The Battle of Pender's Corner

 For the next game here in GHQ Phil and I settled on a return to the AWI, with a meeting action between those old foes Lord Rawnsley and 'ol Independence or Death Bykleigh. With that decision made I set about slight alterations to the terrain from the War of 1812-15 game with Jon and sorted out the respective forces for the game.

Things get moving steadily for the Americans in Turn 1 with the cavalry brigade seizing the rise to their front while the supporting Militia make slow progress in their support.

Meanwhile the Crown's forces have advanced steadily in the centre and on their right flank.

Progress on the American left is very patchy and by Turn 2 no unit has achieved its objective despite being under the eye of the Commander hisself.

On the Crown's left Bloody Ban and his Legion seize the fence line and take up a defensive posture 

The Americans opposing him are gathering their resolve to advance and drive him and his Legion off before support can come up.

In the Centre the regulars of the Welsh Fusiliers march briskly down the turnpike towards the resolute but apprehensive Militias in their path. If the Continentals don't come up quickly it could get very nasty...

While the native Paddoquoi seize the woods on the Crown's right flank in Turn 3 the Brigade tasked with driving off the American Militias facing them makes very slow progress.

"Follow Me!" As it turned out not the best of the moves. The Continental Dragoons are lead in a headlong charge against the Legion. Despite weathering the closing fire they cannot break the line and fall back Shaken!

In the Centre the British regulars are stepping out confidently if somewhat slowly. They need to deploy to bring their firepower to bear before charging home with the bayonet!

The Legion are Shaken and Disordered and anxiously await the oncoming Militia infantry supported by the remaining Continental Dragoons and Mounted Militia.

Away on the opposite flank nothing is going well for either side. The American Militias are slow to move and to deploy. Their Crown opponents are equally sluggish, so little action is underway outside the woods where Morgan's Rifles skirmish with the Paddoquoi.

At last in Turn 5 the Continental Brigade in the American centre begins to deploy in support of the Militias to their left. The 3rd New Jersey take the high ground while the 4th and 8th Virginia move to line the fences to their front.

The American left is coming under some pressure but the boys are holding firm. The Paddoquoi are making no headway in the woods to threaten the American's flank.

The Militia on the American right drive off the Legion but disaster strikes the cavalry when their commander leaves the table with a Continental Dragoon regiment as the result of a Blunder!

The centre looks like the American's weak spot, if only the British regulars can shake out into line and pour their volleys into the enemy.

Given a breathing space by the tardy British activity the Continental Brigade prepared to open a withering fire on the enemy!

The Fusiliers charge the 3rd New Jersey but are Shaken and Disordered by fire and steel and must fall back. Cheering echos along the American lines, the lobsters have been beaten!

Receiving more fire the Fusiliers break under the intense pressure and flee down the Turnpike for safety.

Encouraged by the sight, the South Carolina militia steps briskly forward, encouraged by the Commander's presence.

"Follow Me, Boys! Follow Me!" Colonel Paddock leads the 1st South Carolina Militia in a devastating charge on the flank of the Nottinghamshire regiment. Under pressure they break and flee. The Brigade's remaining regiment must retire the Brigade being now Broken! The Crown's centre is wide open!  

The right has remaining largely static for three turns as both sides exchange ineffective fire but show little appetite to close to melee.

More American Militia drive in on the remains of the British centre Disordering the Light Infantry lining the fence in support of the artillery position.

The South Carolina and New York State troops are Disordered too and begin to fall back. Lord Rawnsley decides the day is lost in Turn 8 and orders a general withdrawal before the army is damaged beyond saving. Cheering breaks out all along the American lines as exhausted men realise their steadfast conduct has carried the day! Independence or Death!