Norman's Soldiers

 I have recently got to know Mr Norman Paterson, who is an avid collector of military figures.  Over the last couple of months he has kindly shared some pictures of his collection, set out as dioramas. 

I thought that the figures looked so good that readers of this blog might enjoy seeing them.  So, with the permission of Norman, set out below are the first pictures of part of his stunning collection.

This set of pictures covers the American Civil War, with some dramatic images of close quarter combat.  The figures are by 'Collectors Showcase' and Norman has entitled the diorama as 'Battle Carnage':

Stunning stuff!

Battle Report - Bull Run

Over the weekend, Will came to visit with the intention of getting some soldiers on the table and playing a game or two.  As it happened, we managed three games.

The first was the battle of Bull Run 21 July 1861, based upon the Command and Colors scenario, which is focussed upon the action around Henry Hill house. The rules used were from 'Battle Cry, minus the cards:

The troops were set out in accordance with the map, essentially with the Confederates advancing behind the ridge under Jackson, with Stuart's cavalry on their left.  The Union forces in greater number were arrayed in a long line behind Henry Hill House. This is the table at the start up:

The battle began with my Union forces beginning to advance towards the ridge, while Will moved troops on to the ridge along with some artillery.  The Confederate opening volleys cut into the Union lines:

Now, Will is a Napoleonic buff and is unfamiliar with ACW tactics and firepower.  He seriously underestimated the weapon rages and effect of 1860s weapons.  His regiments on the ridge became very exposed and suffered appalling casualties.  His artillerymen were felled and worst of all, General Jackson is shot off his horse.  The Union sweeps the ridge clean of the Confederates.

Despite several counter attacks, the devastating fire from the Union reduce the grey lines even further.

Will tries to outflank the Union forces by using his cavalry that sweep around the Union right:

They are met by Union artillery fire and a counter attack bu Union horsemen.  Charging uphill the Confederate cavalry is checked, suffering severe casualties and forced back:

In the following turn the Confederate cavalry suffer more casualties and General Jeb Stuart falls.

It is over.  After the quickest game we have fought, having lost both Generals the rebels crumble and run for it. A decisive Union victory is recorded at 6-1, although several of the Union regiments are severely battered. However, the lessons have been learned and Will agrees to a rematch, swapping sides. 

New Spencer Smith ACW Castings

 Just before Christmas I asked Peter Johnson at Spencer Smith Miniatures if he would be able to do some conversions on his ACW 30mm classic range.  He has done this and some samples arrived yesterday.

From left to right there is a Zouave wearing boater hat, Zouave in kepi, standard bearer in soft hat as well as a drummer and bugler. Next there is an officer with raised sword arm in kepi and finally a riderless horse for dismounted cavalry.  Not shown here, but Peter has also produced standing and kneeling dismounted cavalry in kepi.

These figures are not listed yet on the Spencer Smith site, but Peter assures me that they are available on request.

These small additions will greatly expand the uniform options for the range and, along with the new limber and riders, provides a good range of ACW figures.

McPherson's Ridge - A Battlecry Game

I very much enjoyed my last ACW game using my Spencer Smith figures and have always fancied having a go at some Gettysburg actions.  I decided to try out one of the Battlecry scenarios, albeit one of the unofficial games. This time I used my old Airfix armies.

I picked a scenario that covers the first few hours of the Battle of Gettysburg when the Confederates from the leading brigades of Heth's Division run into the hasty defence set up by Buford's cavalry.  Here is an overview of the battlefield, the Confederates are at the top working their way across Willoughby Run, with Buford's cavalry brigades sitting on McPherson's Ridge, supported by a battery of guns.  Federal reinforcements can be seen moving down from Seminary Ridge at the bottom:

Initially the two Federal cavalry brigades of Gamble and Devin will have to hold the line until infantry support arrives. The Confederate attack begins with Davis's Brigade crossing the stream towards Devin, although one regiment is quickly sent packing by carbine fire near the bridge:

Despite causing some casualties Davis is unable to push Devin off the ridge and all the time the reinforcing Federal infantry is closing in:
 

Heth changes tack and orders Archer to send his troops into the Federal left flank, and three regiments wade Willoughby Run and advance up the slope:

 The rebels have a little more success on this flank as they have some cover from the Federal guns.  After a bitter firefight they force Gamble's men off the ridge and it becomes a race to see who can gain the ridge crest first:

The Confederates manage to capture this end of the ridge, but the federal artillery, despite heavy casualties, and Gamble's cavalry, who have now rallied, continue to pour fire into the grey ranks. The battle on the ridge ebbs and flows for a while, but eventually the Confederates consolidate their position.

On the opposite flank Davis launches a second attack against Devin and once again is pushed back by cavalry carbine fire:

At this point the first Federal reinforcements arrive and this end of the ridge is held:

Back over on the Federal left reinforcements are also arriving:

Also, the stubborn Federal artillery fights on at close quarters, but is eventually overun:

Gamble's Brigade, now rallied advances once more and engaes the Confederates on the ridge, unfortunately they are destroyed. Gamble is hit and falls from his horse.

 

Attention now shifts back to the Federal right, with Confederate regiments sweeping around the flank:

The last of Buford's cavalry are swept aside and Devin falls with them. The Confederates now control the entire length of McPherson's Ridge, earning vital victory points, which when added to the two lost Federal generals was enough to give the Confederacy victory - the final tally 5 -2.

This game worked well.  I played it with full Battlecry rules.  despite some rotten cards for the Confederates they managed to win the day.

 

 

Spencer Smith ACW Artillery Limber and Gun

In conjunction with Peter Johnson at Spencer Smith Miniatures, I have been developing a limber to go with the ACW artillery piece that is already available in the range.  The basis for this project is the horse and musket era limber that has recently been added to the Spencer Smith catalogue.

The main differences are that I have four horses rather than two, I have used larger gun wheels on the limber and have added some hand rails.  Peter has also sculpted some outriders, which I have added.

Overall, I am quite pleased with the results and these limbers (I have to construct five more) will add interest to games.

 

Spencer Smith ACW Dismounted Cavalry - Test Shots

 Peter Johnson at Spencer Smith Miniatures has very kindly produced some ACW dismounted cavalry figures wearing kepis.  In addition he has converted a kneeling figure, which will be very useful.

I have a regiment of cavlry for both north and south, but I wanted to depict them in the dismounted role on the wargames table.  I also wanted them wearing kepis.  The other requirement is to have horse holders, so I have used the standing figure with three riderless horses in the role, while the kneeling chaps form the firing line.  I had to use horses from Irregular Miniatures, although I would have preferred something from Spencer Smith, if it were available.

Here are some test shots of some samples recently received from Peter:

I am also working on some ACW limbers from Peter, which look very promising too.

Rabbit Run part 2 - Battle Report

 Many have observed the similarity of this game to the demonstration game set in the Plattville Valley by Donald Featherstone. Those observations were correct.  I was going to refight this battle, however, given the size of my table I had to adapt it somewhat.  Also, the troop levels were completely different.

All that said, the battle kicked off just after lunch, both sides having deployed on to the high ground on each side of the river.  The CSA forces decided their position was strong enough to defend, while Federal General Smith realised he was going to have to assault and force the rebels off Mole Hill and the features dominating the bridge over the river.  

The Federal plan was to attack on the left across the bridge to fix the rebels and try to draw off the resrves and put in the main attack on the right flank against Mole Hill and its farm.

The action began with the Iowa Regiment rushing the bridge in the face of artillery fire and musketry from the Texans.  They got off lightly, only losing one figure, while Union battery 3 engaged the rebel guns taking out a gunner:

,

The Iowa Regiment made it to the fence line OK and attempted to shake out into a firing line:

But, now they were in range of the Texas veterans who poured volleys across the wheat field, as did the rebel gun:

The Iowa's colonel fell and their morale broke causing them to rout back over the bridge, where they were decimated by fire from the Alabama Regiment on Warren Ridge.  Their rout continued off the table despite an attempt by General Reeves to rally them:

The Federal attack on the left had failed and action was reduced to an exchange of fire over the river between the Alabama Regiment and the New Jersey boys, that caused casualties on both sides.

Federal General Smith, decided that further attacks on the left would be futile and he sent orders for Parson's Brigade to take Mole Hill.  This action began with the Federal Sharpshooters advancing towards the corn patch where they ran into the Mississippi Sharpshooters.  A brisk fire fight developed between the two groups of skirmishers. Initially the Federal sharpshooters were forced back after taking light casualties:

However, having rallied the Federal skirmishers saw off the Mississippi Sharpshooters, who doubled away to the rear past the Kentucky Regiment::

The Federals now concentrated their fire on the Georgia Regiment holed up in Mole Hill farm and the combination of musket, skirmish and artillery fire caused several casualties:

Meanwhile, having been tangled up amongst the snake fences around the Wheatfield, Parson's brigade shook out and began its move towards Mole Hill:

Taking some fire from the Georgians, the new Yorkers and Illinois Regiment pushed on. With a final charge, the Illinois Regiment stormed into the farm and a furious melee ensued:

Realising that the Georgians in the farm were in danger of being overun, CSA General Johnson orders the Kentucky Regiment to advance, while he heads off to shore up the defences of Mole Hill.

Unfortunately for Johnson, the Georgians are all but wiped out and the farm falls to the Illinois Regiment, who continue their rampage by charging into CSA Battery A, wiping that out too.  In the Melee General Johnson is pulled from his horse and dies:

The collapse of the Rebel left begins. With the loss of General Johnson, the Georgians and the artillery, the Kentucky Regiment must take a morale test. They fail and rout from the field.

On the other side of the field the New Jersey Regiment on Twin Buttes continues its exchange of fire with the Alabama Regiment, eventually forcing the latter back off Warren Ridge:

At the same time Federal artillery Battery 3 scores a direct hit on CSA Battery C, wiping out the crew:

With the demise of the CSA gunners, the Vermont cavalry decide to make a charge across the river bridge:

This is a mistake as they run into a hail of fire from the Texans, losing nearly half their number. However, this small victory cannot save the CSA army and General Spencer gives the order for a withdrawal, covered by the Texans and Virginia cavalry.  The battle is over leaving the Federals in control of the field, but they are exhausted and unable to pursue.

For this game I used Featherstone's rules.  I found that they could be very cruel when it came to a firefight, especially when followed by poor morale.  Infantry volleys are devastating when they hit home. That said, this was a fun game and an excellent way to give these lovely old soldiers a try out. It was certainly enjoyable and spectacular.  I think the Texans deserve a battle honour for this one!

First Action at Rabbit Run - Part 1

 My newly painted and reorganised Spencer Smith figures have deployed for their first action - the battle of Rabbit Run.

1861, CSA General Spencer's Division has been detached to rapidly move forward to seize and hold the high ground overlooking the crossing of the Rabbit Run river. The Union has a similar idea and General Smith is rushing up the Turnpike with his division, with a very similar Mission.  The forces of Generals Spencer and Smith are about to collide.

The battlefield is shown below, looking from the North (Union side), with Rabbit Run snaking from North around to the east.  Key features are Warren Ridge, Twin Buttes and Mole Hill, with its farm on top:

The organisation of the two forces are:

Spencer's Division CSA:

Buller's Brigade

Texas Regiment,

Alabama Regiment

B Battery Artillery

C Battery Artillery

Johnson's Brigade

Kentucky Regiment

Mississippi Sharpshooters

Georgia Regiment

Virginia cavalry

A Battery Artillery

The Texans have deployed forward and are defending a wheat field on the east flank, amongst some trees, with C battery in support:

The Alabama regiment are working their way onto Warren Ridge, with B battery in support:

On the West flank the Georgia regiment holds Mole Hill, with A Battery and the Virginia cavalry in support:

Meanwhile, the Mississippi Sharpshooters hold the Corn Patch, with the Kentucky regiment in Reserve:

General Smith's Union Forces consist of:

Reeve's Brigade:

Iowa Regiment

New Jersey Regiment

No 3 Battery Artillery and Vermont cavalry in Support.

Parson's Brigade:

New York (Zouaves) Regiment,

Illinois Regiment,

Berdan's Sharpshooters

Nos 1 & 2 Artillery Batteries in support.

The Union have pushed the Iowa regiment up along the Turnpike, while the New Jersey regiment advance up the Twin Buttes:

On the west flank Parson's Brigade is deployed facing Mole Hill, behind the snake fences of the Wheatfield:

The battle is about to commence - more later