Bermuda Hundred AAR's

[BrandonEnglish]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

As the lady who told you that I am shocked that you actually included it in your AAR, it was one of our favorite moments from the event as well!!

HA I'm a man of my word! :)

I will add this. I got there early on Friday and had just set up my shelter when the bottom dropped out and the hail, lightning, rain, and everything but the kitchen sink came at us. The reason I mention this is because in one weekend, I was hot, cold, wet, dry, tired, exhilarated, hungry at times, bored and sore. I think that sums up an awesome Civil War soldier experience all in less than 50 hours.

PS - I only found one tick, how about you?

[Tyler Gibson]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

I topped out at 7.

[ktulu983]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

Hungry at times?!???

HA I'm a man of my word! :)

I will add this. I got there early on Friday and had just set up my shelter when the bottom dropped out and the hail, lightning, rain, and everything but the kitchen sink came at us. The reason I mention this is because in one weekend, I was hot, cold, wet, dry, tired, exhilarated, hungry at times, bored and sore. I think that sums up an awesome Civil War soldier experience all in less than 50 hours.

PS - I only found one tick, how about you?

[BrandonEnglish]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

Hungry at times?!???

haha Sunday morning only...swear.

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

Greetings!

I had an outstanding time at Bermuda Hundred this past weekend. It was just what the doctor ordered for my event fix. I loved the scenario; the impenetrable jungle, earthworks extraordinaire, comrades, perfect weather after a storm, and really good impressions.

Let's start with the scenario. It was simple, straight-forward and historically accurate. The Federals move in, attack established works, get bottled up and dig in. John Pagano and crew did an absolutely outstanding job of blending this scenario with a great site. The blending of event and spectators was well-done and based on the reactions I have read and seen, it was a highly-effective teaching tool for them. They were very impressed and a little in awe of what we managed to build in the space of a couple of days.

The impenetrable jungle. Man, I did "Into the Wilderness" back in 2004 and those were some pretty tough thickets. At Bermuda Hundred, the thickets were interspersed with some kind of Holly that was pervasive. I noticed when we lined up after our adventure that almost every man in our company had a cut or abrasion someplace. I highly enjoyed the holes that swallowed up some men up to their thighs. I was gotten by one on my left foot and one on my right. Both were full of water and went to about mid-shin. Quite the way to stay alert! Not complaining. Quite the opposite. What a challenge. We didn't travel very far, but we earned every step for sure.

Earthworks! What can I say, but WOW. I have been involved in building works at several events, but this one topped them all in terms of the size and complexity. I told John Wickett at the event that the Federal works that we did, if viewed on their own would have impressed most. The Confederate works were a thing of Civil War beauty. I like the contest idea and it looks like it was put to good use. I almost wished I was one of the spectators so I could just geek out and take pictures all weekend.

Comrades. To my fellow Mess No. 1 mates - Scott Bierer, Ken Cornett, Steve Spohn and Mike Phineas - an absolute blast, as always. We fell in with the Potomac Legion for the first time and greatly enjoyed our stay. Mr. Tom Craig, it was great to get acquainted with you this weekend and finally captured by the Confederate Hoard. To everyone I managed to see this weekend - too numerous to mention, it is always like seeing members of the family again - and you know who you are. I didn't get to see everyone I wanted, but there is always Pickett's Mill next month. Seeing everyone is the number one reason I love doing this so much.

Perfect weather after a storm. Honestly, we waited it out a bit on Friday. That was one wicked rainstorm. But, Karma was on our side for the weekend. Although the rain caused the muddiness and swamp-like conditions, it also made for a right-comfortable place to bed down on Friday night and again on Saturday. After the rain, the weather was just about as perfect as you can get for wearing wool. To say we got lucky for an April event is an understatement.

Good impressions. This event had our usual crew of good impressions. One of my favorite things to do at events is just watch around the camp at night. Each campfire is a different scene and each conversation a vignette of camp life. I was a little pleasantly surprised, but not too surprised that we had more civilian hats on the Federal side than forage caps. We choose to go with those as well. Between us and the Confederate impressions, I thought it was pretty indicative of what May of 1864 looked like. Shelter halves were in abundance and I liked what some of our other fellows did by putting a shelter half roof over the works just like the original photo that circulated prior to the event. I didn't see any obviously bad impressions at the event.

Overall, I would say that Bermuda Hundred was the perfect cure for cabin fever after an extremely rough winter. My hat is off to John Pagano, Chesterfield County and everyone who put this effort together. You gave us something new at just the right time I think, and I for one, greatly appreciate all of the forethought and planning that went into this. Thank you!

Now, on to Pickett's Mill!

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

After arriving Thursday afternoon I was awestruck at what was accomplished since the very first work day in January and I can safely say after two decades in the hobby - BH150 will likely go down as one of my top three best events. This is the first event I can honestly say that I was able to leave without a single complaint. My hat is off to John for creating all of this for us; he delivered all that was promised and then some.

On Friday when the bottom dropped out of the skies, we found ourselves hunkered down under two shelter halves; and in typical SCAR fashion making the most of the situation laughing, singing, and carrying on. All the while Mr. Lloyd and I were each hanging onto an ends of the halves trying to keep it from blowing away.

The terrain and undergrowth made the scenarios seem very real, plus made it VERY challenging to maneuver on the field. The idea that the original cast was doing it with lead and iron flying through the air seems almost impossible.

I/we also had some outstanding interaction with our friends Mia and Pete Saturday evening that escalated quickly and ended with the 17th Tennessee receiving the very large sum of $1,400 in greenbacks for property sales. Hopefully one of them will share their AAR with the community.

All in all Bermuda Hundred was full of moments that were able to take me back to what I feel like 1864 Virginia would have been like. I was able to catch up with old friends and form new friendships in the process. Most importantly I was privileged enough to serve with the finest bunch of men that anyone could ask for. I would like to extend a most sincere thank you to each and every one of you for your dedication to your impressions and the company. I know that the men of the original 17th Tennessee would be proud of all your efforts.

[AmandaCarol]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

All I have to say is that no one should have ever been hungry with the amount of food we had to distribute at the USCC!

[Strawfoot]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

I was fortunate to score on a travel deal which allowed me to economically make the flight from Texas. I am always looking for opportunities to do events with our Eastern brothers and feel lucky to have been a small part of this. John Pagano, excellent job my man. I had originally planned to be onsite early Friday afternoon, yet became en-snarled in the vehicular donnybrook between DC and Richmond known as I-95. Perhaps fate was kind because my delay caused me to experience the three or four different monsoon level rain squalls while stuck in traffic, rather than huddled under a shelter half. Later, sitting in the parking lot talking to Eric Tipton on my cellphone, I could barely hear the conversation for the incessant pounding of the rain. My hat is truly off to our pards who endured this monsoon while in camp.

As ET said though, the storm preceded some very fine weather, allowing for cool conditions and a soft ground to sleep on. As an infantryman, you can't ask for anything more than that. Our Federal battalion consisted of three solid companies of mostly eastern lads, few if any bad impressions, and a lot of great attitudes. It was grand to see Joe Blunt and Andy Roscoe again, and meet Matt Lowe. All were in our second company with James Owens commanding. Met James and Jeff Hayes for the first time, with Jeff sending out informative pre-event bulletins as battalion CC which were very helpful.

The main point I took away from this event was the absolute harshness of the terrain while on our approach march. The land was part of an athletic complex, and at first glance looked to be a very pristine place. But upon entering the woods one encountered all walks of briars, brambles, second growth shrubs and a devlish leafy concoction with pointed ends Eric mentioned above. This tormented us and tore at our clothes and gear as we floundered around in it the entire weekend. The rebs actually fortified their forward abatis with the stuff! Mixed with the swampy conditions, which turned the roads into quagmires, this was some of the harshest terrain I've encountered at an event and a nice warm up for Pickett's Mill next month.

The scenario was true to form, and the officers seemed up to speed on each days sequence of events. The first attack on their works went about as expected, and we settled in to a siege mentality by throwing out pickets and digging our own works. I was tasked to assist the stretcher bearers and was amused to see two of them attempt to load and transport a very robust yankee soldier back up to our works. I remarked to them that the man probably weighed about 230 pounds and it would behoove us to place bearers at each corner if we wanted to transport the gent without dropping him in this terrain. So it was with great embarrassment that I tripped on a root halfway up and promptly dumped the howling soldier unceremoniously in the mud. Sorry bout that my friend.

Being among mostly strangers in our battalion, our mess decided to serve up our parole and enter the rebel lines to seek out comrades and inspect the works during a lull on Saturday. These were very impressive to say the least, and made what we built on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg pale in comparison. It is with NO hyperbole that I matter-of-factly state their position would have held solidly against a real life civil war attack of at least regimental size. I kid you not. At their checkpoint we observed an impressive vidette ensuing between an African-American woman (Mia Marie) and a Confederate squad led by a corporal (Matt Lakin.) As always, Ms. Marie was pushing the envelope in a very jaw dropping episode. We saw so many friends among the reb works (John Wickett, Herb Coats, Skip Owens, Guy Musgrove, Andrew Jerram, Todd Morris, and Johnny Lloyd just to name a few) that we ended up visiting almost two hours while we toured the works. It was the high point of my weekend and we all sadly admitted that we probably belonged over there rather than our own battalion of eastern yanks.

Sunday's attack was predictable, as our left flank was easily our weakest point. The rebs threw a couple companies out front as a demonstration then assailed our flank with most of their battalion. You could see the glee in their faces as they swept over our works, and I felt it justified knowing the hard labor they'd put it building their own defenses. I engaged in some hand to hand as I was swarmed under, and heard a close shout nearby, "leave this yank alone boys, he's mine!" Upon which I was accosted by my very good friend Matt Lakin. What a perfect end to a grand event.

If any drawback were to be found, it was the early termination time. Most of us were in our cars by early morning. However in my case, it gave me a fine opportunity to sight see on the way to my Dulles area hotel. I then conducted a lightning tour of the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania, and Wilderness battlefields over the next eight hours. On my way north from the Brock Road I blundered into Brandy Station and stopped at Fleetwood Heights. Finally, rolling up Hwy 29 at dusk I drove through the Bull Run battlefields. This was an opportunity I rarely get living in Texas, so the early end time served me gloriously.

As for critique I have few if any. There were some cellphones out, but they were not readily evident. There was a lot of fresh shiny gear, so probably these were new guys enamored with the moment and wishing to record it. First person is always a crapshoot unless strictly enforced. We were busy enough that the everyday life of soldiering took most of our conversation. Water was plentiful and readily available, as were logs for fires and axes to split them. The camaraderie in my mess was outstanding, and I consider the fellows in Mess #1 as much my brothers as my home unit out west. If any of you new fish are from Ohio and looking for a home I would seriously suggest them. I suppose my main disappointment was not getting an actual shot to attack the reb lines, as we never came close. Their defenses were so robust we could not even penetrate their outer abatis. I was hoping our battalion leadership would form a pioneer squad to help clear some of it so we could file through and attack. But I realize they had a set script to follow.

This trip was well worth it personally, and a success all around.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

I don't have much to add to the other great AAR's, but I wanted to throw in an "honorable mention"...

The mess camped behind the brigade HQ did a marvelous job converting the hole where the roots of a wind-fallen tree used to be into a first-rate shelter. Digging a hole that was probably 2-feet deep +/-, they were quickly presented with a better swimmin' hole than billet due to the rain.

They solved this problem by installing what could only be described as a French drain. They dug a deeper hole at one end and dumped in a load of rock they gathered. That was covered with planks and the planks covered with dirt. Bye-bye, water!

They also installed a hearth at one end, complete with functioning chimney! Bully! It was really cool to see!

[Tom Craig]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

I too had a great time at this event. On the trip down I realized that it had been at least a few years since I had had the opportunity to attend a high quality stand alone event. Not because there had been events that I couldn't make, but because adjuncts have swallowed everything in east in this 150th cycle.

Thanks to John Pagano and company for breaking that drought of good events, and re-energizing me, and many of the guys who attended Bermuda 100. I fell in with the PL company, and got to meet some great folks after seeing their names online for years. The Mess #1 crew, Joe Blunt, AJ Roscoe and several others...nice to finally meet you fellas. Eric Tipton and I may just have solved all the problems in the hobby with all our jabber jawing, lol.

The event met my expectations in most ways, and exceeded my expectations in others. The earthworks were great, and it was an eye opener as to what a group of men can do in a short space of time. If we'd had more tools, or our lives had really been in danger I can only imagine what we'd have been able to accomplish. The spectators were also very impressed as well, which was a nice independent vote of confidence.

All in all it was a good time, a solid experience, and a lot of fun.

The highs:
Getting back to stand alone EBUFU events!
Seeing old friends and meeting new ones
Experiencing a little taste of '64 trench war
Generally good impressions
A site pretty much free of modern boogers
Great weather (except the rain Friday)

The Lows:
The super early end time (I drove a long way for what amounts to 36 hours or less of reenacting)
Some folks can't live without their cell phones or cameras
The pause in the reenacting Saturday afternoon, turning things into a family reunion rather than trench warfare
Ticks and chiggers...I had 7 attached to me, including three on my tender bits. Ouch!

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[Spongebucket]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

I had a good time. All the work that John and his crew did was fantastic. Though, not getting to see the CS trenches, except from the outside and all the photos posted, looked impressive. I have to follow Tom's previous post on some of the pluses and minuses....except the tick situation....Yer on yer own. As usual, wish we could have has more in blue to even the numbers....maybe someday.
Cheers,
Joe Blunt

[Tyler Gibson]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

Tyler,

I didn't fully dry out until I was almost back home! But I have to say, holding down the shebang in a small hurricane whilst singing away and just... embracing the suck is one of the highlights of my experience (And a great way to tell I had fallen in with a Class-A bunch!).

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

Bermuda Hundred 150th AAR:

What can I say, gents and ladies, if you missed this event, you missed out on one of the best events to date. This certainly was one of the best I have been to in 17 years in the hobby. This is no overstatement.

First, hats off to Tyler Underwood's vision of Tennesseeans in Virginia with the SCAR gang. We had excellent works and a prime spot near the spectators for them to see the Hardee Flag. We met some new friends along the way and brough-along old ones. You all did the work and made it a real company with esprit de corps! Thanks for allowing me to serve you as second section leader. I hope to see you in the ranks again soon at Resaca and Pickett's Mill.

Highs:
-Seeing old friends that I have sweat and bled with in the field. The PEOPLE in the hobby make it all worthwhile.
-Works were improved upon greatly on our end. Darn fine job!
-We kept up morale amid a tornado... yes, a tornado was in our area
-Mia's EXCELLENT firper and the looks upon everyone's face trying to make of what was going on.
-I finally have my family formal portrait I've wanted with the family and friends I love. 2 years in the making...:)
-Period works trash-making and watching boys not know what the stuff was or if they could use it.
-Crashing through the Federal ranks and works on Sunday and stabbing them while they were "dying"... :)

Lows:
-Joni lost her period original glasses... we never found them. Oh well. :(
Nothing much else. :)

Thanks for everything! See you in the field and bring your A game!

All the best- JLlo

[toptimlrd]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

Mike,

I was really hoping to see you boys try to fight through that abatis too, that holly came in real handy when we were setting it up. Not only was it on the face but it was mixed throughout it as well.

[Richmond Howitzer]

Re: Bermuda Hundred AAR's

I had a great time at this event and since I'm local, I went back on Monday morning to get pictures of our earthworks (Confederate) before the heavy rains were to start again that afternoon. Honestly, it was a little strange being there alone, and I imagined how one might have felt 150 years ago viewing the landscape after such carnage. Clearly the corpses and stench of death wasn't there, nor the scorched earth, scattered equipment and puddles of blood, but for a second or two I could imagine how it must have been a frightful sight to behold. Here's a link to the pics that I took on Monday...I haven't used flickr before so hopefully everyone can access it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124173279@N03/sets/72157644039185788/

My hat's off to the organizers of this great event!

Bill Ward
21st VA, Co. F
Longstreet's Corp