Birney’s Division - After Action Report – Hale Farm, 2010

This year was a big change for the event at Hale Farm and Village. Everything from the organizational structure to the camps and the battle scenarios themselves. For many months the staffs from the Army of the Ohio and the 2d Battalion of Birney’s Division, along with Medich’s Battalion on the Confederate side, have been working together with the HFV team to develop a whole new approach to the event.

The first major change was moving the Federal camps into the village. I have been putting that idea on the table for years. Filling the green up with military streets is something you have not seen at Hale in 12 years. It is an impressive site. I hope it worked out well for everyone and I would very much like to hear your feedback. We didn’t get any complaints as people came in. They seemed to be pretty happy with where they ended up. Before you send in the one gripe I am expecting, we know wood was an issue. HFV will continue to work on that. However, I did receive photos this morning of a great number of left over piles of wood in the camps. With that I wonder why we keep hearing of a shortage.

The other big change was to the battle scenarios. The over-all Federal Commander Col Bob Minton from the Army of the Ohio is quite a visionary when it comes to looking at a piece of ground and developing a unique combat scenario. Contributing to this was the addition of Confederate Cavalry. With 30 mounted riders and 150 Reb infantry, against just shy of 200 Federal rifles, plus artillery on both sides, this was the biggest and most even “dust up” at the sleepy little home of Jonathan Hale in quite a number of years.

Saturday:

The morning started off indicating things to come. Steamy and hot. Though the majority of the Federal Army didn’t know it, the Confederate forces would start this engagement by bringing the fight right into our camps in the village. Thank you so much to everyone who stood a guard post and especially the 5th Ohio Sharp Shooters and 83rd PA for their key roll in identifying the enemy as they approached.

Consisting of cavalry and infantry, the boys from the South hit the camps like a sledge hammer. 2d Battalion quickly got tangled with Rebs from two sides but we pushed them out of the back end of town as the 1st Battalion engaged to push them back through the middle. Once 2d Battalion moved Col Medich and his boys across the fence and into the North Pasture, we held up on the road waiting for the signal to move forward and cross the fence ourselves. This signal was in the form of Col Perry’s men being pushed out of town and across the fence about 100 yards further down the road by the 1st Battalion.

Let me take this moment to talk a little about scripted scenarios. I know there are many times when people in the ranks say or think, “Why aren’t we doing this?” or “Why are we doing it THIS way?” Though some things may seem odd at times, just remember I am guiding us through a scripted combat presentation that includes visual cues of when certain things are to happen. If the timing gets out of sync, you may have to idle until it realigns. It is just like a script for a movie or TV show. Everyone wants to see Rudolph fly, but you can’t until they sing the song about the Island of Misfit Toys (See… I bet you never thought you would read a reference to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” in an After Action Report, but there it is. Now you can tell your grandchildren about it).

Just at the moment things were getting back on track, someone went down with the heat. Saturday was in the mid-90s and the heat index was 109. That is a danger zone. With having already fought for a half hour in the village, and a lag time in the arrival of ice in the lines, people where overheating. The original plan was for the battle to explode out of the village and to see soldiers from both sides streaming over the fences as the fight moved into the pasture and in front of the spectators. Once we stood down while the ambulance attending to the person in need, it really let the wind out of our sails.

Though I think everyone would have been happy as clams if the battle had concluded with just the fight in the village, we had an obligation to the paying public to conduct the portion of the battle meant for them. I appreciate that some units had to retire. I also appreciate those who continued the fight once we got into the pasture. I will never ask you to do more than you are willing to do. One of my primary jobs at a Battalion Commander is to be concerned with your safety and to make sure you go home Sunday night in one piece.

The battle in the North Pasture seemed like it would be a simple task compared to the village but with Confederate cavalry swarming everywhere, we still had a way to go. 2d Battalion was to push the ANV across the field but the cav had slaughtered the 1st Battalion so Col Medich came after our flank. I wasn’t expecting that but he went after a target of opportunity as he should have. However, once we became entangled, I said F it (literally). I don’t want anyone in hand to hand and though we were supposed to win the day, I couldn’t see a way to stay on scenario as we were pined on all sides. The Colonel and I had a brief pow wow and he suggested that I leave someone guarding them and they would escape. Poor Sgt Maj Donahue got rifle-butted and Col Medich and his men pulled away to come at us again along with the cav, with Col Perry and the ANV still at our front. This must have been at this point where I dozed off, because when I woke up, we had “won”. How that happened, I have no idea! General Kelly and Gen Maffei from the Division were also on the field to support the boys from the Battalion. Maybe they saw something I missed, like… a Sherman tank that came to our aid!

Sunday:

After a good rain shower Saturday evening, the cooler temperatures on Sunday where welcomed. As is tradition, many reenactors began packing up the things they would not need in preparation for departure later that afternoon. There was also a lot of free time during the bulk of Sunday for church, sutlering, getting a wet plate photo taken, etc.

As we did at the Zoar event last year, Birney’s and Army of the Ohio held a Brigade Dress Parade.

From there we went to our staging area for the battle which took place in the North Pasture which would hold a number of surprises. The key to this battle was keeping the crowd looking over us from behind while we engaged the Confederates in the wooded heights. Eventually the Rebs would push us closer and closer to the spectators so they could feel as if they were in the fight right behind the main lines.

Though we “lost” on Sunday, the action made up for the unexpected stutter in the fight on Saturday. Many of you came off the field and said, “THAT was a hell of a fight!!”

As we say in the film and video business, it’s in the can. Another Hale Farm has come and gone with smiles all around and thoughts about next year already.

Just from my perspective, I have a number of people that I want to thank…

Col Minton for his planning and leadership, and the Army of the Ohio staff especially Col Rusche and Lt Buker. Good friends and good times.

To the Birney’s folks, Maj Gen Kelly and Brig Gen Maffei for coming over and seeing how we have fun in Ohio. Capt Penix and Lt Strichko for their EXEMPLARY work as adjutators. Maj Van Meter and again Capt Penix for operating the Battalion Wings. And Sgt Maj Donahue for coming over to lend his “find a way to get it done” talents and voice!

All of the soldiers and officers who busted their hump in the Battalion and made my job look easy (even if I don’t call for a right face before marching out sometimes).

Our "foes" Col Medich and Col Perry.

To Pam, Patty, Joy, Kristy and Jen for helping keeping Bob, Dave, the junior staff and I watered and fed along with their own Company.

Certainly not last, Kelly and Beth from HFV who, especially in the last month, tied this thing up with a nice little bow and made the event happen.

With the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War beginning next year, large regional events such as Hale Farm and Zoar are going to be as key to bringing history home to our neighbors and friends as national events such as Manassas and Gettysburg.

Respectfully Submitted:

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

Hale Farm - First Call!!

The first Birney's Division max effort event in Ohio is almost upon us. The 2010 Civil War reenactment at Hale Farm and Village will be August 13-15, 2010. As of today, there are over 600 reenactors registered.

At this time, I am asking for the following information from the units participating...

1. Unit name
2. Email contact
3. Number of military personnel
4. Number and type of tents
5. Are you already planning to merge with another company?

Please email this information as soon as possible to clsmith@5thohio.com

For directions to Hale Farm, visit their web site at http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/hale

Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing all of you there!


Your servant,
Lt Col Christopher Smith
Commanding, 2d Battalion

Upcoming Birney's Max-Effort Event

This is just a reminder to get your registrations turned in for Hale Farm, August 14-15 in Bath, OH. At our annual meeting last year, the Division chose this as a max-effort event. Things are looking good but we need to get the registrations turned in (especially from the units is PA). We want to have a 100 plus man battalion on that field. If there any cav and artillery units who wish to come, please contact me as soon as possible prior to registration.

The Federal Army will be made up of units from The Army of the Ohio, USVs, Vincent's Brigade and Birney's of course. The Confederates will consist of Medich's Battalion and the ANV.

For those of you in the Ohio who have not had the change to meet our commanding general and chief of Staff, both Maj Gen Kelley and Brig Gen Maffei will be there.

There will be a large engagement on Saturday and Sunday for the public that will introduce several new elements to what we have done before, and the much anticipated tactical has returned to the event just for the reenactors.

This will be the largest Hale Farm in years and for those who have never been to the facility, you are in for a treat. There is so much to see and do at this historical village and farm. Plus, the event holds what is considered the best Saturday night dance at any reenactment in the region.

CLICK HERE for registration information: http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/hale/augustdrumspage

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lt Col Smith at clsmith@5thohio.com

AAR: Funkstown

Greetings everyone,

The event at Funkstown this past weekend went very well. We had about 240 reenactors registered for the event up from 64 last year...the first year the town council took over the event.

A more reenactor friendly event you will not find as the participants from 1st Battalion and Artillery will attest to. Plenty of good wood, 5 gal bottled water and close at hand sinks...but, beyond that... The 97 PA string band was there all weekend, meal tokens issued for a Saturday meal of your choice at Fire Company stand (which served food at reasonable cost all weekend)and a Saturday evening fireworks display that was on par with any fourth of July display you will see. The cars were parked off site, out of view (but reasonably close) and they ran shuttles to parking when needed. Ice, on site 10 lb bags for a buck and a half...camping in shaded corpse of trees and everything very handy.

We foraged the town on Saturday morning and not only gathered a decent amount but were guests of the Hoffman family of Funkstown who provided a spread fit for a king. Country ham, pulled pork, fresh made lemonaide, all kinds of pies...etc....etc... After, foraging we did a morning street battle down Main street in Funkstown...was pretty decent. A well attended late afternoon early evening battle on the orginal battlefield (right next to camp) capped the day. Fireworks end kicked off the barn dance , music by the 97th Pa string band. Sunday morning, the fire company had a "all you can eat" breakfast $6 or use your meal token. Sunday also brought a 1 pm tatical that also went pretty well, done early and home in time to rest up.

It became very apparent that the whole town is supporting this event...so many folks (including Mayor and Council members)coming by and expressing thanks to the reenactors for being there. Always checking to see what was needed or wanted.The fire company also had an on site AC aid station and did blood pressure checks, hydration assesments and so forth...or was just a place to get cooled down quickly if needed.

A full but not hurried schedule for the weekend provided a relaxing and interesting event.

I appreciate the support of the Birney's units in attendance!

I think they would agree this little event is a real "gem"!

I remain, respectfully & c.....,

D. Rohrbaugh, Lieut. Col.
1st Battalion Birney's Division

First Call: Argus Park

This weekend will be the bi-annual Civil War reenactment at Argus Masonic Park in Canfield, Ohio. At this time I would like to as for the following information from any Federal units attending...

1. Name of unit and affiliation if any.
2. Number of military personnel attending.
3. Will your unit have an officer/nco in charge?

Please email this information to the Federal Commander Lt Col Christopher Smith at clsmith@5thohio.com.

When you arrive on site PLEASE see Maj Don Van Meter before you set up.

Help a fellow reenactor - used reenacting goods now listed

As I mentioned last week, I am helping a fellow reenactor and Freemason who has fallen ill. He is also a 30 year veteran of the US Army.

There is a wide variety of items for Rev War, F&I, Civil War and WWII reenactors. More will be going up next week. Especially the Rev and F&I goods. There will also be some weapons going up in the next few days.

Please visit www.ddayquartermaster.com and click on the link for USED REENACTING ITEMS.

Thank you!

Christopher Smith
Commanding, Birney's 2d Battalion

AAR: 147th Gettysburg

To: HDQTRS 1st Battalion, Birney’s, 1st Federal Division


Sir:

The following report is from 2nd Company, 1st Battalion, on the actions around and in the vicinity of Gettysburg, Penn.

Lead elements of the Battalion were already at a camp location about 5 miles outside of town when 2nd Company arrived. My company consisted of men who were transferred to my command when the campaign started. Troops of the 54th PVI, 142nd PVI, 11th PVI, and 5th Ohio Sharpshooters were combined under the command of myself, 1LT Guilliams, and 1LT Hicks. We arrived at the camp around 3 o’clock in the afternoon and began setting up company headquarters.

July 2nd : Our battalion along with elements of the 1st Federal Division and 2nd Division were engaged on the outskirts of town. 1LT Guilliams was in command of the company as CPT Murphy was assigned to be the Battalion Adjutant. 1LT Hicks was placed on sick call for the day and did not participate. After a brief encounter with two rebel regiments, we were forced to withdrawal. Casualties in my company were light with none killed and 2 wounded. Pickets were posted for the evening and the men bedding down for the night.

July 3rd : The battalion again was formed for action. We deployed with the brigade at a wheat field with a stone wall and spilt rail fence accompanied by a battery of artillery. After a stubborn defense at the wall, overwhelming numbers forced us to retire to the fence for another stand. After bloodying the rebels they were forced to halt their advance. The volume of fire from the battalion proved to be too much. I must say the fire from my men was outstanding. We held our position until darkness and then retired from the field back to our camp. Casualties for the company were 2 dead and 4 wounded.

July 4th: The Battalion was ordered to the center of the divisions line along a stone wall as a defensive rest. At around 3 o’clock the rebel artillery began to barrage our position with little effect, as the rounds were impacting behind the lines. After the barrage ceased, two North Carolina regiments advanced to our front. As they reached the Emmitsburg Road the brigade opened fire with a devastating effect. The closest the rebels got to the wall was about 15 feet. As the enemy withdrew a chant of “Fredericksburg” could be heard and soon was taken up by the men of our brigade. Most of them veterans of the attack on Fredericksburg.

The next morning our company was ordered to break camp to start with the pursue of the remnants of the Army of Northern Virginia. Scattered musket fire and artillery could be heard at the lead of the column but the company was not engaged.

All told our total casualties of the campaign were 2 dead and 6 wounded. This report is the best of my memory of the proceeding.

I remain sir, your most obedient servant,


M. Murphy, Captain
2nd Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Federal Division