BACKWATERS AARs

[ColdSteele]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

More like Back Breaker 1865!

I had the distinct honor to be 2nd Sergeant of C Company, 63rd Indiana. I must say, I was never so proud to see 1st and 2nd platoons Company C moving about as platoons, street fighting as if they had done it together for years!

Saturday night solidified for me the suffering and misery that must have been felt. The rain, the cold, the lack of sleep and then asking men to pack up in near total darkness. Hats off to the privates who endured the lonely post 5 in the pitch black that night!

Thanks to Cpl Parrott (Ian Fullford) and Cpl Waltz (Frank Perkin) for doing such a grand job as 2nd platoon NCO's! You kept your men ready and disciplined - which was a predominant reason the Federals were able to react in the redoubt as we did to on Saturday. Private Mott stood his post 1, which allowed me to get valuable information to the officers of enemy troop movements.

Lieutenants Will Eichler and Jeremy Bevard did an incredible job as our company officers. They asked a lot from the men and I am proud to have seen the men give it to them. Some of the finest officers I served with.

Capt Owens is definitely a commander I want to fall in with again! He listened to the NCO's, cared for the men and came about an inch from wolluping a Reb who, during the attack, climbed the redoubt wall and stole his hat. A comical, but with visible retraint, Capt Owens sent him to rear as yet another prisoner - AFTER retrieving his hat.

As for Hank, the rapist - in keeping period conversation and first person, I recognized your concern for hypothermia when you mentioned that very "non period" word. From that modernism, I went and retrieved the Parson for you to help you with your needs and concerns. Which I hope it did - perhaps not, but I did try to get you help. I commend you for you conduct and persona that you brought to Company C, even though guarding you was somewhat tedious for Sgt Myer and I.

Overall, I had a great time suffering with all you men! The only comment that I might have - keeping the column together in the forced march might have been accomplished more if we actually KNEW what it was. I truly believe, that given the unit integrity that had been established over the weekend, that knowledge of us being needed in a fight would have spurred us on together.

Good Show Boys!

Joseph Zeigler
2nd Sergeant
63rd Indiana, Company C

[elcid01]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

Mr Steele,
You did a fine job as a NCO and set the example for what right looks like! Bully job! Hope to see more of C Company MEN at RTM in the 26th NY VOL.

Cheers,
skip

[BenjaminLDavis]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

219 Total registered.

170 Signed in at registration and were active on Saturday morning.

142 Men were active at the start of the march on Sunday morning.

In 24 Hours of active campaigning, 24 men were attrited.

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Federals had 74 Registered

Total number of Federals on the field at the start of the event: 57

On Sunday Morning they were down to 52 who started the march out.

-Company C had 30 men at the event on Saturday Morning:

They had 27 make the walk out on Sunday.

-Company B had 27 Men at the event on Saturday Morning:

25 Walked out on Sunday Morning

Confederates had 127 Registered.

Total number of Confederates on the field at the start of the event: 99.

On Sunday Morning they were down to 76 who started the march out.

Partisans had 18 Registered.

14 participated in the event.

Among the many things that made this event singular was the very real feel: we did not know
enemy numbers, nor they ours. The commanders were given objectives, but the rest evolved
as Skip and Pat planned or improvised. Dispositions could only be guessed at; deserters popped
up out of the foliage, as did men with shotguns.
Rations up front, no more until further notice (implied, never.) Everybody was light on gear.
How Brian Hicks arranged for the wet and the mud I will never know ~ Sgt. Hicks, my hat is
off to you!
The future unknown cannot be overrated ~ it was the very heart of this event. Combined with
the terrain and the weather, it was the benchmark for future events of this type.
Thanks again to all the organizers. I keep thinking about this one, sign of a really fine experience.

[BrianHicks]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

James,

Thank you for the kind words.

The Genesis for this event came out of a Cofffee meeting between Bill Little, Josh Fieldhouse and myself. While Bill deployed a few months before the event, his ideas, as well as those of Josh and Myself are what resulted in the event all of you enjoyed.

[SCTiger]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

I wanted to wait a few days and compose my thoughts before entering my AAR, however; I have decided to not address the event because most of points have already been stated. The event was a test of field skills and endurance, with the added weather factor; the trails accurately reflected the conditions that Civil War Soldiers, and for that fact, "field conditions" for any Soldier from Biblical times to this era.

What amazes me, is that fact that 200 members of this hobby can show up for something like this, drive from distant places and complete the mission. Nothing was called off, shortened or compromised. We have less strenuous or challenging events were 400 or more show up and the complaints are never ending. When I looked up the hill on Sunday behind the column of Confederates and Union adversaries close behind, I was looking at a sight, that was impressive. I was also looking at 90 percent of the dedicated people of the campaigner hobby and about 5 percent of this board. There was many new faces, but plenty of the "old guard" that I have seen over the years, the same Old Guard that shows to up to every event. They drop their ego's, comply with the standards and make it to the event. It's men like this, that keeps the campaigner wing from slipping into a fragmented force that attends "no standards" events only.

If you want an answer to "who are the campaigners" or "who is us", (as Heath would have said), I would look at Mr. Hicks registration`list. Just wanted to thank Kiev, Hicks, Sean Cooper, the Wildcat Platoon and the boys on the Federal force for a splendid performance. I hope to see all of you in South Carolina later this year, and now I have a good feeling that things will continue to go in the right direction for this hobby.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

If you want an answer to "who are the campaigners" or "who is us", (as Heath would have said), I would look at Mr. Hicks registration`list. Just wanted to thank Kiev, Hicks, Sean Cooper, the Wildcat Platoon and the boys on the Federal force for a splendid performance... now I have a good feeling that things will continue to go in the right direction for this hobby.

Amen wholeheartedly, Greg. I saw many in this end of the hobby this weekend doing their best they could and was I very proud of everyone trying their best. It was rough, but I'd do it over again, sore feet, cold, mud and all. I know most who attended this weekend would do the same.

I really get tired of some in the hobby being so overly-critical of the perceived direction the hobby is going in.

From what good things and great people I saw this weekend, I think we are doing vibrantly well. That gives me great hope. :D

All the best- Johnny Lloyd:wink_smil

[ajroscoe]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Backwaters and thought that the event turned out great. I had the honor to serve as the First Sergeant of C Company, 63rd IN during the event, under Will Eichler. I've been a sergeant at events before, including Bummers and Piney Woods, but have never been a First Sergeant before, and especially with such a large company, it was an eye-opening experience. I am extremely thankful to Will Eichler and Jeremy Bevard for being as supportive and dedicated leaders as they are and giving me the opportunity. Our company had a large proportion of men who had never been to an authentic event before, probably about a third. Despite that, and us coming from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, Utah, and a few other places, I was very proud of the way my company performed, especially in the street fighting maneuvers we did by platoon on Sunday morning in the dawn fight. They fought like the veterans they portrayed, and it was a pleasure to work with such motivated and dedicated men. I cannot thank the Non-Commissioned officers enough for the work they did, they were all on the ball all weekend. The boys in B company and Skip Owens and Eric Fair did a great job all weekend. It was a great thing to see the way that the two companies interacted. There was no rivalries or pettiness between the companies, the officers and NCOs interacted and worked together like professionals. Skip did a great job as the battalion commander, and it was a pleasure to finally meet him and get to work with him.
Overall, the weekend was a success. The event organizers did an amazing job with everything, and truly made the weekend both authentic and safe. There was plenty of water, the rations were excellent, and the logistical/medical support was accessible and apparent all weekend. Obviously, there was nothing to be done about the weather, in fact I think it is what made the event so memorable. I've been through worse storms (anyone who went through that Thursday night and Friday morning at Piney Woods knows what I mean), but the persistent rain and the mud it caused made Saturday night and the march Sunday miserable. I am only 22, in good shape, and I still had trouble finishing that march on Sunday. That last long hill about 3/4 of a mile out was a test of wills to complete. I was glad to finish Sunday still at the head of my company with Will, but give fully credit to the men who gritted their teeth and finished it, even after falling out.
My only real negative for the weekend was on Saturday during the fight. The Federals were behind defensive works, with many men carrying repeating rifles, and yet the Rebels came up all the way to the works. That broke my first person and I was furious at the unscripted (and rather lame) hand-to-hand combat that resulted. There were rebels standing along our works pointing weapons point blank in the faces of my men. That included rebel officers. That is an unsat condition for their officers to allow to occur. I can only imagine the consequences if one of those rifles or pistols had discharged into the face of a man at 2 feet. All of us as leaders have a responsibility to keep our men under control and prevent the injuries that occurred in that tussle. I know that Captain Owens was cut, I had a deep muscle bruise on my arm, a rebel got a face full of musket and was bleeding, and one of my corporals had his foot stomped on and broke a toe, on top of any other injuries. Men charging defensive works properly manned and steadily defended never had much of a chance during the war, and this was a situation that realistically and reenacting wise shouldn't have happened.
Other than that, I had a great weekend. It was great to see so many men come out there and have such great impressions and give it their all. Hank did a great job as the rapist, though he was a burden, I am sorry if he wasn't fully cared for during the weekend. Thanks again to the event organizers and staff and all the men who made it out there.

[Old Reb]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

Long long ago while playing Civil War soldier boys, we captured more prisoners than we had guards to adequately guard them. We arranged a truce with the enemy and stated that we would trade our excess prisoners for food. The befuddled officer we confronted asked a deep question, "What will you do if we don't want to make the exchange." The reply from our famous Leader for Life Pigpen was, "then we will kill them all." The officer seemed a bit confused and replied with a statement that says it all about our game, "You can't do that. It is only reenacting." Thus when I think of the game we play without live rounds and with men able to get medical treatment if needed, and the fact that at the end of the day everyone gets to go home, I realize and appreciate, "It is only reenacting." As a firm believer that a good event is one where a good dose of misery is spooned out to the participants, I applaud Mr. Hicks and the others who put on this event and the weather for supplying just a taste of that misery. A soldiers life is one of misery. A good event give folks a taste of that misery. Backwaters accomplished that. Bravo!

[Tejano]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

Tom,
Unfortunately, I could not be there to comiserate with everyone. You know where I am and what I am doing. We shared our misery in January on the AR/OK line, in the Ouachita Mountains, with Choctaw Bill.

[ohio volunteer]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

First off, I had a great time at Backwaters 1865. There were several times during the weekend that seemed as if they were scripted right of the many regimentals I have read. From building breastworks only to be ordered away as soon as they were finished, to just being miserable, wet and tired while marching back on Sunday, this event gave me small taste of what the real boys went through. I especially had a great time on guard Friday night, talking to the prisoner, and harassing a certain soldier who was trying to sleep. When the soldier threatened us, it was game on from there. On the march out, I would have enjoyed another water point, but other than that, well done to the organizers!

I do though have some questions about the event, mostly over impressions. Why were the Federals the 63rd Indiana? Although the pre-event communication was great, where were the “brief narratives” the organizer promised about the unit? The 63rd is one of the few regiments that has little information available on them. If the reason the Federals were the 63rd is so they could oppose Mercer’s Brigade, why not choose the 112th Ill, since there is more information available about them? While the physicality of the event was first rate, first person was a little lacking. Who we (the federals) were as a unit was missing, we had really no identity, except for an off-handed reference to the regiment in Washington every once and a while. I admit, I had some modern conversations, and it is hard to refrain from them, but when these events are in a setting such as LBL, it is a no-brainer for it to be first-person.

[BrianHicks]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

Andrew,

Regarding the charge on the works Saturday afternoon. As it developed and built sudden momentum, as quickly as I could react to the situation, I had the Confederate Bugler call retreat.

[BrianHicks]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

On the march out, I would have enjoyed another water point,

If we'd had the ability to man pack hundreds of pounds of water down those tails, there would have been another water point. As it is, we staged adequate water for each man to consume a minimum of 12 canteens each, during the event. Pre-event hydration, along with forcing water on Saturday night, and downing another canteen pre-march out Sunday easily exceeded any ORM (Operational Risk Management) considerations for the required hydration level for the distance/terrain/duration factor of the march out.

Why were the Federals the 63rd Indiana?

Why? Because it is what we, as event organizers decided upon. Knowing that the 63d had a good veteran history, and was with Schoffield's Corps which actually placed them in the geographic area at the time of the scenario.

Although the pre-event communication was great, where were the “brief narratives” the organizer promised about the unit?

Despite our best intentions, the reality of our daily lives, and concentrating on pre-event logistics/coordinations precluded us from following through with the narratives as we had hoped to be able to provide.

This event was essentially a two man effort. On the day the event started, we where fortunate enough to have good friends contribute their time to assist with the shuttles, and placing of the water drops, but prior to that, everything else was coordinated and carried by Josh Fieldhouse and me.

[coastaltrash]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

Mr. Hicks,
The retreat was ordered well before Chad played the call, so no worries there.

Andrew,
As I was the one screaming "Halt!" on the Confederate side, with a large view of what was happening, I saw vast examples of IGNORANCE on both sides blue and gray. From my point, only Co H of 1st Battalion made it to the "works" and according to the men on the 2nd Battalion there was not a set of fortifications protecting the flank. Either way. I was in the process of going forward to start physically pulling people back when everyone started to fall back.

[BrianHicks]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

Mr. Hicks,
The retreat was ordered well before Chad played the call, so no worries there.

Andrew,
As I was the one screaming "Halt!" on the Confederate side, with a large view of what was happening, I saw vast examples of IGNORANCE on both sides blue and gray. From my point, only Co H of 1st Battalion made it to the "works" and according to the men on the 2nd Battalion there was not a set of fortifications protecting the flank. Either way. I was in the process of going forward to start physically pulling people back when everyone started to fall back.

Yes.. there was much screaming, yelling and confusion at that moment... much as in a real battle. I can't fault anyone, as it was evident that the moment swept most everyone along with it.

I am glad bayonets were not affixed. I think if I had been in command, "Fix Bayonets" would have been ordered prior to the charge!

[CornFedComrade]

Re: BACKWATERS AARs

I usually don't post much and I cannot ever recall posting any type of AAR. However, after mulling over the past weekend and reading all the other "reports," I feel obligated to add my $.01 (these thoughts aren't worth $.02).

After ending the event on Sunday I was convinced that the effort I put into the weekend was not worth the return on my investment. I was among the hand full that finished with the column. Now that I have had time to recover, I recant my previous statements. I think one of the most important things that changed my mind is reading about others experiences and realizing that I had participated in something much bigger than myself. Thank you Brian, Bill, and Josh for creating an event that challenged me like no other event ever has. I learned that the body is capable of doing a lot more than your mind thinks it can. I hold my head up high with pride that I was at the event and able to complete it under my own power.

A few down points for the weekend. First person. I realize at some points it is hard to stay in first person especially when you are tired, cold, hungry, and in pain. Several folks didn't seem to try to get into character let alone stay in 1st person, for this there is no excuse. Too much gear! I know I cannot pull off the great look of Co. H, but I still tried to go as light as possible (1 painted cloth, a lightweight coverlet, and one extra pair of socks). It was March 1865 and many appeared like fresh recruits of 61-62. Remember your impression and attitude effect everyone around you.

I would like to thank everyone I encountered throughout the weekend. Each one of you is a part of a memory that will last a lifetime.