The Battle of Walton Hall

After a recent highly amusing foray into the 'VBCW', it was time for a return to the 'proper' Civil War of the C17th! A battle staged here in GHQ in our ongoing campaign set in C17th 'Imagination'Staffordshire; peopled by that stout Parliamentarian Obadiah Bykleigh and his sworn enemies, the villainous Sir Marmaduke 'Gaylord' Robinson and the venerable Sir John Whyte of Walton Hall. Taking advantage of Sir John's absence attending on His Majesty, the forces of' Right and Justice' have occupied Walton Hall and garrisoned it for Parliament.

Rushing from the King's presence, Sir John gathers what forces he can to retake the hall...

 

...only to find that Parliament has gathered an army thereabouts to thwart his plans.

 

 

Fierce fighting took place around the Hall, with Sir John's men unable to force the Parliamentarians out, while over on the other flank a swirling mass of horse fought several vicious and prolonged melees which eventually saw the Royalist Horse bested. In the centre the Foote were indecisive, a number of failed Fighting Effectiveness checks holding up the Royalist advance, while Parliamentary Foote and Dragoons did fearful damage with volleys of fire.

 

After six turns Sir John's shattered forces were in no shape to carry on and quit the field, enjoying the Honours of War from their victorious but generous opponent. As you can see we were using my own A Crowning Mercy rules, playing six turns in about two hours, with a break for tea and cake!

 

 In a twist from our usual roles, I commanded the Royalists and Jon the Parliamentarians. Only having the initiative once in my own right during the game put me on the back foot mostly, as did my inability to eject a few dismounted horse from the Hall! My Royalist Horse were impetuous but largely ineffective, loosing some 10 bases to the Parliament's 3!! Those two factors largely controlled the outcome of our game in the end, aided by my rather timid Foote it must be said. For the Parliamentary army the horse on both flanks were decisive and their Foote steadier than their opponents in the end. All in all a pleasant way to pass an hour or two: good company, pleasant gaming and a decent cake! Hard to ask for more at my age...