1st Pennsylvania Reserves, Co. D Reenactors

This past weekend the Reserves attended the Strasburg Railroad train raid. On Friday evening a small detachment began a 4 mile march into the event, and set up camp at the Esbenshade Turkey Farm nearby.

In the morning we marched the remaining distance, and joined with the rest of the company at Cherry Crest Farm. Our company’s turnout was fairly small, so we merged with men from the 142nd PA, 45th PA, and Lancaster Fencibles to form a single company. At 10:00 we marched out to battle. In the ensuing fight, we were hard pressed by the enemy, and eventually driven from the field. The company engaged in a brief drill, and was then called into formation and marched to the nearby train stop. After boarding the train, we travelled to Strasburg Station, then east to Paradise Junction, where we found Rebel infantry and dismounted cavalry. We unloaded from the train and attempted unsuccessfully to clear the junction. After taking the train back to camp, the company was almost immediately thrown into combat again, this time managing to take the field with a gallant charge. Saturday evening there was a wedding in camp, and we were treated to a catered dinner.

Sunday morning we engaged the enemy. We pressed hard into their lines, but were eventually outflanked. As our ranks began to waver, Captain Baran rallied us for a countercharge, but we could not reach the enemy line before their musket fire cut us down. As the final battle approached, a rainstorm began soaking the field. As it began to lighten, we marched out one last time. After an exchange of musketry, we charged, overwhelming their forces and driving them away.