Pioneers & Kitchens

[Crazy Delawares]

Hello Pards & Pardettes! I have two questions that need answers. Our unit has come to "lively" discussions about pioneers and kitchens in our company. I'd like to have as many facts as possible before our next meeting, 7 April, so I can make an informed and FAIR decision concerning such. I know you folks are some of the most knowledgeable, so I come to you all for my answers. Thank you in advance for your input!

1) Do pioneers act as file closers or do they fall into line like everyone else?
1a) Do pioneers hold rank, such as corporal, just because they are a pioneer?
2) Which is correct: a four man mess or a company kitchen?

My apologies for the extra question. It popped into my head just as I was asking the first one. Thanks again, folks! I appreciate your feedback. These questions could cause a fracture in the company and I want to make sure that I, at least, am not being ruled by emotion and want to get it right for accuracy sake.

 

[Camp Randall Armory]

A pioneer was a duty. Per Kautz: "Pioneers are soldiers detailed to precede a command on the march, for the purpose of repairing the roads, bridges, etc. The pioneer party is usually composed of details of one or two men from each company in the command, with axes, picks, and spades, and sent in rear of the advanced guard, but in front of the main force. An officer is usually detailed to direct the men in their work. It in not a permanent party, but only detailed for the emergency; and when necessity is over the men are returned to their respective companies."

Some armies had more permanent pioneers who were assigned at brigade and division level, but the basic concept was the same.

As for the mess, it depended. While in garrison or in one place for a while, either the company would have civilian cooks or detail out several soldiers who cooked for the whole company is this was more efficient. However on the march or in campaign it wouldn't be possible to break out all the kitchen gear so rations were issued to each man, who would usually get together with his pards to cook rations.

 

[Crazy Delawares]

A pioneer was a duty. Per Kautz: "Pioneers are soldiers detailed to precede a command on the march, for the purpose of repairing the roads, bridges, etc. The pioneer party is usually composed of details of one or two men from each company in the command, with axes, picks, and spades, and sent in rear of the advanced guard, but in front of the main force. An officer is usually detailed to direct the men in their work. It in not a permanent party, but only detailed for the emergency; and when necessity is over the men are returned to their respective companies."

Some armies had more permanent pioneers who were assigned at brigade and division level, but the basic concept was the same.

As for the mess, it depended. While in garrison or in one place for a while, either the company would have civilian cooks or detail out several soldiers who cooked for the whole company is this was more efficient. However on the march or in campaign it wouldn't be possible to break out all the kitchen gear so rations were issued to each man, who would usually get together with his pards to cook rations.

Thanks you for the excellent answer! Only have one question remaining:
When the pioneers returned to their respective companies, did they fall into line or were they file closers?
Again, thank you VERY much, CRA, for taking the time to help a pard out!!!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

This book will help answer your question about kitchen vs. mess!
I oughtta know, I wrote it! There is a whole chapter devoted to "What The Soldiers Ate" and it discusses kitchens and messes.
Thanks!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1980344426/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

 

[Crazy Delawares]

This book will help answer your question about kitchen vs. mess!
I oughtta know, I wrote it! There is a whole chapter devoted to "What The Soldiers Ate" and it discusses kitchens and messes.
Thanks!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1980344426/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

Thank you, Al!!!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Thank you, Al!!!

I hope you find the information useful and I hope you cook some of the recipes!
Thanks for looking, I appreciate it!

 

[Camp Randall Armory]

Thanks you for the excellent answer! Only have one question remaining:
When the pioneers returned to their respective companies, did they fall into line or were they file closers?
Again, thank you VERY much, CRA, for taking the time to help a pard out!!!

When they returned they were again rifleman. They would fall back into ranks.

 

[Crazy Delawares]

Thank you CRA! This is most helpful.