Fog

[MikeyB]

If the fog didn't clear and there was a thick "soup" in front of Marye's heights, does that make any difference to the prospects for success? It always better to be able to see what you're shooting at, but maybe in this case it didn't matter and you could just blindly fire to your front and still win a decisive action?

 

[jackt62]

Didn't the fog dissipate early on so that the major Union assaults were conducted in relatively clear weather?

 

[MikeyB]

Didn't the fog dissipate early on so that the major Union assaults were conducted in relatively clear weather?

Yes, I think it cleared up quite sharply, giving a clear canvas for the defenders.

Was wondering if fog could actually have served as an effective screen to advantage the attackers? They were so entrenched though, I can't imagine it making a difference?

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Believe that the December 13 Union assault on Marye's Heights commenced at 11 am. The fog had lifted about one hour earlier.

Think that any fog present could also have disadvantaged attackers, by causing confusion. It could have altered deployments and affected directional movements, of advancing unit formations.

 

[CavRTO]

Believe that the December 13 Union assault on Marye's Heights commenced at 11 am. The fog had lifted about one hour earlier.

Think that any fog present could also have disadvantaged attackers, by causing confusion. It could have altered deployments and affected directional movements, of advancing unit formations.

You're right. Any inclement weather back then would have favored the defender. However, a bold forward movement by the union without firing and the use of bayonets once at the wall would have created quite a melee and total confusion on the confederate side. The problem being one of control by the union commanders in the soup up to the walls. Could the results have been any better or none at all?

 

[Nathan Stuart]

You're right. Any inclement weather back then would have favored the defender. However, a bold forward movement by the union without firing and the use of bayonets once at the wall would have created quite a melee and total confusion on the confederate side. The problem being one of control by the union commanders in the soup up to the walls. Could the results have been any better or none at all?

Would agree, provided advancing unit formations could maintain their intended lines of direction.