Ft. Pocohantas June 4-6
2021
Operations
Order 2021-2
Attention
Battery Commanders and Staff.
MISSION:
Longstreet's Corps has been asked to provide artillery support for a Confederate
Infantry/Cavalry combined arms attack on the Federal Fort at Wilsons wharf on
the James River. This large earthen fort is the main Federal logistics
port supporting federal forces in the Richmond/Petersburg area.
CONCEPT OF
OPERATIONS: We will have four Longstreet's batteries deployed to support the
attack. Four to six other batteries will be involved. At least four of these
will be deployed as Federal in defense of the Fort. We will operate as a
reenforced Battery. Corps has informed me that we will have approximately 60
Longstreet infantry and 40 cavalry on site.
UNIFORM: Late
war confederate. All officers should deploy as Captains or below.
CAMPS:
Battalion staff will deploy on Thursday afternoon at 1300 hours to lay out the
camp. Space is limited and the organizers have asked that no tents larger than A
tents be used. Fly's and shebangs are welcome. Batteries will be camped in
company streets by battery. In the past all camps were inside the fort. This
year however, the Confederate artillery Camp may be outside the fort due to
space restrictions and the large attendance. All confederate artillery are
asked to check with artillery battalion Hq prior to setting up camp. Members
of Longstreet's artillery who can assist in laying out the camps are welcome to
arrive Thursday. Please notify the Battalion adjutant if you plan to arrive
to help with the camp layout.
SCENARIOS:
Battle space is limited. We will most likely be asked to provide barrage support
for the combined attack then cease firing while the attack commences. A second
artillery barrage may be required if there is a second attack. Scenarios will be
explained on site by Corps command and appropriate orders issued. The area
outside the fort is densely forested which may require us to operate as
independent 2 to 3 gun sections. Section commanders will be assigned on site.
SAFETY: Gun
and crew inspections will be conducted on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning
as crews and guns arrive. Since many crews have been inactive for a lengthy time
due to the recent pandemic, Battery commanders are requested to pay special
attention to crew practice and drill.
REGISTRATION:
The organizers have capped registration at 400. No walk-ons. Battery commanders
are asked to ensure that all artillery members have filled out the electronic
waiver forms. No paper waivers will be issued on site.
FURTHER
ORDERS: Operations orders will be issued on site on a daily basis in writing by
Battalion Hq.
Brig Gen John
W Douglass, Commanding
Alexanders
Battalion
Longstreet's
Artillery.