Reenactors,

     The 2nd Rangers of St. Louis will host a River Battle tactical on Saturday, December 1st 2007 at Fort Bellefontaine Park. Gates open at 7 am and the battle should start about 9:00 after safety, authenticity and hair standards checks. Do not come out if your impression is not right. There will be a Ranger MP at the gate to direct you to parking and registration. Battle fee is the usual $15. Please have your money in hand when coming up to the gate.

     We have had at least 14 battles at this site along the Missouri river and it is known as a good one day battle. There are lots of woods, a creek and ravines, several abandoned buildings and old bridges to fight over.

     Formation will be at 9. Those not ready can enter the battle area after the first scenario. Participants must be over 16 if accompanied by parent or over 18 if not. Be sure and bring water. Be sure and dress for the weather, rain, shine or snow! There will be NO cancellation or delay for weather. The last December battle went off without a hitch and there was 2" of ice covered snow! Nice. Weather will probably be much better this time.

     Period correct vehicles are encouraged with battle fee discounts given for vehicles larger than Jeeps (please call for details). Tanks and halftracks welcome. In the past a vehicle was not allowed to participate because it was not correct. Make sure your equipment is correct before dragging it out there. There will be non period camping on Friday night in the parking area. Contact me if you are interested in camping. Only a few guys camped last time but the weather will probably be milder at this time. If there is enough interest I will get camping opened up along the river.

     This will be a general ETO battle. Pyro will be allowed on a case-by-case basis. The safety committee will have the last say and will consider the dryness of the woods and appearance of the device. Their decision is final. There will be a vendor area set up for sales right after the battle. Please no sales before the battle because it slows things down.

     To get to the park from highway 270 in North St. Louis County take exit 32, Bellefontaine rd., and go North 4.2 miles to the end of the road. Bellefontaine Road will dead end at the park. I need to know from unit leaders about how many guys from your group can make it. I don't need a lot of details just a rough number would help.

     There is, as usual, quite a bit of interest in this event and we should have at least 100 guys attend. Last March's battle there was 115. See you there! Email rightfrontrightfront@charter.net if you need any more info.

   Special notice: There is a real possibility that we will start this event Friday night around 6pm. There will be all night scenarios. Patrols and skirmishes will last all night. This is new but a lot of effort will be put into realism and safety. If anyone wants to do this please get with me ahead of time as extra coordination will be required for this to work. I especially need a German contact who will coordinate. Thanks! Perry Locke 314-921-0814