Keith and Mike get geared up on Saturday morning.145th
For this special anniversary event, each
regiment of the famed Irish Brigade was represented by a company of 45-60 men.
The members of the 78th PA partnered with our friends in the
116th PA to help honor that regiment.
Our company numbered 59 men under the command of Capt. Mike Kraus with
Lieutenants Aaron Hooks and Butch Diamond assisting.
On Saturday, the battalion took part in a street fighting scenario on
Hanover Street and in the late
afternoon, recreated a scale version of the Irish Brigade assault on the
stonewall at Marye’s Heights. On
Sunday, battlefield guide and author, Frank O’Reilly conducted a tour that
retraced the Irish Brigade’s march through the town and its assault.
Despite it being December, the 78th members camped both nights
in shelter tents in the park that used to be the cemetery along
The Irish Brigade assaulting the stone wall
Another view of the assault against the wall
Frank O’Reilly talks about 116th PA crossing the mill race.
Keith and Mike get geared up on Saturday morning.
The battalion is
assembled for morning formation on Saturday.
The battalion
assembles awaits the start of the street fighting scenario.
The battalion
marches out of the formation area for the street fighting scenario.
Capt. Kraus
observes the action to the front during the street fighting.
Lieutenant Hooks
and the 116th PA wait for the start of the assault on Marye’s
Heights.
The 116th
PA, the final Irish Brigade unit to enter the battle, waits the other regiments
begin the assault against the stone wall.
The 69th
and 88th NY assault the stone wall while the others unit move into
position.
The 28th MA and 63rd NY’s assault is stopped as high casualties are sustained.
The 116th PA, at left, is stopped in its assault against the stone wall.
After the battle,
a few Federals shake hands with the Confederate at the recreated stonewall.
The 28th
The battalion marches to another stopping point during Frank O’Reilly’s tour on Sunday.