The advance guard of General Sydney Smythe-N-Jones moved through the wooded countryside, spotted with rolling hills and the occasional cut brook. Ahead lay the main village of the natives allied with the damnable French. Something that along with the small French settlement would be eradicated prior to the army moving on to the main French fort (TBA).
Colonel Locksley had a fine force at his command. Elements of Lord Howe's 80th Lights, the provincial Ranging Company, two weak companies of grenadiers, half battalions of the 28th and 43rd RoF and Bagley's Provincials. A galloper gun or two would have been nice, but they were with the main column, perhaps half a day behind.
The lights were deployed on either wing and to the rear to prevent any unpleasant surprises from the wily French or Indians. Action was quickly gained as the 80th swept around a wood that showed movement and discovered a warband of Indians. Thinking their superior numbers would quickly overwhelm the natives they charged home and promptly lost the melee. The rest of the column advanced but slowly, wanting to have flanks secured before pushing on.
The rangers on the left evicted another warband, though then spotted Coureur de Bois filtering down via a sunken stream. They faced them off as the 80th went in again, this time with a mounted officer to inspire them.
Only to be defeated again and the officer carried from the field severely wounded. (He survived.) The third time proved to be the charm and the 80th carried the woods and sent the remaining members of the warband scurrying for home.
Meanwhile a large group of Canadian milicien with a regular officer took up a blocking position. Two companies of troopes des colonies (aka. "Marines") were swiftly marching up. Other small warbands steadied themselves for the coming advance. The Coureur de Bois were overwhelmed and taken prisoner.
On the right the 43rd and the Provincials deployed into line to drive off the Indian skirmishers. The remnants of the 80th, who had suffered greatly in the three melees, protected their flank.
The Canadians, seeing the grenadiers and 28th deploying thought the better of standing, and behind of screen of other militia moved back to join up with the colonial regulars at the big surprise, a formidable redoubt blocking the glorified game trail serving as a road.
Not at all sporting, the British attempted to charge the skirmishers, thinking to sweep them aside and hit the rear of the militia column. But in a confusion of order and counter-order, the normally steady infantry failed to charge. A missed opportunity.
A firefight broke out between la Marine and the two British units which did not favor the French, and then was followed by a charge against the disordered foes that succeeded. Numbers and the martial quality of the grenadiers prevailed and the French were sent packing.
Leaving the indignant French commander in British hands. The militia and remaining natives, seeing the ever flanking attempts by the 80th and Rangers taking place, decided to depart post-haste. There is always another day.
Rules used were Guns of Liberty with the Guns of the Mohicans variant. The British had a slight numeric advantage (88 castings to 80) and a noticeable qualitative edge, unless you were fighting Indians in the woods. The British had to completely deploy first and then the French since we figured they were being watched ever since they left home. Casualties have been noted and a follow-up game will take place in a month as the British attempt to finish dismantling the native village and settlement.
A most enjoyable diversion from our usual game types and a chance for me to use part of my significant collection of 25mm figures. Thanks to all and just wait till next time!
Colonel Locksley had a fine force at his command. Elements of Lord Howe's 80th Lights, the provincial Ranging Company, two weak companies of grenadiers, half battalions of the 28th and 43rd RoF and Bagley's Provincials. A galloper gun or two would have been nice, but they were with the main column, perhaps half a day behind.
The lights were deployed on either wing and to the rear to prevent any unpleasant surprises from the wily French or Indians. Action was quickly gained as the 80th swept around a wood that showed movement and discovered a warband of Indians. Thinking their superior numbers would quickly overwhelm the natives they charged home and promptly lost the melee. The rest of the column advanced but slowly, wanting to have flanks secured before pushing on.
The rangers on the left evicted another warband, though then spotted Coureur de Bois filtering down via a sunken stream. They faced them off as the 80th went in again, this time with a mounted officer to inspire them.
Only to be defeated again and the officer carried from the field severely wounded. (He survived.) The third time proved to be the charm and the 80th carried the woods and sent the remaining members of the warband scurrying for home.
Meanwhile a large group of Canadian milicien with a regular officer took up a blocking position. Two companies of troopes des colonies (aka. "Marines") were swiftly marching up. Other small warbands steadied themselves for the coming advance. The Coureur de Bois were overwhelmed and taken prisoner.
On the right the 43rd and the Provincials deployed into line to drive off the Indian skirmishers. The remnants of the 80th, who had suffered greatly in the three melees, protected their flank.
The Canadians, seeing the grenadiers and 28th deploying thought the better of standing, and behind of screen of other militia moved back to join up with the colonial regulars at the big surprise, a formidable redoubt blocking the glorified game trail serving as a road.
Not at all sporting, the British attempted to charge the skirmishers, thinking to sweep them aside and hit the rear of the militia column. But in a confusion of order and counter-order, the normally steady infantry failed to charge. A missed opportunity.
A firefight broke out between la Marine and the two British units which did not favor the French, and then was followed by a charge against the disordered foes that succeeded. Numbers and the martial quality of the grenadiers prevailed and the French were sent packing.
Leaving the indignant French commander in British hands. The militia and remaining natives, seeing the ever flanking attempts by the 80th and Rangers taking place, decided to depart post-haste. There is always another day.
Rules used were Guns of Liberty with the Guns of the Mohicans variant. The British had a slight numeric advantage (88 castings to 80) and a noticeable qualitative edge, unless you were fighting Indians in the woods. The British had to completely deploy first and then the French since we figured they were being watched ever since they left home. Casualties have been noted and a follow-up game will take place in a month as the British attempt to finish dismantling the native village and settlement.
A most enjoyable diversion from our usual game types and a chance for me to use part of my significant collection of 25mm figures. Thanks to all and just wait till next time!
