Actions on Reno Hill

[montrose]

1. Purpose. Discuss actions that took place on Reno Hill after the retreat from the valley. Focus will be on activities to consolidate and reorganize the command.

2. Terms. Consolidate are actions to establish a defense and gather all personnel and equipment. Reorganize are actions to prepare for future combat operations.

3. Such activity was common in the ACW, due to tremendous battle losses on a routine basis. To guide the discussion, I will show modern procedures for an infantry platoon and squad FM 7-8, chapter 4.

"STEP 5. Consolidate and Reorganize.

a. Consolidate. Once the assaulting squad(s) has seized the enemy position, the platoon leader establishes local security. (The platoon must prepare to defeat an enemy counterattack. The platoon is most vulnerable at the conclusion of the assault.) (https://550cord.com/infantry-rifle-platoon-squad-fm-7-8/fm-7-8-chapter-4-battle-drills/)

(1) The platoon leader signals for the base-of-fire element to move up into designated positions.

(2) The platoon leader assigns sectors of fire for each squad.

(3) The platoon leader positions keys weapons to cover the most dangerous avenue(s) of approach.

(4) The platoon sergeant begins coordination for ammunition resupply.

(5) Soldiers take up hasty defensive positions.

(6) The platoon leader and his FO develop a quick fire plan.

(7) The squads place out OPs to warn of enemy counterattacks.

b. Reorganize.

(1) The platoon performs the following tasks (only after it completes the consolidation of the objective):

(a) Reestablish the chain of command.

(b) Redistribute and resupply ammunition.

(c) Man crew-served weapons first.

(d) Redistribute critical equipment (radios, NBC, NVDs).

(e) Treat casualties and evacuate wounded.

(f) Fill vacancies in key positions.

(g) Search, silence, segregate, safeguard, and speed EPWs to collection points.

(h) Collect and report enemy information and materiel.

(2) Squad leaders provide ammunition, casualty, and equipment (ACE) reports to the platoon leader.

(3) The platoon leader consolidates ACE reports and passes them to the company commander (or XO).

(4) The platoon continues the mission after receiving guidance from the company commander. The company follows the success of the platoon’s flanking attack."

[noggy]

Not sure if I can pass verdict on the platoon leaders at RH. When it comes to Reno, there is basically 1 thing where I feel he really failed, and then there is one area I would like to hear your and others take on.

The exact time spent on RH before Weir took off on his own seems to be somewhat unclear, but Reno should have sent out someone to try to locate GAC and the main force within the time from the last arrivals on RH and Weir leaving. If I were the commanding officer, it would be very high on my list of priorities to


Then there is a second matter which I don't think I have ever seen being much discussed. RH has, apart from the side facing the river, higher-laying terrain all around it. Would it not have been important to send if only a single trooper to these, both as a watch-out for NAs apporaching and as observation posts in all directions?

Geir

[herosrest]

^Ducemus

There is a view north by west over Cedar Coulee towards the line of sight from Luce on to CH and beyond; from the back ends of SSR. For the cavalry that terrain was only a route of march elsewhere.

Both occupations of the Reno Hill defence were scrambles, firstly up from the valley and then blasting back from Weir Point. Given lack of water at either place, it can be argurd the complex of hills at Weir offered a better defensive position but the either part of or, is often argued for the Reno Hill site. The problem at the time of the Indian attack towards Reno and Benteen was the rearguard, wounded and packtrain, which a rapid attack across MTC by Indians could cut off, if Weir, Benteen, French and Godfrey, stood their ground in advance. I chalk that one up to Benteen as a sucessful decision. Company A and a platoon of Company B assisting, were strung out along the bluffs carrying the wounded towards Weir and struggling to do it. Four men carrying a blanket's corners don't get very far in one hop and a fifth man is carrying their weapons and kit with another leading their horses. Nightmare scenario just waiting to be demolished as the Indian assault wrapped around Weir Peak and overran this troubled group. That's three platoons destroyed.

The problem Reno faced was opening communication urgently with Custer. He chose not to in understanding the consequences. That's what he did as far as I am concerned and right or wrong, it was the seed which blossomed the cowardice accusations which endure. Benny, Benny........ where's my adjutant! I must find him.............

The defence survived an exposed position dominated by higher ground within rifle range. Job done.

[johnson1941]

Jul 17, 2023 5:19:25 GMT -6 noggy said:

The exact time spent on RH before Weir took off on his own seems to be somewhat unclear, but Reno should have sent out someone to try to locate GAC and the main force within the time from the last arrivals on RH and Weir leaving. If I were the commanding officer, it would be very high on my list of priorities to
Geir

Posted in another thread - Camp is with you...

Takes them to task for not 'sending a scout or any one on the 3 minute ride 1/2mile to the hgh ground'...

[noggy]

Jul 17, 2023 7:11:09 GMT -6 johnson1941 said:

Jul 17, 2023 5:19:25 GMT -6 noggy said:

The exact time spent on RH before Weir took off on his own seems to be somewhat unclear, but Reno should have sent out someone to try to locate GAC and the main force within the time from the last arrivals on RH and Weir leaving. If I were the commanding officer, it would be very high on my list of priorities to
Geir

Posted in another thread - Camp is with you...

Takes them to task for not 'sending a scout or any one on the 3 minute ride 1/2mile to the hgh ground'...

View Attachment

Finally, someone with a handwriting worse than mine!

But yes, I really feel that the lack of making any atempt to locate the main force under GAC and also to, if not secure the high-ground, then at least check them out, is the things Reno deserves critique. A far cry from the fan boys who ofc thinks he should have dumped the wounded and just went blindly on a "Operation save the Golden One" campaign in the hills

Cheers for that link, btw.

Noggy

[herosrest]

^Ducemus

Searching..............

Benteen commenting on a part of Goldin's 'Armyy Magazine' account of the Battle at Little Bighorn. This is not on file with BYU, as far as I have so far not found. This page of comment is from Benteen's copy of the magazine. What can I say..........

Benteen's comments obviously postdate Reno's unfortunate demise. His own account of the battle subsequently came to light but the World really isn't ready yet.

[herosrest]

^Ducemus

Benteen's fine hand,