That's True, but I didn't have a "B" company, like Chamberlain did, setting out there on the enemies right flank that I could pick up in a swinging gate charge as Chamberlain's charge did.

I honestly believe that it was the sudden appearence of that "B" company detached from Chamberlain main battle line that surprised those old Alabama Boys. It would have appeared to them that Chamberlain was recieving fresh reenforcement on their flank and that their position had been turned.

It makes you wonder if Chamberlain had planned that manuver when he put his B Company way out there in the first place? Or if it was just a fortunate set of circumstances that worked out that way?

Placing his "B" Company out there as flank protection was a wise move militarily. But flank protection isn't any good if the rest of your regiment collapses. And it does seem like "B" Company of the 20th Maine didn't become in the battle to any large degree until Chamberlains famous "Swinging Gate" charge.