BATTLE ANALYSIS: The Battle of Little Round Top

P Version

INTRODUCTION• The Battle of Little Round Top• Principles of War

-Mass-Manoeuvre-Surprise-Security-Objective-Offensive

• A critical supporting action in the Battle of Gettysburg• 02 – 03 July 1863• Gettysburg, VA

INTRODUCTION

Army of the Potomac under MG Meade

V Army Corps under MG Sykes

3rd Bde under COL Vincent

Union Forces

INTRODUCTION

Army of Northern Virgnia under Gen Lee

I Army Corps under LTG Longstreet

Hoods’ Div under MG Hood

Confederate Forces

STRATEGIC SETTING

• Cause of the conflict American Civil War Battle of Gettysburg 01-03 July 1863 Direct assault

STRATEGIC SETTING• Military Systems Battle Command

Manoeuvre Fire Support Intelligence Logistics

• Previous Performance 1st Day of Battle of Gettysburg Devils’ Den

• Logistical Situation No apparent MSR for Union

• Morale, Health and Welfare Union Forces highly motivated Both forces physically tired due to difficulty of unit manoeuvres

TACTICAL SITUATION

• Mission• Equipment• Terrain• Troops available• Time

ACTIONInitial Troop Movements

ACTIONFinal Assault

ACTION

• Union Forces successfully defend positions• Union casualties: 565 casualties (134 killed,

402 wounded, 29 missing)• Confederate casualties: 1,185 (279 killed, 868

wounded, 219 missing)

SIGNIFICANCE

• Short term effect- Failure of Confederate forces to defeat Union forces enabled Union forces to alter outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg in their favor

• Long term effect- Union forces eventually won the war

ANALYSIS

• Tenets of Army OperationsAgility - maneuver of both forcesInitiative – COL Chamberlain’s quick thinkingDepth- utilization of reserves when needed and

use of maneuver space despite physical limitationSynchronization- coordinated movement of all

forces in terms of both offense and defenseVersatility

ANALYSIS• Principles of War Mass – Rebel assaults; Union lines of fire Maneuver – Rebel movement and flexibility of 20th Maine Surprise- appearance of Rebel forces at unexpected areas Simplicity Security-guarding of flanks of 20th Maine at tactical and of 3rd

Brigade at operational Objective- common for both forces but defense of LRT for Union

and dislodgement of enemy at LRT by Rebels Offensive- repetitive Rebel attacks and sudden bayonet attack of

20th Maine Unity of Command-at Brigade level for Union for western/southern

slope defense of LRT and coordinated Rebel attacks Economy of Force

ANALYSIS

• The victors observed the principles of mass, maneuver, surprise, security, and unity of command.

• The vanquished failed to employ maneuver, fire support, intelligence, mobility and survivability.

CONCLUSION

The leadership and tactical acumen of COL Joshua Chamberlain coupled with the determination of his men of the 20th Maine

practically saved the day for the Union Forces at their positions on the tactical aspect, for the Battle of Gettysburg on the operational aspect and the American Civil War later on in the strategic aspect.