"My God Mr. Wimpett, we have the weather gauge on them." "Indeed Captain," replied the eager Wimpett, "the Admiral made a good throw of the dice." "Tis well that we have some advantage Mr. Wimpett since both squadrons have a 100 gunner, three 74s and four 64s. Odd how that worked out."
Both fleets had a "big" squadron and a squadron of 64s. Holding the weather gauge the signal to make full sail was given and the "big" squadron leaped ahead to strike the head of the enemy line. The daring of our 100 gunner was rewarded when a stern rake, double-shotted caused the immediate surrender of an enemy ship. Unfortunately the bold move left the flagship isolated and began to be pounded on all sides. The rest of our fleet was taking time to form a proper line of battle so although it ended up well, the flag was sunk before aid could be rendered.
A confused melee results as only token effort is made to maintain formation, each going after an enemy warship. Pity the enemy ship in the very center, getting raked from each end and taking broadsides as well. [Each ship moves and fires or fires and moves, so the apparent over-lap didn't really occur.]
In the end we had sunk or taken five of the enemy and recovered our own ship that struck for only the permanent loss of the flagship. So a most notable victory. As they say, back in the day. Rules were (I think) Form Line of Battle. Ships were 1/2400. Four players and one afternoon of play on May 19th. After a couple of enjoyable naval games we'll go back to pounding the ground next game.
Both fleets had a "big" squadron and a squadron of 64s. Holding the weather gauge the signal to make full sail was given and the "big" squadron leaped ahead to strike the head of the enemy line. The daring of our 100 gunner was rewarded when a stern rake, double-shotted caused the immediate surrender of an enemy ship. Unfortunately the bold move left the flagship isolated and began to be pounded on all sides. The rest of our fleet was taking time to form a proper line of battle so although it ended up well, the flag was sunk before aid could be rendered.
Opening broadside on a bow rake.
Double-whammy with a stern rake that forced the strike, and another shot from the other quarter.
The rest of the fleet comes into line and begins to punish the isolated enemy squadron.
Another ship lost, despite a great position giving a stern rake.
In the end we had sunk or taken five of the enemy and recovered our own ship that struck for only the permanent loss of the flagship. So a most notable victory. As they say, back in the day. Rules were (I think) Form Line of Battle. Ships were 1/2400. Four players and one afternoon of play on May 19th. After a couple of enjoyable naval games we'll go back to pounding the ground next game.
Some great pictures of a very nice battle!
ReplyDeletePhil.