28MM AWI BLACKPOWDER: RED CLAY CREEK 1777 (FICTIONAL BIG GAME)

This weekend Dave Imrie and I arranged a game for a subset of our AB1 group and a group of visiting Australian wargamers.  The venue was the Kingswood Hotel in Burntisland Fife.  It was another fictional AWI game – the Battle of Red Clay Creek – adapted from our previous fictional action the Battle of Germanwine. 

http://blenheimtoberlin.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/28mm-blackpowder-germanwine-11th.html

I used almost the same OB as Germanwine but we added a further 4ft of width to the table and simplified the rules for fording the creek.  To speed up the setup time and remove the pregame player input I used chance (a pack of cards) to deploy the units and also allocate the players to a command.   We used Black Powder with my house rules and 66% movement and ranges.  16-20 figure infantry units were standard units and 10-12 figure units small.

Centres about to engage

There were 10 players.  Five Scots and 5 Queenslanders, Mark Rogerson, Brett Morris, John Maguire, Glenn Lamprecht and Mitchell Clist who are touring the military sites of Britain, Belgium and France took part.  Jack Glanville, Angus Konstam and myself provided the figures whilst Dave Imrie and Brian Phillips provided the impressive terrain boards as the base of the terrain.  The cards allocated me a British command and I also acted as umpire. 

We played the game for 6 hours and at the end we declared a Patriot victory as they had avoided defeat by the British and both sides still had reserves to commit.



Hessians wade the river east of the bridge

View of the unfortunate British left - in centre troops are engaged

The British wing brigades had the worst of their combat with their Patriot opponents.   Which was unfortunate as they both contained an elite combined grenadier battalion.  Each side committed their reserves in the centre including their cavalry – after both had lost a brigade – and it was not clear at the end who would be victorious here.  The Patriot militia holding the fence line east of the crossroads held of the attacks of the Hessians and Brunswickers..

We all agreed that it was an enjoyable game played in a very friendly manner with no problems.

Here is a link to more photos of Red Clay creek on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bill26048/sets/72157653752355332

Jack has put up a report on his blog at
http://pioneerpainting.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/germantown-2.html

Angus has put up a report with a fuller description of the action on his blog at
http://www.edinburghwargames.com/Journal%20106.htm

Loyalists reserves about to wade the creek west of the bridge

British right wing about to be destroyed by the veteran continentals

British left wing about to collapse

Historical Background

In late August 1777, after a distressing 34-day journey from Sandy Hook on the coast of New Jersey, a Royal Navy fleet of more than 260 ships carrying some 17,000 British troops under the command of Sir William Howe landed at the head of the Elk River, on the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay approximately 40–50 miles (60–80 km) southwest of the rebel capital of Philadelphia. 

General George Washington had situated the American forces between Head of Elk and Philadelphia. His forces were able to reconnoitre the British landing from Iron Hill near Newark. Howe did not set up a typical camp but immediately prepared to march across the gently rolling country inhabited chiefly by Tories, with the expectation of making an easy conquest of Philadelphia. As a result, Washington was not able to accurately gauge the strength of the opposing forces.

After a skirmish at Cooch's Bridge south of Newark, the British troops moved north and Washington took up a defensive position long the Red Clay Creek.  This site was important as it covered the most direct route on the road from Baltimore to Philadelphia.  The British grouped south of the creek and General Howe decided to attack on the 11^th of September.  Loyalists have identified useful fords at the creek and so substantial British forces have already crossed to the north bank east of the Patriots.  

British Objective/Deployment

Your objective is to bring the rebel army to battle and defeat it thus ending the war.  Threatening their capital Philadelphia forces the rebels finally to stand and fight. 

You know that your troops are far better trained than the rebels but you know from experience at Boston that the rebels are formidable opponents when manning defensive positions.

You have noted that the rebels have deployed a strong force south west of the creek to cover the minor route to Philadephia and protect the flank of their Creek line.  Their line runs half way across the table.

You have 8 infantry brigades (4 British, 3 German and a Loyalist) and a small cavalry brigade available.    The main body of the army is deployed off-table south of the map.  5 brigades are in position to march onto the table initially.  The other 4s arrival is delayed by the poor roads and tracks.

Chance will decide on the 5 initial brigades and their position and also which reserve arrives when  called forward by the British CinC.

Patriot Objective/Deployment

Your objective is to prevent the British from moving north and capturing your capital Philadelphia.  Compared with last year your army contains far more regular continental troops and is less dependent on militia. 

You have 9 infantry brigades and a cavalry brigade available of which 6 can be deployed on the table north of the line shown on your map.   (Half way across the table)  The other 4 brigades are deployed in reserve off-table to the north.  Chance will decide on the 6 initial brigades and their position and also which reserve arrives when called forward by the Patriot CinC.

Terrain Notes

The line of the Red Clay Creek is a defensive obstacle though crossed by a bridge and is also fordable elsewhere.  Troops can cross the bridge normally (but only 1 unit at a time) and infantry and cavalry can also ford the creek counting a  -1 on their command level.   Troops fording the creek can only ever make 1 move in their turn.  No troops can ford the creek under Initiative. 

Fence lines do not provide cover from shooting but do give a +1 to morale saves.   The buildings are all simply scenic.

BRITISH OB

1^ST British Brigade                                      

1^st Combined Grenadiers
4^TH Foot
De Lancey’s
5^th Foot
Light Infantry skirmishers 12 figs
6-pdr gun

2^nd British Brigade                                      

2^nd Combined Grenadiers
9^th Foot
32^nd Foot
34^th Foot
Light Infantry skirmishers 12 figs
6-pdr gun

3^rd British Brigade                                       

Battalion, 7th Foot  (16 figs.)
Battalion 16th Foot (16 figs.)
Battalion, 23rd Foot (16 figs.)
Battalion, 33rd Foot (16 figs.)
Light Infantry skirmishers 12 figs
6-pdr gun

4^TH British Brigade                                      

Composite Grenadiers (18 figs.)
3rd Foot (18 figs.)
71st Highlanders (18 figs.)
Volunteers of Ireland (18 figs.)
Light Infantry skirmishers 12 figs
6-pdr gun

1^ST Loyalist Brigade                        

New York Regt
British Legion
Queens Rangers
Queens Rangers Skirmishers 12 figs
Light gun

GERMAN

1^st German Brigade                                    

4 Brunswick btn.                                         
Brunswick Jager 12 figs                            
6pdr gun                                                       

2^nd  German Brigade                                                           

Hessian von Bose (18 figs.)                      
Hessian von Mirbach (20 figs.)                
Linsing  Grenadiers                                                
Von Donop Musjketeers                            
Hessian Jäger 12 figs                                                                                
6pdr gun                                                       

3^RD  German Brigade                                  

Breymann Grenadiers
Brunswick Btn
2 Hessian Btn
Hessian Jager 12 figs
6pdr gun

BRITISH CAVALRY BRIGADE

British Legion Cavalry  12 figs
Light Dragoons             12 figs                  
                       
PATRIOTS OB

1^ST Continental Brigade                                        

4 Cont/State Regts
Riflemen 12 figs
Field gun                              

2^nd  Continental Brigade                                        

4 Continental Regts
Riflemen    12 Figs
6-pdr gun

3^rd  Continental Brigade                                        

4 Continental Regts
6-pdr gun

4^th Continental Brigade                                         

1st Virginia Continental Line (16 figs).
4th Virginia Continental Line  (16 figs.)
5th Virginia Continental Line  (20 figs.)
9th Virginia Continental Line (16 figs.)
6-pdr gun

5^th Continental Brigade (Veterans)                      

1st Maryland Continental Line  (18 figs.)
5th Maryland Continental Line  (18 figs.)
Continental Light Infantry (20 figs.)
6-pdr gun

6^th Continental Brigade                                         

1st Pennsylvania Continental Line  (18 figs.)
7th Pennsylvania Continental Line  (20 figs.)
8th Pennsylvania Continental Line  (18 figs.)
Hartley’s Regiment  skirmishers  (12 figs.)
6-pdr gun

7^th Militia Brigade                                                    

1st Virginia Militia (16 figs.)
2nd Virginia Militia (16 figs.)
3rd Virginia Militia (16 figs.)
4th Virginia Militia (16 figs.)
Militia skirmishers 12 figs

8^th Militia Brigade                                                    

4 Militia Regts
Militia Skirmishers    10 figs
Light gun

9^th Militia Brigade                                                    

4 Militia Regts
Militia Riflemen 12 figs

Cavalry Brigade

Light Dragoons  12 Figs                            
Light Cavalry     12 figs      

28MM GANGSTERS: THE KEY LARGO MASSACRE

On Wednesday I went to Hugh Wilson’s for the first part of a two part saga set in the era of the VBCW.  Tim Watson came up with the scenario.  A VBCW faction has been buying guns illegally in the USA and they are being shipped to Key Largo Florida by the local of the teamsters.  Various other criminal and law enforcement groups are trying to stop or hijack the shipment.

The Lucky sue awaiting her cargo.....

I commanded the state troopers and the national guard, Donald commanded the Italian gangsters, Hugh the local police, Bart the teamsters and Colin a gang of molls led by Bonnie Parker.

We used the gangster variant of Legends of the West.   The game worked well.  The teamster convoy only got half way to the harbour at Key Largo when it was stopped by the local police.  This enabled all the other factions to close up and a general firefight ensued.   The truck carrying the cargo was driven into a river by a teamster to prevent its capture.  However it was then found that the cargo was silk stockings as the arms had already been transferred to a VBCW submarine.  It had all been a decoy.

Teamster convoy on the way

State troopers advance on the bridge

 

Once again Hugh did a really great job with the terrain.  The second part of the game will be the arrival of the arms in the war torn VBCW UK.  

Truck with vital cargo reversed into the river

CARRONADE 2015

Here are some of my photos from this years successful Carronade show at Falkirk.  I helped the SESWC with their East African display.  A combined Anglo-Belgian attack on a German outpost.  The first casualty in the game was the Belgian CO trampled down by 2 ostriches.  My only buy at the show was some MDF bases from Martin at Warbases.

East Africa 1916 by the SESWC - the KAR avoid the rampaging Rhinos

East Africa 1916 - the objective of the German fort in the distance

54mm Medieval - the £60 game

Pacific Island Bolt Action game

54mm Plancenoit

Sudan campaign by the Iron Brigade

28mm Vietnam game

Indian Mutiny game.

28MM HAIL CAESAR: MORLAIX 30TH SEPT 1342

On Thursday I went to Hugh Wilson’s for a 28mm Hail Caesar Hundred Years War game.   Dave O’Brien produced the scenario including troop ratings for the Battle of Morlaix on 30 September 1342.  Hugh provided the terrain and Dave most of the troops with the remainder coming from the collection of Donald Adamson.

Battle line deployed

I commanded the English force and simply deployed my command behind the line of wolf pits.  The French attacked with 2 of their divisions leaving the knights in reserve of table.  On our right centre the Genoese crossbowmen steadily outshot the facing English longbowmen.  The first attack by the French sergeants on our left was amazingly successful and drove their opponents back into the forest.  The French cavalry then rallied back to regroup before launching a second attack which was also partly successful.  Once the crossbowmen wore down their English opponents then the French knights launched their attack.  One wing of the knights forced back their opponents but when the second wing was ordered to charge it turned its back and fled from the English.

At the end of the game the French had lost 4 units (corrected)  nd the English none but a large part of the English force was heavily battered and had withdrawn into the forests.  I would count the game as a French marginal victory.

A fun game….highlighted by some consistently bad shooting by the longbowmen w.

First attack of the sergeants

 

Background

The HYW has been ongoing for 5 years and apart from the naval action at Sluys 1340 nothing major has happened until Edward III decided to get involved in the dispute over the succession to the Dukedom of Brittany. Edward has decided to support the wife of John de Montfort who usurped the title from Charles de Blois the rightful contender. John has been imprisoned in Paris by the King and Charles has advanced to recapture the towns taken by John and his wife.

An English force under the command of the Earl of Northampton has landed in Brittany and is currently besieging the town to Morlaix when they were warned by scouts that a large force led by Charles is advancing to break the siege. Not wanting to be caught between two forces Northampton has decided to take most of his troops from the siege lines and march during the night to surprise the French. The French had camped for the night outside the village of Lameur and in the morning were surprised to find the English in battle formation on a ridge along their line of march.

The young an inexperienced French commander held a council of war to decide how best to attack the English and it wasn’t until after midday before they finally decided to launch an attack.

The English have drawn up in three battles under the Earls of Northampton, Derby and Oxford while the French have drawn up in three large battles. The main battle of knights is commanded by Charles while another cavalry and infantry force is commanded by Geoffrey de Charny while an infantry battle of Genoese crossbow men and French peasants and militia are commanded by Robert de Guesclin.

Bidets lead the French central attack

French knights about to launch the final attacks

 

 

Here are the player briefings.

English Briefing

The French had camped for the night outside the village of Lameur and in the morning were surprised to find your force in battle formation on a ridge along their line of march. The young an inexperienced French commander has held a council of war to decide how best to attack the you and it isn’t until after midday before they finally decided to launch an attack.

What they don’t know is that during the night you dug camouflaged pits 6” away along the front of your troops, any enemy infantry crossing will be automatically disordered and suffer 1 casualty test, enemy cavalry will suffer d2 casualty tests. This might reduce as the pits get trampled on and filled with bodies.

You have drawn up in three battles under the Earls of Northampton, Derby and Oxford,

you are rated as a 9 and the others as 8’s

Victory conditions

Destroy the enemy force 3 points

For each enemy commander killed or captured 1 point

For each enemy unit of knights destroyed 1 point

French Briefing

An English force has under the command of the Earl of Northampton has in battle formation on a ridge along your line of march, you must destroy them before being able to march to Morlaix and lift the siege. Unfortunately your council of war took longer than expected and it is now passed midday before you can launch your attack before it gets dark and the English can slip away.

The main battle of knights is commanded by yourself Charles while another cavalry and infantry force is commanded by Geoffrey de Charny while an infantry battle of Genoese crossbow men and French peasants and militia are commanded by Robert de Guesclin but there is not much you can expect from your militia and levies.

You and all your commanders are rated as 8’s.

Victory conditions

Destroy the enemy force 3 points
For each enemy commander killed or captured 1 point
For each enemy unit of knights destroyed 1 point

Troop Ratings

Type            Clash  Sustained   Short range Long range  Morale  Stamina  Special

Mounted            9            6                   3/0                  0                4              6                    Lance, 6” move

Men at Arms

Dismounted     8            7                    2/0                  0                4              6                    Double handed

Men at Arms                                                                                                                       English are Stubborn

Archers            6            6                     3                   3                5              6                    Longbow

                                                                                                                                           Marksmen

Heavy              8            6                    3/0                  0                5              6                    Spear

Cavalry

Mercenary       5            5                     3                   3                5              6                    Crossbow

Crossbows                                                                                                                         Move or Shoot

Spearmen        7            7                    3/0                  0                5              6                    Long Spears, Militia

Medium Inf     7            6                    2/0                  0                5             6                    Double handed, Militia

Bidets              5            5                     3                   0                6              6                    Freshly raised, Levy

Bidets              3            2                     2                   0                0              4                    Mauraders, Open order

Small unit

Peasants           5            4                     3                   0                0              6                    Freshly raised, Levy

Lance, enemy morale capped at 6 only when lancers charge.

Longbow and double handed weapon, enemy morale capped at 5.

Marksman, reroll one missed shot.

Stubborn, reroll one failed morale test.

Crossbow, enemy morale capped at 5, move or shoot, no closing/traversing shots.

Militia, no move on equal command role.
Freshly raised, check page 100 first combat.
Marauder, ignore distance penalty for command.
Levy, roll 4+ at end of turn to recover disorder.