David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Thursday 4 July 2019

The Flag was still flying!

Jon came over for a game today and as it was the 4th of July I had decided on a game with an American theme. Now the obvious choice might seem to be a War of Independence game, but we had played two of those quite recently in GHQ. Instead I chose a game from the War of 1812-1815, sometimes referred to as the second war of independence. My collections for this period are not extensive, but they are sufficient for a decent 12 Turn game on my table here in GHQ. The figures are predominately from the Foundry range, sculpted by Aly Morrison, supported by some British Regulars from the range sculpted for the Foundry by the Perry brothers. There are also some American Generals from Old Glory.
The simple scenario envisioned an American incursion across the border with the Canadas with the aim of burning farms and carrying off crops, livestock and produce. The British/Canadians happen to have a small force in the area and having got wind of the movement of troops have marched to the area to surprise the enemy. Both sides have a brigade of reinforcements available: the British in Turn 3, the Americans from Turn 4 on a throw of 70% or less. As usual, we got so engrossed in the action that I forgot to take more pictures, but anyway, here are a few to give a sense of how the game went ~
From the safety of Fort Desperation Old ‘Mere Marching’ Bykleigh watches
as Scott’s Brigade arrives in Turn 4 to shore up the American centre,

The American attack on the left was held up by poor Command coupled with
Persistent Disorder of the Pennsylvania Militia. They managed though to hold
on throughout the game, eventually forcing the British/Canadians back.

Charged by the British Light Dragoons, the US Rifles are forced into square.
Although the cavalry lost the melee, the whole advance on the right ground to
A halt and eventually resulted in a wholesale retirement!


The Glengarry Light Infantry covered themselves in glory by holding off
Numerous attacks from American Regulars and covering the flanking of the
American right.

The British/Canadian left covering the retiring centre.


In the end, it was the breaking of the British/Canadian centre which handed victory to the American forces, despite the best efforts of the American commander, Old ‘Mere Marching’ Bykleigh. The American right never really got into a position to damage the enemy and ended up retiring back over the river; while their left, although driving off the enemy, could not decisively deliver a knock out blow due to persistent Disorder or failure of Command! In the centre it was the steady fire of the reinforcements of Scott’s brigade which finally proved decisive. Trading volley after volley with the British regulars of Lord Walton they stood up manfully to the task, breaking the centre and handing victory to the surprised Americans. Apt really, given the date...

12 comments:

  1. What a lovely looking game:)

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  2. A splendid looking game David...
    It’s nice to see such venerable old toys on the table... ;-)...

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thanks Aly. Nothing wrong with old figures if they are as good sculpts as these. They have stood the test of time better than I have I think.

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  3. Splendid looking set to as per. Perhaps Lord Rawnsley Jr. may be called to the colours?

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    1. Thanks Phil. Indeed, Lord Rawnsley will have his chance on Monday, though the Americans may have reinforcements by then.

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  4. Great looking game, I am especially interested in all the little bits, the barrels, the bird table etc., terrific scene setters.

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    1. In truth the scatter is only possible as I have a permanent games room and table.

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  5. Lovely looking game, surely the Americans had to win this game?!
    Best Iain

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    1. It came as a surprise, honestly, I thought a draw was my probable best outcome as Turn 10 started.

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  6. Fantastic looking game David!

    Christopher

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