"No, I thought nought." .... "Bob! Quick! Telegraph Fort Belmont for help!"
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A close up shot of a critical point in the battle. |
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The garrison at Ft Belmont was on the alert and a force under the command of Colonel MacDuff soon appeared to meet the invaders. A quick conference led to a decision for Brigadier Ross to command the artillery and a company each from the Rifles and Infantry on the left with orders to pin down the raiders until they got the order to advance. On the right, a company of the Royal Highlanders and one each from the Fusiliers and Grenadiers, were ordered to turn the enemy's left flank, and drive them off the field of battle. |
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Initially the infantry firefights were even, but the Origawn artillery was inflicting steady losses on the Dominion forces while their guns had trouble finding the range. |
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As the Grenadiers deployed and extended the line, the Origawn infantry started a slow retreat, hoping for support from their artillery. |
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Once the flanking attack had driven back the enemy's left flank, the order was given for the whole force to advance. |
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The firefight was prolonged and bloody and the sun was sinking. Who knew if the enemy was expecting reinforcements any moment. |
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Finally, the Dominion's numbers were starting to tell. The enemy gun was silenced, and some of their infantry wavered, ignored the orders to "Rally Men!" and then ran! There was only a small rearguard to cover the disorderly retreat but the Dominion soldiers were tired and their commander was under strict orders not to cross the border. |
(It appears that the original report that the invaders had a gun and 4 companies of infantry, was slightly exaggerated as only 3 companies were spotted. Oops! ......but it was close with the attacker being 6 vs 4,
so it might have been the intended ratio.)
Hurrah! Exciting game and lovely visuals. Toy soldier goodness at its very best. Makes me want to break out mine …
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Good idea!
DeleteNice to see this collection in action again!
ReplyDeleteMemories from long ago.
DeleteBeautifully Wellsian. An attractive tabletop and shiny toy soldiers.
ReplyDeleteWith a dash of nostalgia. A handful of these lads have served me for over half a century.
DeleteGreat looking game Ross - the Invading force could have done with a bit of support, or is this a distraction whilst the real invasion takes place elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteInvasion is a bit strong, but these volunteers would most likely have been planning a raid for loot and recruits with hopes of triggering a war.
DeleteWhen armed foreigners cross your border, it's an invasion. Doesn't matter whether they're going to loot and leave or set up housekeeping. Anyway, good game, a well-written report and excellent illustrations. Makes me think I should clear off a table and do Chippewa.
ReplyDeleteThat 1812 War is a good subject for wargames, both sides won some and lost some with a draw or two thrown in.
DeleteA superb looking game - toy soldiers at their very best. I must get my 42mm figures on the table again.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Toys we can still see! :)
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