The general consensus in the Queen's camp was that the Rebels had been dealt a serious blow (See
Battle of Rocky's Road) and were no immediate threat. Senior officers had been recalled to the capital to discuss plans for a winter offensive and news that the Rebels had already reorganized and relaunched their offensive caught the Queen's forces off guard.
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| The newly raised 'B' Company of the Fort Henry Garrison and 'A' company, the Victoria Rifles, were ordered to hold the bridge over the Haistee River until reinforcements could reach them. |
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| The Rebel army rushed on to the field only to find the road blocked. |
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| The Rebel's initial advance was checked with heavy losses but the attack was soon renewed. |
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| At last the Rebels managed to push over the bridge. |
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| Late in the day, the 2nd Cavalry charged into the Highlanders flank and broke the line, but at a terrible cost. |
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| Supported by the rallied Highlanders, the Fusiliers easily repulsed a direct assault of the vital ridge which blocks the road forward. The Rebels were forced to fall back and reconsider their options. |
An exciting game. The Fort Henry fellows look particularly splendid.
ReplyDeleteAlan
and they fought well!
DeleteWonderful stuff, Ross. Do you keep track of casualties from game to game? If you did, some of your commanders might be a bit more cautious. BTW, when I play my AWI games my Highlanders always receive a bonus in hand to hand combat.
ReplyDeleteNo, the historical actions that inspired the collection saw very low casualty rates, even where one "army" was routed there were often only a handful of killed and wounded. The commander's rash behaviour was in part because of the scenario set up and victory conditions (from Thomas's One Hour Wargame) with a strict time limit and partly from the "Toy Soldier" spirit of the game where the aim is more to recreate either a young lad's fancy or an old soldier' memories of his youth when men were bold and gallant.
DeleteGreat looking game Ross!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm looking forward to the onset of winter so I get back to working on terrain and figures, lots of odds and sods to add and a few special units.
DeleteA set-back for the Rebels? They look glorious all the same, especially the Zouaves.
ReplyDeleteLooking sharp there Ross. Hurrah for the fusiliers!
ReplyDelete