Once more the forces of Washington and Clinton are drawn up for battle. Perhaps this will be the engagement to end the unfortunate rebellion and bring peace back to the colonies.
Rules are Guns of Liberty by Eric Burgess with 25/28mm miniatures. Game table was 9x6' and we finished in less than 3 hours.
The British left with Butler's Rangers, the American Legion cavalry, lights and line battalions.
The right with grenadiers, line and 8 pdrs. in support looking across the field. Let's see, from right to left; Continental regulars, French regulars and.... do my eyes deceive me? Are those militia in the centre?
Our centre, with the 9th, 54th and 42nd Highland with a pair of 3 pound battalion guns.
Some impertinent civilians wish the rebels good fortune. Confound them all!
After a delay clearing the woodline, the centre advances while the right holds back and our left attempts to frustrate the cavalry present.
Bulter's makes for the relative security of the woods to hold the Continental Light Dragoons at bay.
The rebels and French close on our right, but have a long distance to travel so we have time to strike in the centre.
Neither the militia nor the Continental Lights and guns are able to stop the advance of the 9th and 54th. The French 12 pdr. does great execution but cannot stop them on its own.
On the left the light/Loyalist brigade is able to advance and press their right because....
The dragoons attempted to charge Butler's in the woods. Although their defensive fire was less than impressive, in the melee they diced up the disorganized dragoons.
General Gates had personally led the dragoons forward and now found himself a guest of the Crown. No long-distance ride this time Granny.
On the right the Continentals and French had finally crossed the field and had bravely closed, but found they did not have the stomach for canister and fire from the grenadiers.
Although the 54th, down 40% of their strength, were forced to recoil the attack on the centre went well. Routing and driving back the militia and lights. General Washington rode forward to rally the troops.
With half the cavalry neutralized, the guns eliminated, and infantry in retreat the light brigade took the opportunity to advance while the American Legion cavalry got ready for the pursuit.
Looking the length of the field, the Crown Forces are advancing on the left and centre while the right holds firm. A crisis is at hand. Both commanders are in the forefront, attempting to rally or urge on their men. When a shot rings out....
Rules are Guns of Liberty by Eric Burgess with 25/28mm miniatures. Game table was 9x6' and we finished in less than 3 hours.
And George Washington, heart and soul of the revolution, is shot dead. With Washington dead and Gates captured, is this the end of the revolution? Time will tell. At this point the game ended as the rebel and French army dissolved. Perhaps the remaining cavalry would hold the pursuit back, or perhaps Tarleton will add to his laurels.
A fun time with lots of drama and action. We were out of practice (as usual) with the system but it all came back fast. This is ideal for a afternoon game, giving a good ebb and flow to the game. It also works well with the "battles" of the American Revolution that would be counted as large skirmishes in the Napoleonic era. Thanks to Todd and Paul for coming out in the snow to play.
Unlucky George Washington! Nice looking battle, and so many repercussions!
ReplyDeleteNice looking battle, how did you handle combat per your basing?
ReplyDeleteTwo rank formations counted as close order troops, while single rank were in open order. Our frontages are a bit larger than in the rules, but at the time we started painting and mounting we hadn't settled on a rules set yet.
ReplyDelete