Shoeless Soldiers

[LtGenHenryWagerHalleck]

Just imagine how many otherwise fit soldier were put in hospital or even died because of foot injuries from lack of shoes or related infections

 

[Old Soldier]

Just imagine how many otherwise fit soldier were put in hospital or even died because of foot injuries from lack of shoes or related infections

Up to 90% of units in some locations. The average was about 10%. Most did not report sick, just walked more slowly.

 

[ColonelBuckwalter]

In the March North which ended at Gettysburg - the 1863 Pennsylvania Campaign - Lee's troops were marching far beyond their base supply line. OK, so it was only 15 or so miles a day, but this was over 30 days! However, on poor roads and with these brogan-type shoes, their footwear would not have lasted long. Resupply seems to have been prioritised along the lines of ammunition and food - although both could be debated given the effort involved and the stories from the survivors.

Thread 'How Long Did It Take Civil War Armies To March?'

May 25, 2023

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted anything in a while, but I'm back with a series of questions.

As we approach the 160th of Gettysburg, I can't help but think about Lees march to Gettysburg, and it leads to me wonder, when did the ANV start marching towards Gettysburg from Virginia, how long did it take, and how many miles did it cover?

These questions lead me to a bigger one: how long did it usually take for civil war armies to march? How many miles would they march a day on average? How long were their breaks usually? When did they usually start marching? Did they mainly match in...

• Creighton1930
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Questions? Ask Here! No Stone Left Unturned!

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After all, a popular story is told that they were heading for Gettysburg to get shoes/boots from the warehouses there! An army of that size - 70-75,000 troops - on the march, at that time, the lead troops would be living off the land as they would be far ahead of the supply train. Although we quote the '15 miles a day', some units could do 30 or more BUT their Quartermasters would be some way behind and the route clogged with troops. Horses and mules get tired too.

The role and work of the Quartermaster and his team of waggons, drivers and sources of supply are a story in themselves and are never glamorous enough to gain much interest. As any regular soldier can tell you, the guys at the front are ALWAYS poorly provided for, not because the QM is a mean old barsteward, but they just cannot get the supplies to them easily and in time. Those that do are hailed as heroes - but only by the guys at the front. No Medals of Honor for them, just a sigh of relief from Joe.

I've always thought it woujd be harder to fight without shoes. Considering the make of shoes then, at least in warmer/hitter times of the year, might have been best to save blisters for battle.

 

[DixieRifles]

While studying the retreat from Nashville, I was focusing on General Forrest's rearguard actions. I used a few sources and one mentioned that there were 200 and maybe as many as 400 soldiers that were without shoes during these icy, rainy days.