This monument, dedicated June 10, 1886, marks the area in the Rose Woods where the 2nd Delaware Infantry fought on the Second Day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863). Commanded by Colonel William P. Baily, it was part of Colonel John R. Brooke's brigade that attacked the Wheatfield with the balance of John Caldwell's division at 4:30PM. The regiment was the brigade's extreme left unit, and held this position while fighting Confederates after the brigade made it across the casualty-strewn Wheatfield into the Confederate occupied Woods. The Delaware troops came under intense fire, and even had to throw back its left flank to repulse a body of Confederate who were trying to turn the brigade flank. During this action the regiment reportedly captured a number of Rebel prisoners, including 2 officers. When Colonel Brooke saw that his troops were not going to be supported by reinforcements, he withdrew it from the field to prevent it from being outflanked. The 2nd Delaware enacted a slow, fighting withdrawal, eventually retreating 600 yards to the Trostle Woods area. On the Third Day of the Battle it occupied a position on the Union left, and came under Confederate artillery fire from 5AM to 4PM (a smaller marker for the 2nd Delaware is located on North Hancock Avenue). Colonel Baily was wounded during this time, and the command went to Captain Charles H. Christman. The regiment lost 70 men wounded and 17 killed, including Company B's 2nd Lieutenant Hamil W. Ottey and Company E's 2nd Lieutenant George G. Plank (who is buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery).
This monument, dedicated June 10, 1886, marks the area in the Rose Woods where the 2nd Delaware Infantry fought on the Second Day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863). Commanded by Colonel William P. Baily, it was part of Colonel John R. Brooke's brigade that attacked the Wheatfield with the balance of John Caldwell's division at 4:30PM. The regiment was the brigade's extreme left unit, and held this position while fighting Confederates after the brigade made it across the casualty-strewn Wheatfield into the Confederate occupied Woods. The Delaware troops came under intense fire, and even had to throw back its left flank to repulse a body of Confederate who were trying to turn the brigade flank. During this action the regiment reportedly captured a number of Rebel prisoners, including 2 officers. When Colonel Brooke saw that his troops were not going to be supported by reinforcements, he withdrew it from the field to prevent it from being outflanked. The 2nd Delaware enacted a slow, fighting withdrawal, eventually retreating 600 yards to the Trostle Woods area. On the Third Day of the Battle it occupied a position on the Union left, and came under Confederate artillery fire from 5AM to 4PM (a smaller marker for the 2nd Delaware is located on North Hancock Avenue). Colonel Baily was wounded during this time, and the command went to Captain Charles H. Christman. The regiment lost 70 men wounded and 17 killed, including Company B's 2nd Lieutenant Hamil W. Ottey and Company E's 2nd Lieutenant George G. Plank (who is buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery).
Bio by: RPD2
Advertisement
See more 2nd Delaware Infantry Monument memorials in:
Advertisement
