A Mere Matter of Marching?

Earlier this week Phil and I played out the next installment of our themed War in America games, this time set in the War of 1812, using the same table top battlefield and scenario of course. Phil took command of the attacking American force and I commanded the Anglo-Canadians. The captioned pictures tell the unfolding story of the battle, fought using Black Powder rules, over our customary 12 turns. The figures are all by Wargames Foundry from my own collections ~

The Anglo-Canadian left is thinly defended by the Glengarry Light Infantry,

supported by Light Dragoons. American Dragoons sense a break point here.

The centre and right are manned by Fencibles and Militia, with some
Marines on the harbour.

The Marines from HMS Dianne stiffen the Michigan Fencibles on the far
right flank.

Two batteries of US Artillery support the attack by a Brigade of Volunteers.

Orders don't get through and one Battalion finds itself out front facing not
Militia but Regulars!

The US Dragoons had the worst of it and break for the rear! More British
troops arrive to shore up the left.

Although the Fencibles are wavering under artillery fire and falling back,
more Regulars are marching to the sound of the guns.

The Volunteer Brigade falters but on their flank State troops keep up the
advance and US Artillery pound the defenders. Disorder is widespread but
the Volunteers keep their fire up!

The Fencibles and Militia take advantage of the Disorder amongst their
enemies and advance. One Volunteer Regiment shakes out into line to trade
fire with the British.

The Volunteer's fire breaks the British Regulars opposing them, they flee in
confusion! The Light Dragoons catch the Pennsylvania Regiment in column
and rout them!

At last the third Brigade arrives on the US left and makes swiftly for the
lightly defended Anglo-Canadian right flank.

While the Marines are driven off, the US Regulars come under sustained fire
and are Disordered and Shaken as a result.

Away on the opposite flank another Brigade of US Regulars marches forward
into battle, flags proudly waving in the breeze.

Their bold advance drives off the Light Infantry and imperils the flank. The
Light Dragoons save the day and sweep away one Regiment.

On the right the British Regulars' fire power routs the enemy and save that
flank too!

One final supreme effort from the US regulars is repulsed and with it the
Army's Morale is shattered. Troops flee for their lives while defenders are
too drained to pursue.

Even on the far flank the attack breaks down. The American's will to continue
is shattered and Canada is saved for the Crown once more! Hurrah!

A most enjoyable game which swung first one way and then the other for the full twelve turns. Phil was hampered in the early moves by poor Command Roll dice while I succeeded early on in bringing on my first Brigade of Regulars which stiffened the Militia at a crucial time. When his other brigades arrived they were slow into the field allowing the British to take the initiative. For them the Light Dragoons were especially gallant and effective, shoring up the weak left flank first, then delivering two vital blows to the enemy.
Like a number of my more elderly collections, if I was starting again I'd do it differently, but for now they must do for us. I bought most of the figures in the large £5.00 mixed bags when they first moved to Nottingham from Guernsey. That dates them and me! Anyone starting the War of 1812 now in 28mm has ore choice of figures and ranges, but for me these have a charm and a history which makes them special. Next up in GHQ, an ACW game in two weeks. Slightly altered terrain already in place on the table, but the same scenario of course. Back to painting Anglo-Zulu War horse holder sets now. Joy!