Attack on Fort Trumper - Afterword

Rather than risk boring my loyal reader with a second detailed annotated photomontage of the second run through for the War of 1812-15 game with Paul from last Thursday, instead I've opted to present a selection from the many photographs Paul kindly provided which loosely follow the flow of that game ~

The first Militia Brigade were encamped behind Battery Heights at the onset of the action.

The second Militia Brigade was encamped beyond Fort Trumper, which in reality was nothing more than a stockaded blockhouse.

The Last Valley fenced garden makes a colourful and useful addition to the look of the tabletop in many different periods from Ancients to VBCW.

I used these naval boats to represent the two crossing points for the Anglo-Canadian forces. They are venerable pieces once available from Redoubt Enterprises if I recall correctly.

Matt converted the oarsmen for me, what from I don't recall, while he was still at school. There are similar sets now available from Perry Miniatures, at a price of course.

Andy at The Last Valley made this small family cemetery plot piece for me based on a piece I saw on a blog. It's versatile enough to do duty from the F&IW through to the ACW which makes it very useful.

The original collection for the War of 1812-15 I began back in the midst of time when Foundry first consolidated their business in St Marks, Nottingham. They used to sell bargain blisters of 20 or so castings for £5 or £6 and I would buy a few every time I popped over. The range was sculpted by Aly Morrison of course.

The range, which is still available from Foundry, is quite extensive for both Anglo-Canadian and USA forces, encompassing Regulars, Militia and Command figures for infantry, artillery and even cavalry. For the Americans there are also choices in shako and tunic styles to add variety. Fort Trumper itself was a bargain buy years ago ready painted on a Bring & Buy for £14! I believe it to be a Grand Manner piece.

Over time of course, as any veteran wargamer will readily understand, I added to the collection. Firstly from Foundry's Napoleonic British range sculpted by the Perrys, then later from Brigade Games sculpted by Paul Hicks and from Knuckleduster. Figures from all four ranges are in the picture and I'm confident you'll agree they compliment each other nicely.

It would be remiss of me not to say anything about how the game played out. After initially struggling to deploy Paul, as Lord Gornal, soon had his Brigades across the river both before the fort and below Battery Heights.

The Americans defended both crossing points with determination. They held fast on Battery Heights despite being under heavy fire from both banks of the river.

De Watteville's Swiss regiment in British service was forced to surrender when Broken, as an alternative to plunging back into the river and drowning, no boats being available to them!

The Royal Marine Rocket Battery was constantly in action, though sadly for Paul not with overmuch accuracy or effect.

From Casting Room Miniatures these figures were meant to mark scaling points before the Fort's stockade, but as they never made their target Paul used them for scrumping!

The game ended in Turn 7 with the Anglo-Canadian army's Morale Broken by losses, despite the arrival of a third Militia Brigade to support the assault. As the American commander I had the satisfaction of seeing the backs of the enemy as they fled from American soil! A win!!! At last!!!!!

A busy time coming up in GHQ now. On Thursday Guy Bowers from Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy is due for a photoshoot to support a forthcoming article on a battle from the Wars of the French Revolution. So I hope to take a picture of two myself for my blog if the opportunity arrises. The French Garde Chasseurs are finally finis so they have to have the bases dressed before they appear for your delectation in another blog post. Then there is the small matter of Matt's Footsore Vikings which I got underway yesterday. The first base of figures is ready for dressing and more are fixed to MDF hexes ready for their moment under the brush! Today though it's off to Phil's, for a bit of Midgard I believe.