Well folks, at long last I have seen the elephant, and I'm hooked!  I attended an event in Toledo OH last weekend.  I had a blast!  I still have alot to learn with battalion drill and skirmsh drill, but I didn't do too bad I must say.  I just do my best to follow the vets, and I don't mind if someone grabs me by the coat to correct a screw-up.  

What I feared most happened though.  I was in the rear rank for every battle.  But I can proudly say that I fired over my pard's shoulder without incident.  It was good for my confidence actually.  

I also learned two important lessons.  Always wear 2 pairs of socks (my heals started to rub raw after awhile with just on pair), and long cotton underdrawers.  Sunday got quite warm, so I ran to the sutler and bought a pair.  What a difference!

My legs felt like they wear going to fall off by the end of the event, but I'm assuming I'll get used to shoes and the marching, and that won't be an issue.  It was great!

P.S. Mods, feel free to move this if it's in the wrong spot.  

--Last edited by TheBaldYankee on 2007-05-24 07:58:23 --

Sounds to me like you had a good time and learned some valuable lessons. So, What did you see that you liked? And of course, what did you see you didn' think too much of? I'd like to see a "fresh fish" opinion.

Well, I liked the the Yanks and Rebs were pretty evenly matched, free dinner for the soldiers on Saturday, no shortage of hay, water , or fire wood.  

Was not too keen on the battlefield.  It was tricky, rough terrain.  Very hard to keep formation, and alot of guys were tripping, but it had good hills and a copse of trees that the rebs used in one battle, for cover.  I also wish there was more than 2 sutlers, but they were good ones.  Cedar Creek, and Ezra Barnhouse were there.  But I think it's too early for me to gripe too much.  My overall experience was great.

Oddly the most fun I had was the first battle when we got whipped, and had make a quick retreat off the field.  It was a kind of a rush. Second was the second battle.  We were ordered to charge down this hill.  We pushed the rebs back and took some prisoners.  I like how they kept the outcome secret from the soldiers.  It made it alot more fun.

My favorite part of Sunday was when a Johnny went down after I shot at him, then the man next to him got me.  I did my best at a dramatic death.

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TheBaldYankee wrote : I also learned two important lessons.  Always wear 2 pairs of socks (my heals started to rub raw after awhile with just on pair), and long cotton underdrawers.  Sunday got quite warm, so I ran to the sutler and bought a pair.  What a difference!

Ahhh  The 2 lessons that are quite valuable.  Take care of your feet and your sensitive areas.  It is no fun to be at an event and be lame for the weekend because of sore feet from poor care or to not be able to walk or move because you are chaffing or uncomfortable somewhere else.

Sounds like you had a good time and a good file partner who was comfortable with you in the rear rank.  

Ahh...drawers do serve a purpose don't they?  A long time ago at Perryville and being drawerless, I looked down and saw blood protruding from my right inner thigh.  I didn't know what it was at first, nor did it hurt.  When I was resting and not moving was when the pain set in.  OMG!  I called Daley on that Monday and ordered a pair!

Looks like you learned how hard it is to keep formation over rough ground. Imagine if someone was actually shooting at you.

Anthony,

A couple of tips for drill. Make sure you know who's on your left and right. At the end of any movement, if these guys are still on your left and right, you did okay. If a movement gets completly messed up and the formation ends up in a ball. Look at the guy next to you, shake your head and make sure everybody knows it was his fault. This is much the same as diverting the blame for a silent, but deadly, fart to sombody else.  

I'm glad you had a good time. Welcome to the Hobby.    

--Last edited by Bill on 2007-05-24 21:58:35 --

Bill,
Being new at this and not having had the experience of "seeing the elephant" I like your advice.  It was the same when I was in high school marching band.  I could never remember where to go, etc. so I always knew to follow this one gal or guy and wind up between them.

I'm getting the hang of much of the drill but with rough terrain and Rebs shooting back I'll keep your thoughts in mind.

Tom,

Good seeing you today!  Don't worry about that darn elephant...you will know when you see it.  If you are going to Newark, you will see something of it.  I will not be there, but will be thinking of you boys.

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Ken Cornett wrote : Tom, Good seeing you today!  Don't worry about that darn elephant...you will know when you see it.  If you are going to Newark, you will see something of it.  I will not be there, but will be thinking of you boys.

Speaking of Newark (aka Granville, or Infirmary Mound Park) I'll be there with the 51st OVI.  If anyone's going stop by and say hello, and pick up your raffle tickets while your there.  Our Grand prize is a repro 1862 Henry Rifle, your choice of caliber.  Proceeds are going to purchase a Regimental Flag.  We hope to have it, and a full color guard for the Zoar event.