Gettysburg Day 1, New Buckenham Historical Wargamers

[Jabba]

One of two Friday night games last week at New Buckenham Historical Wargamers, Gettysburg day 1.
A few pics and after action report plus link to Facebook page with full account plus more pics.

Fire and Fury rules with "house" adaptations.

After Action Rerport.

A fine taster encounter for this years forthcoming Gettysburg epic in July. The action centred around the attacks by Early's Confederate 1st Div', of Ewell's Corps, on the environs of Gettysburg from the North. The three Confederate Bgde's were led on by Gary, Guy & Chris, with Gary also acting as CinC. The Union defenders were the men of 11th Corps, principally the 1st Div' under Barlow, with just two largely green Bgde's initially in place to face the enemy. These were commanded by Stuart & Tony with Tunnie bringing up much needed support to their left. The game went much to history with the veteran troops of the Confederacy sweeping forward, seemingly with ease, to begin with. A small hill was contested between the brigades of Gordon (CSA) & Gisla (USA), with the Union troops making an inspired counter attack to regain the hill, led on by Barlow himself. However the Reb' troops were to good for Barlow's brave boys & the latter fled, with Gisla taken prisoner & Barlow killed ! This reflected the general collapse of the initial Union line. The Confederate Brigades of Smith & Dole smashed through the centre & Hoke's gained a defended farm to the right. The dice rolls of the Union command were abject to say the least - 1's were frequent & a wall & a chair took punishment ! Tunnie helped check the Confederate advance with his Bgde but on the opposite wing Hays Confederate Bgde charged & broke a dismounted cavalry screen at the railway bridge & threatened the Union flank & rear. Now the Union forces luck improved as their line stabilised. Hays Bgde advanced to quickly toward the town & Tony pulled his remaining Bgde onto the Confederate flank. Hays men were severely cut up, (my turn for a low roll, Tony's for a very high one) & the Confederate survivors routed & were out of the action, their gains all to brief. In the Centre the Confederate Bgde's of Gordon, & Dole once again came on at the charge, the 'rebel yell' loud in their throats. As Gordons Bgde came in at the oblique, Dole's men lead the way. The latter tore a hole in the Union line, overrunning two batteries in their thrilling advance. Having thrown back two bgde's they were held by a third but Dole's men had severely damaged the Union will to continue the struggle this first day before Gettysburg. At this point Richard called the game, the Union defence in disarray but still holding on, & with some key points still in their possession. Richard was pleased with the largely historic feel & outcome, while we who played this game, with so much action, had a great evening. Among all the nail biting & gnashing of teeth (etc), Richard said to me " You certainly know you're among wargamers !" 'Well yes Richard ; Quite.'

For the full AAR including in game photographs (Facebook) see here

[Gangleri]

Looks like a great game.  Art imitating life, I suppose.