Battalion News
Guyandotte battle raises bar
Guyandotte, WV— The 2nd Federal Battalion fought 2 hard days againt rebel guerilla forces in the village of Guyandotte on November 5 and 6.
The battalion was THE game in town as Maj Farkas was appointed this year as overall Federal Commander, pitting the combined-arms tactics the 2nd uses so well against seasoned troops from the West Virginia and Kentucky regions.
Saturday's fight was the normal, pre-ordained Union disaster, but Confederate commander Mike Sheets discovered he had his hands full as the 2nd Battalion and a number of supporting units, shifted and moved in good order, giving ground while inflicting the maximum amount of resistance. Johhny paid for every foot of ground he took. In the end, after suffering nearly 50% casualities, the Union forces, caught in an enveloping movement that cut off escape for the garrison, surrendered. The cavalry made good its escape to go get help.
Sunday's battle was a hallmark moment for the battalion. The cavalry posted upriver along the floodwall entrances to watch for enemy activity. The entire Union ground force boarded the transport USS BlennerHassett for a short trip onto the Ohio River.
The BlennerHassett ran its bow on the bank and the gangplank dropped. Crabtree's Rifles were the first to hit the beach and the entire Union attacking force deployed into their positions as the expanded the beachhead, then began moving out when the battle line was established.
The going was tough all over as the rebels made sure that the Federals also paid for taking ground. The fighting was slow and exhausting, taking nearly 30 minutes for the Union boys to push to within sight of the town center. The Confederates fought hard and formed a breastwork in the streets, determined to hold on. The Union forces continued to hammer the rebel line from half a dozen points until finally, their ammunition exhausted and most of them dead or dying, the remaining rebels raised their hands.
The crowd was thrilled with the performance that the reenactors turned in this year. Confederate commander Mike Sheets was quoted as saying that the speed at which the 2nd Federal Battalion moved made it impossible for rebel scouting reports to keep pace with the fight. Mike said that he would receive a report of activity in one area, yet by the time he issued orders to deal with the report, the forces were gone and now in a new place.
Mike said that he would have to adjust his tactics to cope with the 2nd Battalion next year. No finer compliment can be paid to the battalion and the people who make it work - everyone.
The battalion has received orders to go into winter camp, but this only means that preparations for next year are already happening. Postings will be issued as they arrive from the front during the winter season.
Command change in the 2nd Battalion
Camp Chase, OH — At Pioneer Village near Waynesville, Ohio on September 17th, Major Steven Reincke, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Federal Battalion (Reinforced), stepped down as Commander. By stepping down, Steve reverts to the rank of Captain and has been reassigned to his old command of Company D, 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. In his place, Capt Shawn Farkas, Executive Officer, has been promoted to Major and appointed as Battalion Commander. In stepping down, Capt Reincke issued the following statement;
Earlier this month, I made the decision to step down as commander. I
will however, remain on the Battalion staff as a Wing commander. The reason for this change is quite simple. I want to get back to my cavalry roots and get back in the fighting saddle again. I have re-assumed command of my boys in the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Co D.
To be honest, this was a bittersweet decision. I truly enjoyed my
role as Battalion Commander and this tour of duty will remain a high point in my reenacting career. However, and to be directly honest, this Captain missed the cavalry very much, and I feel it is where I belong.
I want to thank each of you for allowing me the honor of leading you. I am so proud of the accomplishments of this battalion. Over the past 18
months, we have taken these individual companies, melded them together, and developed them into a strong fighting force that has become the talk of other units in the tri-state region. When you really ponder that accomplishment, it can take your breath away. Who in this hobby thought that it was possible to combine horses with infantry
and artillery? More importantly, who thought it could be done successfully and safely? Well, we did it, and you know, it was alot of fun. I want each of you to be very proud of what we have accomplished together.
More importantly, I want you to know that your efforts have made a huge impact in our hobby, fellow reenactors, and the public. Furthermore, this Battalion has developed a strong reputation. That reputation was built on three very basic principles; Achievement, Integrity & Respect. One without the other will not stand. It takes all three principles to create and sustain success. To that end, as we enter into 2006, I want to encourage each of you remain humble and continue to be servants to this great hobby of ours.
I know turn over command to Major Shawn Farkas...
I remain your servant,
Captain Steve Reincke
1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Co D.
2nd Federal Battalion
(Reenforced)
In assuming command of the battalion, Major Farkas released the following statement;
I would like to start off by thanking Steve Reincke for a great job leading this battalion over the last 18 months. His leadership has helped bring us all together and create this fast moving, hard hitting battalion. I agree we have made an inpact on this hobby and in my time as commander I hope to continue this dream. My goals include;
Continue the growth of the battalion and bring all the units together as friends.
Include more time to teach our future leaders.
Keep up the standards set by our outgoing commander.
Maintain our safety record.
Improve our impression and our battalion's ability to fight.
Teach history.
As for the leaders of the battalion, I ask for high standards; lets walk and talk the roles we're portraying and provide the leadership our units deserve. To the members of this battalion I ask for your commitment to this dream. Together and only together we can build something great. Lets all do our part. Once again Thank you Steve for your work as our commander and thank you to everyone for allowing me to serve as your new Battalion commander.
Your Humble Servant,
Major Shawn Farkas
2nd Federal Battalion
(Reinforced)
In filling the vacancy of Executive Officer, Sergeant-Major Wil Leas has been promoted to Captain and has been assigned as Infantry Commander for the 2nd Federal Battalion. Captain Leas has a long and distinguished career as a reenactor, and is most qualified for the post. After the Guyandotte Campaign concludes, the News Page will publish a statement from Capt Leas.