tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73163426416482282812024-03-05T23:58:37.580-08:00Brother Against BrotherWargames with my BrotherStrykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-67755410742023918082014-11-25T04:03:00.001-08:002014-11-25T14:00:10.238-08:00Battle of McDowell - turns 5-7Ian has allowed me to write up the last few turns, as the game swiftly turned into a Confederate victory! Any set of ACW rules worth it's salt must surely favour the static defence in a firefight - and in this case the Federals (under time pressure to gain ground) were expending command points on movement and recovery while the Rebs tactical order sheets simply read <i>'load - fire - load - fire' </i>with results familiar to wargamers everywhere !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN_YoXuHble-y-3AEJcRkFkSL1vLgxQK07nDsvkqTQt3q6JzTC1nDQAS6SQTRlqUx_LSfEuGKdOC_jJw-qcq7pDfK1woYOk8dUz710e8WOlkcI3AfsPuWhSAFC4Ytwq-HMY34gw_BnjU/s1600/x4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN_YoXuHble-y-3AEJcRkFkSL1vLgxQK07nDsvkqTQt3q6JzTC1nDQAS6SQTRlqUx_LSfEuGKdOC_jJw-qcq7pDfK1woYOk8dUz710e8WOlkcI3AfsPuWhSAFC4Ytwq-HMY34gw_BnjU/s1600/x4a.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenario required Union forces to control this hill by 4:30pm - quite a tall order.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 12th Georgia had been forced back to the base of Sitlingtons Hill, but despite losing 4 stands out of their original 14 and spending most of the battle either disordered or with wavering morale - they didn't break ! Over their heads the 25th and 44th Virginia blazed away at the enemy without let up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ5bvXDJQvIcF_-hCWGYiQc88A7ZIoUK4-GqVLWi-ILBoflHBXN5v2O96wwaiLyQ84Fu8HMRe52ZIkFNbcBh2_m0YWboeaY57x9F9DYIeV4slAOEi8AYBX-hqjWkFkV6Hl3ERTz77Rm4/s1600/x14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ5bvXDJQvIcF_-hCWGYiQc88A7ZIoUK4-GqVLWi-ILBoflHBXN5v2O96wwaiLyQ84Fu8HMRe52ZIkFNbcBh2_m0YWboeaY57x9F9DYIeV4slAOEi8AYBX-hqjWkFkV6Hl3ERTz77Rm4/s1600/x14a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Man Of The Match' award - The 12th Georgia shrug off massive losses and rollercoaster morale !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But then, over on the Staunton Turnpike, the cracks began to appear in Milroy's brigade. Rebel skirmishers worked their way up the wooded slope on the Union left flank and took out the undefended two gun section of the 12th Ohio artillery. These had been the only guns in action, and despite minimal strength had taken their toll on the Confederate line.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GsF-fwkuNFBzEEh0k90844hvq5iK0Oxy-GksscUjDIQe3b-wvO1zrGIXXqb8R6zBxXO9ClkSNZ2IYHXNslqoy6zKCf1jEq2euwe_p1ShInvlUVz-jPplC_qX7zvCbkXng6GWMqe-o10/s1600/x12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GsF-fwkuNFBzEEh0k90844hvq5iK0Oxy-GksscUjDIQe3b-wvO1zrGIXXqb8R6zBxXO9ClkSNZ2IYHXNslqoy6zKCf1jEq2euwe_p1ShInvlUVz-jPplC_qX7zvCbkXng6GWMqe-o10/s1600/x12a.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reb skirmishers get in close and drive the gunners away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Yankee 3rd West Virginia, positioned astride the turnpike below the guns, had been trading volleys with the veteran Rebel 31st Virginia since the engagement began. Ian sensed they were about to give up the ghost and diverted the 32nd Ohio, his only uncommitted regiment, to go to their rescue - but it was too late.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybKVmsw5Xnp1pFSWs1di9foiU9S2bNJxrmndELaMcV6oqJpDEC25BvvqzgCdLmh4XOYScoWGC0XeEZ_vgKN2ZDPQbVsdUzZwhzjge6EObdKg06-m__uC9aYzqvvk3tzmI94UD74aQtBU/s1600/x3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybKVmsw5Xnp1pFSWs1di9foiU9S2bNJxrmndELaMcV6oqJpDEC25BvvqzgCdLmh4XOYScoWGC0XeEZ_vgKN2ZDPQbVsdUzZwhzjge6EObdKg06-m__uC9aYzqvvk3tzmI94UD74aQtBU/s1600/x3a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milroy personally urges the rather 'green' 32nd Ohio towards the shaky flank ......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6BGnIaI_DMh6jLsppdisgYUy7vdFl_CXd-FFusae631P_rvVF_v-9sdevkO-7IyyxGUsHvSx6Fj6bivcROHVyG42gBvbmnYQkKLUb-TD9OLjm-mjMvwaVv_NSNrBnetkmP8jyWuLb0o/s1600/x6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6BGnIaI_DMh6jLsppdisgYUy7vdFl_CXd-FFusae631P_rvVF_v-9sdevkO-7IyyxGUsHvSx6Fj6bivcROHVyG42gBvbmnYQkKLUb-TD9OLjm-mjMvwaVv_NSNrBnetkmP8jyWuLb0o/s1600/x6a.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...... but it's all over before they get there! The West Virginia boys rout (I know the flag is wrong!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the opposite side of the battlefield the 75th Ohio had been edging forward hoping to turn the Confederate flank, but as they closed the distance the withering fire from the hilltop sent them skedaddling as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBkohruEKccFhMrQzEHarohIGCb3OsJCXQI4pig8NWVLfUmmtStc_jy7Q0xWWXgf-7svCrBQCfkSA7fs32-wuA4AyebFiR7DzyId1mhbzMdMe1Ra5rBOZl4Kew2npdODsWwcELj-uKgw/s1600/x5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBkohruEKccFhMrQzEHarohIGCb3OsJCXQI4pig8NWVLfUmmtStc_jy7Q0xWWXgf-7svCrBQCfkSA7fs32-wuA4AyebFiR7DzyId1mhbzMdMe1Ra5rBOZl4Kew2npdODsWwcELj-uKgw/s1600/x5a.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A second rout on the other flank - the fleeing men of the 75th Ohio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our standard victory conditions kicked in at this point. Coupled with overall losses, the two broken Union regiments gave the Confederates a VP total of 11 while the Yankees could only muster 5. Game over in conclusive style!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iikfLbfuT_CRyhwP278Csw7Cm-0D5TRh3n8AvOiW7NWu6E29OBKVGXzPlQaFambf_JvNsEZws579wpbTFNXhLZBBA9xdQ-cxcNuNU60UWpiSpJi__i4W17gRV3RFPV8HrF7fPEmrPXY/s1600/x8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iikfLbfuT_CRyhwP278Csw7Cm-0D5TRh3n8AvOiW7NWu6E29OBKVGXzPlQaFambf_JvNsEZws579wpbTFNXhLZBBA9xdQ-cxcNuNU60UWpiSpJi__i4W17gRV3RFPV8HrF7fPEmrPXY/s1600/x8a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schenck's brigade unused at McDowell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each game turn is ten minutes of real time and is subdivided into six phases. Command points based on the quality of each regiment's colonel are then calculated and used to purchase actions which can be inserted into the phase grid as required. Players declare their actions phase by phase - fire too early in a turn and your target may not be close enough yet! Stop to restore order and the enemy may get in an additional volley. Absorbing levels of micro-management make these games great fun to play, although visually they may not be particularly dramatic! And <i>still</i> no bayonet charge !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUB1F1tCUi3bCLfsuufZGoZFSIqnJg67A3xG1EMj07G-7lIpmAb1dOxkccB-3OHV1PRuXe1I-2Jv2q0QgpOH4fhrnSoQ2tUG-uK2pt0F0bBd2Hv6qGvCBVYQR9qfo2dfOqT9HTJH6rZ8/s1600/Final+McDowell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUB1F1tCUi3bCLfsuufZGoZFSIqnJg67A3xG1EMj07G-7lIpmAb1dOxkccB-3OHV1PRuXe1I-2Jv2q0QgpOH4fhrnSoQ2tUG-uK2pt0F0bBd2Hv6qGvCBVYQR9qfo2dfOqT9HTJH6rZ8/s1600/Final+McDowell.jpeg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Dry Stonewallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05980592495958797602noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-38652715935018579182014-10-05T07:53:00.002-07:002014-10-05T07:53:30.199-07:00Battle of McDowell – turns 1-4As our forces were already quite close together at the start of the game it was no surprise that the opposing skirmish lines were soon popping away at each other trying to get control of the ground between the main battle-lines. I had a fair bit of success in the initial phase of firing but Dave eventually found a dice that would give him enough sixes to gain the upper hand and it was my skirmishers who gave ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfNaXcyU6Hk/VDElIYUpDoI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/EL9RcgwOfeI/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfNaXcyU6Hk/VDElIYUpDoI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/EL9RcgwOfeI/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Union skirmishers push forward eagerly!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJWn9FWjzDQ/VDElD6c6osI/AAAAAAAAEAI/Dz_kRCuaH5o/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJWn9FWjzDQ/VDElD6c6osI/AAAAAAAAEAI/Dz_kRCuaH5o/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 75th Ohio cross the Bull Pasture River.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4V3o6UkrfvJnjbvenQy9Kx7Ms5jDuY2G6FlMDw5-2lsMeb7SXrhNrhbVM457Ko_rZ_SeFARJuYoz7of_6lW-QtjG7k9R3qrI0-ukndZQhlGmgMHEMZucCU8U2pmZTr4OJkZhvQA00sdc/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4V3o6UkrfvJnjbvenQy9Kx7Ms5jDuY2G6FlMDw5-2lsMeb7SXrhNrhbVM457Ko_rZ_SeFARJuYoz7of_6lW-QtjG7k9R3qrI0-ukndZQhlGmgMHEMZucCU8U2pmZTr4OJkZhvQA00sdc/s320/03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Men of Schenk's Brigade wait in reserve at McDowell.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioTMIlD4okUb3QIjqzopDJxtbC1Z5Xt_BFrxozkdNNw7Uz_KZ5npc446_8O54KSD-6d0tZUlhH9-RnQNxiYoELxY2STKlH3zkACw5VRijTisc-o-io9ee6rR5kgKnzs75h-f74X2iVvw/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioTMIlD4okUb3QIjqzopDJxtbC1Z5Xt_BFrxozkdNNw7Uz_KZ5npc446_8O54KSD-6d0tZUlhH9-RnQNxiYoELxY2STKlH3zkACw5VRijTisc-o-io9ee6rR5kgKnzs75h-f74X2iVvw/s320/07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 31st Virgina deployed ready to contest any advance by the enemy along the Staunton Turnpike.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJo_QY06cmw/VDEk3FnzfFI/AAAAAAAAD_w/mTu1ptJ5LPU/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJo_QY06cmw/VDEk3FnzfFI/AAAAAAAAD_w/mTu1ptJ5LPU/s320/04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> General Schenk's HQ at McDowell.</i></span></div>
<br />
I realised that there wasn’t going to be much room for tactical finesse in this scenario, my men had to push forward quickly and try to overwhelm the enemy line if I was to get any units onto Sitlington’s Hill and win the game. To that end I pushed the 82nd and 32nd Ohio straight at Dave’s 12th Georgia who had advanced slightly from the base of the hill and now looked to be in an exposed position. This negated the advantage I had in rifle range over the musket armed 12th Georgia but my men were soon deployed in supported line and concentrating their fire on the Rebels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcuLtkxuYlA/VDEkvGcH5sI/AAAAAAAAD_o/XErC-gsdr4I/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcuLtkxuYlA/VDEkvGcH5sI/AAAAAAAAD_o/XErC-gsdr4I/s320/09.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Union battle-line advances towards Sitlington's Hill.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBG27ifcDs-5Jy0KaDLLeS9ul4zsz02Qh8saADKti-t1LAIEhyHPN7giV-CvfBx8k57qqfF4Nl8Owo5gsW5BzFz2DzipsJ4vkwnxPcVTk46vz-07lC2WD4UsHxSI-AQEQ1Sv8SvpARbU/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBG27ifcDs-5Jy0KaDLLeS9ul4zsz02Qh8saADKti-t1LAIEhyHPN7giV-CvfBx8k57qqfF4Nl8Owo5gsW5BzFz2DzipsJ4vkwnxPcVTk46vz-07lC2WD4UsHxSI-AQEQ1Sv8SvpARbU/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The Rebs stand ready to resist the attack.</i></span></div>
<br />
Dave wisely chose to withdraw the 12th Georgia just as I issued the 82nd Ohio with charge orders (we may have to wait for another game to test the melee rules properly) and they fell back again to the base of Sitlington’s Hill. We had decided to designate the hill as a ‘steep hill’ (in some accounts it is described as a mountain) and this meant that Dave could deploy the 25th Virginia in line along the crest and fire over the heads of the Georgia boys below. This of course effectively doubled the weight of fire the Confederates could throw at my line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtCpNsu0O8g/VDEkh9VroAI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/eI44maQz_M4/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtCpNsu0O8g/VDEkh9VroAI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/eI44maQz_M4/s320/08.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 12th Georgia retire as my Ohio boys push forward!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PW6BV2IKe5Y/VDEkbHTW5vI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/Ao3D3rFlKSU/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PW6BV2IKe5Y/VDEkbHTW5vI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/Ao3D3rFlKSU/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 25th Virginia deploy into single line along the crest of Sitlington's Hill. </i></span></div>
<br />
Our playing session finished at the end of turn 4 and we were both surprised at just how much action had taken place. On the face of it a few units slugging away at each other in line should be quite boring as a game but somehow the tactical detail of the rules are making for yet another gripping little fight. So far the VP totals are low – 2VP’s to the Confederates and 1VP to the Union – but it will probably change fast when we resume play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsFe0DNhgho/VDFaYlJDG8I/AAAAAAAAEAg/vlQSg5cREjU/s1600/MCD%2Bsession1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsFe0DNhgho/VDFaYlJDG8I/AAAAAAAAEAg/vlQSg5cREjU/s400/MCD%2Bsession1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The situation at the end of Turn 4 (click on the image to zoom in).</span></i></div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-74848567404517103972014-09-29T00:27:00.000-07:002014-09-29T00:27:49.422-07:00Battle of McDowell<b>Battle of McDowell – 15mm ACW Scenario</b><br />
May 8th 1862, 3.00pm – 4.30pm (9 turns)<br />
<br />
Following his defeat at Kernstown, Jackson takes his command down the valley in an effort to destroy the Union forces advancing from West Virginia. On the morning of May 8th he comes up against Milroy’s brigade barring his way across the Bull Pasture River and orders his men to occupy Sitlington’s Hill.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Schenk arrives at McDowell with his own brigade and being senior to Milroy takes command. Concerned that the Rebels may try to place guns on the hill that would dominate the river crossing, Schenk and Milroy agree to launch a spoiler attack. In reality Jackson decides that it is impractical to place any artillery on the hill and his guns are left in the rear.<br />
<br />
The action starts at 3.00pm as Milroy personally leads the Union forces in an attack on Sitlington’s Hill. The Union player must achieve a victory by 4.30pm or the Confederates will receive substantial reinforcements and the game will end in a Rebel victory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl5YODJQT-k/VCkHF5oNFYI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/OgVPXQ_2t1Q/s1600/Final%2BMcDowell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl5YODJQT-k/VCkHF5oNFYI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/OgVPXQ_2t1Q/s400/Final%2BMcDowell.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Initial deployment of the forces - click on the image to zoom in.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Order of Battle</b><br />
<br />
<b>Union Forces</b><br />
<i>Milroy’s Brigade</i><br />
3rd West Virginia – Thompson (8)<br />
82nd Ohio – Cantwell (12)<br />
32nd Ohio – Swinny (10)<br />
25th Ohio – Richardson (12)<br />
75th Ohio – McLean (8)<br />
12th Ohio artillery (2 guns)<br />
<br />
<i>Schenk’s Brigade (all units in fixed positions)</i><br />
55th Ohio<br />
73rd Ohio<br />
1st Ohio artillery (5 guns)<br />
<br />
<b>Confederate forces</b><br />
<i>Stonewall Jackson</i><br />
<i>Gen Johnson (Conner’s Brigade, Army of the North-West)</i><br />
12th Georgia – Hawkins (14)<br />
31st Virginia – Jackson (10)<br />
25th Virginia – Smith (10)<br />
44th Virginia – Cobb (12)<br />
<br />
<i>(number of stands in brackets)</i><br />
<br />
<b>Victory Conditions</b><br />
Sitlington’s Hill – 2VP’s are awarded for each unbroken Union regiment on the hill (all stands must be on the hill to qualify).<br />
2VP's for each enemy unit routed.<br />
2VP’s for each enemy brigadier killed<br />
1VP for each enemy stand removed.<br />
<i>The first player to amass <b>10 VP's</b> wins the game.
If there is no clear winner by the end of Turn 9 the game ends in a Confederate victory.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Troop Experience Levels</b><br />
Each player secretly rolls a D6 for each regiment at the start of the game and allocates experience levels as follows:<br />
Confederates: 1,2,3,4, = hardened, 5,6 = veteran<br />
Union: 1,2 = green, 3,4,5,6 = hardened<br />
<br />
<b>Leader Ratings</b><br />
These are diced for by both sides as follows:<br />
1 = poor (Confederate = unpredictable)
2,3 = unpredictable
4,5 = dependable
6 = bold<br />
<br />
<b>Special Rules</b><br />
1. The 12th Georgia are armed with smoothbore muskets – normal firing rules apply but they are restricted to a <b>maximum range of 200yds</b>.<br />
2. The Union artillery and infantry on and around Cemetery Hill and are tasked with defending the river crossings and <b>may not move</b>.<br />
3. Milroy led the Union attack in person – to represent his exposure to danger Milroy <b>must be attached to a unit at all times</b> (he can change between units and can still exercise normal command of the whole brigade. If the brigade he is attached to is broken and he fails to rally it his command figure becomes a casualty).
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-51134097001314259482014-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:002014-09-26T02:19:19.975-07:00Kernstown – turns 5-8Dave’s artillery continued to shower the 1st West Virginia with canister but despite this their morale held and the lads were able to reply with close range rifle fire. In the end it was the artillery whose nerve broke first and the guns were forced to limber up and retreat back down the Laurel Grove Road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUnimMH802w/VCRoKQsiVKI/AAAAAAAAD-I/IH0UcdsEWOA/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUnimMH802w/VCRoKQsiVKI/AAAAAAAAD-I/IH0UcdsEWOA/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 1st West Virginia see off the West Augusta artillery (you can just see a limber sneaking off between the buildings!).</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J0ClP_Zjf4/VCRoFDfCJFI/AAAAAAAAD-A/JVsPjvaitE0/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J0ClP_Zjf4/VCRoFDfCJFI/AAAAAAAAD-A/JVsPjvaitE0/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The 37th Virginia having turned the Union right flank settle down behind a rail fence to exchange shots with the 7th Ohio.</i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile the battle in the centre of the field was intensifying and Dave took the decision to carry out a passage of lines by pulling back the worn out 4th Virginia through the advancing ranks of the 27th Virginia. At this point Dave revealed that the 27th were a 'veteran' unit and they were at full strength having been shielded from shot and shell by the ranks of the 4th.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPQfM8VADws/VCRn8fMJvRI/AAAAAAAAD94/6p-7EGFyhao/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPQfM8VADws/VCRn8fMJvRI/AAAAAAAAD94/6p-7EGFyhao/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The veterans of the 27th Virginia prepare to swop places with the rather jaded men of the 4th Virginia.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDD2O2PQcjY/VCRn2PKOBcI/AAAAAAAAD9w/apBMs-SFGHQ/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDD2O2PQcjY/VCRn2PKOBcI/AAAAAAAAD9w/apBMs-SFGHQ/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 23rd Virginia belatedly get to grips with the 1st West Virigina near the Glass Farm.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oM4R_X3ks4/VCRnvXtdp1I/AAAAAAAAD9o/3QRsAzexBfg/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oM4R_X3ks4/VCRnvXtdp1I/AAAAAAAAD9o/3QRsAzexBfg/s320/08.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The Rebs got the best of a duel between skirmishers on the Union left flank but this had little impact on the outcome of the battle.</i></span></div>
<br />
I was a bit nervous about being confronted by fresh ‘veterans’ particularly as both my regiments lining the wall opposite them were ‘green’. However I needn’t have worried because the Virginians stepped forward into a cauldron of fire from 13 infantry stands and my artillery and they were soon dropping like flies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6w6Yy96tw/VCRnnMF7F4I/AAAAAAAAD9g/C_OK1tAfVL8/s1600/04a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6w6Yy96tw/VCRnnMF7F4I/AAAAAAAAD9g/C_OK1tAfVL8/s320/04a.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>As the 27th Virigina advanced they were greeted with a solid wall of flame from the Union line (+1 for resting weapons!).</i></span></div>
<br />
As we moved to the morale phase at end of turn 8 it was crunch time with all the front line units having to test. My 1st West Virginians broke under the flanking fire of the 23rd Virginia but Dave suffered a worse result with both the 33rd and 27th Virginia taking to their heels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Va7rhxsWGk/VCRndbLOh3I/AAAAAAAAD9Y/QMP-iW0qCJo/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Va7rhxsWGk/VCRndbLOh3I/AAAAAAAAD9Y/QMP-iW0qCJo/s320/03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Rebel line starts to crumble...</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73RQPfLi_1WvFdL4G1-yQpKCF4UcA9eB2MSaUrzdDz3dYMWIRqaX8tX8pSC4CFdWP-aj51GsHDp3Cgxklam54qP9tXCsxFJUZEAC-le2QxqHXTuf4qUuU-PDe-VKQoQtYs9nxtQ1nXaQ/s1600/33rd+VA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73RQPfLi_1WvFdL4G1-yQpKCF4UcA9eB2MSaUrzdDz3dYMWIRqaX8tX8pSC4CFdWP-aj51GsHDp3Cgxklam54qP9tXCsxFJUZEAC-le2QxqHXTuf4qUuU-PDe-VKQoQtYs9nxtQ1nXaQ/s320/33rd+VA.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>...and then breaks completely (Dave has even added the correct regimental name to the flag of the 33rd VA - nice touch!).</i></span> </div>
<br />
So at the end of turn 8 the Union had amassed 11 VP’s (2 broken enemy infantry units, 1 broken enemy artillery battery, 4 enemy stands removed and possession of the Stone Wall) whilst the Confederates had only 4 VP’s (1 broken enemy unit, 2 enemy stands removed) – a convincing win for the North!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lgcok4I3J4/VCRnHtQr6dI/AAAAAAAAD9I/xE5x7Z9s4Fg/s1600/KKKKK.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lgcok4I3J4/VCRnHtQr6dI/AAAAAAAAD9I/xE5x7Z9s4Fg/s400/KKKKK.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The positions of the units at the end of the battle - turn 8 (click the image to zoom in).</i></span></div>
<br />
Next game will be another of these 15mm ACW ones as we have been enjoying playing them and the rules are now 99% there. Meanwhile the flocking of the 1/300th armies continues – we hope it will all be over by Christmas!Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-27529213025067341332014-08-31T03:26:00.001-07:002014-08-31T03:26:22.712-07:00Kernstown – turns 1-5As this was to be an encounter battle we started the game without specific orders issued to individual regiments and with all units deployed in field column. We agreed that orders could only be issued once the two sides had spotted each other, which under the rules would occur at a distance of 1,000yds, line of sight permitting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pENwcai5bQg/VALyvjNZS8I/AAAAAAAAD74/AA0dYvVSmp4/s1600/K1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pENwcai5bQg/VALyvjNZS8I/AAAAAAAAD74/AA0dYvVSmp4/s320/K1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tyler's brigade on Sandy Ridge.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZpniPD7VJk/VALyqomEtzI/AAAAAAAAD7w/VcuI3n0bgDM/s1600/K4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZpniPD7VJk/VALyqomEtzI/AAAAAAAAD7w/VcuI3n0bgDM/s320/K4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Garnett's brigade hurry forward 'on the double'.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy7BogZa4qE/VALykbEMGfI/AAAAAAAAD7o/OGXlmrbLHJU/s1600/K3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy7BogZa4qE/VALykbEMGfI/AAAAAAAAD7o/OGXlmrbLHJU/s320/K3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Come on boys, lets get them Rebs!" </i></span></div>
<br />
I quickly moved my columns down from Sandy Ridge with the intention of heading directly towards the stone wall whilst Dave pushed his Rebels forward from the opposite direction. By the end of turn 1 most of the troops were visible to both sides and we began to issue orders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bQd-2rRX2s/VALycBu-qVI/AAAAAAAAD7g/2Sm3FpcBV4E/s1600/K6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bQd-2rRX2s/VALycBu-qVI/AAAAAAAAD7g/2Sm3FpcBV4E/s320/K6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Garnett's brigade occupies the high ground south of the stone wall.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqeaPNEpUuM/VALyVCEz3KI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/SPdI35E41RM/s1600/K5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqeaPNEpUuM/VALyVCEz3KI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/SPdI35E41RM/s320/K5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The Union troops move forward towards the stone wall.</i></span></div>
<br />
I ordered the 110th Pennsylvania and 7th Indiana to form line and then to press on quickly to take the wall where the skirmishers of both sides were already in action. To my surprise though Dave halted the bulk of his forces on the high ground south of the wall and deployed the 4th Virginia into a single line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5R8sBR0askI/VALyMnk8DdI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/LXYMFb6MlrQ/s1600/K7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5R8sBR0askI/VALyMnk8DdI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/LXYMFb6MlrQ/s320/K7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tyler deploys his brigade into line.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPbV8lz8_k8/VALyIXJFguI/AAAAAAAAD7I/86vWvXR3P-8/s1600/K9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPbV8lz8_k8/VALyIXJFguI/AAAAAAAAD7I/86vWvXR3P-8/s320/K9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The 4th Virginia deploy into a single rank opposite the stone wall.</i></span></div>
<br />
Dave's decision not to advance further gave my forces an important tactical benefit as my troops would receive a morale bonus for ‘hard cover’ as well as increased fire power for ‘resting weapons’. The Confederates on the other hand would receive a morale bonus for ‘high ground’ and were able to bring maximum fire power to bear from the 4th Virginia whilst keeping their reserves intact.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWl2UVV8SlY/VALyAJiC5bI/AAAAAAAAD7A/G3Wsntvvor4/s1600/K10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWl2UVV8SlY/VALyAJiC5bI/AAAAAAAAD7A/G3Wsntvvor4/s320/K10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The battle-lines now fully deployed are starting to engage in a fire-fight.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7v2-JzkJEQ/VALx5tz4MOI/AAAAAAAAD64/UnXeOGtjPGk/s1600/K11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7v2-JzkJEQ/VALx5tz4MOI/AAAAAAAAD64/UnXeOGtjPGk/s320/K11.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>General Garnett (looking suspiciously like Robert E Lee) takes up position behind the 4th Virginia.</i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile Dave had ordered the 37th Virginia supported by the West Augusta artillery to advance into the wheat field in an attempt to turn my right flank. It was a bold move to bring artillery so far forward (something I had tried successfully in the last game) and soon the Rebel guns were blasting the ranks of the 1st West Virginia regiment with canister.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qB11z2PHryU/VALxwuONirI/AAAAAAAAD6w/aNOoetNzox8/s1600/K12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qB11z2PHryU/VALxwuONirI/AAAAAAAAD6w/aNOoetNzox8/s320/K12.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The West Augusta artillery unlimbered by the Glass Farm and about to fire cannister at the 1st West Virginia.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IcgKYAc9Yk/VALxsxB9_OI/AAAAAAAAD6o/V7v0h9yn3YI/s1600/K13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IcgKYAc9Yk/VALxsxB9_OI/AAAAAAAAD6o/V7v0h9yn3YI/s320/K13.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Meanhwhile the 37th Virigina are trying to sneak around the Union right flank.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2btIvcmNbI/VALxmXA8anI/AAAAAAAAD6g/SJMazAsDZnc/s1600/map%2B1st%2Bsession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2btIvcmNbI/VALxmXA8anI/AAAAAAAAD6g/SJMazAsDZnc/s400/map%2B1st%2Bsession.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation at the end of our playing session half way through turn 5 (click on the image to zoom in).</i></span></div>
<br />
To be continued.Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-47986307028279676212014-08-24T01:40:00.000-07:002014-08-24T09:32:06.923-07:00Battle of Kernstown<b>Battle of Kernstown - 15mm ACW Scenario</b><br />
March 23rd 1862, 3.00pm – 5.00pm (12 turns) <br />
<br />
Jackson advances directly up the Valley Turnpike with the aim of surprising and defeating what he believes to be a single Union brigade at Kernstown. In fact the town is defended by an entire Union division under the temporary command of Col. Nathan Kimball.<br />
<br />
During the morning Jackson attacks the Union line in front of the town but is checked and pushed back. Realising he can make no headway by a direct assault he decides to shift the bulk of his forces to his left in an effort to turn the Union right flank. This scenario is based very loosely on the action that followed.<br />
<br />
The Confederate brigades of Fulkerson and Garnett are advancing with the aim of gaining the high ground of Sandy Ridge. At the same moment Tyler’s Federal brigade arrive to shore up the Union flank. All units begin the game in field column with artillery batteries limbered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoKEfPo_AXs/U_meUoC3qsI/AAAAAAAAD5w/0DILuG5uliI/s1600/KERNSTOWN1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoKEfPo_AXs/U_meUoC3qsI/AAAAAAAAD5w/0DILuG5uliI/s400/KERNSTOWN1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Initial deployment of the forces - click the image to zoom in.</i></span></div>
<br />
<b>Order of Battle</b><br />
<br />
<b>Union Forces</b><i> </i><br />
<i>Third brigade (Col. Erastus Tyler)</i><br />
1st West Virginia – Thoburn (10)<br />
110th Pennsylvania – Lewis (12)<br />
7th Ohio – Creighton (10)<br />
7th Indiana – Cheek (14)<br />
29th Ohio – Buckley (8)<br />
4th US artillery<br />
<br />
<b>Confederate Forces</b><br />
<i>Fulkerson’s brigade</i><br />
37th Virginia – Carson (10)<br />
23rd Virginia – Taliaferro (12)<br />
West Augusta artillery<br />
<i>Garnett’s brigade</i><br />
4th Virginia – Ronald (14)<br />
27th Virginia – Echols (10)<br />
33rd Virginia – Cummings (8)<br />
<br />
<i>(the number of stands in each unit are given in brackets)</i><br />
<br />
<b>Victory Conditions</b><br />
The Stone Wall – 2VP’s are awarded for control of the wall.<br />
Glass Farm – 2VP’s<br />
Sandy Ridge – 2VP’s for each Confederate brigade that reaches the ridge.<br />
Marcauley House – 2VP’s for each Union brigade that reaches the house.<br />
2VP's for each enemy unit routed.<br />
1VP for each enemy stand removed.<br />
<i>The first player to amass <b>10 VP's</b> wins the game. </i><br />
<br />
<b>Troop Experience Levels</b><br />
Each player secretly rolls a D6 for each regiment at the start of the game and allocates experience levels as follows:<br />
Confederates: 1 = green, 2,3,4,5 = hardened, 6 = veteran<br />
Union: 1,2 = green, 3,4,5 = hardened, 6 = veteran<br />
<br />
<b>Leader Ratings</b><br />
These are diced for by both sides as follows:<br />
1 = poor<br />
2,3 = unpredictable<br />
4,5 = dependable<br />
6 = bold
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-18510776944119903502014-08-10T02:05:00.000-07:002014-08-10T02:11:59.350-07:00Henry Hill – ConclusionIn the centre of the field the 2nd Wisconsin and 5th Massachusetts were now side by side and able to trade volleys with Dave’s 2nd Virginia on equal terms. The 2nd Virginia had started out as the largest unit on the table with 14 stands and I would have to bring every available Union rifle to bear if the Rebels were going to be shifted from Henry Hill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihTZ7h9BLxU/U-crJb_HqTI/AAAAAAAAD44/Jthfei-rqy4/s1600/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihTZ7h9BLxU/U-crJb_HqTI/AAAAAAAAD44/Jthfei-rqy4/s320/B.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Still standing like a stone wall - Jackson with the 2nd Virginia by Henry House.</i></span></div>
<br />
The two sides blazed away but it was my Federals who blinked first as the 5th Massachusetts failed their morale test at the end of turn 9 and headed for the rear. With my left and centre in disarray any hope of a victory now shifted to the outcome of events on the right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI4HRVYAYJU/U-crBESsIlI/AAAAAAAAD4w/VvNTeMa2XbQ/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI4HRVYAYJU/U-crBESsIlI/AAAAAAAAD4w/VvNTeMa2XbQ/s320/D.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The 5th Massachusetts break under the fire of the Virginians.</i></span></div>
<br />
Since the start of the game I had been painstakingly manoeuvring the 79th New York forward on the extreme right of my line. They had experienced more than their fair share of disorder, firstly as a result of crossing Young’s Branch, and then due to the steadily rising number of casualties inflicted on them by the Confederates (for each 5 casualties suffered a unit must test for possible disorder). Now at last they were in a position where they could start to exchange volleys with the 13th Mississippi near Chinn Ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1fidBIPNeLODSgeGuODj5AybRQNKiqKbaO1A6yGjduPgCzkdda0wFOgPRYHCfbNzmkk5mzMxNO_biOsEJFi0MVVZ6nrD-TMEE97fa_4KhEUtsrugQPTPkI0aX-LpkukTWszGv4w4j_c/s1600/F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1fidBIPNeLODSgeGuODj5AybRQNKiqKbaO1A6yGjduPgCzkdda0wFOgPRYHCfbNzmkk5mzMxNO_biOsEJFi0MVVZ6nrD-TMEE97fa_4KhEUtsrugQPTPkI0aX-LpkukTWszGv4w4j_c/s320/F.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 79th New York square up to the 13th Mississippi near Chinn Ridge. </i></span></div>
<br />
It seemed that the battle would be decided in this final fire-fight between the New York ‘highlanders’ and the southern boys from the ‘Muddy Miss’. In the end it all hinged on the round of morale throws at the end of turn 10 and it was the Rebels who emerged victorious as the 79th took to their heels in the last skedaddle of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYR0gipdeinncwIqUPNSn84sYzlorZG5dFldADyglZDfWQmgFU09Yzj45SdNoTlRxKfkCxPoOF8447Ld7LcrVf8o_BvDb404OxwFaQ92e222YKHvLDMvTxXfwkGKTDwa6snWMRY9I5zw/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYR0gipdeinncwIqUPNSn84sYzlorZG5dFldADyglZDfWQmgFU09Yzj45SdNoTlRxKfkCxPoOF8447Ld7LcrVf8o_BvDb404OxwFaQ92e222YKHvLDMvTxXfwkGKTDwa6snWMRY9I5zw/s320/C.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Game over - the 79th join the great skedaddle!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhzRB2LVH1bqA2MNqO44n6C2x37AXBn891ZHWKjD-Vk0id9VMrWw1omoiF-OwnTpdL2wz9TG5RjAdwvrj22HONy740o0D8D2Cuky-VHy23ZV3hZrVcKFzXF2JBea7ValbCN8PJR4OoPM/s1600/E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhzRB2LVH1bqA2MNqO44n6C2x37AXBn891ZHWKjD-Vk0id9VMrWw1omoiF-OwnTpdL2wz9TG5RjAdwvrj22HONy740o0D8D2Cuky-VHy23ZV3hZrVcKFzXF2JBea7ValbCN8PJR4OoPM/s320/E.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Hey boys, last one back to Willards Bar is buyin'!" </i></span></div>
<br />
At the end of turn 10 Dave had amassed 13 VP’s to my 7 VP’s a convincing win for the Confederates. Almost half of my infantry were now in full rout and they didn’t look as if they were going to stop running until they reached Capitol Hill. It was starting to look as if this would be a very long war.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcqKZk60h9W1-jpeSad7GBtGzJVZOM6cZ6ZoJaqPNGR50KTxtU-RG4jKjUJ6-SZjY6t0d4h9w1J5HArp0M3kD3v4QWXpLcrn-aDjGNN8ObiBnXbl59NBdzQe7syA0b-9M2HJJQTsePeQ/s1600/A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcqKZk60h9W1-jpeSad7GBtGzJVZOM6cZ6ZoJaqPNGR50KTxtU-RG4jKjUJ6-SZjY6t0d4h9w1J5HArp0M3kD3v4QWXpLcrn-aDjGNN8ObiBnXbl59NBdzQe7syA0b-9M2HJJQTsePeQ/s320/A.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>As the sun sinks over the horizon the Union army is in full retreat - this will be a long war...</i></span></div>
<br />
We both felt that the rules had delivered an excellent game in what was a very simple scenario - basically one brigade in line advancing against another. The tactical detail involved in manoeuvring units and trying to get to grips with the enemy offered us a completely different experience from the army level 1/300th games we are used to, which was the whole idea. The only down side was the amount of paperwork we found ourselves doing but we have already had ideas about how to streamline that. We intend to try another scenario with the revised rules soon but I will probably write it up as a single post as I’m aware that the slow pace of a game like this makes multiple posts less interesting to the reader!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiaOv-Q-AdE/U-cqW-zY8fI/AAAAAAAAD4I/q3ZugzGi-g8/s1600/Endgame.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiaOv-Q-AdE/U-cqW-zY8fI/AAAAAAAAD4I/q3ZugzGi-g8/s400/Endgame.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The positions at the end of the game - turn 10 (click the image to zoom in).</i></span></div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-71608991346345504702014-07-29T11:48:00.001-07:002014-07-29T11:48:27.820-07:00Henry Hill – turns 6-8By the end of turn six I was able to concentrate the fire of 4 Union regiments against Dave’s line of 3 Confederate regiments. In addition the 1st US artillery was now ideally placed to open a destructive fire on the newly arrived 13th Mississippi. It looked as if I might be able to shift the enemy from Henry Hill by weight of fire-power alone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IAsLHfrAbs/U9flhO0n9-I/AAAAAAAAD2w/qYrMxuwDynE/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IAsLHfrAbs/U9flhO0n9-I/AAAAAAAAD2w/qYrMxuwDynE/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The battle in full swing (view from behind the Union right flank).</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RsxgA5dWfE/U9flZKyhFFI/AAAAAAAAD2o/q6yD1rwDTuc/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RsxgA5dWfE/U9flZKyhFFI/AAAAAAAAD2o/q6yD1rwDTuc/s320/04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The 1st US artillery blazes away at the 13th Mississippi.</i></span></div>
<br />
But of course it was never going to be that simple and the situation changed quite dramatically at the end of turn seven when the 69th N.Y. failed their morale test and routed (they had been exposed to an enfilading fire from Imboden’s battery on Henry Hill as well as being at the receiving end of volley fire from the 5th Virginia to their front). With the 13th N.Y. having failed to rally, my entire left flank had disintegrated!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wr_DgX7sW2Q/U9flRHCPnbI/AAAAAAAAD2g/_sSk3Ov93JM/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wr_DgX7sW2Q/U9flRHCPnbI/AAAAAAAAD2g/_sSk3Ov93JM/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The irishmen of the 69th N.Y. skedaddle. </i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile across the battlefield my troops were starting to stack up behind the 79th N.Y. where the lack of space (and command points) was hampering deployment. Dave chose this moment to deploy more skirmishers and these emerged from the tree line on Chinn Ridge and pitched into my own skirmishers who they quickly eliminated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRjWLP0WwRg/U9flJQkarEI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/lRubeZdr8r4/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRjWLP0WwRg/U9flJQkarEI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/lRubeZdr8r4/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The skirmishers clash in front of Chinn Ridge.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm_gIuDPtHs/U9flDX3sPAI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/uAg_VkvJ6gg/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm_gIuDPtHs/U9flDX3sPAI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/uAg_VkvJ6gg/s320/07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>In the confusion of battle the 79th N.Y. accidentally stray in front of the 1st US artillery masking their guns.</i></span> </div>
<br />
It was all starting to look bad for the Union but then a stroke of luck – Sherman was in a position to be able to reach the 69th N.Y. and attempt to rally them (We only allow a unit one chance to rally and this can only happen if a general officer is present) and with a die roll of 5 this is exactly what he did. Disaster had been averted – for the moment at least.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krT9D85hHnI/U9fk4pF7WgI/AAAAAAAAD2I/zksYrYeNjjg/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krT9D85hHnI/U9fk4pF7WgI/AAAAAAAAD2I/zksYrYeNjjg/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sherman rallies the 69th N.Y. - hurrah!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-173UooOqGN0/U9fkyl_xCYI/AAAAAAAAD2A/kOGfVGItACs/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-173UooOqGN0/U9fkyl_xCYI/AAAAAAAAD2A/kOGfVGItACs/s320/03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Unfortunately there was no stopping the 13th N.Y. who by now were passing the Robinson House well on their way to Washington!</i></span></div>
<br />
At the end of turn eight the Union have 6 VP’s and the Rebels have 5 VP’s – still a close run thing but remember if I haven’t won by the end of turn 12 the game will be deemed a Confederate victory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bd1Z8HbiwRg/U9fkoL2uyII/AAAAAAAAD14/2mNVnDS54bQ/s1600/HENRY+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bd1Z8HbiwRg/U9fkoL2uyII/AAAAAAAAD14/2mNVnDS54bQ/s400/HENRY+4.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation at the end of turn 8 (click on the image to zoom in).
</i></span></div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-71189021578571623402014-07-22T11:39:00.000-07:002014-07-27T01:34:19.501-07:00Henry Hill - turns 4–6The Union battle-line continued to close in on the Rebels occupying Henry Hill but as each unit crossed the line of Young’s Branch they had to test to see if they became disordered and this had the effect of slowing down the advance. In the real battle Young’s Branch is not mentioned as being much of an obstacle and I was beginning to wish that I had made it so in this scenario!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KirGNhbv1cc/U84eee03iHI/AAAAAAAADzw/jySpCVuVD_c/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KirGNhbv1cc/U84eee03iHI/AAAAAAAADzw/jySpCVuVD_c/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 69th N.Y. become disordered as they cross Young's Branch.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlyBxEtwt9s/U84eOyK5K5I/AAAAAAAADzg/9Tu4ITeW6BU/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlyBxEtwt9s/U84eOyK5K5I/AAAAAAAADzg/9Tu4ITeW6BU/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 1st Minnesota come up behind the 79th N.Y. (who were also disordered crossing the stream). </i></span></div>
<br />
As the Union troops struggled on towards the foot of Henry Hill, Early was bringing his brigade forward on the Confederate left so that the Rebel line now stretched unbroken to Chinn Ridge. Latham’s battery was deployed on Bald Hill where it started to bombard the troops on my right who had previously enjoyed the luxury of advancing unhindered by artillery fire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdq31xTvRoo/U84eEn-HsrI/AAAAAAAADzY/6YcToBY6sYA/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdq31xTvRoo/U84eEn-HsrI/AAAAAAAADzY/6YcToBY6sYA/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Early's men move into the gap between Henry House and Chinn Ridge.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFeEgFiUahE/U84d_h2uiuI/AAAAAAAADzQ/Dxy2ouMQ3Kg/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFeEgFiUahE/U84d_h2uiuI/AAAAAAAADzQ/Dxy2ouMQ3Kg/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 5th Massachusetts decided to cross the stream in field column formation to avoid the possible disorder penalty and increase their movement rate.</i></span></div>
<br />
Finally the two battle-lines were close enough for the Confederates to start blazing away with their rifled muskets and casualties started to mount in the Union ranks. A stationary unit with sufficient CP’s can fire up to 3 times per turn and Dave’s Confederates were soon using this ability to full advantage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7IbjT9brUI/U84d4e8xMNI/AAAAAAAADzI/ISQ3TQPIY1s/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7IbjT9brUI/U84d4e8xMNI/AAAAAAAADzI/ISQ3TQPIY1s/s320/04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Confederate line on the high ground opens fire on the advancing Union troops. </i></span></div>
<br />
Having spent much of the battle trying to advance obliquely across Young’s Branch, the 13th N.Y. had suffered more than most from disorder and now as they finally emerged onto firm ground they found themselves under the muzzles of the guns of Imboden’s battery. The result was as you might expect – the 13th N.Y. became the first unit to skedaddle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica2QwwJP_j4DFu9sOj5i47ctpUZx4DYbBi6Zy-gYn_aGaKBnj0QNSc0dqWGVGWPSuPn8QSPEcQMpCqWpOPZF3TsCKeW8tGC7A2XZe49Vl6sU0j-AmIO3QPQCDF4EU6cuiVxeE-l_jdkc/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica2QwwJP_j4DFu9sOj5i47ctpUZx4DYbBi6Zy-gYn_aGaKBnj0QNSc0dqWGVGWPSuPn8QSPEcQMpCqWpOPZF3TsCKeW8tGC7A2XZe49Vl6sU0j-AmIO3QPQCDF4EU6cuiVxeE-l_jdkc/s320/08.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sherman rides over to try and rally the 13th N.Y. </i></span></div>
<br />
However, by one of those flukes that can happen in simultaneous movement games, their opposite number on top of Henry Hill – the 4th Virginia – chose the same moment to take the quickest road back to Richmond (to be fair though they had suffered a continuous drain of casualties from the fire of the 3rd U.S. artillery on Buck Hill).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FIy3jzb728/U84dp1bCD7I/AAAAAAAADy4/KSSW1j_gw5k/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FIy3jzb728/U84dp1bCD7I/AAAAAAAADy4/KSSW1j_gw5k/s320/07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The 4th Virginia take to their heels and make off towards Richmond!</i></span></div>
<br />
So, at the halfway point of turn 6, the battle is now in full swing and fairly evenly matched – my Union troops have 2 VP’s and Dave’s Confederates have 3 VP’s.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9HebZd7ZA/U84di0lSX-I/AAAAAAAADyw/57f2SWoLpHM/s1600/HENRY+3+amended.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9HebZd7ZA/U84di0lSX-I/AAAAAAAADyw/57f2SWoLpHM/s400/HENRY+3+amended.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation halfway through turn 6 (click the image to zoom in).</i></span>
</div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-91331782646457825032014-07-08T07:15:00.003-07:002014-07-08T07:15:54.174-07:00Henry Hill - turns 1–3Before we could start playing we had first to dice for leader grades and unit experience levels for each of the infantry regiments present. The rules allow for 4 leader grades from ‘Poor’ through to ‘Bold’ and 4 experience levels from ‘Green’ to ‘Crack’. As this battle was supposed to be part of 1st Bull Run the die rolls were weighted towards the lower end of the experience levels and slightly favoured the Rebels (as a way of reflecting the ‘Jackson effect’). I was fortunate enough to end up with only 1 ‘Poor’ leader but 3 out of my 7 regiments were rated as ‘Green’.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LE6XKKMq7zE/U7v23foDGGI/AAAAAAAADwo/qQeDIcTRaus/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LE6XKKMq7zE/U7v23foDGGI/AAAAAAAADwo/qQeDIcTRaus/s320/010.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"There stands Jackson - like a 15mm stone wall!" General Jackson with the 2nd Virginia at Henry House.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsA5vmuYngA/U7v2xF40FPI/AAAAAAAADwg/dW8Iyrx1GpA/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsA5vmuYngA/U7v2xF40FPI/AAAAAAAADwg/dW8Iyrx1GpA/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Sherman's H.Q. behind Buck Hill.</i></span></div>
<br />
We started the game with our front lines fully deployed and within artillery range of each other so there was little scope for any clever manoeuvring. I had no choice but to push Sherman’s brigade forward as quickly as possible to try and eject the Confederates from Henry Hill before their reinforcements could arrive. Franklin meanwhile was ordered forward in field column on my extreme right to come up behind the 79th New York.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amalSnjJPwo/U7v2pR1ZVII/AAAAAAAADwY/51IsbFx5K7o/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amalSnjJPwo/U7v2pR1ZVII/AAAAAAAADwY/51IsbFx5K7o/s320/04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 1st US artillery move forward past the Stone House on the Sudley-Manassas Road. I first painted this Hovels model in a lovely grey and then discovered it should be a sandstone colour - grrrr!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dRRztjTJNo/U7v2jVvTW9I/AAAAAAAADwQ/XaP_nITFDZo/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dRRztjTJNo/U7v2jVvTW9I/AAAAAAAADwQ/XaP_nITFDZo/s320/03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Franklin's brigade looks quite impressive but the 11th Mass (centre) have proved to be pretty unreliable.</i></span></div>
<br />
All movement relies on Command Point usage and the number of CP’s allocated to each unit varies every turn on a die roll modified by the unit leader rating. This inevitably meant that some of my regiments moved faster than others and any attempt to keep the lines dressed soon had to be abandoned. This was especially true of Franklin’s command where the 11th Massachusetts lagged behind the rest of the brigade having failed to move at all on turn 1.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBSFiDiVOBY/U7v2bpFIT8I/AAAAAAAADwI/qJ5SW3OMSYo/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBSFiDiVOBY/U7v2bpFIT8I/AAAAAAAADwI/qJ5SW3OMSYo/s320/08.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sherman's brigade moves forward - more or less keeping in line.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YDUCAdM8rs/U7v2S5tkv3I/AAAAAAAADwA/q8tbFX2hI0c/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YDUCAdM8rs/U7v2S5tkv3I/AAAAAAAADwA/q8tbFX2hI0c/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Imboden's battery on Henry Hill engaging in some effective counter-battery fire against the 3rd US artillery. In the distance the skirmishers of both sides are hotly engaged.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNQTO877_vg/U7v2NuoEzgI/AAAAAAAADv4/lVL0g6Y4kBk/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNQTO877_vg/U7v2NuoEzgI/AAAAAAAADv4/lVL0g6Y4kBk/s320/09.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 3rd US artillery on Buck Hill - the casualty figures denotes that the battery is disordered.</i></span></div>
<br />
To add to my problems my flanking regiments soon had to cross Young’s Branch and both became disordered as they waded through the stream. This made movement even slower as disordered units must expend extra CP’s to manoeuvre. However, the Rebels were having a few problems too – not with movement but with some jittery trigger fingers in the ranks of the 4th Virginia who fired off 3 volleys whilst well out of range!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL8UwtXPMDLMqFKLa1BeslRNu9h-Js8OLEEaUamI4znY0G-F0Fg0z76Cdq04o7lf3xBZQ-PjVxDV8tWfFF1AEj6IKi_zFtlIBYtwx9IijRRbgxJUgZh4ekMwKNZdplz1A1pF7NVTEt_s/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL8UwtXPMDLMqFKLa1BeslRNu9h-Js8OLEEaUamI4znY0G-F0Fg0z76Cdq04o7lf3xBZQ-PjVxDV8tWfFF1AEj6IKi_zFtlIBYtwx9IijRRbgxJUgZh4ekMwKNZdplz1A1pF7NVTEt_s/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 79th New York get their feet wet in Young's Branch.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-435AOqb1YKs/U7v1-gCoVjI/AAAAAAAADvo/JaOI7AjxLjc/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-435AOqb1YKs/U7v1-gCoVjI/AAAAAAAADvo/JaOI7AjxLjc/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Somehow, following a round of artillery fire, the 2nd Virginia managed to raise their morale level to 'Defiant' - perhaps it was the influence of the great man himself?</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ArpGsfjufk/U7v13NyfAEI/AAAAAAAADvg/IX4woi7KmJA/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ArpGsfjufk/U7v13NyfAEI/AAAAAAAADvg/IX4woi7KmJA/s320/07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Early (living up to his name) emerges from the woods onto Bald Hill.</i></span> </div>
<br />
On turn 3 Dave was allowed to test to see if Early’s brigade had arrived. He needed a 5 or 6 to bring them on so I was hopeful he wouldn’t manage it - no such luck (he rolled a 5). With Early’s men now in position on Bald Hill I think we will be in for an interesting session next time that we play!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FADenmhCpy0/U7v1tQsOJkI/AAAAAAAADvY/-exrd_9eJBY/s1600/HENRY+1st+session.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FADenmhCpy0/U7v1tQsOJkI/AAAAAAAADvY/-exrd_9eJBY/s400/HENRY+1st+session.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation at the end of turn 3 (1.30 pm) - click the image to zoom in.</i></span>
</div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-75602816397068985332014-06-27T10:05:00.000-07:002014-06-27T10:05:29.749-07:00The fight for Henry HillWe’ve decided to abandon our 15mm ACW play-test and move straight on to a proper game. This is partly because I had to clear the table for a Napoleonic game a few weeks ago but also because we felt that the rules are good enough to use in a full blown scenario. Hopefully any bugs in our rule set <i>Muskets & Men</i> can be ironed out in play.<br />
<br />
The scenario is loosely based on the action centred around Henry Hill at the battle of Bull Run during the afternoon of July 21, 1861. The game starts at 1.00pm and continues for 12 turns until 3.00pm. If the Union have not won by the end of turn 12 the game ends in a Confederate victory.
The Confederate brigades of Evans, Bartow and Bee have been forced to quit Matthews hill and have fallen back in disarray to the woods behind Henry Hill (these troops are represented in the game by the 1st Louisiana only, the other regiments are assumed to be out of action and reorganising). Meanwhile Jackson’s fresh brigade has arrived on the scene and his men have just deployed along the crest of Henry Hill. Believing that the battle is as good as won, the Union troops have paused momentarily in front of the Warrenton Turnpike to reorganise their line. Sherman’s brigade has just taken up position in the front line supported by Franklin’s fresh brigade behind him near the Stone House.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhThlW5F75I/U62iNr5bYKI/AAAAAAAADuQ/tbazHOpBXEc/s1600/HENRY+MAP2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhThlW5F75I/U62iNr5bYKI/AAAAAAAADuQ/tbazHOpBXEc/s400/HENRY+MAP2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Initial deployment of the forces - click the image to zoom in.</i></span></div>
<br />
At the start of turn 3 (and each turn thereafter) the Confederate player rolls 1 D6 to see if Early’s brigade has arrived. His brigade arrives at the table edge behind Bald Hill in battle column.<br />
<br />
Turn 3 – arrive on a 5 or 6<br />
Turn 4 – arrive on a 4,5 or 6<br />
Turn 5 – arrives on a 2,3,4,5 or 6<br />
Turn 6 – automatic arrival<br />
<br />
In addition to the standard VP’s used in the rules there are the following VP’s for terrain objectives held:<br />
<br />
Bald Hill – 5 VP’s to Union<br />
Henry House – 2 VP’s to Union<br />
Henry Hill – 2 VP’s to Union<br />
Robinson House – 2 VP’s to Confederates<br />
Buck Hill – 3 VP’s to Confederates<br />
Stone House – 4 VP’s to Confederates<br />
<br />
The initial deployments of the forces engaged are as per the map. I will be playing Sherman and Dave will be Jackson, we hope to start the game next week!
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-51843554151774810322014-06-22T02:09:00.000-07:002014-06-22T02:09:36.960-07:00TigersOur new rules require a minimum of eight troop stands per unit so I have just painted up an extra stand of Louisiana Tigers to bring them up to strength. Trying to blend in new figures with others painted over 15 years ago (and with completely different paints) was a bit problematic so no prizes for guessing where the new boys are. The figures are a mixture of Frei Korps, Essex and AB.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nWMM2teSrk/U6acjhu9WxI/AAAAAAAADtw/vO4nVF3W4Vw/s1600/tiger5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nWMM2teSrk/U6acjhu9WxI/AAAAAAAADtw/vO4nVF3W4Vw/s320/tiger5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnqLqWceSHY/U6acbf6ACKI/AAAAAAAADto/E9T4VL7TwDs/s1600/tiger4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnqLqWceSHY/U6acbf6ACKI/AAAAAAAADto/E9T4VL7TwDs/s320/tiger4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Major Rob Wheat’s Louisiana Tigers were a hard fighting unit originally drawn from “the sweepings of the New Orleans waterfront”. The Tigers are one of those must have units for an ACW wargame army and introduce a bit of colour into the sea of rebel grey and butternut. Painting the stripes on the trousers was a bit of a fiddle but I stopped short of adding the ‘Tigers win or die!’ motto around their stocking caps!Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-85811175466074929112014-06-14T03:35:00.000-07:002014-06-14T03:35:11.202-07:00On the skirmish lineJust to prove that Dave's not the only one busy sprucing up the armies at the moment here's a shot of the lastest additions to our 15mm ACW forces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptjW1MrcC503Rbm0Y6rsN4CtTvlJ1nN-yNukIqJJMJ3kh-tYYxe3Ww6HAEe9Zc7aZFhsfCFN7wM_QtG3IGWSG1VMdezvLTLOXYHBl-oWrVK2bOXdPFKQMwTtfmXHbij30UZi8nWM3eZI/s1600/acwskirmish4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptjW1MrcC503Rbm0Y6rsN4CtTvlJ1nN-yNukIqJJMJ3kh-tYYxe3Ww6HAEe9Zc7aZFhsfCFN7wM_QtG3IGWSG1VMdezvLTLOXYHBl-oWrVK2bOXdPFKQMwTtfmXHbij30UZi8nWM3eZI/s320/acwskirmish4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rebs and Yanks on the skirmish line - 15mm Old Glory figures. The fence was made by Dave from matchsticks over 30 years ago and amazingly is still in one piece!</i></span></div>
<br />
The 15mm armies were originally created for use with the Fire & Fury rule system which doesn't allow for skirmishers (one of the reasons we're not keen on them) so during the lull in combat I have added these individually based figures. The boys are busy popping away at each other softening things up ready for the full battle to resume.Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-49221150353655633052014-05-30T11:01:00.000-07:002014-05-30T11:01:15.749-07:00Base Instincts<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone has been missing the epic 6mm ACW games that have featured regularly on this blog, allow me to deliver a quick apology. Flocking all the bases of both armies (400 bases ? 500 ? God knows ...), plus basing a couple of new divisions from scratch doesn't seem like quite such a brilliant idea in hindsight. I have to admit that Ian did raise an eyebrow when I said, " Yeah, no trouble ... I'll do that ..." My own eyebrows will never raise again, being thickly matted with glue and flock and permanently arranged to give me a hunted, despairing expression.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFp-RLtP-nbf2JnWpuSisFpORCRJlACJhmSy3U6ZStUZZ8WJwf-8oUjYbWNzMGflYDzN9vErjpspjvqtduo5mXwNbbGz5439j1N3rfYCykbOHGu6kuXwdqBpVv5hBC26KUDbuh35eJUI/s1600/Basing+Going+On.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFp-RLtP-nbf2JnWpuSisFpORCRJlACJhmSy3U6ZStUZZ8WJwf-8oUjYbWNzMGflYDzN9vErjpspjvqtduo5mXwNbbGz5439j1N3rfYCykbOHGu6kuXwdqBpVv5hBC26KUDbuh35eJUI/s1600/Basing+Going+On.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my defence I can only say that these figures turned out to be a bit er, .... small and fiddly to work with.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible, but that could be a while yet.</span></span></div>
Dry Stonewallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05980592495958797602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-86264613248685134352014-05-09T11:04:00.000-07:002014-05-09T11:04:34.738-07:00ACW 15mm Play-testBack in the 80s Dave and I built up two sizeable 15mm ACW armies that saw action in many enjoyable battles and campaigns. Eventually we sold these off and replaced them with the 1/300th figures that feature on this blog because we felt this was the only scale suitable for creating the army level games we wanted to play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGiJ47B_kYw/U20VaRJ5ckI/AAAAAAAADn8/hllOQX2xwE0/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGiJ47B_kYw/U20VaRJ5ckI/AAAAAAAADn8/hllOQX2xwE0/s320/a1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some very pretty Union Zouaves advancing towards the Rebs - actually they haven't advanced very far yet due to a poor supply of Command Points.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-KZs1eHmGY/U20VVlywdNI/AAAAAAAADn0/zkWyUjqt_2M/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-KZs1eHmGY/U20VVlywdNI/AAAAAAAADn0/zkWyUjqt_2M/s320/a4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The 24th New York seem to have found their way into a hornets nest of Confederate rifled-muskets.</span></i></div>
<br />
However, the appeal of 15mm figures has never really gone away and over the last 10 years or so I have been gradually collecting some new 15mm forces with the idea of playing <i>Fire & Fury</i> games. I now have a reasonable number of infantry stands but I must admit that despite owning the rule book for over 20 years I have only ever played one game of F&F (and Dave has never played one at all). The thought of trying to absorb a set of commercial rules at our time of life has put us both off F&F so instead we did the only sensible thing and wrote our own!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhKloQNkg3Y/U20VMbPhydI/AAAAAAAADns/AFV2tuyucKM/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhKloQNkg3Y/U20VMbPhydI/AAAAAAAADns/AFV2tuyucKM/s320/a3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dave has moved his artillery to a postion where it can enfilade the Union line - sneaky!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvLmjvDMbOU/U20VGdj-g1I/AAAAAAAADnk/aPy91EKXhP8/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvLmjvDMbOU/U20VGdj-g1I/AAAAAAAADnk/aPy91EKXhP8/s320/a2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Union artillery has been forced to split its fire in order to respond to the Rebel threat. </span></i></div>
<br />
I say ‘we’ but actually the new rules have been written by Dave and he has drawn on our AWI rules as well as our existing 1/300 ACW rules for inspiration. So this week we had our first rule play-test of <i>Muskets & Men</i> using three units of infantry a side together with a battery of guns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED2f935rs61O6CRN-jL2AL48BpxiSbdB_fvcdDkvAJvkYgPqMUZcZYI8as_E4o1nBVn2FKlZRIDXeekCJeghFFoPX8XFzSFKWmvp-29Q7yswiMdGKVb8dIaYZG0CtmfSRjmsR4jQ0SOU/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED2f935rs61O6CRN-jL2AL48BpxiSbdB_fvcdDkvAJvkYgPqMUZcZYI8as_E4o1nBVn2FKlZRIDXeekCJeghFFoPX8XFzSFKWmvp-29Q7yswiMdGKVb8dIaYZG0CtmfSRjmsR4jQ0SOU/s320/a5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Another of my NY regiments is slowly working its way around the Confederate left flank.</span></i></div>
<br />
It’s so far so good and the rule mechanics seemed pitched just right for a tactical game of up to a brigade per side which is what we wanted. The rules use our AWI system of breaking down each turn into phases and using command points to allow unit actions e.g. fire, load, fix bayonets, deploy etc. Moves are simultaneous (Dave and I have never favoured I-go-you-go rule mechanics) so written orders are required but the paperwork is simple and the result is worth the effort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsypJxbkXII/U20Uqna_38I/AAAAAAAADnU/xYXwlw7SHnA/s1600/a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsypJxbkXII/U20Uqna_38I/AAAAAAAADnU/xYXwlw7SHnA/s320/a6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The situation in the centre of the battlefield at the end of turn 3.</i></span></div>
<br />
We intend to have a further play-test session and then move on to a proper scenario which will appear here in due course.<br />
<br />
<i>For those of you waiting to see another 1/300th scale ACW game – please be patient as Dave is currently flocking approximately 400 troop stands during a major refit of the armies!</i>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-1932145112814892212014-04-08T03:24:00.000-07:002014-07-09T00:17:33.122-07:00Operation Newmarket - ConclusionWe had our final playing session of Operation Newmarket last week and wound up the game after another couple of turns. In the end we decided it was a marginal victory for the Germans although I still felt there was a chance that Dave could have won if we had played on. This is how it went:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFrlrIMsSgg/U0PM2JJHYcI/AAAAAAAADl8/WRe0hKTAQ4U/s1600/a01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFrlrIMsSgg/U0PM2JJHYcI/AAAAAAAADl8/WRe0hKTAQ4U/s320/a01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> German tanks blocking the British line of advance through St Arnault.</i></span></div>
<br />
Dave continued to throw his tanks forward into the heart of St Arnault but he had only Cromwells and lightly armoured Stuarts to pit against my King Tiger and its supporting Panzer IV’s. The British Churchill tanks were lumbering along in the rear, too far behind to make any impact on the action. Eventually, although they took out a Stug III and my anti-tank gun, Dave’s tanks failed to make any headway<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Sg27Dyg2dw/U0PMxHFegaI/AAAAAAAADl0/v7RGNeGgOFE/s1600/a02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Sg27Dyg2dw/U0PMxHFegaI/AAAAAAAADl0/v7RGNeGgOFE/s320/a02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>British tanks fire their 'pea-shooters' against the side of my King Tiger - to no avail.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fq3eriNeq8/U0PMqn4rlAI/AAAAAAAADls/Av83SBtDowM/s1600/a03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fq3eriNeq8/U0PMqn4rlAI/AAAAAAAADls/Av83SBtDowM/s320/a03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> A German Stug burns - knocked out by a Stuart tank!</i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile at Orion Bridge the British paratroopers were having more success. A PIAT team crept up on the pillbox and a lucky shot flew through one of the gun slits eliminating the occupants. A further shot knocked out the German armoured car on the bridge itself leaving the east end of the structure in Allied hands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5P1eVIS1hU/U0PMftZcJEI/AAAAAAAADlk/d0PSsMDj93E/s1600/a04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5P1eVIS1hU/U0PMftZcJEI/AAAAAAAADlk/d0PSsMDj93E/s320/a04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The para's take out my pillbox at the bridge.</span></i></div>
<br />
Dave’s main column was making good progress along the rue St Arnault and the Commandos had by now taken the pillbox on Hill 136. It’s possible that this force still had enough clout to force its way through to one of the town centre VP locations. However at the end of play the Germans were still firmly in control of the town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwYhkDW2abY/U0PMbu02tZI/AAAAAAAADlc/SoxGMmMFYZU/s1600/a05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwYhkDW2abY/U0PMbu02tZI/AAAAAAAADlc/SoxGMmMFYZU/s320/a05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Dave's coulmn nearing the out-skirts of the town - too late!</i></span></div>
<br />
This game had always been intended as an exercise to try out the rules and the forces proved to be unbalanced which meant that Dave had a difficult task on his hands. The rules were originally devised by me for skirmish level games and although the armour rules work well, those for the infantry are just a bit too fiddly for a game of this size. We also felt that if the armies are to get an outing again the figures will have to be rebased in multiples – our eyes just aren’t up to the job of working out what weapons each carries!<br />
<br />
The 1/300th armies are still under-going their refit so next we may try a stab at a 15mm ACW game.
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-77601511534432319172014-01-26T12:53:00.000-08:002014-05-09T11:05:11.931-07:00Operation Newmarket – turns 6-8We finally got back in the garage this week after the festive break and resumed hostilities. I had taken advantage of the lull in the action to do some rule tweaking (mostly to the advantage of the Germans it has to be said) as one of the reasons for playing this game was to help transform the rule set from a solo system to a proper two player one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlRKQUt-2gE/UuVsEpFzTUI/AAAAAAAADh4/cC28SumOclw/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlRKQUt-2gE/UuVsEpFzTUI/AAAAAAAADh4/cC28SumOclw/s320/07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The British armour enters Hameau Choisy...</span></i></div>
<br />
Following his success in knocking out the Panther, Dave’s second armoured column pushed on quickly into Hameau Choisy. Here one of my lurking Panzerfaust teams emerged from the church and succeeded in blowing the turret off a Firefly nicely blocking the road to the following tanks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9YTf1jPbRE/UuVr89cDa4I/AAAAAAAADhw/8Dg7MXqTkMk/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9YTf1jPbRE/UuVr89cDa4I/AAAAAAAADhw/8Dg7MXqTkMk/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>...and soon lose a Firefly to my Panzerfaust team! </i></span></div>
<br />
Dave responded by ordering his two Stuart tanks to blast the Germans from the steps of the church whilst re-routeing his remaining tanks to the west of the village. His armour had orders to press on fast towards Saint Arnault to relieve the pressure on his beleaguered paratroopers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eo6qnyAENUMIRWGpDr58lAATflb_LSpWd2TYBffJ1zjMxVpWl7uU13GNlRJvPKFT2hamXqp512HHxEyrbLto3PONPvqq5RZjTo3O9JoJA-SbXjTPOUWyespXxklxrPeuaPJCgA4tnvk/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eo6qnyAENUMIRWGpDr58lAATflb_LSpWd2TYBffJ1zjMxVpWl7uU13GNlRJvPKFT2hamXqp512HHxEyrbLto3PONPvqq5RZjTo3O9JoJA-SbXjTPOUWyespXxklxrPeuaPJCgA4tnvk/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cromwell tanks bypass Hameau Choisy by moving to the west of the church.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_S2RShGKZY/UuVrUWfE-xI/AAAAAAAADhY/tgwqEZN6C0w/s1600/11+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_S2RShGKZY/UuVrUWfE-xI/AAAAAAAADhY/tgwqEZN6C0w/s320/11+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Cromwells push on rapidly towards the outskirts of Saint Arnault.</i></span></div>
<br />
Over at Ferme de la Blanc the British advance had stalled somewhat whilst Dave tried to destroy the anti-tank gun that covered his line of advance along rue St Arnault. The British infantry moved up to deal with the threat but soon came under fire from the pillbox on Hill 136. Luckily for him Dave’s Commandos were just arriving in position to the rear of the pillbox after moving up from the LZ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXKwZqRygos/UuVryMqvJHI/AAAAAAAADho/ub5oZ_chOOg/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXKwZqRygos/UuVryMqvJHI/AAAAAAAADho/ub5oZ_chOOg/s320/04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Hande hoch Fritz!" </i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile in the centre of the battlefield the Shermans were trying to get to grips with two more of my Panthers. As the British armour piercing rounds satisfyingly bounced off the front of my tanks (good rules these) they in turn brewed up two of the Shermans. However Dave was rather sneakily moving his remaining Firefly around to the Panther’s rear although in the end it wasn’t this (or a rather unspectacular airstrike) that took out the tank but a lucky shot from a regular Sherman. My remaining tanks and infantry now pulled back towards Saint Arnault.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsvaQjLhtNU/UuVrMRYssaI/AAAAAAAADhQ/OXYYl_LUP5U/s1600/08+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsvaQjLhtNU/UuVrMRYssaI/AAAAAAAADhQ/OXYYl_LUP5U/s320/08+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Two Sherman tanks brew up in the field whilst a third one gets off a shot...</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3z1DzmdwWA/UuVrGkEdrVI/AAAAAAAADhI/Bix72LnqHOI/s1600/10+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3z1DzmdwWA/UuVrGkEdrVI/AAAAAAAADhI/Bix72LnqHOI/s320/10+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>...that finally takes out my Panther on the road</i>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MT5AAfm3y2g/UuVrA7uGhQI/AAAAAAAADhA/HoR4XU5IzAo/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MT5AAfm3y2g/UuVrA7uGhQI/AAAAAAAADhA/HoR4XU5IzAo/s320/03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My King Tiger moves into Saint Arnault to help bolster the defences.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nej7dua3BWg/UuVq7r027FI/AAAAAAAADg4/icx6eb5UTyI/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nej7dua3BWg/UuVq7r027FI/AAAAAAAADg4/icx6eb5UTyI/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Whilst an anti-tank gun (in building 11) prepares to fire on the advancing Cromwell tanks.</i></span></div>
<br />
Back at the bridge the paratroopers were in a tight spot pinned down in front of the pillbox and with two Tiger tanks between them and the town. The Tigers soon knocked out the airborne anti-tank guns and then started to leisurely bombard the infantry. If Dave’s tanks don’t get to them soon it may be all over for the airborne boys!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnM42Yhjztc/UuVqyz0r87I/AAAAAAAADgw/yfBm5o4ZydU/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnM42Yhjztc/UuVqyz0r87I/AAAAAAAADgw/yfBm5o4ZydU/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The paratroopers are losing a lot of casualties to machine gun fire from the pillbox and armoured car on the bridge.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg8TJPZZ6p8/UuVqsXIuenI/AAAAAAAADgo/FFCkS4AJ5NY/s1600/09+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg8TJPZZ6p8/UuVqsXIuenI/AAAAAAAADgo/FFCkS4AJ5NY/s320/09+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Meanwhile the Tigers are making short work of the British 6pdr anti-tank guns.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYam_eXML5Y/UuVqkT1fXCI/AAAAAAAADgg/EY_6nur0yz8/s1600/3RD+session+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYam_eXML5Y/UuVqkT1fXCI/AAAAAAAADgg/EY_6nur0yz8/s400/3RD+session+map.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation at the end of the third session of play - turn 8.</i></span></div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-48477642626472806782013-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:002014-05-11T02:33:23.188-07:00Operation Newmarket – turns 4-5At the start of turn 4 the British airborne assault finally arrived. Dave chose the area east of the River Orbec for the parachute drop whilst landing his two gliders (containing anti-tank guns and 2 sections of commandos) on the open heath on the western side of the river.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKa3v5DKPpw/UrCzJ6cm1ZI/AAAAAAAADeo/qPb2S-XlMqk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKa3v5DKPpw/UrCzJ6cm1ZI/AAAAAAAADeo/qPb2S-XlMqk/s320/1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The parachute drop - figures that landed in the river or off table were given a fifty percent chance of surviving.</i></span></div>
<br />
Our method for making the parachute drop was for Dave to release 2cm square pieces of tissue paper from a box held 5 foot above the table – one for each figure – we then placed the figures wherever the pieces of paper landed. Considering the restricted area that was chosen for the LZ surprisingly few paratroopers were lost in the river or off-table, a total of seven casualties resulted from a force of just over fifty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INrewhkS2LY/UrCzCwi1_0I/AAAAAAAADeg/LF_sWE-Ec9s/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INrewhkS2LY/UrCzCwi1_0I/AAAAAAAADeg/LF_sWE-Ec9s/s320/2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The paratrooper officers and NCO's hurriedly assemble their men following the drop. </span></i></div>
<br />
Meanwhile the British infantry and supporting armour were putting pressure on the German defenders of Ferme de la Blanc as Dave realised he would have to keep moving if he was to achieve his objective. Mortars set the barn on fire forcing the surviving German infantry to withdraw while 3 Sherman tanks, under cover of a smoke screen, rushed the Panther tank that was lurking in the field behind Hill 112. The Panther was forced to pull back rather than risk the Shermans emerging from the smoke to take a shot at its vulnerable flank.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI2Oe1SZulg/UrCy41jOgLI/AAAAAAAADeY/qNEnoqOBDj0/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI2Oe1SZulg/UrCy41jOgLI/AAAAAAAADeY/qNEnoqOBDj0/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The British mortars are now in action whilst the infantry and tanks continue to advance.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cibbFdacKyM/UrCyyGb0xSI/AAAAAAAADeQ/k5UmhcmkOkY/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cibbFdacKyM/UrCyyGb0xSI/AAAAAAAADeQ/k5UmhcmkOkY/s320/10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> A direct hit on the barn by a mortar causes several German casualties.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwa5LMCaKoA/UrCysCE6LJI/AAAAAAAADeI/QbEZWtvqMaU/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwa5LMCaKoA/UrCysCE6LJI/AAAAAAAADeI/QbEZWtvqMaU/s320/11.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The surviving Germans beat a hasty retreat from the farm. </i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqohsD9t6qs/UrCynYELcVI/AAAAAAAADeA/nzTdb8xX30U/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqohsD9t6qs/UrCynYELcVI/AAAAAAAADeA/nzTdb8xX30U/s320/7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>As one Sherman lays down a smoke screen three others take advantage of the cover and close in on the Panther.</i></span></div>
<br />
At the same time another column of British tanks was making its way along rue Choisy towards Hameau Choisy. This column was led by two Sherman Fireflies and as the lead tank rounded a bend in the road the radio crackled with a report (from a scouting Stuart light tank) that another Panther had been spotted at the cross roads in the middle of the hamlet. The Firefly took a quick shot on the move straight along the road and with a couple of lucky die rolls reduced the Panther to a heap of burning metal. The luck of the Brits was holding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVrdHQOJ7s/UrCyfud_PxI/AAAAAAAADd4/IzSc7EDqaqY/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVrdHQOJ7s/UrCyfud_PxI/AAAAAAAADd4/IzSc7EDqaqY/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The second British armour column approaches Hameau Choisy.</i></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_4C-BGAToM/UrCyaaChPdI/AAAAAAAADdw/DpZxkpel520/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_4C-BGAToM/UrCyaaChPdI/AAAAAAAADdw/DpZxkpel520/s320/5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The leading Firefly takes a nifty shot on the move and...</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvnALmDvQyyqEKwWApoOs_LVtrUVqPG0kTn9YZTgVYPaGCOUTnor2KfCwKG45H2__TC4JnRmzXAlU2H4l1f3IUe0cScVATOaaLOK0Rm4BHA2JIa8CZS0_b_SFkGkqbJCQWVqaaauA5To/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvnALmDvQyyqEKwWApoOs_LVtrUVqPG0kTn9YZTgVYPaGCOUTnor2KfCwKG45H2__TC4JnRmzXAlU2H4l1f3IUe0cScVATOaaLOK0Rm4BHA2JIa8CZS0_b_SFkGkqbJCQWVqaaauA5To/s320/6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>...knocks out the Panther before it can return fire. </i></span></div>
<br />
Back at the LZ almost as soon as the paratroopers had landed a group of 3 German Tiger tanks arrived in front of Hill 167 and began engaging the paratroopers and gliders with HE and machine gun fire. Dave optimistically chose to drive his jeeps towing the anti-tank guns directly towards this threat having been told by me that he would have to “get in close” to stand a chance of taking the Tigers out. It remains to be seen whether this unorthodox tactic will work!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zReOcVeq0nURuv_qzVBRKVdaLEmR2dkfGoiW-TTXkUKkGi57D6nswBSCKjF7Vq_kvVztc6ofOfUUedkdAZdz64gn5VeCjKHgeBummv4_osyG4MPVqr1ZJ9B1vv60WCoR2ZNIsz1zoFw/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zReOcVeq0nURuv_qzVBRKVdaLEmR2dkfGoiW-TTXkUKkGi57D6nswBSCKjF7Vq_kvVztc6ofOfUUedkdAZdz64gn5VeCjKHgeBummv4_osyG4MPVqr1ZJ9B1vv60WCoR2ZNIsz1zoFw/s320/8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tiger tanks supported by panzer grenadiers in half-tracks arrive just in time to engage the airborne troops on their landing ground.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jDkm_bIoEY/UrCyE9pkSTI/AAAAAAAADdY/LvI-q5osmTs/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jDkm_bIoEY/UrCyE9pkSTI/AAAAAAAADdY/LvI-q5osmTs/s320/9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The only thing better than a Tiger tank (for the German player) is two Tiger tanks!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRN0HTafBlk/UrCx8PfiZgI/AAAAAAAADdU/1pGLb7o_vz0/s1600/2nd+session+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRN0HTafBlk/UrCx8PfiZgI/AAAAAAAADdU/1pGLb7o_vz0/s400/2nd+session+map.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation at the end of turn 5 (click on the image to zoom in).
</i></span></div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-30141349954357682322013-12-06T12:50:00.000-08:002014-05-11T02:33:34.254-07:00Operation Newmarket – turns 1-3The British player’s objective in this game is to gain control of both the town of St Arnault and the bridge over the river Orbec by the end of turn 16. On the face of it this seems like quite a tall order especially as Dave isn’t familiar with either the period or the rules and all the German troops start the game concealed (no prizes for guessing who came up with the scenario!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw72cUYlTK0/UqIxh6_mwPI/AAAAAAAADdA/bP6XEwyi4O4/s1600/zw9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw72cUYlTK0/UqIxh6_mwPI/AAAAAAAADdA/bP6XEwyi4O4/s320/zw9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A Typhoon flies low over St Arnault on a reconnaissance mission but spots nothing - the Jerries must be hiding!</i></span></div>
<br />
Despite his lack of detailed WWII knowledge Dave began the game by craftily holding back his airborne elements and keeping me guessing about where and when they would arrive. At the same time he pushed his reconnaissance group tentatively along the rue St Arnault towards the Ferme de la Blanc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgTNQBVd4A0/UqIxbArPufI/AAAAAAAADc4/gS-XmAhl9Vo/s1600/zw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgTNQBVd4A0/UqIxbArPufI/AAAAAAAADc4/gS-XmAhl9Vo/s320/zw1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The recon section supported by three Stuart tanks move up towards the Ferme de la Blanc. 1st platoon are advancing on foot behind them.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUwvOsXx67M/UqIxWTa1WVI/AAAAAAAADcw/TO6iOWdCO6I/s1600/zw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUwvOsXx67M/UqIxWTa1WVI/AAAAAAAADcw/TO6iOWdCO6I/s320/zw2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The company heavy weapons sections are travelling in half-tracks on the road whilst the PBI move across the fields.</i></span></div>
<br />
The recon group soon spotted the presence of a Stug III assault gun and a squad of German infantry in a field to the right of the farm. A call over the radio for artillery support was promptly answered (due to a lucky die roll) with a barrage that neutralised both threats. First blood to the Brits!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqKW11G3A1Y/UqIxPMosd3I/AAAAAAAADco/o-RZujpRcx4/s1600/zw4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqKW11G3A1Y/UqIxPMosd3I/AAAAAAAADco/o-RZujpRcx4/s320/zw4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> A British artillery barrage takes out the German assault gun and half a section of infantry - good shooting!</i></span></div>
<br />
This prompted the Germans to retaliate with everything they had which included an anti-tank gun and a Panther tank. The lead Stuart tank was quickly brewed up and a second one had a lucky escape when an AP round from the Panther bounced off it. Dave sensibly took his lightly armoured Stuarts off the road and into the safety of the dead ground behind Hill 112 while moving a group of four Shermans up to deal with the threat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mwbnx9nHU0/UqIxH_LmFfI/AAAAAAAADcg/lgFyn2cXdzU/s1600/zw3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mwbnx9nHU0/UqIxH_LmFfI/AAAAAAAADcg/lgFyn2cXdzU/s320/zw3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A concealed German anti-tank gun opens up on the British tanks.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOc0FIY_Z0U/UqIxB6v2u3I/AAAAAAAADcY/7RDKvbzxdR0/s1600/zw5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOc0FIY_Z0U/UqIxB6v2u3I/AAAAAAAADcY/7RDKvbzxdR0/s320/zw5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The view from behind the German lines showing the 'brewed up' Stuart on the road.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MA1X9k6e6m0nunWMF3McbBBwOhXSHPAktpYPkzhj3k5MZ2IkbI-oXpGzNGpEctrct0hKdSCDFhBG1I3hI7XlwsoSXjl5Rz5G42UPcqLWSwmxDCfW51F_7-_11L-O0wUx5O26cFIsQRg/s1600/zw7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MA1X9k6e6m0nunWMF3McbBBwOhXSHPAktpYPkzhj3k5MZ2IkbI-oXpGzNGpEctrct0hKdSCDFhBG1I3hI7XlwsoSXjl5Rz5G42UPcqLWSwmxDCfW51F_7-_11L-O0wUx5O26cFIsQRg/s320/zw7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Here come the Shermans! The bridge looks a long way off - perhaps too far?</i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile a British infantry company had been slowly moving up behind the advancing tanks on foot with their heavy weapons riding in half-tracks. The reconnaissance section and the mortars now de-bussed from their vehicles and an exchange of small arms began with some German infantry that had been spotted in the farm. Dave’s first platoon continued to move forward in support whilst his second platoon headed for Hill 112.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucY1kyvZwoE/UqIw1LO0AII/AAAAAAAADcI/enRou4mf318/s1600/zw8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucY1kyvZwoE/UqIw1LO0AII/AAAAAAAADcI/enRou4mf318/s320/zw8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1st platoon head on up towards the farm whilst the Shermans go off road to avoid the enemy anti-tank gun.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJywZLeBHg/UqIwvvdZSxI/AAAAAAAADcA/zHnqatEKb2Q/s1600/zw6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJywZLeBHg/UqIwvvdZSxI/AAAAAAAADcA/zHnqatEKb2Q/s320/zw6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> 2nd platoon are nearing Hill 112 - the Stuart tanks are already there sensibly evading a Panther tank lurking in the fields beyond.</i></span></div>
<br />
So our first session of the game ended with the completion of turn three, not bad going as we both had to get to grips with the rules. The map below shows the area of the action so far (for the full table map click <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH8IMBPcJr-JaNFP6EUGmjqQ_n_bSsgApOlN_nfaZ6OZso2uIxfwEb7Rg6vH9l0BmGxur2Xk2N8VPztIchs7UMvDwlSJ9toEt_IJO-ZBIrrjg294h9f5nAJU82ZKsmLrKs0lZj_w08jQ/s1600/WW2map.jpg">here</a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNWI1_l_br4/UqIwkuclHMI/AAAAAAAADb4/-XRMUSZJkFA/s1600/turn+3+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNWI1_l_br4/UqIwkuclHMI/AAAAAAAADb4/-XRMUSZJkFA/s320/turn+3+map.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Click on the image to zoom in.</i></span></div>
<br />
All the troops, tanks and vehicles used in this game are from the superb Wargames South range of 1/200 figures (the aircraft are by Skytrex).Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-33189981740856042782013-11-24T02:22:00.000-08:002014-05-09T11:07:14.797-07:00Operation NewmarketAnd now for something completely different – a change of scale and period to 1/200th WWII. The next game will be set ‘somewhere in Normandy 1944’ and will feature a British battle-group, supported by an airborne element, trying to capture the fictional town of Saint-Arnault and or course a vital river bridge!<br />
<br />
A few years back I started collecting late war figures and armour from the excellent <i>Wargames South</i> range with the idea of playing some solo WWII games. The scale of these figures is such that they are detailed enough to be recognised individually but are still small enough to allow a large playing area to be represented on a wargame table. I also wrote my own set of rules for playing these games called ‘COMBAT!’ which we will be using to fight the game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH8IMBPcJr-JaNFP6EUGmjqQ_n_bSsgApOlN_nfaZ6OZso2uIxfwEb7Rg6vH9l0BmGxur2Xk2N8VPztIchs7UMvDwlSJ9toEt_IJO-ZBIrrjg294h9f5nAJU82ZKsmLrKs0lZj_w08jQ/s1600/WW2map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH8IMBPcJr-JaNFP6EUGmjqQ_n_bSsgApOlN_nfaZ6OZso2uIxfwEb7Rg6vH9l0BmGxur2Xk2N8VPztIchs7UMvDwlSJ9toEt_IJO-ZBIrrjg294h9f5nAJU82ZKsmLrKs0lZj_w08jQ/s400/WW2map.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Operation Newmarket - area of operations (click on the image to zoom in) </i></span></div>
<br />
In the forthcoming game I will play the defending Germans and Dave will play the British whose ground units will enter from the north side of the table with the airborne troops free to land wherever he can find a suitable space!
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-60375753976121888262013-11-01T13:46:00.000-07:002014-05-09T11:06:33.023-07:00Randolph’s Ferry - ConclusionAs the sun came up on day three, November 12th 1862, my Union army was exhausted having taken nearly twice the number of casualties as the Rebels over the previous two days of fighting. Overnight we had both made some small adjustments to our lines with Dave conceding half of West Ridge to Thomas’ men and allowing Sheridan’s division to keep a precarious foothold on the extreme west end of Black Elk Mountain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpg0tehub4jfl6OnNOkf1Vmhn8nbZo7xeeQ_kJeXVYC4c57wrp8iBMEORzfhWYfp1-PSR91nHw7lLwQ1ttq9Avd7gZnVexWH1Q3GEP_qen3XIjX3eNBdOJBSPDoeM4M2x0-XfWO5DqSI/s1600/Dawn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpg0tehub4jfl6OnNOkf1Vmhn8nbZo7xeeQ_kJeXVYC4c57wrp8iBMEORzfhWYfp1-PSR91nHw7lLwQ1ttq9Avd7gZnVexWH1Q3GEP_qen3XIjX3eNBdOJBSPDoeM4M2x0-XfWO5DqSI/s320/Dawn+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunrise - General Thomas readies his corps for a third day of fighting (looking due west from behind West Ridge).</span></i></div>
<br />
Crucially though, although all units recovered to good morale overnight, Dave had more units permanently removed from play than I had. At the start of every game each of our armies are given a ‘Army Demoralisation Level’ (DM) in this case it was 6 for the Union and 7 for the Confederates. If at any point during play the number of simultaneously broken units of one side equals or exceeds their DM the game ends immediately in a victory for the other player.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Nean-oSNg/UnQLbmN7SqI/AAAAAAAADaY/8Q8hbo06it8/s1600/Dawn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Nean-oSNg/UnQLbmN7SqI/AAAAAAAADaY/8Q8hbo06it8/s320/Dawn+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dave allowed me to move my HQ and wagon park forward overnight to reduce the three mile hike my wagons had been making to re-supply McCook - very sporting of him!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rS9kdp-nIFo/UnQLTc6NRtI/AAAAAAAADaQ/6aVzfBde7bc/s1600/Dixie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rS9kdp-nIFo/UnQLTc6NRtI/AAAAAAAADaQ/6aVzfBde7bc/s320/Dixie.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We allowed some very limited SP recovery during the night turn but this card still came in very handy when Dave played it to help reinforce Cleburne's veterans on Black Elk Mountain.</i></span></div>
<br />
The fighting resumed at first light but with many of my brigades seriously depleted I had cancelled all ASSAULT orders and replaced them with HOLD or ENGAGE. Brigades with ASSAULT orders are committed to closing with the enemy and attacking with the bayonet but my troops simply did not have the strength points left to succeed at this. I decided therefore to hang on and let Dave take the initiative in the hope I could break his army with rifle and artillery fire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDm3ta31XEY/UnQLLcdPIUI/AAAAAAAADaI/58Z1hVqSlZE/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDm3ta31XEY/UnQLLcdPIUI/AAAAAAAADaI/58Z1hVqSlZE/s320/01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The fighting resumes - Thomas and McCown square up for round two on top of West Ridge.</span></i></div>
<br />
Dave however had decided that his best chance of victory was to order assaults with Cleburne’s division on Black Elk Mountain and McCown’s on West Ridge. The Rebs came forward and soon both sides were hotly engaged once again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5muQRkxMI3c/UnQLCk0W_7I/AAAAAAAADaA/1Uj3qH6CTK4/s1600/Reb+yell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5muQRkxMI3c/UnQLCk0W_7I/AAAAAAAADaA/1Uj3qH6CTK4/s320/Reb+yell.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> This card helped Cleburne's veterans to clear Sheridan's division from its foothold on Black Elk Mountain.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yojAa_c-iSE/UnQK8X7f-gI/AAAAAAAADZ4/VsHfgSEJCBo/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yojAa_c-iSE/UnQK8X7f-gI/AAAAAAAADZ4/VsHfgSEJCBo/s320/04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rebs are now firmly back in control of Black Elk Mountain having pushed Sheridan's men back towards Stone Creek.</span></i></div>
<br />
Cleburne’s veterans succeeded in ejecting Sheridan’s men from the mountain and soon Thomas too was under pressure, his men just managing to cling on to the eastern edge of West Ridge. At this point I was seriously considering throwing in the towel as a win now seemed out of my grasp but the troops kept at it and suddenly I realised that Dave was only one DM point away from breaking!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO8liiephYM/UnQKzsqpY8I/AAAAAAAADZw/Eve9D4kRIJM/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO8liiephYM/UnQKzsqpY8I/AAAAAAAADZw/Eve9D4kRIJM/s320/02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Union front line on West Ridge is broken once more in the continuing 'see-saw' battle.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHMe8qqBZjw/UnQKt3czeYI/AAAAAAAADZo/t0qbAkLZU44/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHMe8qqBZjw/UnQKt3czeYI/AAAAAAAADZo/t0qbAkLZU44/s320/03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The boys in blue break but there are plenty of supporting brigades coming up and those running down the hill quickly reform once out of range of the Rebel guns.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tG6VThhTMtU/UnQKopG2EHI/AAAAAAAADZg/TG1lou5Ua74/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tG6VThhTMtU/UnQKopG2EHI/AAAAAAAADZg/TG1lou5Ua74/s320/06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Davis' brigade plugged away all morning at Breckinridge's Confederates and were eventually rewarded with the sight of a broken enemy brigade fleeing their entrenchments.</span></i></div>
<br />
The end came at 9.30am (turn 46) when Wood’s brigade of Cleburne’s division were broken by fire on the slopes of Black Elk Mountain taking the Confederate DM to 7. Incredibly, and against the odds, Rosecrans had achieved a victory – Bragg’s army was defeated and Franklin was in Union hands…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_S77C85at4/UnQKf_PzfzI/AAAAAAAADZY/D-Jb530su1Y/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_S77C85at4/UnQKf_PzfzI/AAAAAAAADZY/D-Jb530su1Y/s320/05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Game over - Wood's brigade break and tip the Confederates over their army DM level. By co-incidence Wood's brigade also broke on day one during the fighting at Mt. Zion Church - I guess they don't make veterans like the used to!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4Gx54Uyeoc/UnQKX5yxqOI/AAAAAAAADZQ/nIVHaGDBxn4/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4Gx54Uyeoc/UnQKX5yxqOI/AAAAAAAADZQ/nIVHaGDBxn4/s320/07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Thomas' men stream over West Ridge to liberate the town of Franklin from the Rebel yoke.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBKXKdcNmNk/UnQKPiGO82I/AAAAAAAADZI/OA-dHBEKAa0/s1600/endgame+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBKXKdcNmNk/UnQKPiGO82I/AAAAAAAADZI/OA-dHBEKAa0/s400/endgame+map.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The situation at the end of play (click on the map to zoom in).</i></span></div>
<br />
The armies will now retire to winter quarters where a major re-fit is planned ready to resume campaigning in the spring. In the meantime keep an eye on the blog as we hope to play another AWI game and maybe try something new as well!Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-42525709600759735662013-10-19T10:19:00.001-07:002014-05-09T11:07:00.584-07:00Randolph's Ferry - Turns 36-41On the first day of this scenario Ian had to rethink his plans in the face of Bragg's unexpected line of heavy fortifications. He had a major success in driving away Cleburne's division from Mt. Zion Church, and after a bit of a false start came up with an effective artillery strategy - parcelling out long range guns across the entire front, and deciding to push 12 pdr batteries right up close to our lines in support of any assaults. Crittenden's big attack had failed in the morning of day two, and now it was McCook's turn to put pressure on the Rebel left at Black Elk Mountain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 341px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 413px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sBL-L7LhSX-CN71nmvRnvoSy3ShYn3qb4WBTLhxsgMg-49uYsyhNYPnnUaBo_NbB_iUtjvPTG8P9RU6FXBV9jB2ixdu02Ya4cpdazXIkADNPKf8dnuS4X3GcowYZTiySKReOqlGefU8/s1600/06+elk+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sBL-L7LhSX-CN71nmvRnvoSy3ShYn3qb4WBTLhxsgMg-49uYsyhNYPnnUaBo_NbB_iUtjvPTG8P9RU6FXBV9jB2ixdu02Ya4cpdazXIkADNPKf8dnuS4X3GcowYZTiySKReOqlGefU8/s400/06+elk+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCook's men engage the Rebs on the slopes of the mountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
McCook did not have assault orders as his mission was to keep Bragg occupied while the main Union attack on West Ridge was driven home. But he engaged us ferociously - General Breckinridge was shot dead at 4:30pm as he rode up and down to inspire the thinning grey ranks to hold the line. Dibrell's dismounted cavalry brigade was soon put to flight, leaving Robertson's isolated horse artillery battery holding off the attentions of a whole Yankee division on the extreme Rebel left.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 351px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 421px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagUKJXy_zNEOz270y_sh6oI_nmj09y7iu60-WiObe27CGM3xs1YmVkiZpXPDqE_q0NAbcH3yOCjIgs4NF-Vc0DmILOZIqacljlhjrg0fZfot_2t-GqMRw8zRnEgfmczJxqm1bWW0CV54/s1600/02+bat+highlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagUKJXy_zNEOz270y_sh6oI_nmj09y7iu60-WiObe27CGM3xs1YmVkiZpXPDqE_q0NAbcH3yOCjIgs4NF-Vc0DmILOZIqacljlhjrg0fZfot_2t-GqMRw8zRnEgfmczJxqm1bWW0CV54/s400/02+bat+highlight.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robertson's battery - temporarily out of ammo but standing firm<br />
and seemingly bulletproof !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdQz1t8FIWenB24o_l6RugCkCP4jivFR7of67F1tK5HlxAysx8PnK6kPdGhn3TDEtiKwgUqAYn3myMojiLRWObXPbVRxtnjDIzenvE8OGpQsUgLJrkUxMp9Fq9R88qds0-VOMVOyaKE0/s1600/03+wagons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdQz1t8FIWenB24o_l6RugCkCP4jivFR7of67F1tK5HlxAysx8PnK6kPdGhn3TDEtiKwgUqAYn3myMojiLRWObXPbVRxtnjDIzenvE8OGpQsUgLJrkUxMp9Fq9R88qds0-VOMVOyaKE0/s400/03+wagons.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCook's corps is now miles from the Union wagon park and re-supply is a headache.<br />
If Ian hadn't routed my rifled guns I would be lobbing shells at this lot !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was now mid-afternoon and Thomas' corps had struck the Confederate centre and overwhelmed the artillery positions. There followed a couple of hours of classic, dramatic Civil War back-and-forth infantry action to secure the bloodsoaked soil of West Ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cDIcRt6-a3t1dIlKV3ziY2FG5Rqdgg04PuPNThiDTRbixL6ni-pWh0p5s39CqiUM2BA24gLavbDNuSGWfPp0TImTMcQ91T6onhTb2EK3g8SdsXZ4Ba4jNmdzFguLNkoRzNqJ_KRdMGc/s1600/01+union+success+from+behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cDIcRt6-a3t1dIlKV3ziY2FG5Rqdgg04PuPNThiDTRbixL6ni-pWh0p5s39CqiUM2BA24gLavbDNuSGWfPp0TImTMcQ91T6onhTb2EK3g8SdsXZ4Ba4jNmdzFguLNkoRzNqJ_KRdMGc/s400/01+union+success+from+behind.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas storms the West Ridge breastworks - it's all or nothing, Rosecrans <br />
doesn't have enough resources remaining to try again ! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtJWy6VWd-jmvFT54e_POBswWocy3UR5SzazRUM3ZFwG7PT64VLVM8FBNhQDc-r1AZKc9oFxhOzkXjGQzzKA2yFVhqF_dW_1BSchVYuAKkWNZsT5sSlRGxwQwnp2Qfuvxl5MxRr0COYg/s1600/09+reb+drive+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtJWy6VWd-jmvFT54e_POBswWocy3UR5SzazRUM3ZFwG7PT64VLVM8FBNhQDc-r1AZKc9oFxhOzkXjGQzzKA2yFVhqF_dW_1BSchVYuAKkWNZsT5sSlRGxwQwnp2Qfuvxl5MxRr0COYg/s400/09+reb+drive+off.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Federal troops that overran the guns are themselves routed<br />
as Confederate reserves move up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNjUBIYD8XU3Vg1itw_j0CAscj5KA29Lt1gNpYoss3U1SKkL5vC-aD6-ynID70lXf7I6Pr02yczshljESLOZrCZ_dUFmDo9IuveoBONDIQCG7fdnwnTxuH4rEOMj2CWNUPU0RRiJAiQU/s1600/10+smoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNjUBIYD8XU3Vg1itw_j0CAscj5KA29Lt1gNpYoss3U1SKkL5vC-aD6-ynID70lXf7I6Pr02yczshljESLOZrCZ_dUFmDo9IuveoBONDIQCG7fdnwnTxuH4rEOMj2CWNUPU0RRiJAiQU/s400/10+smoke.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Yankees take their place ...... Union Generals Fry and Negley <br />
both take risks, and Fry is wounded.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jmbr1i3ETEwN4NBN7lMfIx0cvJ9K88AzP-Vi9RkM_4Oz3tAgqTr7yDdB4B47XJkAm3H2UAQ-UtmCGCXMm3zCP5lztdTrn1vxrKP4nHcAzSAVar1M9vil91JpqKsEPpFzSIMnEcrN8E0/s1600/ordnance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jmbr1i3ETEwN4NBN7lMfIx0cvJ9K88AzP-Vi9RkM_4Oz3tAgqTr7yDdB4B47XJkAm3H2UAQ-UtmCGCXMm3zCP5lztdTrn1vxrKP4nHcAzSAVar1M9vil91JpqKsEPpFzSIMnEcrN8E0/s400/ordnance.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tactical card played by Scribner's brigade at 4:00pm, resulting in a loss <br />
of a massive 6 strength points from Mercer's Reb brigade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjORx1L6R42SWcKAxi3uJW8C8ZcIMT9cRMcXo-sgofKH0oT6NRFZ5oK73faHnLaEuYfE8OMYiW_mJFWcxdaryBClCdhWE05rGjkFwkFSMkL8_jZ4-1CotmF6-CSDaFymsTZYNycwm7w4/s1600/12+smoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjORx1L6R42SWcKAxi3uJW8C8ZcIMT9cRMcXo-sgofKH0oT6NRFZ5oK73faHnLaEuYfE8OMYiW_mJFWcxdaryBClCdhWE05rGjkFwkFSMkL8_jZ4-1CotmF6-CSDaFymsTZYNycwm7w4/s400/12+smoke.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scribner's men subsequently rout - but Spear's brigade comes up and it's the turn <br />
of the weary Rebs to skedaddle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1007503529"></span><span id="goog_1007503530"></span><br />
'A' grade corps commander, General Hardee, takes a mortal wound in the chaos of this see-saw struggle and in the end Union forces dominate the crucial West Ridge as twilight causes the fighting to fizzle out. They have also managed to get a foothold on Black Elk Mountain as a second night descends on the battlefield. Bragg's reserves have now been forced into a desperate new defensive posture to deal with whatever the Army of the Cumberland may throw at them on day three !<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS4UTWQVN0qPMivHrCIilIg1taM53g0WWuex8MuxXzL8pV1NE7ORnRmSNKLcxRbv2SVqoo4mrqckFJtlduwqQxVNvDNCziy4mKaJiYxskWO3hMMepyeD7R6eD-kXrCbpgEYCUESYisB4/s1600/05+pine+trail+defences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS4UTWQVN0qPMivHrCIilIg1taM53g0WWuex8MuxXzL8pV1NE7ORnRmSNKLcxRbv2SVqoo4mrqckFJtlduwqQxVNvDNCziy4mKaJiYxskWO3hMMepyeD7R6eD-kXrCbpgEYCUESYisB4/s400/05+pine+trail+defences.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confederate line across the old Pine Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjTXAzHbG-SoKimUlf4ne5MNKWglXNigsuwnidoaz51SPnW0W9V-pGXlcQPAEOp2WDDupHa6bpNDT3fMVHi7XpiSz9KHG46XG1p6QyxbhC_wDyQePCGC8ZA4APezGpeF6VV6HJrJ2_lQ/s1600/04+franklin+defences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjTXAzHbG-SoKimUlf4ne5MNKWglXNigsuwnidoaz51SPnW0W9V-pGXlcQPAEOp2WDDupHa6bpNDT3fMVHi7XpiSz9KHG46XG1p6QyxbhC_wDyQePCGC8ZA4APezGpeF6VV6HJrJ2_lQ/s400/04+franklin+defences.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loring's division forms a new position around the perimeter of Franklin, close<br />
to the HQ of an increasingly nervous General Bragg !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQA43BXxoH6w8SgU3QJ18eC4ocwGMRlN9wKJLDOCnlG9ca4nVrOpLQXRLzrGOA3DtOwAawbfGFxngnKPOiE9FmX3toORKQCl0lIZhhrgT-tmLrcWwo5T18rumso6aYwwBhz2kONs3jz8/s1600/MAP+this+is+the+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQA43BXxoH6w8SgU3QJ18eC4ocwGMRlN9wKJLDOCnlG9ca4nVrOpLQXRLzrGOA3DtOwAawbfGFxngnKPOiE9FmX3toORKQCl0lIZhhrgT-tmLrcWwo5T18rumso6aYwwBhz2kONs3jz8/s400/MAP+this+is+the+one.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nightfall - Nov 11th (day two)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we concluded turn number 41 (yes, count 'em, 41 turns!) and prepared for another night turn<br />
the Confederate DM level stood at a precarious 5.5 ... just one and a half points from total defeat.<br />
The Union level was a much safer 3.5 and stands as a tribute to Ian's tactical skill in turning around what looked like am impossible situation for the Army of the Cumberland ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Dry Stonewallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05980592495958797602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-61812747531758995032013-10-11T13:01:00.002-07:002014-05-09T11:06:42.851-07:00Randolph’s Ferry – Turns 28-35At the start of our fifth playing session on Wednesday night I think we were both feeling that the game had reached a stalemate as it looked very unlikely that I could make any headway against Dave’s entrenched Rebel line. Crittenden’s corps had been convincingly repulsed by Polk’s men at Ranes Farm and was now in full retreat with 4 broken brigades, fortunately for me these brigades started to rally as soon as they were out of range of the Confederate artillery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23dCAxYibVw/UlhNgYgx20I/AAAAAAAADXo/yYmOrJIOHvw/s1600/56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23dCAxYibVw/UlhNgYgx20I/AAAAAAAADXo/yYmOrJIOHvw/s320/56.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The final moments of Crittenden's attack - due to poor command die rolls it took some time for the order to disengage to filter down to brigade level.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8YsftHXYka2MwWkDbmdV-2iLVsw8PQBQAWLdoXSP-i_lfSmOcTmR1GbIgbWH9hQW1aHQJZBD7E-eQcb3JGBK7eGIOx4PaRzubxaKSgRAqRXdw4xwKSOj_bDJl190kS2bohloNPP3WyM/s1600/70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8YsftHXYka2MwWkDbmdV-2iLVsw8PQBQAWLdoXSP-i_lfSmOcTmR1GbIgbWH9hQW1aHQJZBD7E-eQcb3JGBK7eGIOx4PaRzubxaKSgRAqRXdw4xwKSOj_bDJl190kS2bohloNPP3WyM/s320/70.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Crittenden's new line at the Conrad House - all but one of his brigades have rallied. For a while the Union DM level reached 4.5 - at 6 the Union army would have been defeated.</i></span></div>
<br />
By now it was early afternoon and Rosecrans needed a new plan (and a bit of good luck) if the Union flag was every going to fly again over the town hall at Franklin. I realised that Crittenden’s corps was too weak to make any further assaults and he was ordered to hold a line at the Conrad House whilst detaching Rousseau’s fresh division and sending it back to Thomas. The plan now was for Thomas to attack Bragg’s centre at West Ridge but for this to have a chance of succeeding, McCook would have to pin the Rebel left at Black Elk Mountain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsvPiLjopssWfHowH0L1hjMgDVjECIniDG6kqxzfEgLek8iHgkKgXEs_zYXf_uo29ydRjtMmMKAc2A4JxHDjtrbom9EMEIOgsY7p1HBgIssYBz8xz1f6uUn0NG75De0K3c8PJhJYMN6Q/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsvPiLjopssWfHowH0L1hjMgDVjECIniDG6kqxzfEgLek8iHgkKgXEs_zYXf_uo29ydRjtMmMKAc2A4JxHDjtrbom9EMEIOgsY7p1HBgIssYBz8xz1f6uUn0NG75De0K3c8PJhJYMN6Q/s320/7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A single brigade of Wheeler's cavalry hold the extreme left of the Confederate line near Leggetts Mill. The remainder of his division can be seen in reserve behind Black Elk Mountain.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEJ_z4AFfS0/UlhNMPwr3BI/AAAAAAAADXQ/oKkKoUyKoMs/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEJ_z4AFfS0/UlhNMPwr3BI/AAAAAAAADXQ/oKkKoUyKoMs/s320/49.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>McCook's corps start to move forward towards Black Elk Mountain. Most of his brigades suffered casualties in the fighting at Mt Zion Church on the 10th and are no longer in condition to assault the Confederates but they can still mount an effective diversion.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz5X6IhyMco/UlhNFp2n9eI/AAAAAAAADXI/Qq0lAnKXBZc/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz5X6IhyMco/UlhNFp2n9eI/AAAAAAAADXI/Qq0lAnKXBZc/s320/28.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Another view of McCooks men advancing - due to a slight screw up I was late deploying skirmishers and they had little effect on Wheeler's dismounted troopers.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2A-6Go_cMc/UlhMjaBh3AI/AAAAAAAADW8/9DHMW3VpEGY/s1600/14+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2A-6Go_cMc/UlhMjaBh3AI/AAAAAAAADW8/9DHMW3VpEGY/s320/14+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The front line is now close enough to engage in a fierce fire fight with Breckinridge's infantry. I have moved all my available batteries within cannister range to support the attack. This may lead to ammo problems later as my wagons are having to make a five mile round trip from the wagon park to re-supply the guns.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocMUOaEH8OE/UlhMeIUJafI/AAAAAAAADW0/g00wFZyTit4/s1600/63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocMUOaEH8OE/UlhMeIUJafI/AAAAAAAADW0/g00wFZyTit4/s320/63.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>With so much of the Union army in motion Bragg was desperate for information. This picture shows three Rebel couriers converging on his HQ at Franklin with urgent reports from all corners of the battlefield!</i></span></div>
<br />
Thomas’ three divisions now moved forward across ‘the valley of death’ between Laurel Heights and West Ridge, the area dominated by the Confederate Grand Battery. The Rebel guns exacted a heavy toll on the Union infantry and soon four of Thomas’ nine brigades were shaken and unable to advance but the remaining Federal troops pushed forward determinedly right up to the enemy line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RttzH3x5gW8/UlhMQBjSEVI/AAAAAAAADWk/gVzGgyTm8yQ/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RttzH3x5gW8/UlhMQBjSEVI/AAAAAAAADWk/gVzGgyTm8yQ/s320/21.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thomas' corps (in the foreground) begin their advance towards West Ridge. The troops on the other side of the Old Pine Trail (right distance) are McCooks.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mndNPACTNoM/UlhMV9t96qI/AAAAAAAADWs/JT8OOGHmF7s/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mndNPACTNoM/UlhMV9t96qI/AAAAAAAADWs/JT8OOGHmF7s/s320/35.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The view from the extreme left of Crittenden's line as Thomas goes forward in the background. Crittenden has taken the precaution of ordering Palmer's 'green' division to entrench in case Polk attempts a counter-attack.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10fZW_uQm_o/UlhMJ1BJS-I/AAAAAAAADWc/KOGe2TPvAgA/s1600/84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10fZW_uQm_o/UlhMJ1BJS-I/AAAAAAAADWc/KOGe2TPvAgA/s320/84.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thomas' men are starting to take casualties from the Rebel 'grand battery' on West Ridge.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGS-tOVA3i4/UlhMD2huZQI/AAAAAAAADWU/YRGBzSY48yU/s1600/42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGS-tOVA3i4/UlhMD2huZQI/AAAAAAAADWU/YRGBzSY48yU/s320/42.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rousseau's division is on the left with Fry's on the right. The Confederate position looks unassailable.</i></span></div>
<br />
It seemed an impossible task to get a brigade up the slopes of West Ridge to eject the Rebel guns from behind their entrenchments but in the end it all came down to one simple die roll – 4,5 or 6 and Dave’s guns would be safe, 1,2 or 3 and Morton’s brigade would be in the redoubt!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB5rt8OvfWQ/UlhL4QLjscI/AAAAAAAADWM/7ljkmfOq-FA/s1600/77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB5rt8OvfWQ/UlhL4QLjscI/AAAAAAAADWM/7ljkmfOq-FA/s320/77.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Against the odds Morton's brigade charges forward and takes the Rebel works. A great cheer goes up from the Federal infantry...</i></span> </div>
<br />
Well, the boys in blue did do the impossible and two of the Confederate batteries were immediately routed, Bragg’s centre was suddenly looking decidedly less secure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-738J9fYw42k/UlhLjJeV6PI/AAAAAAAADV8/QFlnUW8vZKE/s1600/current.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-738J9fYw42k/UlhLjJeV6PI/AAAAAAAADV8/QFlnUW8vZKE/s400/current.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation at the end of Turn 35 (3.00pm November 11th) - this is now officially the longest running table game we have ever played!</i></span></div>
<br />
One of the great things about our rule set (even if I do say so myself) is that it recreates the see-saw nature of Civil War battles and this game has certainly rocketed out of the doldrums to become another nail-biter. At this stage the game could go either way… Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-75362871763849004452013-09-27T16:02:00.000-07:002014-05-09T11:07:28.373-07:00Randolph's Ferry - Turns 20-27<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn 20 was a night turn - we have some rules for re-deploying at night but unless there is a hotly contested area we don't often need to employ them, preferring to negotiate and horse trade to get what we want - and of course attempting to behave realistically ! All morale and ammunition levels were fully restored, a few new orders were allowed to reach their destinations, but no strength point recovery was permitted.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cleburne's division, roughly handled by McCook's Corps at Mount Zion Church, was able to retreat across the slopes of Black Elk Mountain and go into reserve near Franklin. McCook himself drew up a new line menacing the Reb's left flank, to which Bragg responded by extending his entrenchments westwards on the Mountain and transferring Wheeler's combat-weary troopers to the extreme left.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC21G1v6MgvCpfgazpLETr4pySaSV7axaK4PtePqWikwtsQv8JsUqQw6nK08EmE9yC6RgPkg9v5gr2_4tRWZkbqXW1EGfDKdp1bEW1OgN7zopUG-1vBZ8Kiusi7r5ZLwgTZtlIhrMpE4/s1600/night1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC21G1v6MgvCpfgazpLETr4pySaSV7axaK4PtePqWikwtsQv8JsUqQw6nK08EmE9yC6RgPkg9v5gr2_4tRWZkbqXW1EGfDKdp1bEW1OgN7zopUG-1vBZ8Kiusi7r5ZLwgTZtlIhrMpE4/s400/night1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight behind Confederate lines - looking NE from Bragg's HQ at Franklin<br />
towards the Union lines at Mt. Zion Church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4jPG_2qPAIYtF6QG-Z0aamgLPGrPmgZ9ZSn8oK_Us6yNxhzRq4PNUrumMspu6FdP0eSDNAhgIjnwxHgnw4NB9gwd9G8qwsN9JVi7fvMdfTBwA_XW8bCsKOCcBun7kuJu11LafIvA5zw/s1600/night+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4jPG_2qPAIYtF6QG-Z0aamgLPGrPmgZ9ZSn8oK_Us6yNxhzRq4PNUrumMspu6FdP0eSDNAhgIjnwxHgnw4NB9gwd9G8qwsN9JVi7fvMdfTBwA_XW8bCsKOCcBun7kuJu11LafIvA5zw/s400/night+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rebs catch some uneasy sleep in the fortifications at Rane's Farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI70VJ7N2THaCQbVnr_xdFhnqRccbTPwaIrKvFsBN83wP4FJZZm47uQyv5Kiz3mzaklbY_s40E0CgstklltoXs71U3jiPBtKvH5f3xy6vPfQ7FgN0Xcy901S74s-suiMMfIFncRt_4Ots/s1600/night3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI70VJ7N2THaCQbVnr_xdFhnqRccbTPwaIrKvFsBN83wP4FJZZm47uQyv5Kiz3mzaklbY_s40E0CgstklltoXs71U3jiPBtKvH5f3xy6vPfQ7FgN0Xcy901S74s-suiMMfIFncRt_4Ots/s400/night3.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheeler's threadbare cavalry division watches Leggett's Mill for any <br />
sign of an enemy flanking manoeuvre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDGSSuqZjZi-bwtTmFe2FekRlf3F_k6eOoPK8NUS1xeUu-cEz-bm66K0hxObo_EnthhIjYztjpJHWwlpb5VDxENe_CkI7umT3Meeixw2cYN_vvhTVjtipJ0sKtUBqZhA15UJsbod3hXc/s1600/union+flank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDGSSuqZjZi-bwtTmFe2FekRlf3F_k6eOoPK8NUS1xeUu-cEz-bm66K0hxObo_EnthhIjYztjpJHWwlpb5VDxENe_CkI7umT3Meeixw2cYN_vvhTVjtipJ0sKtUBqZhA15UJsbod3hXc/s400/union+flank.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCook's corps spends the night west of the Church, looking like they<br />
mean business for the morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the early morning mist began to clear on November the 11th, Ian started to put the new Union battle plan into motion. To my surprise McCook stayed put, and it was Crittenden (augmented with one of Thomas' Divisions) whose corps launched a heavy attack on the extreme Confederate right. To much Southern amusement it was Palmer's 'green' troops who were first to come up against our entrenchments. No need for embarrassing detail - let's just say those Ohio farm boys really know how to run . . . .</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n_oWxp-_OxxBQzXQ-oUNA49USBP9v1yRQnffj5rH5mdENHTDNP8o2gUGWJWfm5jZyIgzGbQsg_h34F11cysk7jfbwoXN3PluhzJ3UtQLgw5nIEC7vnA5TYjSrCI_OY0-uTb459VwA7M/s1600/attack5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n_oWxp-_OxxBQzXQ-oUNA49USBP9v1yRQnffj5rH5mdENHTDNP8o2gUGWJWfm5jZyIgzGbQsg_h34F11cysk7jfbwoXN3PluhzJ3UtQLgw5nIEC7vnA5TYjSrCI_OY0-uTb459VwA7M/s400/attack5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crittenden's corps forms up to attack south of the Conrad House .....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtzaLKaLuovNsL2GoUmxIBib4zJzUcG-_cfVS-zhrVfDj_qT7-jPq-1gNV4XPdeN-S0b3sIu1s_V7urNnpupTakxmv4xnSyeQ1l8WbjweYSUm2Z5c69TAlv9KFqr2wQ6_Ld0EIaPfCes/s1600/westpoint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtzaLKaLuovNsL2GoUmxIBib4zJzUcG-_cfVS-zhrVfDj_qT7-jPq-1gNV4XPdeN-S0b3sIu1s_V7urNnpupTakxmv4xnSyeQ1l8WbjweYSUm2Z5c69TAlv9KFqr2wQ6_Ld0EIaPfCes/s320/westpoint.JPG" height="184" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..... and benefits from a timely tactical card.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSMiVuoe9TlSy4HbAr-1EgpLnrL56EO1ddyt3dc3wDt5-EGFYPtc3ogZjtWAt5yh324O6VMQGtqKX9YpjpBpDYHhW7i-N-1PE-VwgoNOj55ByaUn9C5qwes3_dzVTXUX6eyb9xpA8h3I/s1600/attack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSMiVuoe9TlSy4HbAr-1EgpLnrL56EO1ddyt3dc3wDt5-EGFYPtc3ogZjtWAt5yh324O6VMQGtqKX9YpjpBpDYHhW7i-N-1PE-VwgoNOj55ByaUn9C5qwes3_dzVTXUX6eyb9xpA8h3I/s400/attack2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle is joined - a Federal corps level attack in echelon. Palmer in the <br />
foreground, Van Cleve just beyond.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1HO4odnZm7n9xm6nAQzlgYZ_JG69fZZJmORqNFqibUcaxwVEO0m62tLuZyHYmnDZi30CPG9S1QxgjDA-45tlAtKT6EsYP50Bp6dKxfGLVIL6cerdPKzztDw2amDFVkTdtofe2cqiwqo/s1600/attack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1HO4odnZm7n9xm6nAQzlgYZ_JG69fZZJmORqNFqibUcaxwVEO0m62tLuZyHYmnDZi30CPG9S1QxgjDA-45tlAtKT6EsYP50Bp6dKxfGLVIL6cerdPKzztDw2amDFVkTdtofe2cqiwqo/s400/attack3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green troops against entrenchments ? It's not going well .....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1poccKXHYWMu6JPOuWtNRAO6L76w4-W4IsqCZt7llWHoJFPZtyesYQy37QxMtlvZijNOFoo4qBATCwf6yAH9jjRh3IILwJE0Q_imE3RH-mzqwOBETNncyUyuSLvsr0_B1CbWSje9U6k/s1600/attack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1poccKXHYWMu6JPOuWtNRAO6L76w4-W4IsqCZt7llWHoJFPZtyesYQy37QxMtlvZijNOFoo4qBATCwf6yAH9jjRh3IILwJE0Q_imE3RH-mzqwOBETNncyUyuSLvsr0_B1CbWSje9U6k/s400/attack1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood's division is the last to strike the Rebel line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="goog_471238621"></span><span id="goog_471238622" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bloody close-range firefight ensued with both sides having plenty of artillery in position to add to the carnage with cannister. As you would expect, our rules make it slightly harder to hit men in entrenchments, and there is a bonus to their morale die rolls. This is not an insurmountable advantage if you have large numbers of troops to throw against them - which Ian certainly had - but he just didn't have luck on his side and the attack faltered quickly. Union brigades with 'assault' orders could not maintain good enough morale in the hail of fire to press home with the bayonet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the opposite flank the bulk of Thomas' Corps is moving to support McCook and it seems likely that Rosecrans plans to attack there next if Crittenden fails.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ_oJh72t1JS-XhECNin1eQxDiEfUeN2Mq1re8uQHq98GIhG_sOFgvlkXdz9IbuXyMo-oryf9oPpC6IrjbPd_-2IK-avG-FKVGJvZGZE_KsbSYP68SbfracsyLgjg7gxwtzlh2VBNmXE/s1600/Thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ_oJh72t1JS-XhECNin1eQxDiEfUeN2Mq1re8uQHq98GIhG_sOFgvlkXdz9IbuXyMo-oryf9oPpC6IrjbPd_-2IK-avG-FKVGJvZGZE_KsbSYP68SbfracsyLgjg7gxwtzlh2VBNmXE/s400/Thomas.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Thomas (centre) pushes the divisions of Fry and Negley westwards. <br />
None of these brigades have been engaged yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBb570aTv-WbVvNNN2Y01kmnjL-bRkzwYo05arVZNnOOAT1QnAbCziq1ep3p1CyE7YAfS3mO-EkAEYsr9FkkcjYmiC4Gl2iRzk9l-tEd_wS_xSyN0hjmtbMOzNffpxrPtc6ckvmqLL-M/s1600/fourth+session+mapx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBb570aTv-WbVvNNN2Y01kmnjL-bRkzwYo05arVZNnOOAT1QnAbCziq1ep3p1CyE7YAfS3mO-EkAEYsr9FkkcjYmiC4Gl2iRzk9l-tEd_wS_xSyN0hjmtbMOzNffpxrPtc6ckvmqLL-M/s400/fourth+session+mapx.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Click to enlarge -<br />
Situation : Turn 27 : 11:00 am : Day Two<br />
(Union reserve artillery batteries now distributed among corps)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Dry Stonewallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05980592495958797602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316342641648228281.post-28243642450691074542013-09-22T03:15:00.000-07:002014-05-09T11:07:38.508-07:00Randolph’s Ferry – Turns 15-19The action now focused on the area around Mt. Zion Church where McCook’s corps had been ordered to assault the Rebel line. It was at this point that Dave chose to reveal that Cleburne’s division, defending the church, was his one ‘veteran’ division. This didn’t unduly worry me as our rules don’t give any advantage to veteran troops when deployed in defence and the Confederates had orders to stand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qY5Jvyto4c/Uj6_P4QDLzI/AAAAAAAADT8/r_SGS-4CVHI/s1600/3-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qY5Jvyto4c/Uj6_P4QDLzI/AAAAAAAADT8/r_SGS-4CVHI/s320/3-05.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mt. Zion Church - the focus of action for the remaining daylight hours. </span></i></div>
<br />
I was quietly confident that McCook’s boys could dislodge the unsupported Rebel division as they had an advantage of over 2:1 in numbers. The men closed to within 300yds of the enemy line and both sides loosed off deadly volleys of musketry whilst my two artillery batteries poured canister into Cleburne’s right flank. My leading brigades now declared their intention to ‘ASSAULT’, this meant a further volley from the enemy followed by an assault morale throw. Willich’s brigade of Johnson’s division successfully drove off Colquitt but Sill’s brigade was held despite the presence in the front line of Phil Sheridan the divisional commander. Sheridan was my only ‘A’ grade commander on the field and as a result of taking this risk he was carried away cursing with a ball through the leg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8hDm1AEjLs/Uj6_IV4QK4I/AAAAAAAADT0/JW0OxYSmZB0/s1600/3-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8hDm1AEjLs/Uj6_IV4QK4I/AAAAAAAADT0/JW0OxYSmZB0/s320/3-02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sill's brigade in the foreground failed to dislodge the enemy brigade opposite them. Sheridan's command stand has a red 'broken' marker next to it to show that he has become a casualty - this changes the divisional command grade from an 'A' to a 'D'!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR2QWktYaX8/Uj6_C_29PII/AAAAAAAADTs/ZXXjFevkdyA/s1600/ordnance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR2QWktYaX8/Uj6_C_29PII/AAAAAAAADTs/ZXXjFevkdyA/s320/ordnance.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This card was useful during the volley firing phase of combat.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pE846LRNv7Q/Uj6---LdhNI/AAAAAAAADTk/7jW2Zb0xNig/s1600/3-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pE846LRNv7Q/Uj6---LdhNI/AAAAAAAADTk/7jW2Zb0xNig/s320/3-03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Confederate line starts to waver.</i></span></div>
<br />
Further volley’s and assaults followed over the next two turns but eventually the Federal weight of numbers told and Cleburne’s ‘veteran’ division dissolved into a sea of grey clad fugitives running for the safety of Black Elk Mountain. However, it was now the turn before nightfall and too late in the day for McCook to exploit his stunning success.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2F4cqMHb8ww/Uj6-3UuKbbI/AAAAAAAADTc/xB6mjSDYGWc/s1600/3-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2F4cqMHb8ww/Uj6-3UuKbbI/AAAAAAAADTc/xB6mjSDYGWc/s320/3-11.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>McCook's corps are now firmly in possession of Mt. Zion Church.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xgsxIcpTk4/Uj6-yzY8BKI/AAAAAAAADTU/dmeGf9MzWJY/s1600/Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xgsxIcpTk4/Uj6-yzY8BKI/AAAAAAAADTU/dmeGf9MzWJY/s320/Stars.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Playing this card wasn't enough to save the Rebs!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxH2tOArJ8E/Uj6-tigfKoI/AAAAAAAADTM/uHjR0JUInjw/s1600/3-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxH2tOArJ8E/Uj6-tigfKoI/AAAAAAAADTM/uHjR0JUInjw/s320/3-12.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cleburne's division are shaken...</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQkDyCCJ2-EgbX6p6Wh71pZ16yHu5jVxTJG4wAAEjZwEd8C01CdW-ly8fsP5oZYmHK7aEYEzKM_rywEO_E3TtfmMb-kMERyKtz276mUFjMxTxYrQ5SWiwP_iSdZ4z-Q_cjTZq3f2pMIs/s1600/3-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQkDyCCJ2-EgbX6p6Wh71pZ16yHu5jVxTJG4wAAEjZwEd8C01CdW-ly8fsP5oZYmHK7aEYEzKM_rywEO_E3TtfmMb-kMERyKtz276mUFjMxTxYrQ5SWiwP_iSdZ4z-Q_cjTZq3f2pMIs/s320/3-14.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>...and then start to run away! </i></span></div>
<br />
Meanwhile Rosecrans had continued to concentrate his forces and Thomas’ corps was now in the area of Hendrick’s farm where he could easily support McCook or move to the centre or left as required. Rosecrans had also decided to withdraw Barnett’s exposed artillery from Laurel Heights as it was losing the contest with the entrenched Rebel artillery on West Ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMNoXbuv1Xc/Uj6-eo6-yLI/AAAAAAAADS8/o_OX_ahpz_I/s1600/3-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMNoXbuv1Xc/Uj6-eo6-yLI/AAAAAAAADS8/o_OX_ahpz_I/s320/3-09.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Rebel artillery reserve on West Ridge were particularly effective in counter-battey fire against my guns on Laurel Heights causing a 'tactical withdrawal' to a position out of range.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Hu13P1OoI/Uj6-aN8EsmI/AAAAAAAADS0/DuyAfG6vW0I/s1600/3-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Hu13P1OoI/Uj6-aN8EsmI/AAAAAAAADS0/DuyAfG6vW0I/s320/3-10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thomas' corps move up to support McCook</i></span>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZ_cZQ8OlwaFhOUEICR2uQ3j59Feu3GkN0mYAzvT07p0_wUi2gpceC-y1K_CttCWVRjwDiDwYOMMzvuDuQ6o2nhHmaaxB1knLFX8mJtBTMpLsRGhh915fTGtB0nJarkHgxX0WTjmrLWY/s1600/3-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZ_cZQ8OlwaFhOUEICR2uQ3j59Feu3GkN0mYAzvT07p0_wUi2gpceC-y1K_CttCWVRjwDiDwYOMMzvuDuQ6o2nhHmaaxB1knLFX8mJtBTMpLsRGhh915fTGtB0nJarkHgxX0WTjmrLWY/s320/3-07.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> The arrival of two gunboats at Randolph's Ferry - these each have the same combat effect as a rifled battery but are currently out of range of the Confederates.</i></span></div>
<br />
The next turn is a ‘night’ turn and both commanders will get to make some minor adjustments to their lines. This scenario does not allow for any SP recovery over night so all casualties will be carried forward into day two although all units will recover to good morale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3pUx_jMQTI/Uj69-Ujw_eI/AAAAAAAADSk/HKvZGJXnUIU/s1600/THIRD+session+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3pUx_jMQTI/Uj69-Ujw_eI/AAAAAAAADSk/HKvZGJXnUIU/s400/THIRD+session+map.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The situation just before nightfall at the end of turn 19 (click on the image to zoom in).</i></span></div>
Strykerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258922461691204362noreply@blogger.com1