Rawden Gap: Day 1.

A spirited advance and rapid deployment by the Dominion cavalry soon put Her Majesty's army firmly in control of both Centre and East Hills. 

In accordance with current tactical ideas, the NW Rifles  dismounted and opened fire supported by the horse artillery. Caught in the open, the Rebel 2nd cavalry halted in some disorder while Lagg's Lancers fell back and took cover behind the walls and buildings of a farm. Colonel Denison put himself at the head of the Bodyguard and charged, hoping to sweep the enemy away and over run the Rebel battery before it unlimbered. The terrain and enemy fire broke the impetus of the charge though and it was repelled with loss.  As Denison struggled to order the squadron, he was hit and the remant broke to the rear.

A prolonged firefight between opposing cavalry and artillery ensued as infantry on both sides rushed to the sound of the guns.

The Highlanders were first up. Their leading companies opened fire while  the rest manoeuvred into position for an attack on the farm. Behind them, the Grenadiers deployed to secure Centre Hill and seize the Western gap which was being disputed by the opposing cavalry.

Time was running out however. The Rebel Zouaves were already on hand, and the Hussars were clearly getting the worst of the firefight. 

The Highlanders charged the farm with a loud cheer but the Lancers held their post. Across the Gap, the Hussars had finally had enough and fell back in disorder, but not without having clawed their opponents badly.

With Zouaves and Voltigeurs deployed and moving to flank the attack on the farm, General Douglas called the Highlanders back and ordered his army to take up defensive positions across the line of hills. 

It was clear to both generals that neither army would be fully deployed before dark so the fighting died down. 

The Dominion had suffered the heaviest casualties on the first day of fighting but they held the key ridge and the gaps. Both armies began preparing for the next day's fight.

(Note: A technical discussion of the scenario, battle, and rules will follow the end of the battle, sometime next week.)