Nigel ran a scenario based on the British invasion of New York in the American War of Independence/American Revolution/American Rebellion (depending on your location and world view).
The Americans/Rebels were commanded by “Broken Dice” David and “Uncle Albert” Julian while the British were commanded by Paul and me. Nigel provided the umpiring services/troops (and a very nice lunch).
In the scenario the Americans were deployed in the “tree line” with skirmishers thrown forward while there was a brigade of British (left flank) and a brigade of Hessians (right flank) deployed facing them. Further British reinforcements were scheduled to arrive on the right flank while the American reinforcements would appear on their right flank.
The rules were Black Powder and also used the Rebellion supplement.
The Hessians led the way in the advance and were soon approaching the American skirmish line.
While the Americans tried to improve their position by turning some troops to face where the expected British reinforcements would be arriving.
While the Hessians continued to advance and drive back the skirmishers a 2nd Hessian Brigade had arrived on the flank and joined in the fun. The British on the left flank were being slightly “tardier” and holding at the fences (fighting to the last German was mentioned).
Further British reinforcements were also arriving and advancing on the Americans.
The American skirmishers on both flanks were taking heavy casualties and decided that discretion was the better part of valour and soon quit the field.
Now for a rarity a cavalry charge!!! The British Light Dragoons launched an attack on the American Line facing them. But there was no panic as the closing fire would stop them.
But the cavalry didn’t even have to make a save after a desultory volley from the Americans (I wonder who that was “Broken Dice”). But not to worry we will have them in hand to hand.
Nope that didn’t work either and the Americans rout while the Light Dragoons fall back to rally.
With fresh support approaching to engage the American left the centre Hessian brigade tries to start turning the flank of the American right flank. However, there is a very stubborn battery of artillery that keeps making its saving rolls and holding them up! This is annoying as the American reserves have finally started to arrive along the road to the rear.
In the centre it was starting to get a bit messy with the two Hessian brigades trying to drive back the Americans and taking casualties.
On the British right flank the “weight of numbers” had finally cracked the Americans brigade morale and the American reserves had started to form a second line at the road.
On the British right flank additional support had arrived after marching across the battlefield in the form of the Guards brigade and another brigade of British infantry and they soon supported the Hessians in the assault on the American lines.
The Americans were now being attacked from all sides and with a couple of brigades shaken were grimly hanging on for night to fall.
To try and finally dislodge the American defenders the newly arrived brigades of British launched their charges on the American lines.
The Americans held (for the most part) but had taken enough damage to shake another brigade.
Time was now up and while the British had not driven the Americans from the field they had done enough for a minor victory. Aided by some poor dice throwing by the Americans trying to get their reinforcement in position and failing in the throws to see if General Washington would arrive on the field.
All in all another cracking game in an oft overlooked period.
The Uncivil Servant 