The Battle of Namozine After Action Report
/Scott E. Womack
Captain, Commanding
2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D
9 April 2016
Dragoons:
Our first event of the year is complete and it was a great success in spite of everything Mother Nature could throw at us. Ten stalwarts of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A and two reinforcements from the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry braved the early spring weather and an enemy with intimate knowledge of the ground just as the original troopers did in 1865, with similar results. The Saturday morning tactical, which took place in rainy but warm weather, consisted of a running fight from the Appomattox River to Namozine Church. When I say "running fight" I mean it in a literal sense for much of it. Although we were prepared for all kinds of trickery the fighting was pretty direct, which played to our strengths: speed, aggressiveness, and discipline.
The battles on Saturday and Sunday were recreations of the actual battle and both sides stayed on script, except for Red and I who decided to take a tour of the field at a gallop on Sunday at the opening charge. As in the original battle the Federal Cavalry arrogantly charged a line of dismounted cavalry and was repulsed. After this we dismounted and a lengthy dismounted battle ensued, with the horses safely screened behind a tree line. At the end of the dismounted fight we remounted and engaged in a series of charges and counter charges with sabers. The battle ended with a wheeling flank attack on the again dismounted Confederates, who were either killed or captured.
Did I mention weather? After the rain we had some warm and humid weather to get nice and sweaty Saturday afternoon, followed by gale force winds and temperatures that fell into the 30'sF that night. Lieutenant Sopko discovered that canvas will, indeed, tear in high winds and his tent was a victim of the storm. Colt Romberger, one of our 17th Pennsylvania volunteers, discovered that tents are warmer when they blow down and serve as additional blankets.
Mentioned in dispatches are Hank Happy, who kept us well fed as always and is one of the most selfless people I know. Also Corporal Harry, who devised a more efficient and effective way to collect meal fees for the cook. Chaplain Charlie (not to be confused with Charlie Chaplin) stepped up to the plate to lead a moving church service in the old Namozine Church and Trooper Tony helped out by leading the singing with me. Trooper Sam quietly and efficiently did all the work that Trooper Rebecca normally handles while I am out playing officer, which is to say managing our horses, weapons, and camp gear. Huzzah to you all.
Truly, though, you are all mentioned in dispatches because the event was full of positive waves and free of negativity. Everyone was helpful in keeping the camp going and offering the right humor at the right time. Several Confederates came over to our fire and stayed much longer than usual because it was a very convivial atmosphere. This was a great way to start the season and I look forward to more opportunities this year.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,
Scott E. Womack
Captain, Commanding
2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D