Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: CapnJim on November 07, 2021, 11:18:12 PM
-
Well, the World at War wargames event went off at Fort Meigs in Ohio, USA without a hitch this Saturday past. We ran our AWI games, playtested as shown in the "Somewhere in New York 1777..." thread. Let's just say the games Saturday went very differently that the playtests...I'll be posting illustrated AARs within the next couple days. Stay tuned... :)
-
Okay, here we go! The World at War, a small wargames event, was held at Fort Meigs, in Perrysburg, Ohio, USA this Saturday past. A wargaming friend and I both ran AWI games, using essentially the same scenarios, only different scales and rules. He did his game in 28mm, and used Black Powder rules. I did mine in 20mm, and used Saratoga Soldiers (an AWI variant of the Gettysburg Soldiers ACW rules). As I mentioned, I did AARs on our playtests for these games, below in the "Somewhere in new York, 1777..." thread. In both the playtests, the Continentals beat the British, in one game quite badly. In our event games, the Continentals would not have it so easy...
As mentioned in the playtest thread, the games involved a fictional scenario, where 2 British brigades (one primarily British, and the other primarily Hessian - well, Brunswickers really) encounter 2 American brigades (both with Continentals and Militia) north of Albany, NY in the run-up to the Battles of Saratoga in 1777.
The first game (Saturday morning) was my friend's, in 28mm. He had a player for each of the brigades, and I played the Hessian Brigade. Game 1 Pics 1 - 4 below show the brigades.
Both British Brigades started by moving forward, as did the left continental Brigade. The Continental Right Brigade kept the Militia along the farm lane fence, and moved his Continentals up along a road to try to flank the British left flank. The Hessian Brigade and the Continental left Brigade moved on each other in the woods on their side of the field, with the Jagers and Loyalist rangers trading fire with the American Riflemen and Militia. The British Brigade moved up to their fence along the farm lane, and engaged the Militia on the far side of the farm lane.
Meanwhile, in the woods, the Hessian and Loyalist battalions moved up to support their skirmishers, while the Continentals moved up to support the Riflemen and their Militia. And the Continentals continued moving up on the British left flank.
In those woods, the Jagers, Rangers, Riflemen, and Militia made way for the Hessian, Loyalist and Continental battalions to form line and go at each other. Unfortunately, a Continental battalion was able to catch the Hessians with their proverbial pants down, and a Continental battalion charged 2 hessian Battalions while they were still in Column. That combat ended the fight for the Continental battalion and one of the Hessian battalions, but one Hessian battalion survived to later form line and continue the fight.
On the British left, the 3 Continental battalions coming up the road on the British left flank formed line to press their attack. But the British had been able to move 3 battalions (grenadiers, light bobs, and line) over the meet that threat.
On both sides of the field, as regulars fought regulars, the British, Hessian, and Loyalist musketry got the better of the Continental musketry, and soon both Continental Brigades had broken. Good thing, as the Hessian Brigade was on near the breaking point. But the British Brigade was still in fairly good shape. the British had won the field!
game 1 Pics 5-8 below show the beginning stages of the fight.
-
And Game 2 Pics 9-13 below are the last half of the 28mm battle. And I'll post the Saturday afternoon game (the 20mm game) AAR this evening.
-
And here is the AAR from my 20mm Saratoga Soldiers game Saturday afternoon. Again, as mentioned in the playtest thread, the games involved a fictional scenario, where 2 British brigades (one primarily British, and the other primarily Hessian - well, Brunswickers really) encounter 2 American brigades (both with Continentals and Militia) north of Albany, NY in the run-up to the Battles of Saratoga in 1777.
I had a player for each of the brigades (including me), and I played the British Brigade this time. Game 2 Pics 1 - 4 below show the brigades.
As with the 28mm game, Both British Brigades started by moving forward, as did the left continental Brigade. The Continental Right Brigade kept the Militia along the farm lane fence (even advancing them across the lane to their far fence), and moved his Continentals up along a road to try to attack the British left flank. The Hessian Brigade and the Continental left Brigade moved on each other in the woods on their side of the field, with the Jagers screening the Hessians and trading fire with the American Riflemen and Militia. The British Brigade moved up to engage the Militia in the farm lane.
Meanwhile, in the woods, the Hessian and Loyalist battalions moved up to support their Jagers, while the Continentals moved up to support the Riflemen and their Militia. And the Continentals continued moving up on the British left flank.
In those woods, the Jagers, Riflemen, and Militia made way for the Hessian, Loyalist and Continental battalions to form line and go at each other. The Hessians and Loyalists went right at it, formed a good line of battle, and began driving the Continentals before them.
On the British left, the 3 Continental battalions coming up the road on the British left flank formed line to press their attack. Meanwhile, a battalion of Highlanders and a unit of dismounted Brunswick Dragoons drove an American Militia battalion out of the farm at the center of the field. The British artillery battery set up on the road between the British and Hessian Brigades destroyed a Continental battery opposite them, and pivoted left to face the Continental threat from the left. Unfortunately, the Highlander battalion masked their fire as the Highlanders turned from the farm, and swept down the farm lane, sending another American Militia battalion fleeing to the rear.
The British Brigade had 3 battalions up front (a battalion each of foot and grenadiers, supported by another foot battalion) to face the Continentals threatening their left flank, with the Highlanders, fresh from their charges straddling the farm lane to their right. A Continental battalion sent a deadly volley into the Highlanders, causing heavy casualties and making the Highlanders retreat off the line. In a case of "be careful what you wish for", the Highlanders' retreat unmasked the British guns, who proceeded to pour fire into the Continentals on the British left flank.
On both sides of the field, as regulars fought regulars, the British, Hessian, and Loyalist musketry got the better of the Continental musketry. The Hessians steadily drove the Continentals facing them out of the woods. And the British, having stabilized their lines, fired successive deadly volleys into the Continental lines. Soon both Continental Brigades had broken. The British Brigade was battered a bit but still had some fight left in them. And the Hessian Brigade was still in good shape. The British had won the field again!
Between the playtests and the convention games, both sides won a game each of both scales/rulesets. Sounds like a reasonably balanced scenario to me!
Game 2 Pics 5-8 below show the beginning stages of the fight.
-
And Game 2 Pics 9-15 below are the last half of the 20mm battle. Enjoy!
-
Very nicely done..love Ft. Meigs...My Burgoyne army is 0 and 13...sigh..but I love em.
-
Thanks, juergen! We had a blast, both in the playtests and the convention games.
We use our AWI armies for all the the theatres of the war. It might put button-counters in a tizzy, but it works for us...and the fortunes of war take turns favoring our British and Rebel armies... ;)
-
It's back to the AWI for me again. I'm planning on running some AWI games at the World at War convention at Fort Meigs in Ohio, USA November 4-5. I'll be running the same game twice, and it's 20mm using Saratoga Soldiers (the AWI variant of Gettysburg Soldiers).
It will be the Battle of Springs Mill, a fictional battle set in the southern campaign in 1781, but inspired by the ACW Battle of Mill Springs. In my scenario, the British take the Union's place, while the Americans take the Confederate place.
Here's my planned order of battle:
Battle of Spring’s Mill
British Information
Mission: Defend and hold the bridge and fords.
Commanding General – Lt. Gen. Cornwallis A, Turn 1 (w/O’Hara)
British Legion Dragoons 4 stands Deployed
1st Brigade - Lt. Col Webster (Good) Deployed
23rd Regt. of Foot 6 stands “
33rd Regt. of Foot 5 stands “
2nd Brigade – Col. O’Hara (Good) A, Turn 1
Grenadiers Battalion 8 stands Grenadiers “
Light Infantry Battalion 6 stands Light Infantry “
Artillery 2 stands “
3rd Brigade – Maj. Gen. Leslie A or B, Turn 3
Regiment von Bose 6 stands “
British Legion Infantry 5 stands “
North Carolina Loyalist Vol. 5 stands “
Artillery 1 stand “
Battle of Spring’s Mill
American Information
Mission: Attack and seize bridge and fords.
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. Greene (Good) Deployed (w/Huger)
Lee’s Legion Dragoons 4 stands C, 2d6 @ turn # or under
1st/3rd Continental Dragoons 4 stands With Lee’s Dragoons
1st Brigade – Brig. Gen. Huger W/in 6” of C, Deployed
1st Maryland Infantry 5 stands “
2nd Maryland Infantry 5 stands “
4th Virginia Infantry 5 stands “
5th Virginia Infantry 5 stands “
Artillery 2 stands “
2nd Brigade – Gen. Stevens C, Turn 3
Lawson’s Virginia Militia 7 stands “
Steven’s Virginia Militia 6 stands “
Eaton’s N. Carolina Militia 7 stands Militia “
Butler’s N. Carolina Militia 7 stands Militia “
Artillery 1 stand “
Off course, I will post an illustrated AAR once I run the games....
-
My gaming group is going to playtest this scenario tomorrow (Wednesday). While setting up for it, I made some a few adjustments to the terrain. Mostly because I felt like it! :D
Here are the British and American scenario sheets, with the adjusted terrain.
A couple notes, should anyone feel like playing this scenario out.
1. As mentioned above, this scenario is set up for Saratoga Soldiers. It can be converted to other rules easily enough.
2. One stand in these rules is about 50 men. For rules that have a set figures-to-men ratio, converting is easy enough. For others, like Black Powder for example, 4 stands is a small unit. 5-6 stands would be a standard unit. And 7-8 stands would be a large unit.
4. Artillery stands in Saratoga Soldiers represent a pair of guns. If my collection permitted it, I would have 2 full 4-gun batteries each side.
4. The cavalry are not brigaded. They should be able to operate independently (like using the Marauder rule in Black Powder, for example).
5. Saratoga Soldiers does not rate generals. Feel free to rate them as you see fit in whatever rules you might use.
6. In other rules, the British Grenadiers and Light Bobs should be elite or otherwise above-average in quality. The 2 smaller American militia units should be below-average in quality. The 2 militia units that are average have a good number of ex-continentals in them, or are otherwise well-trained.
That oughta do it. I'll post an AAR after tomorrow's game.
-
We did indeed play this scenario out this Wednesday past. Before I go into the events of the day, here's just a smidge of background.
I set the scenario in the Carolinas in 1781. As Lt. Col. Webster and Gen. Huger are present, it must be before Guilford Courthouse. But not much before, as the trees are leafed out... :)
The armies got close to each other, across a river, and Gen. Greene took a brigade of Continentals under Gen. Huger and a brigade of Militia under Gen. Stevens, as well as some dragoons and artillery, north to cross that river and try to catch Lord Cornwallis' rearguard.
Cornwallis, having received word of Greene's movements, moves south with Col. O'Hara and the flank battalions, and Gen Leslie with Hessians and Loyalist infantry. He intends to reinforce Lt. Col. Webster and his 2 Regiments who are stationed at the river. Loyalist Dragoons are at the river, as well.
That's the set-up. Gene and Ted played the Americans, while I played the British, etc. As a reminder, it was a 20mm affair, using Saratoga Soldiers rules. And away we go...
Part 1: Ok - Everyone's here now...?
"Your Grace, Lt. Col. Webster wishes to inform you that he is crossing the river, and will defend the crossing from the south side. He also wishes to inform you that the Loyalist cavalry has also crossed at the Springs Mill bridge, and will screen his left flank." the courier reported.
"Damn that man!" Lord Cornwallis replied. "His orders were clear - DEFEND the crossings, not USE them..." To the courier: "Very well then. Tell him to do the best he can. I will have him some help straightaway."
"Yes, Your Grace", said the courier, as he turned about, and rode off south toward the river.
Meanwhile, back at the river, at the west ford to be precise, Lt. Col. Webster was indeed leading his Regiments (the 23rd and 33rd) across the west ford, and the Loyalist cavalry was crossing the bridge at Springs Mill to screen south of that sleepy little village. But there would be more activity around Springs Mill. Much more.
As Lord Cornwallis and Col. O'Hara led the Grenadier and Light Battalions, along with artillery south down the main road, Maj. Gen. Greene and Brig. Gen. Huger led a Brigade of Maryland and Virginia Continentals north along the Springs Mill Pike. As the British reinforcements headed south toward the west ford, Greene had the Maryland Continentals and 4th Virginian Continentals move left toward the west ford. The 5th Virginia and the artillery, under Huger, moved left toward Springs Mill. Then they saw the loyalist cavalry deploying into line not 300 yards to their north.
The 5th Virginia and the artillery deployed and the artillery fired on the loyalist cavalry. Over at the west ford, the 23rd and 33rd Regiments of Foot deployed into line south of the ford, and faced off against the 1st and 2nd Maryland Continentals.
And, more troops had come onto the field. Coming down the main road from the north, Maj. Gen. Leslie led the Regiment von Bose, the Loyalist legion Infantry, and the North Carolina Volunteers, along with a pair of guns. And coming up the Springs Mill Pike, Gen. Stevens led 4 regiments of Virginia and North Carolina Militia, with a pair of guns as well.
By now, everyone who was to play a part in this battle was present. And it would get very interesting...
... to be continued in part 2.
-
Flippin excellent! :-*
Those printed mats do make things much easier when it comes to defining where different terrain types start and end.
-
Flippin excellent! :-*
Those printed mats do make things much easier when it comes to defining where different terrain types start and end.
Thanks!
And those mats certainly do the trick! Gotta get me a couple more...and now on to part 2...
Part 2: Send in the Grenadiers!
As I mentioned, by now all the troops were on the field. Lt. Col. Webster and the 23rd and 33rd Regiments were locked in a musket duel with the 1st and 2nd Maryland Continentals. Col. O'Hara was bringing the Grenadiers, Light Infantry, and 4 guns down to support the fight at the west ford, and Gen. Leslie was ordered to take his Brigade left toward the bridge. South of Springs Mill, the Loyalist cavalry was single-handedly blocking the way to the bridge, and was causing some confusion for the American Militia Brigade simply by being in the way...
Things progressed from there. Across the west ford, Leslie led his 2 regiments in a bayonet charge against the Marylanders. But the Marylanders were made of sturdy stuff, and held!
And over south of Springs Mill, the Loyalist cavalry went in among the Continental artillery. It took them 2 charges to take the guns, but those two charges spent them, and they would take no more part in the fight. They did their job, though - they delayed the Militia Brigade for a while. And the confusion got worse, as the American Dragoons showed up, riding up the Springs Mill Pike right up behind the Militia Brigade.
At the west ford, the 23rd and 33rd Regiments reformed themselves, while the Marylanders did the same. While that was happening, the British Grenadiers crossed over the river at the ford, followed by the Light Infantry, and formed line just south of the river. And they charged the remnants of the Marylanders in the flank, but were charged in their own flank by the 4th Virginia Continentals...
Meanwhile, the American Militia Brigade and the American Dragoons got moving toward the bridge. But Gen. Leslie would get there first, and formed his Brigade up to meet the Americans as they crossed the bridge. Col. Washington's 1st/3rd Continental Dragoons crossed first right after that, formed line, and got "a whiff of grape" from the pair of British guns for their troubles...
Back to the Grenadiers and the charge...the Continentals held! They weren't going anywhere without a fight! The Grenadiers had to retreat back down the hill behind the Light Infantry to reform.
But as it turned out, the fight at the west ford was not over, by any means. And the fight at the bridge was just heating up...
To be continued in Part 3...
-
And now, for our final chapter:
Part 3: This is the End...
Over south of the west ford, the Grenadiers had just been pushed back by the Marylanders and Virginians. It was now the Light Bob's turn unto the breach...and in they went, led by Col. O'Hara, while the Grenadiers reformed behind them. The Lights would have their way with those pesky Continentals though, destroying the 1st Marylanders and pushing the 5th Virginians back. While that bayonet charge was going in, the guns of the Royal Artillery pummeled the 4th Virginia. But is was not all fame and glory for the British. Col O'Hara went down in the thick of the fight, perhaps felled by a musket ball. But that seemed to get the blood up for the Lights and the Grenadiers. They pushed the remains of the Continental troops up and off the hill, with the whittled-down 33rd Regiment reformed and on their right. Three of the 4 Continental Regiments were sent running back toward the Springs Mill Pike, with only Gens. Greene and Huger and the remnants of the 5th Virginia acting as a rear guard. But somewhere in there, Lt. Col. Webster also went down, likely at the point of a bayonet. Seeing his Colonels down, Lord Cornwallis rode over to take personal command of the British right. Just then, he received a courier from Gen. Leslie, whose men hade become engaged over at the bridge.
This was his report:
After taking that "whiff of grape", the American Dragoons charged the Regiment von Bose and the pair of British guns, who had deployed into line leading Gen. Leslie's Brigade. While the Hessians took a few casualties, the Continental Dragoons were sent packing. Then came Lawson's Virginia Militia over the bridge, who immediately formed line, and received a devastating volley of musket ball and cannister. They broke straightaway, many of them jumping into the river and trying to swim across, as the way across the bridge was blocked by Steven's Virginia Militia. Steven's men then came across the bridge and formed line, followed by Eaton's N. Carolina Militia. And the American and British guns fired at each other, with the British guns taken out of action. The Hessians took more casualties, and Gen. Leslie had his 2 Loyalist Infantry Battalions move up on line, taking the pressure off of the Regiment von Bose. Another devastating volley sent Eaton's Militia reeling, and they too took to the river as Butler's men blocked the way on the bridge. Somewhere in all that, Lee's Dragoons rode across the bridge ,and they too were sent on their way.
Lord Cornwallis considered his next move. Night was falling, Gen. Leslie was taking care of business at the bridge, and his men had swept the Continental Brigade from the field. Surely, Gen. Greene would see that the gig was up.
And Gen. Greene did indeed see that. With nothing besides darkness to stop the British Light Infantry and Grenadiers from moving to cut off what was left of his Militia brigade, he sent orders to them to retreat back across the bridge and south back along the Springs Mill Pike. The Battle of Springs Mill was over.
The British had decisively taken the west ford and shattered some of Greene's best troops, albeit at the expense of the 23rd Regiment, and Cols. O'Hara and Webster. And while the American Militia had taken the bridge, with Gen. Leslie's brigade giving better than it got, they would not be able to hold it. So, while perhaps at worst for the British a tactical draw, it was a definite (and somewhat expensive) British strategic victory.
Presuming Guildford Courthouse would still take place, this Battle of Springs Mill would certainly have an effect on that. On both sides...
-
Well, I did indeed run this scenario twice at The World at War game convention at Fort Meigs in Ohio, USA last weekend (04/05 Nov.). Had 3 players in the first game (1 British and 2 American), and 2 players in the second game (one each side). Here's how the games went...
Game 1
The British sent Lt. Col. Webster and the 23rd and 33rd Regiments across the west ford. The Americans sent the Continental Brigade north toward Springs Mill. The British also had their Lights and Grenadiers come on the field down the main road from the north. The Loyalist Dragoons crossed the bridge to try to hold up the Continentals.
As those units continued on their respective ways, the Hessian/Loyalist Brigade come down from the north heading straight for the east ford. And the American Militia Brigade came up the Springs Mill Pike and veered west to attack the British Regulars near the west ford. The Loyalist Dragoons charged the Continentals, but were eventually repulsed. They did hold up the Continentals enough, however, to buy time for the Hessians and Loyalist Infantry to cross the east ford.
The British Lights and artillery headed toward the bridge, while the Grenadiers headed toward the west ford.
The battle devolved into 2 fights. The British 23rd, 33rd and Grenadiers versus the American Militia below the west ford, and the Hessians, Loyalists, Lights and artillery against the Continentals at Springs Mill and the Bridge. The Continental Dragoons finally appeared, but had no real effect on the battle. Both fights swung in favor of the British, and the Americans conceded the field before nightfall.
I'll describe the 2nd game in my next post, later today or tomorrow...
-
A great looking game! Ireally like the terrain too, what kind of a battlemat are you using?
-
Freddy, it's a Cigar Box battlemat. It's gotten plenty of use in several time periods...
And here is game 2...
Game 2
In the afternoon game, the British commander used a similar plan to that used in the first game. The Americans, however, tried something different.
As in Game 1, the British sent Lt. Col. Webster and the 23rd and 33rd Regiments across the west ford. The Americans, though, sent 2 battalions of Continentals north toward Springs Mill, and 2 toward the west ford. The British also had their Lights and Grenadiers come on the field down the main road from the north. The Loyalist Dragoons again crossed the bridge to try to hold up the Continentals heading toward Springs Mill.
As those units continued on their respective ways, the Hessian/Loyalist Brigade come down from the north heading straight for the east ford, as in Game 1. And the American Militia Brigade came up the Springs Mill Pike. They sent 2 battalions to support the attack on springs Mill, and the other 2 veered west to support the Continentals' attack on the British Regulars near the west ford. The Loyalist Dragoons charged the Continentals, but were again eventually repulsed. They once again held up the Continentals enough, however, to buy time for the Hessians and Loyalist Infantry to cross the east ford.
This time, the British Lights and artillery headed toward the west ford, while the Grenadiers headed toward the bridge.
The battle again devolved into 2 fights. The British 23rd, 33rd, artillery, and Lights versus American Continentals and Militia below the west ford, and the Hessians, Loyalists, Grenadiers and artillery against the Continentals and Militia at Springs Mill and the Bridge. The Continental Dragoons appeared early in this fight, but again (and inexplicably) had no real effect on the battle. Both fights swung in favor of the British, and the Americans conceded the field before nightfall.
One interesting thing happened in Game 2. An American Militia battalion did manage to cross the bridge in good shape, but the Grenadiers went in with the bayonet and sent them on their way back across the bridge.
Both games went to the Crown forces. Fun was had by all involved, though, so it was a win-win!
-
Those Airfix figures brought back memories of the Bicentennial (which they were released to commemorate). I had boxes and boxes of them - still do somewhere in the loft! Nice games.
-
Great pictures again!
Thanks for the info regarding the mat, it looks really useful, I will check their store.
-
Thanks, guys!
Thanks for the info regarding the mat, it looks really useful, I will check their store.
Not sure they still sell that one anymore.....
-
Thanks, guys!
Not sure they still sell that one anymore.....
They have a lot of other cool stuff.
-
They have a lot of other cool stuff.
Yes, they do. I have 3 or 4 of their mats...
-
This week's scrum (played earlier today) was a 28mm AWI affair. We decided to play the Battle/Massacre (depending on who's side you were... ;)) of Paoli in September 1777. We used the Liberty or Death rules for the first time.
My place and terrain, and Ted's figures (and scenario). I played the Americans, Gene played the British, and Ted GM'ed.
Here are the scenario-specific rules we used:
1. As the attacker, the British had initiative each turn.
2. All American units started the fight Disordered. Since the British had intitiative, the Americans would have to fight the first British phases as such.
3. The battle happened at night. No firing was permitted beyond Effective range, and all firing was treated as firing at units In Cover.
4. Save for the Light Bobs, all British infantry units started the game with their flints removed from their muskets (thus, no firing). Depending on when the 40th and 55th regiments showed up, they could replace their flints.
5. To account for American confusion, any American unit that wanted to do anything besides fire had to pass an Orders check, regardless of their unit state. If an American unit failed an orders check, and had another American unit in their front arc, they had to fire at it (to account for the possibility of friendly fire, as happened in the real battle).
Here are the Orders of Battle we used:
British Forces
MG Grey
Light Infantry battalion (Large Unit) (Independent, Drilled, Skirmish)
42nd Regiment (Black Watch, a Large Unit) (Drilled, Tough Fighters)
44th regiment (Standard Unit)(Drilled)
16th Light Dragoons (Small Unit)(Independent)
LTC Musgrave (reinforcements - starting on Turn 2, roll 4 dice far an Orders Test. 4 successes would see them arrive on Turn 2, 3 successes on Turn 3, and so on...)
40th Regiment (Standard Unit)(Drilled)
55th Regiment (Standard Unit)(Drilled)
American Forces
MG Wayne
1st Continental Dragoons (Small Unit)(Independent)
2nd Continental Dragoons (Small Unit)(Independent)
3rd Continental Artillery battery (3-pdrs)(Independent)
COL Hartley
4 battalions of Pennsylvania Line (3 Small Units and 1 Standard Unit)
Hartley's Additional regiment (Small Unit)
COL Humpton
4 battalions of Pennsylvania Line (Small units)
BG Smallwood (reinforcements, if needed)
5 battalions of Maryland Militia (Small Units)
The pics below show the battlefield. The first is pre-deployment looking north. You can see Warren's Tavern in the top center, and the American encampment in the middle. The second pic shows the initial deployment, with the 2 brigades on Pennsylvania Line formed up in their camp facing NNW. The guns are limbered. All units are disordered. The British are deployed, with the Light Bobs in the lead, followed by the 42nd and the Dragoons, and trailing them is the 44th.
I will post the AAR within the next few days (Higher HQ has tasked us with putting out Christmas decorations this weekend, so it might not be until this coming Monday...)
-
And now for the battle report! One note is that Ted doesn't have any Highlanders painted up yet, so we've used standard British infantry. They are differentiated from the Foot Regiments by the chaps with the round hats.
The attack started off well enough. The British Light Bobs hit the right of the forward Continental Line, driving them back. As the Light Bobs pressed forward, they were met by a battalion from the rear Continental Line. Both units took casualties, while the Light Bobs recoiled.
But then, the 42nd Highlanders went in, sending one continental battalion fleeing and causing heavy casualties on a second. They continued their attack, with the 44th reinforcing them. Another Continental battalion was then broken.
In the meantime, Gen. Grey sent his 16th Light Dragoons west on the White Horse Tavern road, to try to get around the left flank of the Americans. Gen. Wayne countered by sending his 1st and 2nd Continental Dragoons up that way to head them off.
The American right was reeling back through their camp, as the British pressed their attack.
Then, after a bit of a delay (during which we decided that the 40th and 55th replaced the flints in their muskets), LTC Musgrave arrived, leading the 40th and 55th over from the east near the Paoli Tavern. Just in time too. Due to some VERY GOOD orders tests, the Americans were beginning to recover from the initial British attacks. The Americans were able to break the 42nd and 44th (though losing COL Hartley in the process), just as the 40th and 55th were taking their place in the line.
And, the Continental Dragoons caught up with the 16th Dragoons. The 1st Continental Dragoons broke, and the 16th Dragoons recoiled back toward the British lines. The 2nd Continental Dragoons followed them.
By now, 3 units of Continentals had broken, COL Hartley was down, another battalion was shaken (almost broken), and 3 other Continental battalions had taken significant casualties. Things were looking grim for the Americans.
Unfortunately, massed Continental musketry and cannon fire broke the British Light Bobs first, and that was that. The British then had half their units broken, and that ended the game.
It was a close-run affair, and the first half of the battle looked a lot like the historical battle. The British attacks had broken some Continental battalions, and had bent the American line back away from the right half of the camp. But the American officers had been able to regain control of the situation (for which COL Hartley paid the price), and were ultimately able to break the British attack.
This was our first time playing Liberty or Death, and we enjoyed it. With our scenario rules, it started the Americans out on the back foot. But they were able to recover just in time. Had their Orders Tests not been so effective in the 2nd half of the fight, the British would likely have carried the day, as they did historically.
-
Another great looking battle!
-
Thanks, Freddy!
I'm thinking of playing it using Black Powder next...
-
Well, it's been a while since our regular gaming group played an AWI battle. That is no longer the case. 2 Fridays ago (07 June), we played a fictional battle ostensibly set in the days following Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina in 1781. We pondered what might have happened had the British been more aggressive in pursuing Greene's army after Guilford Courthouse. So, we played a scenario Ted came up with. Ted's 28mm figures and terrain, played at my wargames building. We used Henry Hyde's Shot, Steel & Stone (2023 edition). It was our first time playing these rules...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624022057.jpeg)
Here's the set-up. The board was about 6.5' (north and south edges) x 4.5' (east and west edges). A river meandered about a foot or so in from the west edge. A road went east to west about 15" in from the north edge, and crossed the river at a bridge, then veered to the NW corner. Another road came up from the south edge, more or less paralleling the river, and met the east-west road just east of the bridge. Snake-rail fences lined the roads. The SE quadrant of the board was light woods, and there was a copse of trees just south of the bridge, on the east bank of the river.
Ted GM'ed. I played the British. I had 2 brigades. One brigade had 3 battalions of Foot (one - the 71st Foot - bigger than the other 2 - the 23rd and 33rd Foot) and a section of light guns. The other had 2 battalions of Foot (the Foot Guards battalions, who had been roughly handled at Guilford Courthouse, both by the Continentals and the British guns...), and a battalion of Light Bobs.
Gene played the Americans. He had 2 brigades as well. One was stationed at the east approach to the bridge, and had 3 battalions of NC Militia and a battalion of Virginia Militia (the Virginia boys were former Continentals). His other brigade would appear on the south road at some point (on turn 5, as it turned out), and had 3 battalions of Continentals, 2 more battalions of NC Militia, and a section of light guns.
The Americans mission was to hold onto the bridge, and get as many of their troops across to the west side as possible. Of course, the British mission was to prevent that...
The British came on from the east. The right brigade (the 3 battalions of Foot) advanced right of the road, with the 71st in front in line, trailed by the 23rd and 33rd in line abreast. The other British brigade advanced left of the road, With the 1st Foot Guards leading, following by the 2nd Foot Guards, and then the Light bobs, all in column of regiments in line. The British stepped out smartly.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624022038.jpeg)
The Militia at the bridge waited for the inevitable.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624022020.jpeg)
The British continued their advance, but the left brigade fell behind a bit...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624022004.jpeg)
...but they caught up. As the British guns deployed on the road, their left brigade began to deploy the 2 Foot Guards battalions in line abreast, as the Light Bobs headed into the woods.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021940.jpeg)
The American Militia brigade made some adjustments as the British approached.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021923.jpeg)
The British left brigade made it into line abreast, as the Light Bobs advanced through the woods in open order. The British plan was for the right brigade to attack the Militia at the bridge, while the left brigade moved to intercept any Americans the came up from the south.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021907.jpeg)
Just as the British right brigade began trading volleys with the Militia at the bridge, the 2nd American brigade came up the road from the south. American Militia lined the fences, while the British battalions advanced.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021853.jpeg)
The 2nd American brigade marched up the road, their Continentals in march column. Their 2 Militia battalions and their guns turned to face the British.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021836.jpeg)
The British right brigade pressed their attack on the Militia at the bridge. Both sides took casualties...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021820.jpeg)
...while the British left brigade advanced to the fence. The Continentals reformed to face them. Musketry and cannon fire was now general, up and down the lines.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021806.jpeg)
At the bridge , the 71st Foot assaulted the Virginia Militia, and sent them retreating across the bridge. The NC Militia backed up to the relative safety of the fence. Control of the east approach to the bridge was now in debate.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021749.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021734.jpeg)
The 71st Foot assaulted a NC Militia battalion at the bridge, and sent it retreating across the bridge. But the 71st had spent itself, having taken the brunt of the fighting at the bridge this far. The 71st Foot fell back, while the 23rd Foot took their place.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021718.jpeg)
Meanwhile, on the road from the south, the British Light Bobs had charged and captured the American guns, and British musketry had sent a unit of Continentals fleeing toward the river.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-190624021703.jpeg)
The east approach to the bridge was still contested, but the remnants of the 2 American brigades were trapped on the east side of the river. Lord Cornwallis would soon come down the raod with the rest of the British army, and the gig was up for the Americans. Thus, we ended the battle there.
It was a hard-fought affair, and the American Militia acquitted itself fairly well, but British aggressiveness to cut the approach to the bridge paid off. The 71st Foot took considerable casualties, but Greene would lose too may of his Continentals...a loss he could ill afford.
This coming Friday, we will replay this scenario with my 20mm figures and using the AWI lists and rules for Valour & Fortitude. Of course, I'll post an AAR afterwards...
-
We did, in fact replay the prior scenario this Friday past. But we used my 20mm/1-72 figures and terrain, and the Valour & Fortitude rules with AWI army lists (available through the Perry Miniatures website). As a reminder, the (fictional) scenario takes place in the immediate aftermath of Guilford Courthouse, in North carolina in the Spring of 1781. It presumes the British were more aggressive in pursuing Greene's army as it retreated.
Here is the battlefield:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192252.jpeg)
Ted played the Americans (his choice), and I played the British (again). Ted had a Militia Brigade on the field to start near the east approach to the bridge (as you can see on the above pic). It consisted of 3 battalions of North Carolina Militia (all rated as Militia in game terms) and a battalion of Virginia Militia (rated as State Line Infantry, as they were mostly time-expired Continentals). On turn 5, his other brigade would appear on the south road. It had 3 battalions of Continental Infantry (rated as such), 2 more battalions of NC Militia (rated the same as their sister battalions in the other brigade), and a section of 6-pounders (Field Artillery).
I had 2 Brigades, as in the first game. One Brigade consisted of 2 battalions of Foot (rated as Line Infantry), a battalion of Highlanders (rated as Grenadiers), and a section of 3-pounders (Light Artillery). The other brigade had 2 battalions of Foot Guards (rated as Line Infantry, as they were not treated nicely, by either the Continentals or the British 3-pounders, at Guilford Courthouse), and a battalion of Light Infantry (rated as such). Both British Brigades entered the field from the east board edge on Turn 1. I deployed them in the same manner as the first game. Both Brigades advanced toward the bridge. The British guns unlimbered on the road and opened fire on the lead Militia battalion.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192234.jpeg)
The Militia Brigade waiting for them made some adjustments to their deployment. As they did so, the Highlanders, who were leading the British right Brigade, stopped and volleyed. The Militia battalion was rattled by the musket and cannon fire., but their return fire felled some Scotsmen.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192217.jpeg)
Another volley by the Highlanders, though, and the Militia battalion broke and fled. The other 3 Militia battalions had redeployed.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192157.jpeg)
The British left Brigade had advanced, as well, with the Lights going into open order, and heading into the woods. The Virginia and the Highlanders traded volleys, after which the 2 Foot battalions advanced through the Scotsmen. Musket fire and cannon fire forced a 2nd Militia battalion to break and run.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192139.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192057.jpeg)
One British Foot Guards battalion advanced toward the Militia at the fence, while the other Foot Guards battalion kept an eye on their left flank.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192121.jpeg)
The remaining 2 Militia battalions at the bridge weren't going down without a fight. Volleys from the Militia felled more redcoats.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192036.jpeg)
But for the Virginia Militia, their time was up. The Highlanders advanced through the Foot battalions, leveled the bayonets, and went in to the Virginia militia. That was enough, as the Virginia boys broke and ran before the onslaught. The pendulum had swung in the direction of the British...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624192020.jpeg)
But then, the 2nd American Brigade appeared on the scene, marching up the south road. They began to deploy.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191958.jpeg)
As the British left Brigade reacted to the appearance of the American Continentals and artillery, their right Brigade began to turn the American left flank.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191936.jpeg)
The American Continentals went on the attack, climbing over the fences and heading toward the British Lights and Foot Guards with bayonets firmly fixed. The American 6-pounders opened fire on the British Lights at the edge of the woods.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191916.jpeg)
The British right Brigade kept up the pressure on the American left. But the Continentals went into the Lights and Foot guards with musket and bayonet. The Lights in the woods fired volleys at the Continentals, but they kept advancing. Other Continentals struck the Foot Guards, and once again the Continentals were roughly handling the Foot Guards. Both Foot Guards battalions were shook up, and one retreated back hoping to regroup. The Militia in the American 2nd Brigade moved to shore up their left flank.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191859.jpeg)
The Continentals and the Lights traded volleys. But then one battalion of Foot Guards had had enough - they broke and ran from the Continentals! And the Militia was holding on to the American left! After brushing most of the Militia at the bridge aside, the arrival of the Continentals looked like it was changing the tide of the battle...that pendulum was swinging back toward the Americans.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191837.jpeg)
Musket volleys and cannon fire were traded up and down the line.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191822.jpeg)
And the Continentals stood firm against the Foot Guards and Lights, causing them both to break and run. The British left Brigade had been shattered! The pendulum had indeed swung.
But the 2 Continental battalions who had chased off the Foot Guards were not unscathed themselves. As they advanced toward the British right Brigade, musket fire caused them both the break and run. Was that pendulum swinging back toward the British already?!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191806.jpeg)
Musket fire from the Highlanders finally drove off the last battalion from the American Militia Brigade. It had finally been shattered, and the British right Brigade now firmly held the bridge.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191744.jpeg)
But Scotland the Brave was tired and depleted. One last volley from a Militia battalion was too much, and they broke and ran. But the 2 British Foot battalions advanced, and within a few minutes had driven off the last American infantry, leaving the American 6-pounder all alone on the field.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191728.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-230624191709.jpeg)
While under fire, they promptly limbered up and retreated. The British held the field, and had shattered 2 American brigades, including 3 battalions of Continentals. But it was another expensive victory for the British, one they could likely ill afford....
-
Looks great, Capn Jim.
And now: which rules do you favor so far?
Of most import for my crew, which plays fastest? 3 hours is about tops, since someone invariably has to take off for various valid reasons.
-
Looks great, Capn Jim.
And now: which rules do you favor so far?
Of most import for my crew, which plays fastest? 3 hours is about tops, since someone invariably has to take off for various valid reasons.
Well, as you can see, we've played AWI with a number of rules, including Black Powder; Saratoga Soldiers; Liberty or Death; Shot, Steel & Stone; and Valour & Fortitude.
As far as fitting a game (with a tactical conclusion) into a 3-hour period, all will do that with the possible exception of Shot, Steel & Stone. The other 4 rulesets did that quite well. The problem (in our minds, at least for the AWI) with Shot, Steel & Stone was that units become "disrupted" under a whole slew of circumstances, reducing unit's combat abilities and morale. As the battle wore on, it tended to result in units getting embroiled in extended desultory firefights. While that was a feature of some "horse & musket" periods, it was not the case in the AWI, at least as we understand how battles in the AWI went.
As far as which one we liked the best, we liked most of them quite well (see above), but we really liked Valour & Fortitude with its AWI army sheets. We are even thinking of adapting it to the War of 1812, and maybe even the "pike & shotte" period.
Does all that help?
-
Very helpful indeed. I shall peruse the V&F lists for the AWI. I worked on game testing for the Napoleonic rules and then fell by the wayside. I have been looking for the right AWI rules for my crew.
-
As I mentioned in vtsaogames's "AWI with Valour & Fortitude" thread, we're gonna do another game of it this Friday coming. It's gonna be the Battle of Freeman's Farm in New York in September 1777 (1st Battle of Saratoga).
I'll develop and post army lists tailored to this fight before Friday, and an AAR afterwards. Stay tuned...
-
Lovely thread mate - apologies missed it originally..probably because my own thread on "Big Battalions" are much more recent - love the AARs and photos - look forward to more 8)
-
Well, I have the scenario info for our upcoming Friday game of Valour & Fortitude done. As I mentioned, it'll be the Battle of Freeman's Farm (1st Battle of Saratoga). We thought it fitting to do an AWI game one day after our Independence Day celebrations!
Here's the map, with the area that will appear on the table outlined in black. We'll be using 20mm/1-72 figures on a 6.5' x 4.5' table.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-030724014729.jpeg)
And here are the American scenario info sheets:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-030724014710.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-030724014649.jpeg)
And the sheets for the British:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-030724014628.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-030724014609.jpeg)
I've tailored these sheets specifically for this battle, based on the accounts of it I've read. It should make for a good fight...
And, since we'll be using 20mm/1-72 figures, I reduced all measurements to 67% of published measurements (as those were designed for use with 28mm figures). Those reductions are factored into these scenario sheets. I also factored them into a revised QRS, as such:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-030724014526.jpeg)
The battle commences at 1100 hrs. Friday. I'll post an AAR afterwards...
-
OK. I've set up the Freeman's Farm game for tomorrow (Friday). Here's a pic:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-050724002410.jpeg)
On the American side, Morgan's Advance Corps is set up just south of Freeman's Farm (the 2 buildings in the small triangle formed by the roads).
On the British side, Burgoyne and Hamilton's Brigade are set up deployed along the road north of Freeman's Farm. Fraser's Advance Corps is set up, as well, with the Grenadiers and 24th Foot in the field at upper left, the Lights in March Column on the road, and the guns limbered on the road. Fraser's (a CPT Fraser) Rangers and Indians are set up in the scrub in the middle of the shot. The battle will start just after Morgan's men have chased off the British pickets who had been set up at Freeman's farm. It will last 15 turns, at which time night will fall.
Reinforcements will come on as follows:
Turn 1: Breymann's Advance Corps will come on in column at the northwest road. Maj. Gen. Phillips will come in on the east road.
Turn 2: Arnold and Poor's Brigade will come on on either of the south roads.
Turn 5: Hull's Battalion of selectmen will come on at the southeast road.
Turn 8: von Riedesel and his troops will come on by the southeast road. Pausch may come on on either the east or southeast road.
Turn 10: Learned's Brigade will come on by either of the south roads.
Hull's battalion, as well as the British and Brunswicker Lights and the British Rangers/Indians were able to act independently. Thus they each may attempt to activate as if they are in command range, even if they are not.
Should, at some point prior to the end of Turn 15, either side decide to concede the field, they may begin retreating their units to move them off their respective edges (British - north; American - south). The other side may choose to pursue, if they'd like. Any units that voluntarily retreat off the field do not count toward victory points. Freeman's Farm counts as 3 Victory points. Otherwise, VP's will be determined per the rules.
As said previously, fighting commences at 1100 hrs. tomorrow...stay tuned!
-
Well, we did indeed play Freeman's Farm Friday. Ted played the Americans, and I played the British. And, oh what a battle it was! Here's a teaser...
The last vestiges of daylight were fading. General Arnold, who had just witnessed the collapse of Poor's Brigade after they were swept with a hot volley of canister from the British and Brunswick guns, leaving a gaping hole in his center, rode over to the other side of Freeman's Farm to find ol' Dan Morgan. He found him alright. 'Ol Dan was in the thick of it, doing his best to keep his men in the fight. Morgan's Advance Corps had been fighting at the farm all afternoon, keeping the British out of that damned farm. And now he was barely hanging on, as von Riedesel's Brunswickers were pressing hard from the east. And a fresh British regiment was closing in on him, as well.
Arnold, having to raise his voice to be heard above the din of battle, said "Daniel, get your boys out of there as best you can, and get back to the Heights. I've sent a courier over to General Learned to do likewise. I'm going to go back and see if I can help General Poor get his Brigade back together. Arnold could see the dark forms of bodies lying all around the farm. Both his men, British, and Brunswickers. It was an expensive day all around. "We've given the British quite the what-for today, and you certainly have done enough. More than enough, really. I'll be sure to mention it to General Gates, if he'll listen to me. Now let's go!" Morgan replied "With my compliments, General. We will see you on the Heights." Morgan saluted, turned his horse around, and got back into it to begin getting his men out. And with that, General Arnold turned and headed south, to see what he could do for poor General Poor...
Meanwhile, just a hundred yards north of them, General Burgoyne was, shall we say, a bit unhappy. As daylight faded away, he could what remained of 2 of his regiments lying on the ground around him. His gunners, even with men down, had finally driven some of those damned rebels away, but those buggers at the farm were more than he bargained for. It was not cricket at all for those riflemen to deliberately target his officers. Worse, the cream of his force, both his and Reidesel's Grenadiers and Lights, had already broken and ran. He could barely make it out, but he could see that those damned rebels at the farm were finally moving off, but they did so in good order. He did not look forward to seeing the casualty lists later that evening...
That oughta give you an idea on what to expect from the AAR. Stay tuned, as I hope to start working on it later today (Sunday).
-
Sounds like the buzzards and the crows had a good time. I await pictures.
-
Sounds like the buzzards and the crows had a good time. I await pictures.
Await no longer...
Part 1: The Battle Lines are Formed (turns 1-5).
General Burgoyne had found his prey - General Hamilton's pickets had returned to the line, and reported that the American rifleman and their light infantry support were coming up from the south, approaching Freeman's Farm. He ordered General Hamilton to advance his brigade to meet them. He also sent messengers to General Fraser to move in the direction of that farm as well. Both Generals did so. But not without some confusion. The far left British regiment, the 20th Foot, did not move out right away, nor did Williams' or Walker's batteries.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195710.jpeg)
The British regiments moved south, with the Light Infantry moving in the line to the right of Hamilton's Brigade.. And, Breymann's Advance Corps come down from the northwest road, and headed for Freeman's Farm. His Light Infantry leading the way.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195648.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195632.jpeg)
Breymann's men kept up their advance, as did Fraser's Grenadiers and 24th Foot.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195617.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195602.jpeg)
The Americans were busy too. Colonel Morgan's men advanced on Freeman's Farm, while General Poor brought his brigade up from the southwest. Poor's Brigade moved toward Freeman's farm, to take up positions to Morgan's left.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195548.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195532.jpeg)
The British Grenadiers and 24th Foot kept up their slow advance...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195514.jpeg)
...while Poor's Continental Brigade took their place in line. From left to right, the 2nd New York, the 4th New York, and the 1st New Hampshire in front, with the 2nd and 3rd New Hampshire in support. Poor sent the Connecticut Militia to support Morgan.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195459.jpeg)
Breymann's Brunswick Advance Corps continued their advance to the fight, while Walker's and William's batteries moved to deploy on a hill overlooking the field.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195440.jpeg)
By now, Morgan and Poor had traded musketry with Hamilton's and Fraser's battalions. Both sides took casualties, especially the British 9th Foot and the American 1st New Hampshire. Hamilton's Brigade kept up their advance - the 21st Foot hit Morgan's riflemen at the farm, with the 62nd Foot moving up on their left in support. The 20th Foot, on the British left, finally had gotten moving and advanced through the woods. And on Hamilton's right, the 9th Foot fell back, with General Hamilton personally rallying the men.
And, Hull's battalion of selectmen moved up from the southeast to shore up the American right flank.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-070724195425.jpeg)
That does it for Turns 1-5. I'll Post Part 2, with Turns 6-10 perhaps later today...
-
A great looking game - love the photos :-*
-
A great looking game - love the photos :-*
Thanks! And now for...
Part 2: The Flanks Heat Up (Turns 6-10).
As General Hamilton rallied the 9th Foot, the British Lights and Rangers/Indians took up their position to the right of the 9th. Breymann's Brunswicker Lights and Grenadiers advanced behind them.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152623.jpeg)
Meanwhile at Freeman's Farm, the British 21st and Morgan's rifleman and Lights were locked in a bloody duel. To their left, the 62nd Foot turned to face Hull's Battalion, who had come up, firing in the 62nd's flank. The 20th, somewhat tardily, advanced to support the 62nd on their left.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152606.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152551.jpeg)
Over on the British right, their Lights and Rangers traded volleys with New York and New Hampshire Continentals. General Poor had gotten his 5 battalions of Continentals all in line, and had pulled his Connecticut Militia back behind them in support. The Brunswick Lights and Grenadiers continued their advance.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152532.jpeg)
Over east of the farm, Hull's Battalion and the 62nd Foot continued their musketry duel. Meanwhile, Morgan pulled his battered riflemen out of the line, and sent Dearborn's Light Infantry into the 21st Foot.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152515.jpeg)
In the west, General Fraser continued to lead the British Grenadiers and the 24th Foot down toward the fight, looking to take the rightward positions in the British line. The Jagers spread out on the Brunswick Lights' right, while the Brunswick Grenadiers took a position to the British 9th Foot's right. The British Lights and Rangers continued to trade volleys with the Continentals.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152500.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152444.jpeg)
Then, von Riedesel, having marched up from the Hudson River road, appeared with 2 battalions of Brunswickers on the American right, behind Hull's Battalion. Pausch's guns came up from the east road.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152424.jpeg)
The fight around Freeman's Farm intensified. Dearborn's Light Infantry and the British 21st Foot remained locked in combat, as Poor's Continentals continued to go volley for volley with the 9th Foot, the Brunswick Grenadiers, the British Lights, and the Rangers. Men were going down up and down the line.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152400.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152342.jpeg)
On the American right, Hull's Battalion turned to face the Brunswicker infantry. The von Rhetz Regiment went in with the bayonet, with the von Riedesel regiment in support, but Hull's Battalion held on.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152321.jpeg)
Then, von Riedesel's Regiment went in too, and Hull's Battalion broke and ran. It was just too much for them.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-080724152305.jpeg)
Over to the west, the musketry from the British Rangers and Lights drove the 2nd New York from the field, and they broke and ran. Then, as the Brunswick Lights moved up on the right of the British Lights, the British Lights formed up, and charged the 3rd New Hampshire. The New Hampshire boys held, and sent the British Lights running.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-080724152250.jpeg)
Just to the west of that, Fraser and the British Grenadiers and 24th Foot had finally arrived, to take up positions behind a fence at another farm.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-080724152234.jpeg)
Back at Freeman's Farm, Dearborn's Light Infantry finally won their fight with the 21st Foot, who had broken and run away. But the 62nd Foot advanced on Dearborn's Flank, and von Riedesel's infantry advanced after their fight with Hull's battalion. The 20th Foot turned to advance on Freeman's Farm, as well.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-080724152218.jpeg)
The state of affairs hung in the balance. The latest casualty was the Brunswick Grenadiers, who had broken and run from close-range Continental musket fire. And, General Learned brought up his brigade of Continentals from the southwest, and deployed on the American left. The 2nd and 8th Massachusetts led, with the 9th Massachusetts and 1st Canadians behind. They were met with musket fire from the British Grenadiers and the Jagers, and the Brunswick Lights turned to face the new threat. Things were about to get even more interesting...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16550-080724152204.jpeg)
Stay tuned for Part 3, coming soon to a device near you!
-
What a brawl! Looks great!
-
What a brawl! Looks great!
Thanks! It was a hell of a battle!
And now, let's finish our story...
Part 3: Poor General Poor (Turns 11-15).
On the western flank, the British Grenadiers got into a firefight with the 2nd Massachusetts, with both taking casualties. Then, the 8th Massachusetts moved forward putting the Grenadiers to the bayonet, driving them from the field! In turn, the 24th Foot turned and hit the 8th Massachusetts in the flank. Just east of that, the British Rangers traded volleys with the Continental's 1st Canadians.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165847.jpeg)
In the center, Burgoyne had ordered Williams and his 3-pounders down off the hill, to join Jones and Pausch with their 6-pounders. Poor ordered some Connecticut Militia forward to relieve the pressure off of the 1st New Hampshire. The Militia fired volleys into the gunners, fellign some, but almost a dozen guns swept the Militia with canister fire. The 9th Foot, battered as it was, traded volleys with other regiments in Poor's Brigade, who were also pretty beaten up.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165829.jpeg)
To the east, the 62nd and 20th Foot, along with von Riedesel's Brunswickers, began trying to turn Morgan's flank. The 62nd foot charged Dearborn's Light Infantry.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165814.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165800.jpeg)
Meanwhile, over on the western flank, the 24th Foot had driven off the 8th Massachusetts, after hitting them in the flank. The 2nd Massachusetts turned to face the new threat.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165746.jpeg)
In the center, the British and Brunswick guns were playing havoc in the fading light. Canister fire had driven off a Connecticut Militia battalion, and Poor had to put the other Connecticut Militia battalion into the line. Dearborn's Light Infantry had seen the 62nd Foot off, but von Riedesel's infantry and the fresh 20th Foot were bearing down on them. Poor's Brigade, along with Morgan's men, were barely holding on. It took Arnold's and Morgan's personal interventions to keep them on the field. Muskets crackled and cannons roared.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165729.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165713.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165700.jpeg)
Meanwhile, over to the west, the 8th Massachusetts had gotten into a musket duel with the Brunswick Lights and Jagers, and had driven them both from the field. The 2th Massachusetts and the 24th foot went at it over a snake rail fence.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165642.jpeg)
In the center, more canister fire had swept away a New Hampshire Continental Regiment, while at the eastern flank, von Riedesel's infantry went in after Morgan's men. The sun was sinking in the west - there wasn't much daylight left.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165627.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165729.jpeg)
Back to the west, by the other farm, Learned's battalions continued their fight with the 24th Foot and the British Rangers.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165600.jpeg)
Then, disaster struck the Americans. More canister fire swept Poor's Continentals. A New Hampshire Regiment broke and ran, and, one by one, the other battalions in Poor's Brigade broke and ran. Arnold's center had collapsed!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165545.jpeg)
Morgan was barely holding on on the American right. His men and been in the thick of it all day, and they were under tremendous pressure. And on the American left, Fraser's 24th Foot and Rangers were keeping what remained of Learned's Brigade busy.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165530.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/63/16550-090724165515.jpeg)
And it was getting dark. The sun had set, and General Arnold had decided, while his men had given better than they got and given the British a bloody nose, with the collapse of Poor's Brigade, he could not hold the field. So, he rode over to the other side of Freeman's Farm to find ol' Dan Morgan....
And, there you have it. It was a close-run affair, with the Americans causing more casualties than they received. But at the end, they couldn't hold the field, and retreated back to Bemis Heights. Just as in the historical battle, the British lost on "points", but held the field at the end of the day. Another costly "win" for the British...
The British had 13 infantry units (11 battalions and 2 detachments), and 4 guns. The Americans had 14 infantry battalions. Using Valour & Fortitude, we played 15 complete turns, and fought to a tactical conclusion in just a bit less than 4 hours.
-
What a game! Thanks for the AAR.
-
What a game! Thanks for the AAR.
Indeed it was! Had Poor's Brigade hung just a bit longer, it would have been an American victory (both in points and holding the field).
And you're welcome...
-
Good day to you all, Ladies and Gentlemen!
In celebration of our Independence Day this coming Friday (the 4th of July), my gaming group is going back to the AWI. While you can read the following in the Scenario Info posted below, here is the set-up (I'm calling it the Battle of Marengo's Mill):
Situation: It is the Summer of 1781. Lt. Gen. Cornwallis has retreated into Virginia, and Gen. Washington has assigned Maj. Gen. Lafayette the task of keeping an eye on the British force. LaFayette thought he had an opportunity to attack Cornwallis force at Marengo’s Mill, on the Chickahominy River. LaFayette sent Lt. Gen. von Steuben in early in the day to attack the British, and they have been fighting for some hours now. Units on both sides are tired and low on ammunition. There are only a few hours of daylight left, and LaFayette has decided to send Maj. Gen. Wayne in with 5 fresh battalions of Continentals, as well as Dragoons under Armand, to finish the job.
But Cornwallis has brought up new units too, including his own Dragoons and some Light, Loyalist, and Hessian infantry. This scenario picks up as these fresh troops enter the fight.
This scenario is based on/inspired by a Napoleonic-era Battle of Marengo scenario included in Wargames, Soldiers, & Strategy magazine (Issue No. 135 - the latest in print form). It has been adapted to the AWI, with the Americans taking the role of the Austrians, and the British the role of the French. The OOB in this scenario is based on the Green Springs OOB included in Osprey’s Yorktown 1781 edition in their Classic Battles series.
To paraphrase a line in the movie Barry Lynden, while you won't find this engagement in any history books, it was memorable enough for those who took part... ;)
With that, here is that Scenario Info, followed by a bit better pic of the scenario Map:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-290625212449.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-290625212428.jpeg)
And here are the Orders of Battle for the opposing sides:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-290625212406.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-290625212343.jpeg)
The battle commences this Friday (04 July) at 1100 hrs. A full illustrated report will follow in due time...
-
Really like the scenario and the presentation :-*
Look forward to the AAR
:)
-
Really like the scenario and the presentation :-*
Look forward to the AAR
:)
Thanks! And speaking of the AAR, here we go. We did indeed play the game this Friday past. After rolling randomly, Ted got the Americans and Dave the British. I acted as GM/Referee.
Prelude
Before we begin the story of how this battle transpired, let's familiarize ourselves with the lay of the land (and the troops' initial dispositions). Remember, in this scenario more than half of these troops have been at it all day.
Here we are, looking north from the left of the British line, with parts of 2nd and 3rd Brigades facing Febiger's militia.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231017.jpeg)
Here we are looking west across Marengo's Mill and the river. The 71st Foot (Fraser's Highlanders) is guarding the main bridge:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231000.jpeg)
Here we are looking south, with Steven's Militia in the foreground, and Lawson's Militia to their right. Wayne's Continentals have just emerged from the woods behind them:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230945.jpeg)
Here we are looking east, from behind Wayne's Continentals:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230929.jpeg)
That should do it. Now, on with the show...
The Battle
The plans were simple enough. Cornwallis' plan was to hold the line at the river, and hope Simcoe would bring up the Hessians and the Loyalists in time. Lafayette's plan was to rush the main bridge with the Continentals, move up Lawson and Stevens to soften up the British right, and cross the river at the temporary bridges with the Dragoons. Neither plan would work out exactly as intended...
Things did go according to plan (more or less) initially for LaFayette's men. Stevens' Militia Brigade moved out smartly toward the British right, with Armand's Dragoons behind. Lawson's Militia Brigade moved forward (with a more deliberate pace) in the center, with the Continentals to the rear right.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230909.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230852.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230829.jpeg)
Both flanks exchanged musket volleys, with artillery having their say, as well. Some units were beginning to run very low on ammunition. Lawson's Militia Brigade made their way to the river's edge, while the Continentals prepared to rush the main bridge. The first Continental battalion formed an assault column, and headed across, albeit moving at a far too deliberate pace.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230813.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230756.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230738.jpeg)
That initial unit of Continentals paid for their deliberacy. The lads from the 71st Foot and the nearby battery of 6-pounders let loose with musket ball and roundshot, sending those Continentals back across the bridge.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230722.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230706.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725230649.jpeg)
Musketry could now be heard up and down the lines. And, Gen. O'hara had dispatched his reserve battalion (the 23rd Foot) to reinforce the British right. Good thing, as the American dragoons were within striking distance of the temporary bridges.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-070725212539.jpeg)
A second battalion of Continentals had tried to rush the main bridge, but the Highlanders were having none of that. Those Continentals broke and ran. And a Militia battalion from Lawson's Brigade tried to cross the river and take on a British battalion. They too would fail, having to retreat back across the river.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-070725212522.jpeg)
Units were tired and running out of ammunition. A British battalion from 3rd Brigade broke and left the field, immediately preceded by one of Febiger's Militia battalions.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-070725212507.jpeg)
Then, 2 Militia battalions of Stevens' Brigade pulled back, making way for the American Dragoons. Inexplicably, the Dragoons hesitated!
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-070725212451.jpeg)
A third Continental battalion tried to pry those Highlanders off their end of the bridge. And they too failed, breaking and running. Another Continental battalion formed line to trade volleys with the Highlanders.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-070725212435.jpeg)
Things were coming to a head. Nearly simultaneously, the remaining battalions from Febiger's Militia Brigade and the British 3rd Brigade had had enough, and quit the field.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-070725212414.jpeg)
And that did it for the Americans. All 3 Militia brigades were now broken, and LaFayette knew the gig was up. And night was falling. He ordered a general retreat - it was a shame the American Dragoons hesitated at the temporary bridges...that could have made things very interesting.
Postlude
It was a rough day for the Americans. LaFayette though he had a chance to rough the British up at Marengo's Mill. But it was not to be. After a full day of fighting, with both sides feeding troops into the fight as the day went on. In this latter stage of the battle we fought, two key things happened (or didn't happen, as it were). First, the American Dragoons hesitancy to charge across the temporary bridges was a non-starter. Perhaps they didn't like the wall of bayonets presented by the 23rd Foot. We may never know for sure. Second, in spite of 3 fresh battalions of Continentals giving it their best shots, none could dislodge those pesky Highlanders from the east side of the main bridge. MVP (Man of the Match to you folks east of the Atlantic) must surely go to the Highlanders in the 71st Foot.
The British, however, didn't come out squeaky-clean. They had taken quite some losses. Their 3rd Brigade had quit the field, and 2 other battalions were badly mauled (shaken). Fortunately, The British 4th Brigade ended up not being needed. Which was good, as the Americans never got across the river and (thusly) Simcoe's Loyalists and Hessians never came up.
What's Next?
This battle again, as it turns out. We decided to play it again this coming Friday (11 July), only this time using the Valour & Fortitude rules. We should have all 4 of us, so it should be 2 on 2 (determined randomly, of course).
Here's the Scenario Info:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231236.jpeg)
Here are the American Troop Sheets:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231212.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231153.jpeg)
And, here are the British Troop Sheets:
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231134.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-080725231114.jpeg)
Of course, an illustrated AAR will follow...
-
I should add a couple administrative notes. We played Black Powder almost right out of the box. Almost.
1. von Steuben was an intermediate commander. He could use 1 re-roll per turn (per the Army Commander rules), but only for units in the 3 Militia brigades in his division. LaFayette could use his re-roll for any American unit.
2. A failed Orders Test did not end that Brigade's turn. Each unit in a Brigade (or group of units, as appropriate) got a chance to activate in the Orders Phase.
3. As mentioned in the scenario info, we reduced ranges and distances to 68% of rules as written, as we used 20mm/1-72 figures.
Other than that, it was rules as written...
-
Thank you, a very enjoyable post.
-
Well, that's a stunning looking affair and sounds to have been a great game!
-
Thanks, fellas!
And we did indeed fight the Valour & Fortitude version of my Marengo's Mill scenario today. Dave and I took the British, and Gene and Ted the Americans.
The Americans had the same plan as the Black Powder fight, but the British had different ideas. It was a completely different battle...I'll post an AAR once I sort out the photos....
-
Great AAR and a fabulous table, love the river looks very wet!
-
Great AAR and a fabulous table, love the river looks very wet!
Thanks, Mr. Bonaparte!
And, as I mentioned we played the Valour & Fortitude version of this scenario this Friday past. And quite the fight it was. Let the story be told...
The Set-Up
Just some reminders here. LaFayette thought he had a shot at Cornwallis and the British where the Marengo Pike crossed the Chickahominy River at Marengo's Mill. He attacked the British in the morning on a warm summer 1781 day in Virginia, sending in von Steuben and the militia against the British 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Brigades. As units on both sides got fed into the fight through the course of the day, the Americans had not yet been able to cross the river. They were, however, able to get some temporary bridges built just north of Marengo's Mill
The American militia and the 3 British brigades were tired and running low on ammunition. Cornwallis called up Simcoe to bring up the Light Bobs, the Loyalists, and the Hessians, as well as Tarleton and the Loyalist cavalry. The Lights made it to the river, but Simcoe and the others were still some distance off to the east, marching hard to the sound of the guns. The Loyalist cavalry had come up, too, and had made it to a point just southeast of Marengo's Mill.
LaFayette was bringing in fresh troops as well. Wayne brought up 5 Battalions of fresh veteran Continentals, and Armand his cavalry. It was almost evening by now, and the sun would eb setting in a few hours. The stage was set for the final actions of the Battle of Marengo's Mill.
Here is looking south, with Stevens' and Lawson's Militia Brigades, the Continentals emerging from the light woods to their right rear. Parts of the British 1st and 2nd Brigades can be seen across the river.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212352.jpeg)
Here we are looking northeast, and you can see Febiger's Militia Brigade facing off against the British 3rd Brigade and part of their 2nd Brigade.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212336.jpeg)
Here we are looking about due west, with the Loyalist cavalry and 1st and 2nd Brigades in their places.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212319.jpeg)
Now, let the game begin!
Part 1: The British are Retreating?
Indeed they were. As the Americans advanced toward the river, they were surprised by the sight of the British abandoning most of their positions at the river. LaFayette's plan was to advance the militia to the river, and make his crossing led by the Continentals at the main bridge, and his cavalry at the temporary bridges (sound familiar?). Cornwallis had other plans. He was heard to remark "If those damned rebels want Marengo's Mill, then they shall have to take it from us." Thusly, he ordered his brigades to fall back ("Advance in another direction", as a US Marine Officer would put it about 170 years or so later) and fully occupy the town. That would be 1st and 2nd Brigades' job. 3rd Brigade would screen the left flank, and Simcoe (when he got there) would do so on the right. The Loyalist cavalry would shadow their American counterparts...
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212728.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212710.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212652.jpeg)
The Americans continued their advance...
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212638.jpeg)
...while the British 3rd Brigade was under pressure as they did their screening mission.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212621.jpeg)
Over on the American left, Stevens' Brigade made way for the American cavalry. The Loyalist cavalry got ready to meet then if they crossed the bridges.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212605.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212547.jpeg)
As the Americans advanced, the British continued to fall back into Marengo's Mill. By now, the rattle of musketry and the roar of cannonade could be heard across the field. Men on both sides were again falling.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212528.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212511.jpeg)
The Americans could smell blood. They thought the had the British by the balls. They began to cross the river. Febiger's Brigade got their feet wet, while Armand's cavalry were at the temporary bridges. The Continentals were at the main bridge as well.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212442.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212426.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-130725212457.jpeg)
I will leave it here. I will post Part 2: The Americans Cross the River as soon as circumstances permit. After that, Part 3: The Fight for Marengo's Mill will be the final part.
-
Part 2: The Americans Cross the River
Cross the river, they did indeed! Nearly simultaneously, it turned out. On the British right, Armand's cavalry squadrons crossed the temporary bridges, and deployed into line at the first snake rail fence they came to. The Loyalist cavalry matched their move by moving up to challenge them, while the Hessians and the Loyalist infantry advanced to their right rear. Some of Stevens' militia traded volleys with the Light Bobs.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202316.jpeg)
In the center, the Continentals began crossing the main bridge, with their lead battalion deploying into line. Another Continental battalion deployed into line at the riverbank to the right of the main bridge. Lawson's militia advanced up to the river to the Continentals' left.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202259.jpeg)
Over on the British left, with the British 2nd and 3rd Brigades falling back, Febiger's militia advanced to the British side of the river.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202244.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202227.jpeg)
The American cavalry charged their Loyalist counterparts, jumping fences as if they were at a steeplechase. The Loyalist dragoons retreated in the face of 2-1 odds. And the Light Bobs leveled a ferocious volley at one of Stevens' militia battalions, driving it from the field.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202209.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202123.jpeg)
More Continentals crossed the bridge and went into line. Lawson's militia began to cross the river the wet way.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202154.jpeg)
Meanwhile the British 1st Brigade was firmly esconced in Marengo's Mill, while their 2nd Brigade continued toward its assigned positions.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202139.jpeg)
The British 3rd Brigade had fallen back enough. They formed a Brigade line, anchored on the southwest corner of Marengo's Mill. British artillery and musket fire felled Continentals as they advanced.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202108.jpeg)
On the British right, the Hessians supported the Dragoons, while a Loyalist battalion wheeled to face the American cavalry.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202049.jpeg)
Continentals returned the British favor, firing volleys into the town. A Continental battalion assaulted the west central block of Marengo's Mill, driving out a British battalion, and sending them running away. More Continentals and militia were across the river. The Americans now had a foothold in the town.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202032.jpeg)
Continentals and militia (off camera) advanced on the British 3rd Brigade, while fighting in Marengo's Mill raged on.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725202017.jpeg)
The British right stabilized for a moment, the cavalry resting from their recent fight. The Light Infantry volleyed at the militia, who remained on their side of the river.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725201957.jpeg)
Musketry and cannonade raged up and down the line. The British 2nd Brigade reached their assigned positions in Marengo's Mill
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725201942.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725201927.jpeg)
Febiger's trail militia battalion raced to catch up...
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725201910.jpeg)
And that's it for Part 2. Look for Part 3 shortly....
-
Part 3: The Fight for Marengo's Mill
As more Continentals crossed the river and deployed, and Lawson's militia were across too, a Continental battalion assaulted the northwest block of the town. The British battalion defending this sector would not be so easy to dislodge. And the lead American cavalry charged home against the Loyalist Dragoons (off camera).
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212525.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212510.jpeg)
On the British left, militia and Continentals traded volleys with British infantry and artillery. More men fell.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212449.jpeg)
The bloody fight for the northwest block of town continued.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212431.jpeg)
That American cavalry charge on the British right proved disastrous. While they forced the Loyalist cavalry to retreat behind the Hessians, it unmasked the Hessians and their muskets. The Hessians then, along with a loyalist battalion, unleashed devastating volleys into the hapless American dragoons, effectively destroying them.
With one American cavalry squadron out of the way, the Hessians and Loyalist infantry and cavalry advanced once again.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212416.jpeg)
Finally, the Continentals sent the stubborn British battalion defending the northwest block packing. Infantry in Marengo's Mill traded pot shots at each other. The Americans had thus far captured a third of the town. But units on both sides were starting to run out of ammunition. From here on, some of the fighting would be decided at bayonet point.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212402.jpeg)
More musket volleys from the Hessians and Loyalists then sent the other American cavalry squadron heading for the hills. The American left was falling apart.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212341.jpeg)
In the center and the British left, Continentals charged, bayonets levelled. One battalion went after a battalion from the British 3rd Brigade, while another assaulted the southwest block of town.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212327.jpeg)
The Continentals sent the battalion from 3rd Brigade running for their lives, but the Continentals found the southwest block another tough nut to crack. The other Battalion in the British 3rd Brigade fired volleys that sent one of Febiger's militia battalions off on its way.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212311.jpeg)
Then, the wheels came off of the American bus. A battalion from the British 2nd Brigade counterattacked the west central block, routing the Continental battalion who had taken it. This set off a chain reaction, and 3 more Continental battalions routed away (including the one that was assaulting the southwest block). The British had cleared the Americans back out of Marengo's Mill!
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212257.jpeg)
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212223.jpeg)
The Light Bobs sent another volley into the militia across the river, and the Loyalist cavalry moved up in front of the infantry.
(https://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/66/16550-140725212240.jpeg)
But it was all over but the crying. LaFayette's best troops - the Continentals and the cavalry - had been beaten, and he had lost a fair few militia as well. He sighed, and order a general retreat, westward into the setting sun. The Americans would have to lick their wounds, and regroup.
But so too would the British. Three of their Foot battalions had been driven off, and several of the rest had taken some degree of casualties. Just another expensive victory for the British...
This was a far more interesting fight than the Black Powder one. That was, we thought, more due to players' tactical choices, and less due to the different rules. This game went 10 turns, while the Black Powder one only 5. Both games were enjoyable, but this one was quite the scuffle. The Americans were driving hard, and were slowly gaining ground in the town. But things fell apart in the last 2 turns for them, adn defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory...
-
Superb post - thank you.
-
Great post! Looks cracking :-*
-
Looks fabulous! Where did you get that mat? Quite the thing.
-
It looks like the September’39 mat from Geek Villain.
-
A. Thanks, fellas.
B. It is indeed the Geek Villain mat Norm mentioned! It gets a LOT of use....
-
Nice mat indeed, currently shows sold out.
Have you ever tried Rank and File rules from Crusader Publishing? Won't work if you love command radius rules - doesn't include. But plays fast.
Need to devote an hour or two to reviewing this whole thread one day. Alas, the photos seem to take forever to load (on my end), just have to be patient.
My favorite part? Most of the battles seem fictional - or interpretive of history - from what I've seen so far. AWI is so well known that seems the only way to keep the interest up. Despite my current plan to do as many historical battles on the actual 250th anniversaries, my long term goal is to stick with hypothetical scenarios.
Beautiful games and tables.
-
Thanks! I frankly don't remember if we've played Rank & File. We've played the AWI with several rulesets. I'll have to peruse my rules shelves...
As for the historicity of our games, you'll find a few historical battles. But, as you pointed out, you'll also find several fictional battles or battles adapted from other eras...hope you enjoy your time going through my thread when you get to it.
I've noticed that some of my older units need some touching up, and I could do with a few more units (Hessians, Continentals, British dragoons, and the list goes on...), Who knows - maybe some day. 8)
-
Impressive doesn't begin to describe your collection or these battle pics! Gorgeous! Brilliant looking game! WOW!
-
Thanks! I appreciate that.
-
At HMGS-GL's flagship convention, Advance the Colors, 11-12 October, I will be helping Larry Reber (publisher of Saratoga Soldiers, the AWI variant of his ACW rules Gettysburg Soldiers) run a pair of games based on the actions around lexington and Concord in April 1775. On Friday evening, Larry will take the lead in running the British march through Lexington and into and around Concord. On Saturday morning, I will take the lead in running the British retreat from Concord through when the British meet up with their relefie column near Lexington. We will be using my 20mm AWI troops, and will (of course) be using Larry's Saratoga Soldiers rules.
My regular gaming group will be doing a playtest of the game I am taking the lead on at our regular weekly game on 12 September. Mind you, I will post an AAR here after the playtest. Stay tuned, should this be on any interest to you...