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18th. Century diplomacy, campaigns, battles, intrigues, story-telling and more using historical military miniatures, model terrain and the imagination.
Bill Recommends
Fun Rules For Sale
Seven Years' War French Off-White Coat
1757 Near White Coat; Justaucorps. Compare to white stockings, shirt and white strap. There is no grey/gray anywhere. This is how the manual of arms says French officers were to carry their muskets. Pole arms were abandoned by 1758.
Note special eight round cartridge box in reddish brown leather.
2020 Games
----------
1. Jan. 1: Solo Torpedo Bomber Attack vs IJN at Tulagi---
2. Jan. 8: Op Ri Japanese invade New Britain
---
3. Jan 19:
Tin Eagles @ Kurt's
---
4. Jan 25: New Guinea #1
----------
6. Feb 1: New Guinea #2
---
7. Feb. 6: New Guinea #2
(Completed)
---
8. Feb. 19
Astounding Tales
---
9. Feb. 22: WWII at Greg's
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10. March 1: What A Tanker
---
11. March 7: Jacobites
---
12. Early April (Solo)
Fall of Singapore Boardgame
It's the whole Malaya Campaign
not just the final assault on Singapore
---
13. April Desperatu Island (Solo)
As part of Gen. Pettygree's
Brace Up! dramatic story
See
And also see
---
14. Late April (Solo)
Fall of Singapore Boardgame
Played it a 2nd. time.
The whole Malaya Campaign
not just the final assault on Singapore
----------
15. Afrika Korps Boardgame
Bill P. and Greg. B. via email
----------
16. Sat. July 18: BAR 15mm
Am Rev unexpected game
with son Tyler!
----------
17. Aug. 22: General d'Armee
Test. French vs Russians
---
18. Aug. 23: Nick's Naval Game
----------
19. Sept. 2: Storm Khartoum Test 54mm
---
20. Sept. 26; 54mm Khartoum
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21. Nov. 7: Battle of Britain
---
22. Nov. 26-27: Port Featherstone
Solo Battle of Britain
----------
23. Dec. 29 Blastoffjorden
Solo Naval Air battle
----------
May 2021 Maybe?
Annual Birthday Game Day
Morning #1: SAGA or Gladiators?
Morning #2: Colonials?
Afterwards: Breach In Time Gunpowder Era
Units from different eras combine.
----------
Date = ? Midway
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Tundra Con 2022
January ?, 2022
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Followers
Slow the frenzied pace of internet hunting -- here.
Why not take your time, slow down, enjoy and imagineer?
--------------------------------
Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood. William Shakespeare(Use permitted by The Quotation's Page. Click on the quote for more.)
--------------------------------
Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood. William Shakespeare(Use permitted by The Quotation's Page. Click on the quote for more.)
See SYW French Armoured Cavalry: Click Below Now.
Open These Links
NEW! You Tube: French Army Parade. Fort Niagara's 250th. CLICK UNDERLINED WORDS BELOW TO SEE MOVIE.
18th Century Fascinating Links
Contributors
THEORUMS
For 25-30mm units.
----------
Maximum Pts./Game
All players times 300 divided by two = max. pts. per side.
Example: 8 players x 300 pts divided by 2 = 1,200 pts. per side. Side A gets 1,200 pts. Side B gets 1,200 pts.
Or about 50 points per foot of table length.
----------
----------
Annual Light Troop Game Max. Pts./Game
All players times 100 divided by two = max. pts. per side.
Example: 8 players x 100 pts divided by 2 = pts. per side. Side A gets 400 pts. Side B gets 400 pts.
Annual Light Troop Game Forces Allowed
Personalities with special "Pulp" characteristics.
Infernal devices and contraptions.
Light and/or irregular forces.
Mercenaries and/or private personal guards.
Garrison Infantry
Line Infantry (No more than 40% of total pts.)
Grenadier Companies Attached To Parent Battalions.
Chevaulegers
Dragoons
Horse Grenadiers Attached To Parent Regiment
Any Type Associated With Legions
Light Artillery no greater than 6 Pdrs.
Wagons, coaches, ammo wagons, treasure wagons, etc.
Classes: Poor, Trained and Veteran.
Clueless local population who may stir to action.
No armoured units.
No Household or Guards
No Grenadier Battalions
No units that have won elite status.
Imagineering Pulp Characteristics?
In the latter "Pulp" characteristics are mentioned. By this I mean special abilities "beyond the powers of mortal men" as the saying goes on the Superman TV series from the late 1950s and early 1960s.
De Winter might be good at suddenly vanishing if in a pickle. (Or minions suddenly appear to stop her demise or capture.)
Lady Pettygree has a terrific horse (a big Suren stallion with a mean look) and has "That Old Woman" who continually warns her of trouble - always ignored.
Cols. Enigma and Bauer should have special characteristics.
Pay points for each personality and for each characteristic too.
What?
For example:
Lady De Winter costs 10 pts.. One characteristic mentioned above costs 10 pts more = 20 pts.
Lady Pettygree costs 10 pts. Her stallion gets D6s for extra movement. Each D6 costs 10 pts. She buys 2D6s. Total cost = 30 pts.
Something like this?
BTW: I'm not talking lightning bolts, flying monkeys and dragons.
----------
----------
Maximum Pts./Game
All players times 300 divided by two = max. pts. per side.
Example: 8 players x 300 pts divided by 2 = 1,200 pts. per side. Side A gets 1,200 pts. Side B gets 1,200 pts.
Or about 50 points per foot of table length.
----------
----------
Annual Light Troop Game Max. Pts./Game
All players times 100 divided by two = max. pts. per side.
Example: 8 players x 100 pts divided by 2 = pts. per side. Side A gets 400 pts. Side B gets 400 pts.
Annual Light Troop Game Forces Allowed
Personalities with special "Pulp" characteristics.
Infernal devices and contraptions.
Light and/or irregular forces.
Mercenaries and/or private personal guards.
Garrison Infantry
Line Infantry (No more than 40% of total pts.)
Grenadier Companies Attached To Parent Battalions.
Chevaulegers
Dragoons
Horse Grenadiers Attached To Parent Regiment
Any Type Associated With Legions
Light Artillery no greater than 6 Pdrs.
Wagons, coaches, ammo wagons, treasure wagons, etc.
Classes: Poor, Trained and Veteran.
Clueless local population who may stir to action.
No armoured units.
No Household or Guards
No Grenadier Battalions
No units that have won elite status.
Imagineering Pulp Characteristics?
In the latter "Pulp" characteristics are mentioned. By this I mean special abilities "beyond the powers of mortal men" as the saying goes on the Superman TV series from the late 1950s and early 1960s.
De Winter might be good at suddenly vanishing if in a pickle. (Or minions suddenly appear to stop her demise or capture.)
Lady Pettygree has a terrific horse (a big Suren stallion with a mean look) and has "That Old Woman" who continually warns her of trouble - always ignored.
Cols. Enigma and Bauer should have special characteristics.
Pay points for each personality and for each characteristic too.
What?
For example:
Lady De Winter costs 10 pts.. One characteristic mentioned above costs 10 pts more = 20 pts.
Lady Pettygree costs 10 pts. Her stallion gets D6s for extra movement. Each D6 costs 10 pts. She buys 2D6s. Total cost = 30 pts.
Something like this?
BTW: I'm not talking lightning bolts, flying monkeys and dragons.
----------
LIST OF BATTLES AFTER #50
--------------------
#51 April 24, 2010 Fontenoy #3 (GALLIA)
Bill held Fontenoy and commanded the French Cavalry Reserve. Fun charge and deep penetration by the Royals, French that is. Randy pressed the Britannia left flank hard. Brent and Rolf held the French left.
--------------------
#52 June 22, 2010 (GALLIA/FRANKZONIA)
Tannesberg Mountain Pass/Defile Proxy Battle for Arthur John as Rebel CinC. Chuck as Frankzonian/Gallian CinC
--------------------
#53 August 28, 2010 (DRAW)
1762. Russia allies with Prussia. A weak Prussian Korps holds a hilly area waiting for a Russian Korps to arrive. Things are advantageous for the Austrians and French until they d0.
--------------------
#54 October 30, 2010 (ALLIANCE WON)
A two-hour warm-up game adapting Charles Grant, Jr. Table Top Teaser from Battlegames #23.
French versus Russians, French, Hanoverians and British. Fun. Cavalry only; 100 per side approx.
--------------------
#55 October 30, 2010 (GALLIA)
Korbach. Gallia won all along the line pushing Britannian, Hanoverian and Prussian units nearly off the Main Table.
--------------------
#56 December 4, 2010 (GERMANIA)
Light game at Randy and Sheryl's in Dekalb, IL. Hesse-Seewald successfully carried off supplies and Lady de Winter captured some VIPs though not Lady Diana Pettygree.
--------------------
#57 December 27, 2010 (GERMANIA)
At Chez Lake Forest at Jim's.
Austrians: Jim and Bill.
Prussians: Randy and Keith.
Prussian dawn raid ona sleepy Austrian post. Austrians taken almost totally unawares and soundly beaten.
--------------------
#58 January 29, 2011 (GERMANIA)
Annual Winter Terrain Game
The Great Redoubt 1761. Adapted from the French attack on the Raevsky Redoubt at Borodino in 1812.
--------------------
#59 May 7, 2011 (Prussians Win and French Win)
Battle of Colburgstadt. Russian naval descent failed to penetrate Prussian works near the port and retired to their ships. A half day's march away the Battle of Colburg Feld was also fought. A Prussian relief column was stopped in its attempt to relieve the city.
--------------------
#60 July 16, 2011 (Britannia)
British forces cross the T of three French columns of march. The main French column in the center was thrown back while the northern column was about to be though the southern column appeared to be holding itsw own.
----------------------------------
#61
----------
#51 April 24, 2010 Fontenoy #3 (GALLIA)
Bill held Fontenoy and commanded the French Cavalry Reserve. Fun charge and deep penetration by the Royals, French that is. Randy pressed the Britannia left flank hard. Brent and Rolf held the French left.
--------------------
#52 June 22, 2010 (GALLIA/FRANKZONIA)
Tannesberg Mountain Pass/Defile Proxy Battle for Arthur John as Rebel CinC. Chuck as Frankzonian/Gallian CinC
--------------------
#53 August 28, 2010 (DRAW)
1762. Russia allies with Prussia. A weak Prussian Korps holds a hilly area waiting for a Russian Korps to arrive. Things are advantageous for the Austrians and French until they d0.
--------------------
#54 October 30, 2010 (ALLIANCE WON)
A two-hour warm-up game adapting Charles Grant, Jr. Table Top Teaser from Battlegames #23.
French versus Russians, French, Hanoverians and British. Fun. Cavalry only; 100 per side approx.
--------------------
#55 October 30, 2010 (GALLIA)
Korbach. Gallia won all along the line pushing Britannian, Hanoverian and Prussian units nearly off the Main Table.
--------------------
#56 December 4, 2010 (GERMANIA)
Light game at Randy and Sheryl's in Dekalb, IL. Hesse-Seewald successfully carried off supplies and Lady de Winter captured some VIPs though not Lady Diana Pettygree.
--------------------
#57 December 27, 2010 (GERMANIA)
At Chez Lake Forest at Jim's.
Austrians: Jim and Bill.
Prussians: Randy and Keith.
Prussian dawn raid ona sleepy Austrian post. Austrians taken almost totally unawares and soundly beaten.
--------------------
#58 January 29, 2011 (GERMANIA)
Annual Winter Terrain Game
The Great Redoubt 1761. Adapted from the French attack on the Raevsky Redoubt at Borodino in 1812.
--------------------
#59 May 7, 2011 (Prussians Win and French Win)
Battle of Colburgstadt. Russian naval descent failed to penetrate Prussian works near the port and retired to their ships. A half day's march away the Battle of Colburg Feld was also fought. A Prussian relief column was stopped in its attempt to relieve the city.
--------------------
#60 July 16, 2011 (Britannia)
British forces cross the T of three French columns of march. The main French column in the center was thrown back while the northern column was about to be though the southern column appeared to be holding itsw own.
----------------------------------
#61
----------
LIST OF FIRST 50 TABLETOP BATTLES
More information to be added.
---------------------------------------
#1 Mai 28, 1755/2005
Grösser Jungsdorf {GERMANIA}
Named after Peter Young
---------------------------------------
#2 Juli 16, 1755/2005
Der Federstein {INCONCLUSIVE}
Named after Don Featherstone
----------------------------------------
#3 August 27, 1755/2005
Scrubieville {GERMANIA}
Named after Jack Scruby
---------------------------------------------
#4 October 22, 1755/2005
Fontenoy #1 {GALLIA}
Jim wanted to try Fontenoy from The War of The Austrian Succession
---------------------------------------------
#5 November 5, 1755/2005
Fontenoy #2 {GALLIA}
This was the Rock Con OSW War-Game.We did not count this one in our standings because we thought we might get a lot of convention players without SYW experience. But, it went just fine with Mike Taber and Patrick Lewis.
--------------------------------------------
#6 Januar 07, 1756/2006
Obensburg{GALLIA}
Bill had just read an account of Hastenbeck. The Obensburg was where the French attack went into the Hanoverian left rear.
----------------------------------------------
#7 Februar 11, 1756/2006
Grantenfeld {INCONCLUSIVE}
Named after Charles Grant, Sr.
----------------------------------------------
#8 Marz 25, 1756/2006
Süd Bendt #1 [GERMANIA}
OSW war-game at the Seven Years' War Assn. Convention in South Bend, Indiana.Bill decided to count it in the standings because of the expertise of the players.
------------------------------------------------
#9 Avril 22, 2006/1756
Heinrich {Germania)
Same map as Süd Bendt but Jim gets +5% purchase points for his prior victory in March. We did not count this one because ther were fewer SYW knowledgeable players at this game put on at Little Wars.
--------------------------------------------------
#10 Juli 22, 1756/2006
Fulda Gap Screen Battle(Germania)
Light Troop Battle
------------------
#11 Juli 22, 1756/2006
Fulda Gap Main Battle (Germania)
Lt. Gen. Chevert failed to break through the Fulda Gap into Hesse-Seewald.
--------------------------------------------------
#12 Août 19, 1756/2006
Hamelburg {Draw}
Second Largest Battle Ever.Der Erbprinz failed to push Lt. Gen. Chevert out of his blocking position west of Fulda.
------------------------
#13 September 23, 1756/2006
Lundstadt/Pettstadt (Germania)
Largeset Battle Bar None at the Lincolnshore Resort. Der Erbprinz eeks out a victory.
1st BIG BATTALION GAME hosted by Der Alte Fritz at the Lincolnshire, IL Marriott Resort.
-----------------------------
#14 November 4, 2006
Lobositz (Gallia)
Rock Con.
A ton of fun with lots of back and forth cavalry penetrations, routs, rally backs and recoveries.
----------------------------
#15 December 30, 2006
Mollwitz #1 (Germania)
--------------------------
#16 January 27, 1757/2007
Sägemühle (Gallia)
A Charles Grant Scenarioesque Battle at Jim's.
Small BAR wargame.
------------------------------
#17 March 3, 1757/2007
Mitchellstadt (Germania)
Honoring the late Jim Mitchell.
------------------------------
#18 April 14, 1757/2007
Sittangbad IV (Germania)
Little Wars
------------------------
#19 March 24, 1757/2007
Mitchellfeld (Gallia)
Seven Years' War Association Show Gallian Victory
Honoring the late Jim Mitchell.
----------------------
#20 June 9, 1757/2007
Gütersloh (Gallia)
De Broglie vs Granby Gallian Victory
----------------------
#21 August 4, 1757/2007
Salzungen (Germania)
----------------------
#22 October 13, 1757/1757
Preisserstadt (Gallia
2nd. BIG BATTALION GAME hosted by Der Alte Fritz at the Lincolnshire, IL Marriott Resort.
--------------------
#23 November 3, 1757/2007
Dithersdorf (Gallia)
------------------------
#24 December 1, 1757/2007
Langsdorf(Germania)
-----------------------------
#25 January 19, 1758/2008
Mühlenberg(Gallia)
Small BAR wargame.
----------------------------
#26 March 8, 1758/2008
Ritterbrucke (Germania)
Germanian cavalry comes of age by routing the flower of the Gallian cavalry from the battlefield
----------------------------
#27 March 29, 1758/2008
Battle name = ? (Victor = ?)
25th Annual Seven Years' War Association Gathering
-----------------------------
#28 May 3, 1758/2008
Prestonpans (Jacobite)
The Camerons save the day on the right flank by stopping an attempted Government cavalry breakthrough. Lord Talisker and the McDonnells overwhelm the Government forces on the Jacobite left flank.
-----------------------------
#29 June 8, 1758/2008.
Gabrus Bay (Gallia)
Amphibious landing.
See Brent's battle report at bottom of the blog.
-----------------------------
#30 June 8, 1758/2008.
Oberon (Germania)
---------------------------
#31 July 12, 1758/2008
Carmudgeon (Jacobite)
Jacobites storm the village and cross the stream. A spirited cavalry charge by Govt. forces onto the bridge nearly collapsed the Jacobite right flank. Govt. forces were thereafter pushed into their works and finally inside Carmudgeon Castle. A call to surrender was refused denying Prince Charlie the supplies and munitions in the magazine needed to strengthen his cause.
---------------------------
Historicom Set Of Games
~~
#32 July 24. 1758/2008 (Germania)
Winter terrain somewhere in Silesia.
~~
#33 July 25, 1758/2008 (Gallia)
~~
#34 July 26, 1758/2008 (Gallia)
Played length-wise. Respective advance guards held or assaulted a central hill position. The hill was made from towels shaped and spread out under our terrain cloth. Massive cavalry battle on the Gallian right flank side-table.
---------------------------
#35 October 11, 1758/2008
Freiberg (Germania)
Classic attack en echelon results in a convincing Germanian victory after they break through the center of the Gallian line, in a disguised refight of the 2nd Day at Gettysburg.
3rd. BIG BATTALION GAME hosted by Der Alte Fritz at the Lincolnshire, IL Marriott Resort.
---------------------------
#36 October 24, 1758/2008
Taberberg (Gallia)
Rock Con.
-------------------------------
#37 November 15, 1758/2008
Steinkreisdorf (Gallia)
Millennium Con, Austin, Texas
---------------------------------
#38 December 06, 1758/2008
Bettendorf (Germania)
Jim Harms commanding for Germania.
Kleine Krieg #1
-----------------------------
#39 December 27, 1758/2008
Remstadt (Gallia)
At Chateau Purky.
------------------
#40 February 7, 1759/2009
Lobositz #2 (DRAW?)
Little Wars
------------------------
#41 February 28, 1759/2009
Leuthen (The Imperium/Austria)
Unique/lovely/inspiring winter terrain.
-------------------------
#42 March 21, 1759/2009
Schlafenplatz (Britannia/Brunswick)
BYOB/Bring Your Own Brigade, Battalion, etc.
A Charles Grant Teaser
The Britannian Convoy escaped with dreadful losses to protecting soldiers. Lucky to get away. A superior scenario. Must do this one again.
At 26th Seven Years' War Association Gathering.
-------------------------
#43 May 9, 1759/2009
Culwhinic Moor (Britannia)
See Game #31. The Jacobites were ready to storm
Carmudgeon Castle to gain supplies and weapons. However, a Govt. Relief Col. arrived. Prince Charles took most of his command to engage the British. The latter attacked him gaining villages on each flank and a pyrric victory. Jacobites = Jim and Randy. Brits. = Bill and Keith.
-----------------------
#44 (August 1, 2009)
Minden 250th (Gallia)
Mostly a simulation. Britannian and Hanoverian infantry threw back four cavalry charges but lost the wings.
----------------------
#45 (October 10, 2009)
Schaumburg (INCONCLUSIVE)
4th Annual BIG Battalion Game hosted by Der Alte Fritz.
At Kieth's home on three 6'x24' tables.
----------------------
#46 (December 5, 1759/2009)
Brittlestadt (Germania)
Kleine Krieg # 2
-------------------------
#47 January 23, 2010
Russians in the SNOW!
Jim's gorgeous winter terrain.
Winterfeldt (Germania)
-----------------------
#48 February 20, 2010
Mollwitz #1 (Test of scenario)
--------------------
#49 March 26, 2010
Leuthen (GERMANIA)
2010 Seven Years' War Assn. Show
--------------------
#50 March 27, 2010
Mollwitz (GERMANIA?)
2010 Seven Years' War Assn. Show
--------------------
---------------------------------------
#1 Mai 28, 1755/2005
Grösser Jungsdorf {GERMANIA}
Named after Peter Young
---------------------------------------
#2 Juli 16, 1755/2005
Der Federstein {INCONCLUSIVE}
Named after Don Featherstone
----------------------------------------
#3 August 27, 1755/2005
Scrubieville {GERMANIA}
Named after Jack Scruby
---------------------------------------------
#4 October 22, 1755/2005
Fontenoy #1 {GALLIA}
Jim wanted to try Fontenoy from The War of The Austrian Succession
---------------------------------------------
#5 November 5, 1755/2005
Fontenoy #2 {GALLIA}
This was the Rock Con OSW War-Game.We did not count this one in our standings because we thought we might get a lot of convention players without SYW experience. But, it went just fine with Mike Taber and Patrick Lewis.
--------------------------------------------
#6 Januar 07, 1756/2006
Obensburg{GALLIA}
Bill had just read an account of Hastenbeck. The Obensburg was where the French attack went into the Hanoverian left rear.
----------------------------------------------
#7 Februar 11, 1756/2006
Grantenfeld {INCONCLUSIVE}
Named after Charles Grant, Sr.
----------------------------------------------
#8 Marz 25, 1756/2006
Süd Bendt #1 [GERMANIA}
OSW war-game at the Seven Years' War Assn. Convention in South Bend, Indiana.Bill decided to count it in the standings because of the expertise of the players.
------------------------------------------------
#9 Avril 22, 2006/1756
Heinrich {Germania)
Same map as Süd Bendt but Jim gets +5% purchase points for his prior victory in March. We did not count this one because ther were fewer SYW knowledgeable players at this game put on at Little Wars.
--------------------------------------------------
#10 Juli 22, 1756/2006
Fulda Gap Screen Battle(Germania)
Light Troop Battle
------------------
#11 Juli 22, 1756/2006
Fulda Gap Main Battle (Germania)
Lt. Gen. Chevert failed to break through the Fulda Gap into Hesse-Seewald.
--------------------------------------------------
#12 Août 19, 1756/2006
Hamelburg {Draw}
Second Largest Battle Ever.Der Erbprinz failed to push Lt. Gen. Chevert out of his blocking position west of Fulda.
------------------------
#13 September 23, 1756/2006
Lundstadt/Pettstadt (Germania)
Largeset Battle Bar None at the Lincolnshore Resort. Der Erbprinz eeks out a victory.
1st BIG BATTALION GAME hosted by Der Alte Fritz at the Lincolnshire, IL Marriott Resort.
-----------------------------
#14 November 4, 2006
Lobositz (Gallia)
Rock Con.
A ton of fun with lots of back and forth cavalry penetrations, routs, rally backs and recoveries.
----------------------------
#15 December 30, 2006
Mollwitz #1 (Germania)
--------------------------
#16 January 27, 1757/2007
Sägemühle (Gallia)
A Charles Grant Scenarioesque Battle at Jim's.
Small BAR wargame.
------------------------------
#17 March 3, 1757/2007
Mitchellstadt (Germania)
Honoring the late Jim Mitchell.
------------------------------
#18 April 14, 1757/2007
Sittangbad IV (Germania)
Little Wars
------------------------
#19 March 24, 1757/2007
Mitchellfeld (Gallia)
Seven Years' War Association Show Gallian Victory
Honoring the late Jim Mitchell.
----------------------
#20 June 9, 1757/2007
Gütersloh (Gallia)
De Broglie vs Granby Gallian Victory
----------------------
#21 August 4, 1757/2007
Salzungen (Germania)
----------------------
#22 October 13, 1757/1757
Preisserstadt (Gallia
2nd. BIG BATTALION GAME hosted by Der Alte Fritz at the Lincolnshire, IL Marriott Resort.
--------------------
#23 November 3, 1757/2007
Dithersdorf (Gallia)
------------------------
#24 December 1, 1757/2007
Langsdorf(Germania)
-----------------------------
#25 January 19, 1758/2008
Mühlenberg(Gallia)
Small BAR wargame.
----------------------------
#26 March 8, 1758/2008
Ritterbrucke (Germania)
Germanian cavalry comes of age by routing the flower of the Gallian cavalry from the battlefield
----------------------------
#27 March 29, 1758/2008
Battle name = ? (Victor = ?)
25th Annual Seven Years' War Association Gathering
-----------------------------
#28 May 3, 1758/2008
Prestonpans (Jacobite)
The Camerons save the day on the right flank by stopping an attempted Government cavalry breakthrough. Lord Talisker and the McDonnells overwhelm the Government forces on the Jacobite left flank.
-----------------------------
#29 June 8, 1758/2008.
Gabrus Bay (Gallia)
Amphibious landing.
See Brent's battle report at bottom of the blog.
-----------------------------
#30 June 8, 1758/2008.
Oberon (Germania)
---------------------------
#31 July 12, 1758/2008
Carmudgeon (Jacobite)
Jacobites storm the village and cross the stream. A spirited cavalry charge by Govt. forces onto the bridge nearly collapsed the Jacobite right flank. Govt. forces were thereafter pushed into their works and finally inside Carmudgeon Castle. A call to surrender was refused denying Prince Charlie the supplies and munitions in the magazine needed to strengthen his cause.
---------------------------
Historicom Set Of Games
~~
#32 July 24. 1758/2008 (Germania)
Winter terrain somewhere in Silesia.
~~
#33 July 25, 1758/2008 (Gallia)
~~
#34 July 26, 1758/2008 (Gallia)
Played length-wise. Respective advance guards held or assaulted a central hill position. The hill was made from towels shaped and spread out under our terrain cloth. Massive cavalry battle on the Gallian right flank side-table.
---------------------------
#35 October 11, 1758/2008
Freiberg (Germania)
Classic attack en echelon results in a convincing Germanian victory after they break through the center of the Gallian line, in a disguised refight of the 2nd Day at Gettysburg.
3rd. BIG BATTALION GAME hosted by Der Alte Fritz at the Lincolnshire, IL Marriott Resort.
---------------------------
#36 October 24, 1758/2008
Taberberg (Gallia)
Rock Con.
-------------------------------
#37 November 15, 1758/2008
Steinkreisdorf (Gallia)
Millennium Con, Austin, Texas
---------------------------------
#38 December 06, 1758/2008
Bettendorf (Germania)
Jim Harms commanding for Germania.
Kleine Krieg #1
-----------------------------
#39 December 27, 1758/2008
Remstadt (Gallia)
At Chateau Purky.
------------------
#40 February 7, 1759/2009
Lobositz #2 (DRAW?)
Little Wars
------------------------
#41 February 28, 1759/2009
Leuthen (The Imperium/Austria)
Unique/lovely/inspiring winter terrain.
-------------------------
#42 March 21, 1759/2009
Schlafenplatz (Britannia/Brunswick)
BYOB/Bring Your Own Brigade, Battalion, etc.
A Charles Grant Teaser
The Britannian Convoy escaped with dreadful losses to protecting soldiers. Lucky to get away. A superior scenario. Must do this one again.
At 26th Seven Years' War Association Gathering.
-------------------------
#43 May 9, 1759/2009
Culwhinic Moor (Britannia)
See Game #31. The Jacobites were ready to storm
Carmudgeon Castle to gain supplies and weapons. However, a Govt. Relief Col. arrived. Prince Charles took most of his command to engage the British. The latter attacked him gaining villages on each flank and a pyrric victory. Jacobites = Jim and Randy. Brits. = Bill and Keith.
-----------------------
#44 (August 1, 2009)
Minden 250th (Gallia)
Mostly a simulation. Britannian and Hanoverian infantry threw back four cavalry charges but lost the wings.
----------------------
#45 (October 10, 2009)
Schaumburg (INCONCLUSIVE)
4th Annual BIG Battalion Game hosted by Der Alte Fritz.
At Kieth's home on three 6'x24' tables.
----------------------
#46 (December 5, 1759/2009)
Brittlestadt (Germania)
Kleine Krieg # 2
-------------------------
#47 January 23, 2010
Russians in the SNOW!
Jim's gorgeous winter terrain.
Winterfeldt (Germania)
-----------------------
#48 February 20, 2010
Mollwitz #1 (Test of scenario)
--------------------
#49 March 26, 2010
Leuthen (GERMANIA)
2010 Seven Years' War Assn. Show
--------------------
#50 March 27, 2010
Mollwitz (GERMANIA?)
2010 Seven Years' War Assn. Show
--------------------
Characters Associated With Gallia And Allies
----------
PERSONALITIES OF GALLIA (FRANCE), THE IMPERIUM (AUSTRIA) AND SAXE RASCHSTEIN (SAXONY) and some for GERMANIA AND BRITANNIA too.
----------
ROYALTY:
Gallian King: l'Roy Louis XV
Brother: Comte de Provence (Brigade des Carabiniers)
Brother In Law: Prinz Wilhelm von Saxe-Raschstein (Saxony)
Prinzessin Mercedes: Louis XV's Sister, Prinz Wilhelm's Wife (Saxony)
Imperium Empress: Maria Theresa
l'Comte de Albany aka Prince Charles Edward Stuart
~~
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS:
Gallian Ministère des Affaires étrangères: Prince de Charade
Charade's Secretary: Bernard
Gallian Minister of War: l'Duc de Formidable
Gallian Diplomat: l'Comte de Legerdemain
Gallian Diplomat: l'Comte de Rapprochement
Gallian Diplomat: l'Chevalier du Nord
du Nord's ADC: Renard
Rapprochement's Doorward: Pierre La Port
Saxe-Raschstein Prime Minister: Graf von Bruhl
Imperium Foreign Minister: Count von Kaunitz
Gallia: Lt. Col. Gerard Etienne Enigma
Governor-General/Fortress of Louisbourg: l'Duc de Silhouette
Intendant: l'Comte de Bastille (Frankfurt Am Main Magazine)
~~
COURTIERS:
Lady Diana Pettygree (Britannian emigré from the Channel Island Pettygree; her father a Jacobite sympathizer)
Pettygree's Maid: Catherine
Pettygree's Valet: Henri (missing in Germania in 1756 now returned)
Lady Cherish Masquerade
Lady Belle Silhouette
Master Pastry Chef Jacques Torres
Express: Pettygree's robust stallion.
Siren: Masquerade's filly
~~
SENIOR OFFICERS:
Gallian Marshall l'Duc de Broglie
Gallian Lieutenant General Chevert
Gallian Lieutenant General l'Duc de Poyanne
Gallian Lieutenant General Audace (Audacious cavalry commander)
Gallian Lieutenant General Panache
Gallian Lieutenant General Pierre l'Duc de Galantier (King's nephew)
Gallian Admiral Suthren
Gallian Flag Capitaine Aigle
Saxe-Raschstein General Major von Nostitz
Saxe-Raschstein General Major Graf zu Solms
Imperium Marshall von Browne
Imperium General von Schwarzenegger
~~
OTHER OFFICERS:
Brig. J.C. Fischer (Fischer Legion)
Col. Mirage
Col. Bercheney (Bercheney Hussars)
Rittmeister von Schill (von Schill Hussars von Saxe Raschstein)
Leutnant Blitzen: ADC (Prinz Albrecht Chevaulegers von Saxe-Raschstein)
Kapitan von Bock: Saxe-Raschstein Rutowski Chevaulegers
l'Capitaine Gardier: Officer in charge of Pettygree's cavalry escort
Capitaine Acheron de Vinnie (Compagnies franches de la Marine)
Capitaine Tojour (Compagnies franches de la Marine)
l'Capitaine: Captain of 40 gun figate l'Vengeance
Enseigne Bargot: Ensign aboard l'Vengeance
Lieutenant Gregorie: Lieutenat aboard Gallian galley at Le Havre
Henri l'Comte de Ste. Germain: Port Admiral Le Havre
Bernard-Louis: Admiral Ste. Germain's Secretairie
l'Capitaine Briege: Captain of Rhapsodie 36, burned in Tradgardland harbor
~~
OTHERS:
Cardinal Richilieu
THAT WOMAN: Mysterious, one-eyed, elderly and peasant dressed offering advice to Pettygree. She appears at propitious moments and vanishes in an instant.
Admiral Suthren's Coxswain
~~
GALLIAN SHIPS
Impenetrable (74)
l'Vengeance (40) VERY FAST!!!
Rhapsodie (36) sunk in Tradgardstadt Harbor at anchor
Alerte (20)Dispatch vessel
Rascalle (12) Packet Ship
A Galley (?) on the Seine between Le Havre and Versailles)
~~
GERMANIA
Colonel von Bungle (IR#1 von Bungle)
General Major von Schwerpunkt
Prinz Wilhelm von Pröc (Protzdam Guard Grenadiers)
~~
BRITANNIA
~~
TRADGARDLAND
Duke Karl Frederick
Duchess Liv
Alisona (Daughter of Duke Karl Frederick and Duches Liv)
Diplomat von Bergmann
Diplomat Captain Anders (Posted At Ny Tradgardland)
----------
Unused Names:
l'Comte de Courage
Deception
Cursarius (Runner/Raider)
Flabergast
Intrigue
Punctillious
Inuendo
Chaos
von Blast
von Bluster
von Blunder
von Brittle
-------------
l'Capitaine Briege: Captain of Rhapsodie 36, burned in Tradgardstadt Harbor, Tradgardland. He was cashiered for losing his ship, thrown in the Bastille back in Gallia and afterwards secretly offered an opportunity to restore his honor. The Gallian Foreign Ministry invited him to stay in the Bastille or serve as a supernumerary in the de Saxe Lanciers. The latter is commanded by Capitaine Gardier (Officer in charge of Pettygree's cavalry escort - the de Saxe Lancers/Lanciers.) The Foreign Ministry and Monsieur Briege (lost his naval captaincy) are aware of snippets of information about a black carriage sighted in Germania and near the burning of Rhapsodie in Tradgardland associated with mysterious occurrences of an anti-Gallian nature. Briege accepted the offer to serve with the de Saxe Lanciers whose secondary mission is to find the black carriage and....Briege is eager to serve that cause for obvious reasons. Lt. Col, Enigma knows all the above and is part of the mission too. Maybe he is in charge of it. Who knows? He is often riding with Diana Pettygree when she is in Germania.
PERSONALITIES OF GALLIA (FRANCE), THE IMPERIUM (AUSTRIA) AND SAXE RASCHSTEIN (SAXONY) and some for GERMANIA AND BRITANNIA too.
----------
ROYALTY:
Gallian King: l'Roy Louis XV
Brother: Comte de Provence (Brigade des Carabiniers)
Brother In Law: Prinz Wilhelm von Saxe-Raschstein (Saxony)
Prinzessin Mercedes: Louis XV's Sister, Prinz Wilhelm's Wife (Saxony)
Imperium Empress: Maria Theresa
l'Comte de Albany aka Prince Charles Edward Stuart
~~
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS:
Gallian Ministère des Affaires étrangères: Prince de Charade
Charade's Secretary: Bernard
Gallian Minister of War: l'Duc de Formidable
Gallian Diplomat: l'Comte de Legerdemain
Gallian Diplomat: l'Comte de Rapprochement
Gallian Diplomat: l'Chevalier du Nord
du Nord's ADC: Renard
Rapprochement's Doorward: Pierre La Port
Saxe-Raschstein Prime Minister: Graf von Bruhl
Imperium Foreign Minister: Count von Kaunitz
Gallia: Lt. Col. Gerard Etienne Enigma
Governor-General/Fortress of Louisbourg: l'Duc de Silhouette
Intendant: l'Comte de Bastille (Frankfurt Am Main Magazine)
~~
COURTIERS:
Lady Diana Pettygree (Britannian emigré from the Channel Island Pettygree; her father a Jacobite sympathizer)
Pettygree's Maid: Catherine
Pettygree's Valet: Henri (missing in Germania in 1756 now returned)
Lady Cherish Masquerade
Lady Belle Silhouette
Master Pastry Chef Jacques Torres
Express: Pettygree's robust stallion.
Siren: Masquerade's filly
~~
SENIOR OFFICERS:
Gallian Marshall l'Duc de Broglie
Gallian Lieutenant General Chevert
Gallian Lieutenant General l'Duc de Poyanne
Gallian Lieutenant General Audace (Audacious cavalry commander)
Gallian Lieutenant General Panache
Gallian Lieutenant General Pierre l'Duc de Galantier (King's nephew)
Gallian Admiral Suthren
Gallian Flag Capitaine Aigle
Saxe-Raschstein General Major von Nostitz
Saxe-Raschstein General Major Graf zu Solms
Imperium Marshall von Browne
Imperium General von Schwarzenegger
~~
OTHER OFFICERS:
Brig. J.C. Fischer (Fischer Legion)
Col. Mirage
Col. Bercheney (Bercheney Hussars)
Rittmeister von Schill (von Schill Hussars von Saxe Raschstein)
Leutnant Blitzen: ADC (Prinz Albrecht Chevaulegers von Saxe-Raschstein)
Kapitan von Bock: Saxe-Raschstein Rutowski Chevaulegers
l'Capitaine Gardier: Officer in charge of Pettygree's cavalry escort
Capitaine Acheron de Vinnie (Compagnies franches de la Marine)
Capitaine Tojour (Compagnies franches de la Marine)
l'Capitaine: Captain of 40 gun figate l'Vengeance
Enseigne Bargot: Ensign aboard l'Vengeance
Lieutenant Gregorie: Lieutenat aboard Gallian galley at Le Havre
Henri l'Comte de Ste. Germain: Port Admiral Le Havre
Bernard-Louis: Admiral Ste. Germain's Secretairie
l'Capitaine Briege: Captain of Rhapsodie 36, burned in Tradgardland harbor
~~
OTHERS:
Cardinal Richilieu
THAT WOMAN: Mysterious, one-eyed, elderly and peasant dressed offering advice to Pettygree. She appears at propitious moments and vanishes in an instant.
Admiral Suthren's Coxswain
~~
GALLIAN SHIPS
Impenetrable (74)
l'Vengeance (40) VERY FAST!!!
Rhapsodie (36) sunk in Tradgardstadt Harbor at anchor
Alerte (20)Dispatch vessel
Rascalle (12) Packet Ship
A Galley (?) on the Seine between Le Havre and Versailles)
~~
GERMANIA
Colonel von Bungle (IR#1 von Bungle)
General Major von Schwerpunkt
Prinz Wilhelm von Pröc (Protzdam Guard Grenadiers)
~~
BRITANNIA
~~
TRADGARDLAND
Duke Karl Frederick
Duchess Liv
Alisona (Daughter of Duke Karl Frederick and Duches Liv)
Diplomat von Bergmann
Diplomat Captain Anders (Posted At Ny Tradgardland)
----------
Unused Names:
l'Comte de Courage
Deception
Cursarius (Runner/Raider)
Flabergast
Intrigue
Punctillious
Inuendo
Chaos
von Blast
von Bluster
von Blunder
von Brittle
-------------
l'Capitaine Briege: Captain of Rhapsodie 36, burned in Tradgardstadt Harbor, Tradgardland. He was cashiered for losing his ship, thrown in the Bastille back in Gallia and afterwards secretly offered an opportunity to restore his honor. The Gallian Foreign Ministry invited him to stay in the Bastille or serve as a supernumerary in the de Saxe Lanciers. The latter is commanded by Capitaine Gardier (Officer in charge of Pettygree's cavalry escort - the de Saxe Lancers/Lanciers.) The Foreign Ministry and Monsieur Briege (lost his naval captaincy) are aware of snippets of information about a black carriage sighted in Germania and near the burning of Rhapsodie in Tradgardland associated with mysterious occurrences of an anti-Gallian nature. Briege accepted the offer to serve with the de Saxe Lanciers whose secondary mission is to find the black carriage and....Briege is eager to serve that cause for obvious reasons. Lt. Col, Enigma knows all the above and is part of the mission too. Maybe he is in charge of it. Who knows? He is often riding with Diana Pettygree when she is in Germania.
Battle of Gabrus Bay: 7 June 1758/2008
Report from Brent O.
It was predawn on June 7, and the sky was just starting to lighten. Aboard the troop transports the enlisted men were being herded by junior officers and NCO’s through the mess for a cold breakfast, and then by companies to the ships side to be given a gin ration, after which it was over the sides to the landing barges. The fortress of Louisbourg was visible by the thin light, and whitecaps in Gabrus Bay glistened against the backdrop of the dark forest. The men of the provincial New Jersey Blues, a battalion of colonial rangers, the Highland battalion, and the converged Grenadier companies were sluggish with sleep and apprehensive about the upcoming action.
In the company of General Wolfe in the main transport’s cabin, the ranking officers were in a buoyant mood. Excited about the prospects of the upcoming day of combat, the chance at fame and advancement, they tried to act calm as they enjoyed their warm breakfast. Oh, the glorious day!
On shore, the men of the regimets of Bearn and La Reine rested behind their log and earth breastworks, peering at the outline of the Bristish fleet outside of Gabrus Bay. The artillery officers made sure that the shot and powder were ready to hand, anticipating plenty of targets if the British tried a landing on the beach.
On the heights outside of the city, the converged battalion of Troops de la Marine waited. They had the best view of all the men awaiting battle. In the woods below, the Huron allies sat in groups of friends and relatives, telling stories of their deeds of valor and the bravery of their ancestors.
Finally, on the far side of the Bay a company of the Berry regiment manned the blockhouse.
All in all, it was a very confident group of French and their allies, dug in and fortified, awaiting the British aggressors.
As the first wave of barges entered the bay, the four French four-pounders opened up. Several incoming landing barges were hit by round shot. All of these suffered damage, while three sank. One company of the Jersey Blues had many men drown as the landing barge they were on sank forty yards off shore in the turbulent water! But the British came on, and the men off-loaded onto the beach and formed up.
On the British right, and nearest the road to the Fortress of Louisbourg, the Jersey Blues assembled and advanced on the woods and the road to Louisbourg. They encountered fire from a battery in the woods to their front, and from a battery on the left flank of a redoubt to the front of the Bay.
On the British left the converged Grenadiers advanced in open order by company on the redoubts to the front of the Bay. They were under fire from the two batteries sheltered in these redoubts. As the Grenadiers got close to the redoubts, the men of the La Reine regiment and two companies of the Berry regiment rose up behind their redoubts and opened fire. The Grenadiers were staggered, but kept coming.
The New Jersey Blues took fire from the Huron at the woods edge, but followed their orders and advanced to a fire fight at point blank range. They bravely accepted fire down their flank from the four-pounder at the redoubts edge, and then stood under more flanking fire from two companies of the Berry regiment who stood up at the ramparts edge and opened fire.
More landing barges were coming in, bringing in more Grenadiers, the Highlander battalion, and the large Ranger battalion. But the first wave of Grenadiers had had enough. They had bravely advanced on the redoubts to point blank range, only to find themselves outnumbered two- or three- to one by the fortified regiments of La Reine and Berry, besides taking fire from two four-pounders at close canister range. The converged Grenadiers broke and ran to the boats at the beach.
The New Jersey Blues had also had enough. Theirs was a close-run fire fight, for the Huron were staggered by the exchange as well. Both forces were well blooded, and seemed visibly waivering. But the Huron stayed in the fray at the woods edge, whilst the Jersey Blues ran back to the beach – first in ones and twos, but what started a trickle rapidly became a flood.
The Highland battalion had formed up on the beach, and advanced in excellent order on the redoubt held by the Berry regiment. The sides exchanged fire at close range, and many men on both sides fell from the fire. But the men of Berry held.
On the right of the British line the provincial Ranger battalion advanced on the high hill, now visibly occupied by the Troops de la Marine, who poured a vigorous fire onto the beach. The Rangers and the de la Marines exchanged a heated fire, but since the Rangers were in dispersed order and the Marines were partially concealed in the woods, small casualties resulted from the large smoke and din.
As these firefights went on, the senior British officers did all they could to rally the broken first wave of the Grenadiers and Jersey Blues; alternately cursing, cajoling, promising reward and then punishment. But the men refused to obey orders to form ranks, instead milling about in a mob, running from one place to another.
Wolfe had seen enough. The recall was sounded, and the entire detachment of barges headed empty back to shore to pick up the remnants of the battalions that had landed so bravely only hours before.
The French stayed in their positions and jeered the British, content to have held off the landing force, and naively trusting the British would now go home. And the Huron followed their time honored practice of collecting the prizes of victory, seizing weapons and clothing to take back to their villages, and captives to exchange for gifts and weapons with the French.
Comments from a player: This was a very fun scenario. The percentage of each French unit that actually participated was randomly determined, with a possible range of army strength from roughly 6o some men to around 150. This represented differing decisions by the Governor of Louisbourg. Historically, the Governor didn’t defend against the landings aggressively, but kept his strength in the fortified town. However, for this game, the French aggressively defended against the landings.
The British had to make their plan not knowing whether there would be a token or fierce resistance, and had to proceed with their plan for many game turns before the strength of the French forces became evident - here were many French in excellent positions. The British players did this wonderfully, and held to their plan until the units they commanded broke and would not rally.
It was a very different game than most mid-eighteenth century ones. The French artillery opened effective fire on landing barges on turn one! This alone was worth attending for. But the whole scenario was well done. Given the variable French strength, this scenario could be played again without modification. My hat is off to [Bill] for a fine scenario, and a fine game.
Many thanks Brent for a great report and taking the time to write it.
It was predawn on June 7, and the sky was just starting to lighten. Aboard the troop transports the enlisted men were being herded by junior officers and NCO’s through the mess for a cold breakfast, and then by companies to the ships side to be given a gin ration, after which it was over the sides to the landing barges. The fortress of Louisbourg was visible by the thin light, and whitecaps in Gabrus Bay glistened against the backdrop of the dark forest. The men of the provincial New Jersey Blues, a battalion of colonial rangers, the Highland battalion, and the converged Grenadier companies were sluggish with sleep and apprehensive about the upcoming action.
In the company of General Wolfe in the main transport’s cabin, the ranking officers were in a buoyant mood. Excited about the prospects of the upcoming day of combat, the chance at fame and advancement, they tried to act calm as they enjoyed their warm breakfast. Oh, the glorious day!
On shore, the men of the regimets of Bearn and La Reine rested behind their log and earth breastworks, peering at the outline of the Bristish fleet outside of Gabrus Bay. The artillery officers made sure that the shot and powder were ready to hand, anticipating plenty of targets if the British tried a landing on the beach.
On the heights outside of the city, the converged battalion of Troops de la Marine waited. They had the best view of all the men awaiting battle. In the woods below, the Huron allies sat in groups of friends and relatives, telling stories of their deeds of valor and the bravery of their ancestors.
Finally, on the far side of the Bay a company of the Berry regiment manned the blockhouse.
All in all, it was a very confident group of French and their allies, dug in and fortified, awaiting the British aggressors.
As the first wave of barges entered the bay, the four French four-pounders opened up. Several incoming landing barges were hit by round shot. All of these suffered damage, while three sank. One company of the Jersey Blues had many men drown as the landing barge they were on sank forty yards off shore in the turbulent water! But the British came on, and the men off-loaded onto the beach and formed up.
On the British right, and nearest the road to the Fortress of Louisbourg, the Jersey Blues assembled and advanced on the woods and the road to Louisbourg. They encountered fire from a battery in the woods to their front, and from a battery on the left flank of a redoubt to the front of the Bay.
On the British left the converged Grenadiers advanced in open order by company on the redoubts to the front of the Bay. They were under fire from the two batteries sheltered in these redoubts. As the Grenadiers got close to the redoubts, the men of the La Reine regiment and two companies of the Berry regiment rose up behind their redoubts and opened fire. The Grenadiers were staggered, but kept coming.
The New Jersey Blues took fire from the Huron at the woods edge, but followed their orders and advanced to a fire fight at point blank range. They bravely accepted fire down their flank from the four-pounder at the redoubts edge, and then stood under more flanking fire from two companies of the Berry regiment who stood up at the ramparts edge and opened fire.
More landing barges were coming in, bringing in more Grenadiers, the Highlander battalion, and the large Ranger battalion. But the first wave of Grenadiers had had enough. They had bravely advanced on the redoubts to point blank range, only to find themselves outnumbered two- or three- to one by the fortified regiments of La Reine and Berry, besides taking fire from two four-pounders at close canister range. The converged Grenadiers broke and ran to the boats at the beach.
The New Jersey Blues had also had enough. Theirs was a close-run fire fight, for the Huron were staggered by the exchange as well. Both forces were well blooded, and seemed visibly waivering. But the Huron stayed in the fray at the woods edge, whilst the Jersey Blues ran back to the beach – first in ones and twos, but what started a trickle rapidly became a flood.
The Highland battalion had formed up on the beach, and advanced in excellent order on the redoubt held by the Berry regiment. The sides exchanged fire at close range, and many men on both sides fell from the fire. But the men of Berry held.
On the right of the British line the provincial Ranger battalion advanced on the high hill, now visibly occupied by the Troops de la Marine, who poured a vigorous fire onto the beach. The Rangers and the de la Marines exchanged a heated fire, but since the Rangers were in dispersed order and the Marines were partially concealed in the woods, small casualties resulted from the large smoke and din.
As these firefights went on, the senior British officers did all they could to rally the broken first wave of the Grenadiers and Jersey Blues; alternately cursing, cajoling, promising reward and then punishment. But the men refused to obey orders to form ranks, instead milling about in a mob, running from one place to another.
Wolfe had seen enough. The recall was sounded, and the entire detachment of barges headed empty back to shore to pick up the remnants of the battalions that had landed so bravely only hours before.
The French stayed in their positions and jeered the British, content to have held off the landing force, and naively trusting the British would now go home. And the Huron followed their time honored practice of collecting the prizes of victory, seizing weapons and clothing to take back to their villages, and captives to exchange for gifts and weapons with the French.
Comments from a player: This was a very fun scenario. The percentage of each French unit that actually participated was randomly determined, with a possible range of army strength from roughly 6o some men to around 150. This represented differing decisions by the Governor of Louisbourg. Historically, the Governor didn’t defend against the landings aggressively, but kept his strength in the fortified town. However, for this game, the French aggressively defended against the landings.
The British had to make their plan not knowing whether there would be a token or fierce resistance, and had to proceed with their plan for many game turns before the strength of the French forces became evident - here were many French in excellent positions. The British players did this wonderfully, and held to their plan until the units they commanded broke and would not rally.
It was a very different game than most mid-eighteenth century ones. The French artillery opened effective fire on landing barges on turn one! This alone was worth attending for. But the whole scenario was well done. Given the variable French strength, this scenario could be played again without modification. My hat is off to [Bill] for a fine scenario, and a fine game.
Many thanks Brent for a great report and taking the time to write it.
Select Bibliography
- Anderson, Fred, Crucible of War
- Duffy, Christopher, By Force Of Arms
- Duffy, Christopher, Instrument of War
- Duffy, Christopher, Prussia's Glory, Rossbach and Leuthen 1757
- Duffy, Christopher, The Army Of Frederick The Great, 2nd. Edition
- Duffy, Christopher, The Military Life of Frederick The Gerat
- Grant, Charles, The War Game
- Jomini, Baron Antoine Henri, The Art of War
- Kennett, Lee, The French Armies in the Seven Years' War
- Luvaas, Jay, Frederick the Great on the Art of War
- Nolan, Louis, Cavalry Its History and Tactics
- Rogers, Colonel H.C.B., The British Army of the Eighteenth Century
- Savory, Reginald, His Britannic Majesty's Army In Germany During The Seven Years War
- Warnery, Emanual von, Remarks On Cavalry
- Young, Brigadier Peter & Lawford, Lt. Col. James, CHARGE! or How To Play War Games
Merry Christmas!
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