AAR from this guy's perspective:

Arrived at Resaca on Friday early afternoon, after waiting for the rest of my Company to arrive set up camp in our usual spot when portraying Federal. Although our group was smaller than expected, we were able to work with a couple of other small units to combine to form a single company; fortunately our officers and NCOs brought their private uniforms as well so that the rank structure would be appropriate (Our Captain, their 1SG and 2 SG, our corporal). Spent a somewhat sleepless night on Friday due to the dramatic weather change. When initially bedding down by the fire, temperatures were rather warm and comfortable, by 2:00 AM, it was no longer warm enough for the single blanket and ground cloth I had brought and even with my sleeping cap, gloves, vest and sack coat on found it difficult to fight off the chill. Add to this an injured hamstring which made getting comfortable difficult and one can imagine the amount of sleep actually accomplished Arose at first light and prepared the fire for morning coffee.

On Saturday we fell in for the morning colors in what appeared to be four full companies forming the battalion. It was also nice to see many of my friends from the WIG as well although the guided tour of the battlefield after the event was rather different (more on that later). Saturday found us beginning our efforts directly in front of the spectator area while the confederate force attacked our fortified position. Working in company formation, we were able to drive them back to the railroad tracks before the hostilities ended. I was pleased to see a significant number of folks willing to take hits. Upon reforming to march of the field, the WIG being the first and second company proceeded to lead the battalion off the field via the scenic route by taking the west road instead of the east, this led us behind the spectators, by the vendor area, along the small pond, and eventually back to camp. A number of grumbles could be heard through the rest of the battalion based on this decision. Although somewhat better prepared the second night with a much larger stack of firewood and extra straw to try and support my injured leg but was still only able to muster a very few hours of rest.

Sunday found us once again behind the breastworks directly in front of the spectators. This time however once we deployed, we did so in open order where my company seems to excel. We witnessed two companies of confederates approach from the east woods across the railroad where they were engaged by our cavalry and one company of infantry. The cavalry dismounted and worked a support role as we moved forward to reinforce the single company of infantry who were working to delay the advance of the confederates. With this joint effort we were able to eventually push the confederate companies back into a ravine where we were able to cut them off before advancing to one of their artillery batteries. Upon our approach to the battery, their cavalry came in to try to repel us. We quickly rallied by fours and were able to repel the efforts of the cavalry before the bugle once again sounded the end of the engagement, a few minutes more and I believe the gun would have been ours. The entire Sunday engagement lasted about an hour and a half and saw intense fighting and once again a number of casualties spread along the field.

I want to thank the organizers for a pleasant and enjoyable event, all of the reenactors who came out (reports were that there were in excess of 600 reenactors present). Also hats off to the drummers and fifers of the 125th Ohio as well as the buglers and signal corps that added that extra bit of authenticity to the event. I also only saw one soldier that needed medical treatment for what appeared to be a sprained ankle so overall it was a very safe event as well. Unfortunately, I was not able to meet with everyone I had hoped to so if I missed you, you have my sincerest apologies and I hope to see you at a future event. I’m interested in seeing others AARs as I can only report on what I saw from my company’s perspective.

Bob,

I understand there's a range of reenacting styles participating at Resaca. How does that work out?

Quite well IMHO. The campaigners camped just off of the mainstream area but not totally separated. Many of the mainstreamers involved are actually well drilled as well. As long as everyone knows what to expect a good time can be had by all (there will be a certain amount of farbiness from time to time as you would expect).

Just a minor point, but the Federal campaigner company at the event was composed of the Armory Guard and SCAR. This was put together by Tripp Corbin. although there were WIG members in teh company, it was not a WIG company.

Regards,
Jim Butler

Jim,

I now stand corrected. Of course most folks in the Armory Guards and SCAR are also members of the WIG which at the time is where I knew them from. I made the connection due to Trip being so active with both units and since he was the one that put it together I made an incorrect assumption. Note though I did mention seeing my friends from the WIG without assigning credit for the event directly to the WIG. BTW, I am also now a member of the Armory Guards as well, officially joined at Kennesaw last weekend.  

--Last edited by toptimlrd on 2007-08-04 00:09:08 --

You won't go wrong with the Armory Guards, great group of guys! The Armory Guards are a member group of the WIG, but SCAR and none of its members are WIG members. SCAR is an umbrella group of similairly-minded groups/messes. See www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar

My hope is that we will fall in with the Armory Guards at future events and hope the favor is reciprocated as well.

Regards,
Jim Butler