Major Don Van Meter the day before. Water and fire wood were plentiful and it was lovely ground.

We were aware of Confederate activity in the area but felt there was no immediate threat. Friday evening was passed relaxing around the fires with a few rounds of malt beverage , tobacco and story telling.

Saturday morning came with a promise of another hot day but there was work to be done. After roll call the Army went to breakfast while Lt. Col. Smith met with his War Counsel to decide what to do about the Rebs in the area.

At 8:30 AM we formed two companies of infantry to make a sweep of the woods to the East of Camp. We immediately made contact with Reb pickets and were able to push them back with little resistance. After a short advance we encountered a two gun Battery. With few casualties the second company was able to capture one gun and drive the other off.

The first company , after determined resistance by the Reb pickets, were able to drive them from their rifle pits and out of the woods before them.

There was a Dress Parade at 12:30 PM at which time some members of Argus Lodge presented Lt. Col. Smith with a sword that had been owned by Col. Nash of the 19th O.V.I. while in the service of his country.

At about 13:30 hours the Battalion was formed for a recon in strength to ascertain the where abouts of the enemy. We made contact with Reb skirmishers who were covered by a Battery of Artillery to there rear . Our Artillery returned fire but neither was able to inflict much damage.

We were able to drive their main body back to their reserves that were taking cover in a deep crater . The enemy was entrenched behind a stone wall and inflicted heavy casualties on the Battalion.

We retreated to a position of safety to regroup and attend to our wounded. The next day would decide our fate.

After an evening of rain showers (as usual) and some dancing in the pavilion to some local musicians a pleasant night was passed.

Sunday rose sunny but less humid and , after our morning rations were consumed , we were able to attend Worship services with a local minister.

Shortly after Dress Parade the pickets reported that the enemy was approaching. The Battalion was formed and marched out to meet our foe.

Our Artillery, ably commanded by Capt. Bill Smith, responded to the enemy's barrage. After driving off their guns, our skirmishers rallied on our main body and we began the advance. We pushed the Rebs back to their reserves behind the same stone wall. But , this time, Lt. Col. Smith sent 4th company to bate the Rebs into coming out of their entrenchments. Capt. Jim Duvaul gamely took his company into the Lion's den to be sacrificed.

The Rebs took the bate , believing they were about to finish off the remnants of Birney's Division. But the "Meat Grinder" was up to the task at hand and ended the day victoriously.

Many thanks to the members of Argus Lodge for putting together another wonderful event. The meals were awesome, especially Saturday's chicken dinner . We also want to thank Brother Don Van Meter for all his hard work. Also , many thanks to Brother Wayne Unger for putting together a formidable Confederate force that made us work for every foot of ground .

This event will be alternating with Beaver Creek here after so I'll be eagerly looking forward to the next one.

Faithfully submitted by your humble servant, Capt. Bob Penix
who could not have done every thing necessary with out the help of 1st Lt. Grant Kirkwood

After Action Report of Adjutant - 2nd Battalion - Birney's Division - Army of the Potomac.

First Call - Hale Farm

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:19:00 +0000

It is that time of the year again. Hale Farm is upon us. This is a max effort event for 2d attalion and I would like to see all units try to participate.

Please send the following information as soon as possible:

1. Will your unit be participating?
2. How many military personnel?
3. Will an officer or NCO be in charge?

If you have not registered for the event, you can click here for the forms and information.

I am looking forward to seeing you there. We always like to make a big showing at this event!

Your Servant
Christopher Smith, Lt Col

Gettysburg pics

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:44:00 +0000

The 145th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg is now history itself. Click Here to enjoy some of the pics.

Thanks to David Strichko of the 5th Ohio Sharp Shooters, Tom Simich of the 5th Ohio, Vern Woodruff of the 4th Ohio, and Rob Shick of the 66th Ohio.

First Call: Argus Park

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:20:00 +0000

Our next event for Birney's 2d Battalion will be Argus Park (Canfield, OH) on July 25-27. At this time I need to get the following information from each unit:

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. There is a free chicken dinner for all reenactors Saturday night followed by a dance. Go to www.apcivilwar.com for more information.

Your servant,
C.L. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel

Video from 145th Gettysburg

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:04:00 +0000

We are in the process of putting together an online photo album of Birney's Division at the 145th Gettysburg reenactment. In the meantime, check out this video of Pickett's Charge on Sunday.

Registration links

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:33:00 +0000

Please be advised that the registration links for Hale Farm and Perryopolis have been posted. Visit the events page at www.birneysdivision.org.

145th Gettysburg: Order of Battle

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:20:00 +0000

Well it is almost here. The biggest reenactment in a long time. For all of you who are going to attend from Birney's 2d Battalion, the following is the Order of Battle for the Battalion and some other information you need to know!

1st Federal Division, 2d Brigade, 2d Battalion:

Battalion Commander - Lt Col Christopher Smith
Battalion Adjutant - Lt Grant Kirkwood
Battalion Sergeant Major - Sgt Maj Paul Freeman

Right Wing Commander - Maj Don Van Meter
Left Wing Commander - TBD

1st Company - 83rd PVI (5th SS, 13th US Regulars, 155th PVI) - 36
2d Company - 105th OVI - 38
3rd Company - 4th OVI (Color Company) - 18
4th Company - 61st OVI - 14
5th Company - 5th OVI - 15

121 personnel total

Camps:

The camps will be formed in standard company streets. When you arrive, see the Brigade Adjutant Capt Murphy for your assignment. PLEASE remember, only dog or A-tents in the streets. Company officer wall tents and flys are at the head of the streets. If you have familys attending with wall tents, they will be placed on the parameter of the Brigade camp by the Brigade Adjutant.

Pig Roast:

Birney's Division will be hosting a Pig Roast Saturday evening in camp. There is a battle at 5 pm so dinner will be served at 8 pm. The cost is $8 per person and includes pig and fixins. Please RSVP to Will with the number of people and unit name. First come, first served. Limited to 150 people. Send RSVP as soon as possible to fretsnomor238@adelphia.net.

Battalion Evolutions:

Some of you have asked me for a "cheat sheet" to the standard battalion maneuvers we will need to know this weekend. You can download this resource here... BattalionEvolutions.pdf

Battles:

For those of you who may not have attended one of these BIG events, please remember that things move fast and furious. The engagements will be like nothing you have experienced before...

Friday, 1:30 pm: "The Devil's to Pay", First Day Struggle at Willoughby Run

Friday, 6:00 pm: "Holding the High Ground", Defending East Cemetery Hill

Saturday, 5:00 pm: "Hold The Line", Gallant Rally at the Klingle Farm

Sunday, 3:00 pm: "The High Tide Crashes", Pickett's Charge

Officer's Call:

There will be a meeting of company officers, 1st Sergeants, and battalion staff at the 2d Battalion HQ Friday at 9:00 pm.

I HIGHLY encourage you to visit http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/ to read the FAQ and update sections. I also HIGHLY encourage you to forward this email to everyone in your company for their benefit.

This event will be something you are not soon to forget. I am looking forward to seeing all of you there!

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

FIRST CALL!!! - 145th Gettysburg

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:46:00 +0000

This is the big one folks. I am in the process of organizing the battalion and laying out the companies. I need the following information ASAP:

1. How many military personnel are going to attend?
2. Will an officer/NCO be in charge?
3. When will you arrive on site?

With over 10,000 reenactors expected, this is going to be one of the largest events in recent years.

Your Servant,
Chris Smith, Lt Col

Old Bedford Village AAR

noreply@blogger.com (CL Smith) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:21:00 +0000

I want to thank all of the 2d Battalion members that made it out to OBV this past weekend. It was a hot one, but I think it got a little more of the rust off for Gettysburg.

The battles really showed how hard it was to communicate back then. But the highlight was the film production level pyro. It was was a real hoot!

Your Servant,
Chris Smith, Lt Col