AWI using Rank and File

Last weeks game for the gang was set during the American Revolution.

The scenario idea was based on the battle of Brandywine.

The Americans were defending along a river and were attacked from the opposite side but also attacked in their flank.

 The Americans could setup anywhere along their side of the river.

 The game began with the arrival of the first British brigade. 

 The first brigade started putting the pressure on the American lines.

 The second brigade of red coats arrived on the flank of the Americans. The Americans were forced to turn some of their troops to meet the threat .

 On the American left both sides were happy to trade shots across the river.

 By now the third British brigade had arrived and was moving down between the second brigade and the river.

 The pressure was mounting for the Americans.

 Down at the American left casualties were mounting on both sides of the river, but

 at the other end it was all on! Repeated charges from the British were slowly pushing back the Americans but they were making a good fight of it. Some excellent shooting from the defenders was making life difficult for the British.

 Although far from being destroyed the American army needed to protect Philadelphia and so were now being forced to withdraw in front of the advancing British.

Action at Martin farm.

The lads meet up for a game last week at "The Mess". The game was AWI using the brigade level Fire& Fury rules with some slight modifications to suit.

The British were camped in some open fields when they received warning that an American force was heading their way.

Americans arriving on the battlefield.

 

  Forming up along the edge of the road the British await the arrival of the Americans.

 The Brit's German allies take up position on the right flank.

 The battle begins with the Americans moving onto the table and advancing toward the British lines.

 Deciding that attack is the best form of defence the British charge across the road straight into the American line.

 Morgan's Riflemen outflanking the British lines. Their extra range for being armed with rifles was beginning to hurt the British light infantry.

 The charge in the centre was working a treat. The Americans were going backwards.

 The American left flank began their attack on the Germans, in the hope of pushing them back into camp.

 At this point the lone French unit swings round on the exposed British flanks and opens fire.

 Too much for these Red Coats and the British retreat back to their lines.

 The American attack is now in full swing and, having discovered a ford further down stream from the bridge, send Morgan's men off to cross the river and attack the rear of the British.

 Meanwhile the Americans on the other side of the bridge engage the British giving Morgan's boys more time to cross unhindered.

 The attack on the Germans didn't go so well for the the Americans. Steady fire from the infantry and the artillery was too much for them and they were forced to retire.

But in the end it was not enough. With the riflemen coming around the flank and their centre severely weakened from their attack the British were now too weak to hold off the Americans. The camp would have to abandoned to the victorious Americans.

The road to Independence.

Last weeks game at The Rewood Redoubt was an encounter battle set during the American Revolution using the troops that we had on hand on the night. The rules we used were Regimental Fire and Fury. Most of the figures are Front Rank with a couple of units from Eureka Miniatures.
All the British and Loyalist troops were painted by Wayne from,
http://dispatchesfromthemess.blogspot.com/
 The Americans belong to other members collections.

British Command.

British centre.

Americans move up to meet the advancing British.

British left flank.

The British cavalry moving to out flank the American lines.

American centre and left flank.

American right flank moving past the farm.

British and Americans clash

British have forced back the first wave of American troops.

British cavalry have been forced back

British lights outflank the American left and charge into the militia.

More British charge the American lines.

British cavalry re group and have another go.

Flank attack on the militia.

The British cavalry are repulsed yet again.

42nd Highlanders advancing to secure the British left flank.

The militia stand and fight back against the flank attack.

The end with the Americans holding on and the British not really having the strength left to force the issue.