SPECIAL ORDERS and DISPATCHES.
Gettysburg 2008.
Special Order #14: Identification of Trained Medical Personnel in the Ranks and Reports of Actual Injuries that take place during the Event.
Will Eichler, Colonel 1st Brigade
Craig DeCrane, Colonel 2d Brigade
Third Division Staff Officers
Sirs:
Brigade Commanders are requested to provide the names of those individuals under their command that are known to be trained medical personnel to Division Headquarters by Friday noon.
Also, and as a supplement to and not as a replacement for Special Order #9, Gettysburg Third Division Emergency Contingency Plan, each Brigade shall report all actual injuries (and the disposition of those injuries if known at the time of reporting) that take place in camp and during the battles during the weekend to Division Headquarters as soon as reasonably practicable.
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford
Commanding General, Third Division
Major Keith Harrison
AAG, Third Division
Special Order #13: Special Sunday Volunteer Guard Duty - Third Division
Will Eichler, Colonel 1st Brigade
Craig DeCrane, Colonel 2d Brigade
Third Division Staff Officers
Sirs:
Based on unfortunate situations arising at some of the previous Gettysburg Battle Anniversaries, concern has been expressed regarding assurances for the Division's position on the wall during Sunday's final battle (Pickett's Charge). Given this, Division is requesting from the two Brigades volunteers to guard the Division's position on the wall Sunday morning from 7 AM until the battle in the afternoon.
The actual guard detail will consist of two guards rotating at two hour shifts. Consequently, no one individual or group of individuals would be asked to spend their entire Sunday at the wall. A total of four guard details would be requested.
The responsibility of each guard detail would be to ensure that the designated location for the Division (which will be marked) does not become occupy by any other Division troops. Each guard detail will be provided a radio to let Division know if a problem arises, at which time a representative from Division staff will go to the wall and intervene as appropriate.
Again, the four guard details are strictly voluntary; however, those who do volunteer will be exempt from all other guard duties for that day.
Brigade Commanders should provide the names of volunteers to Division Headquarters by noon Saturday. Division will select individuals from the names of volunteers provided and let Brigade Commanders know who the selected individuals are and the times for them to report to Division Headquarters..
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford
Commanding General, Third Division
Major Keith Harrison
AAG, Third Division
Special Order #12: Required Gettysburg Reporting - Third Division.
Will Eichler, Colonel 1st Brigade.
Craig DeCrane, Colonel 2d Brigade.
Third Division Staff Officers.
Sirs:
The following reports will be requested by Division from each Brigade at the 145th Gettysburg event:
1. Morning Reports.
A. Brigade Consolidated Morning Reports are to be submitted to Division by 0845 Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
A-1. Battalion Consolidated Morning Reports are to be submitted to Brigade by [a].
A-2. Company Morning Reports are to be submitted to Battalion by [b].
B. Units attached to directly to Division (e.g., 1st Michigan Mechanics and Engineers, etc.)
will submit Morning Reports directly to Division Headquarters.
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(a) Time to be established by Brigade Orders.
(b) Time to be established by Battalion Orders.
2. Weapon Inspection Reports.
A. Brigade Weapons Inspection Report are to be submitted to Division 1/2 hour prior to any
scheduled battle or tactical.
A-1. Battalion Weapons Inspection Report are to be submitted to Brigade by [a].
A-2. Company Weapons Inspection Report are to be submitted to Battalion by [b].
B. Units attached to directly to Division (e.g., 1st Michigan Mechanics and Engineers, etc.)
will submit Weapon Inspection Reports directly to Division Headquarters.
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(a) Time to be established by Brigade Orders.
(b) Time to be established by Battalion Orders.
3. Special Weapons Safety Check Report Form - 145th Gettysburg Event.
A. Special Weapons Safety Check Report Forms (145th Gettysburg Event) Reports [a] are
to be submitted to Division no later than 1/2 hour prior to any scheduled battle or
tactical.
A-1. Special Weapons Safety Check Report Forms (145th Gettysburg Event) Reports
are to be submitted to Brigade by [b].
A-2. Special Weapons Safety Check Report Forms (145th Gettysburg Event) Reports
are to be submitted to Battalion by [c].
B. Units attached to directly to Division (e.g., 1st Michigan Mechanics and Engineers, etc.)
will submit Special Weapons Safety Check Report Forms (145th Gettysburg Event)
Reports directly to Division Headquarters.
___________________
(a.) This is a non Civil War era form and is required by Army Headquarters. It is attached. Each form has signature places for Company, Battalion, Brigade, Division, and Army Headquarters signature). Prior to every scheduled battle or tactical, each Company will complete an individual form and submit it to Battalion. The Battalion Commander or his assigned representative (Provost Marshal, AIG or AAG) will sign off on the topmost completed Company form and submit the bundled company forms to Brigade. The Brigade Commander or his assigned Representative will sign off on the same form that Battalion signed off on and submit the bundled forms to Division. The Division Commander or his assigned representative will sign off on the same form as the Battalion and Brigade Commanders and submit the bundled company forms to Army Headquarters.
(b) Time to be established by Brigade Orders.
(c) Time to be established by Battalion Orders.
4. After Action Reports.
A. Following the completion of every tactical or battle except the final battle on Sunday,
each Brigade will submit a written After Action Report [a] to Division 2 hours after the
tactical or battle. Abstract of Materials Reports (Form 9-a) may also be submitted by
are not required.
A-1. Battalion will submit a written After Action Report to Brigade by [b].
A-2. Companies will submit a written After Action Report to Battalion by [c].
B. Units attached to directly to Division (e.g., 1st Michigan Mechanics and Engineers, etc.)
will submit After Action Reports directly to Division Headquarters.
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(a) This report is a narrative, there is no specific form for this report.
(b) Time to be established by Brigade Orders.
(c) Time to be established by Battalion Orders.
5. Other Required Reports .
Should other reports be required by Army Headquarters, additional Third Division Special Orders will be order issued accordingly.
6. Forms Available at Division.
With the exception of the Special Gettysburg Safety Check Report (which is attached), each Brigade is expected to provide its own reporting forms; however, the Division has a limited number of forms available to Brigade including:
A. Company Morning Report.
B. Consolidated Morning Report..
C. Company Weapons Inspection Report.
D. Battalion Weapons Inspection Report.
E. Brigade Weapons Inspection Report.
F. Special 145th Anniversary Gettysburg Weapon Safety Check Report.
G. Abstract of Materials. (Form 9-a)
H. Guard Mounting Report.
I. Miscellaneous Reports.
1. Parole Form.
2. Officer Allegiance Form.
3. Provost Marshal Military Draft Form.
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford.
Commanding General, Third Division.
Major Keith Harrison .
AAG, Third Division .
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD "SPECIAL WEAPONS REPORT FORM.
(Word "Doc" format)
CAMPING DEFINITION.
When it was announced the 3d Division would camp "campaign" style, some inferred that meant tents would not be used.
As clarification, campaign style as used in this matter means there will be no formal company streets. Each soldier will take advantage of the terrain to camp in a favorable location within their designated area.
It is requested that tentage be kept to a minimum and there will be no wall tents within the company areas.
Remember, we are portraying an army on the march and our camps should reflect that fact.
Questions should be referred to me.
3d Division, commanding.
2d and 3d Division CAMP
Gettysburg Special Order #11: Third Division Camping.
Will Eichler, Colonel 1st Brigade
Craig DeCrane, Colonel 2nd Brigade
Third Division Staff Officers
Sirs:
The designated camping area at Gettysburg for the Third Division is a flat and grassy area with woods on two sides.
1. Each Brigade Commander shall issue orders informing their respective Battalion and Company Commanders of the following:
A. The Third Division will be camping "campaign" style at Gettysburg. Each
Company will have an area within each Battalion within each Brigade.
B. All Camps are to be in the open in order to save the woods so the men can get
out of the sun during the day.
2. Division Headquarters will be establishd in the woods line along the creek side of the camp.
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford
Commanding General, Third Division
Major Keith Harrison
AAG, Third Division
Gettysburg Special Order #10: Third Division Guard Duty.
Will Eichler, Colonel 1st Brigade
Craig DeCrane, Colonel 2nd Brigade
Mark Anthony Dembski, Captain, 1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics
Sirs:
1. Each Brigade will issue orders for Brigade Guard Duty per the following schedule:
Thursday: 2 PM - Midnight
Friday: 7 AM - Midnight
Saturday: 7 AM - Midnight
Sunday: 7 AM - Noon
2. Each brigade shall provide 2 guards for Division Headquarters per the following schedule:
1st Brigade: Thursday 2 PM - Midnight
Friday 7 AM - 10 PM
2nd Brigade: Friday 10 PM - Midnight
Saturday 7 AM - Midnight
Sunday 7 AM - Noon
3. The 1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics shall furnish their own guards and shall follow the same general time schedule as established for 1st and 2nd Brigades in item 1 above.
4. During the skirmish on Friday, the battles on Saturday, and any action that may take place before noon on Sunday, Division Headquarters will have limited mobility. Consequently, the Brigade responsible for providing Division Headquarters Guards during these times may substitute their scheduled guards with individuals who may have moderately limited physical capabilities and cannot fully contend with the rigors of movement and fighting in the ranks (Brigade Commanders shall use their judgment in these assignments).
5. Also, during the skirmish on Friday, and the battles on Saturday and Sunday, each brigade shall provide at least one individual to watch over all the camps within the Division. These guards should be individuals who absolutely cannot participate due to health concerns.
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford
Commanding General, Third Division
Major Keith Harrison
AAG, Third Division
CAMPING STYLE.
After polling the officers, it is decided we will camp "campaign" style at gettysburg. Each company will have an area within each battalion within each brigade. The camping area is flat and grassy with woods on two sides of our camp. We will camp in the open and save the woods so the men can get out of the sun during the day. Division headquarters will be in the woodsline along the creek side of the camp.
3d Division, commanding.
THE LAST MEETING NOTES.
Gentlemen of the 3d Division:
I attended the last meeting prior to the event on May 31st , 2008. Here are my notes and observations. PLEASE PASS THESE ALONG VIA EMAIL, NEWSLETTERS, PHONE CALLS, ETC. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR SOLDIERS SHOULD HAVE THIS INFORMATION.
1. I took interstate 70 east to I-79 then south to I-68 to I-81 to Chambersburg. I counted 15 dead deer along the route. Nighttime driving will be somewhat hazardous.
2. I-70 in Ohio is under construction between I-75 and I-675. There are NO berms. Simply a concrete wall on both sides that sit on the line. It is very, very dangerous. More so for those with trailers.
3. I counted 11 police. West Virginia had three, Ohio 4 and Maryland 4.
4. The plans for the event are in place and there are no significant delays or problems.
5. No one will be allowed into the camp area after 10 PM without prior arrangements. They do not want cars wandering around at all hours of the night looking for their camp. If you have folks who know they will be arriving at a late hour, they should arrange to meet with you or your appointed staff officer who can get them into the site. Problems? Contact me.
6. Entry points into the site will be different for the Divisions. Thus, everyone in our Division must know they are in the 3rd Division.
7. EVERY SOLDIER IN OUR DIVISION MUST KNOW THEY ARE IN THE 3d DIVISION.
8. There is only one infantry battle on Saturday. It is at 5 PM. But, there is a Cavalry/Artillery battle at 11 AM. I volunteered our Division to take part in that one. So, practice your rally by fours, by platoons, by companies and maybe, forming squares. There will be 400 cavalry on the field.
9. Our entrance to the camp is the first opening past the fence line along Table Rock Road, past the registration building. There is a private residence and their fence along Table Rock is our landmark for the entrance. Where their fence ends, our entrance is immediately on your right. The camp is quite a distance across the field.
10. We will be joined by two battalions for the first day's fight. 1st Brigade will be joined by a battalion portraying the 14th Brooklyn and 2nd Brigade will be joined by two groups portraying the 2d and 6th Wisconsin. They are not members of the Black Hats and understand their impressions will be determined by the Brigade commander.
11. The Division has created an Emergency Plan. Be sure that each battalion and company commander has a copy on their person.
All is well and it looks to be an incredible event. There will more updates as the event approaches. Thank you for your commitment and dedication.
3d Division, commanding.
p.s. Anyone seen the blasted quartermaster with my second star?
TABLE OF ORGANIZATION.
The table of organization of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3d Division:
Colonel - Scott Cummings
Lt. Colonel - Dave Baumann
Major - Chris Kubacki
Adjutant - TBD
Sergeant Major - TBD
1st COMPANY- Captain Walker
1st Michigan 1 officer & 12 men
3rd Michigan 1 officer & 13 men
25 men & 2 officers = 27
2d COMPANY- Captain Van
49th Indiana- 2 officers & 16 men
30th Indiana- 1 officer 12 men
28 men & 3 officers = 31
3d COMPANY - Captain Emerick
7th Michigan- 1 officer 21 men
21st Michigan- 2 officers & 13 men
34 men & 3 officers = 36
4th COMPANY- Captain Whiting
4th Michigan- 1 officer & 13 men
21st OVI- 1 officer & 18 men
31 men & 2 officers = 33
5th COMPANY- Captain Wilkins
5th Michigan- 14 men
19th Indiana- 1 officer & 5 men
9th Indiana
19 plus men +/-
GETTYSBURG SPECIAL ORDERS 7, 8 & 9.
Gettysburg Special Order #7: 1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics
Mark Anthony Dembski, Captain
1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics
Sir, have a detachment of your engineers prepared to remove a single strand of fence wire from a treeline in our camp area at Gettysburg. I urge them to wear gloves. It is about 120 feet long and quite rusty. This task should be accomplished no later than noon on friday. report to Major Hrrison when it is complete.
General Shackelford
Gettysburg Special Order #8: 1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics
Mark Anthony Dembski, Captain
1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics
Sir:
You are hereby requested to prepare three maps of the Gettysburg Reenactment area showing Camp locations of Army Headquarters and Third Division (1st and 2nd Brigades, Division, and Engineers) , water buffaloes, straw, wood, etc,. and event medical and emergency services. Use your discretion to add other areas of importance to the Division's convenience, health, and safety. The prepared maps should be delivered to the 1st and 2nd Brigade Commanders and to AAG Major Harrison at Division Headquarters by noon on Friday, July 4th.
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford
Commanding General, Third Division
Major Keith Harrison
AAG, Third Division
Gettysburg Special Order #9: Third Division Emergency Contingency Plan
Will Eichler, Colonel 1st Brigade
Craig DeCrane, Colonel 2nd Brigade
Stan Hurt, Major, AIG, 3rd Division
Sirs:
You are hereby requested to distribute amongst your commands the attached Third Division Emergency Contingency Plan (Contingency plans for Severe Water Shortage, Missing Soldier, Catastrophic Injury, Multiple Catastrophic Injury, Death, Criminal Act and Fire). Major Hurt to do the same for Division staff and all Division attached units (1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics and Medical). Coinciding with the Contingency plan for water shortage, there will be a Special Order issued shortly, by the Chief of Staff, requesting that each company commander to guarantee five gallons of water to be kept in a vehicle for emergency use. Once on-site, an eighth contingency plan (for severe weather) will be issued pending receipt of same from the event planners.
By Order of:
General Dave Shackelford
Commanding General, Third Division
Major Keith Harrison
AAG, Third Division
3d DIVISION UPDATE.
Here is an update to the TO of the 3d Division at Gettysburg:
1st Brigade
1st Battalion
3d MI, co F
19th IN/5th MI
1st MI Inf.
7th MI
49th IN
21st MI
30th IN
9th IN
21st OH
The companies placement within the battalion is yet to be dermined.
2d Battalion is under the command of Major Tom Downes
1st CO-8th OH, 116th PA, 93d NY, 3d MD, 1st MD
2d CO-53d PA, 96th PA, 2/4th US
The 3d Company is under construction.
2d Brigade TO was published in an earlier order and is unchanged
The 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics are detached to Division Headquarters. They will also compose the Division Reserve for the battles.
GETTYSBURG UPDATE.
I just returned from a visit to the site and with Allen Baldwin, the US commander.
I cannot emphasise how great our campsite is...thick woods on two sides. Cars will be less than 200 yards away and generally out of sight.
The overall commander has told me that if you have people arriving after noon on Friday, everything will have to be hauled in on a wagon provided by the event. BUT...if you will give me their names, numbers and anticipated time of arrival, arrangements will be made ahead of time to be ready to haul them in ASAP.
Administrative nightmare? You bet, but part of the job. So, please address this issue immediately and keep me updated as you get names, times, etc.
As for Picket's Charge, we have been alloted the right end of the wall. (I marked a stone with a "3" to designate our left flank). The Guard Battalion will be behind the wall...thus portraying the 7th Michigan and any other units that were really there. The balance of the Division will be swinging in on the reb left flank...thus portraying the 8th Ohio, Tom Downes unit.
Registration is about to be terminated so get busy calling, emailing, etc. and get every person who is going to get registered. This is the BIG DANCE that will be talked about for years.
PS...if anyone has seen the Quartermaster, where the heck is my second star?
STAFF ASSIGNMENTS FOR GETTYSBURG.
Jim Dedman-Chief of Staff.
Stan Hurt-AIG.
Keith Harrison-AAG.
Dave Downing-Aide de Camp/Clerk.
Gentlemen, you have assumed a great responsibility for which I thank you. Let's study our job descriptions and take the bull by the horns. Don't wait on me to tell you what to do...if you see a situation that is within your realm of duty, act on it. I cannot do this alone-I need your help. You have a thankless job that few can appreciate and fewer can accomplish. All I can add is....thanks.
table of organization for the second brigade, 3d Division.
Gentlemen;
Here is the table of organization for the second brigade, 3rd Division.
1st Battalion under Col. Pete Seielstad
1st Co. - 2d WI, Co. B
2d Co. - 2d WI, Co. C & H
3d Co. - 2d WI, Co. E
4th Co. - 2d WI, Co. K
5th Co. - 17th MI/24th MI
6th Co. - 19th IN/Co. A
2d Battalion under Col. Earl Zeckman
1st Co. - 18th MO
2d Co. - 9th KY/9th MI/3d MI
3d Co. - 125th OH/8th TN
4th Co. - 75th OH (may split into 2 companies)
5th Co. - 25th OH/17th CT/47th NY/107th OH
STAFF APPOINTMENT.
Dave Downing, though you know him as "Sparky", is hereby appointed to the staff of the 3rd Division, effective, July 1st.
Order of Battle for the 145th Gettysburg.
