AWI Battle report

A bit delayed, but here is a write up of our club game last week using Black Powder. Tom took control of the British, he had 4 line regiments, 2 small units of light infantry and a 6lb Artillery piece. He organised is force into 2 brigades. George took command of a small brigade of loyalists of 2 small infantry regiments and a small unit of cavalry.

I took command of the Americans tasks with controlling a small village and a hilltop with a small redoubt on it. I had available 6 regiments of Continentals, 2 small militia units and 2 tiny units of riflemen. Splitting into 3 brigades, 1 defended the village, 1 the redoubt and 3rd brigade held in reserve. My lack of Artillery was to prove the Americans undoing.

American position

The game began with a rapid advance of the British while the Americans held position. There was minor skirmishing between some riflemen and the British light infantry. Then Emmericks Chasseurs blundered and charged into the wood occupied by the riflemen. It took a few rounds of combat before they managed to dislodge them.

Riflemen and light infantry skirmish

Chasseurs engage the riflemen 

Over on the British right flank, the 1st brigade began to exchange fire with American militia while their Artillery got itself into position and began firing at the 15th Virginia holding the village. The disorder in effect of the fire allowed the 2nd British brigade to advance and engage the village. Eventually the 15th capitulated and fled the field.

Militia come under fire

15th Virginia under fire

The British began their assault 

At this point I brought forward the reserve brigade to try and plug the game. Then the militia fell back under pressure from the British light infantry. The British infantry began to flood into the village while the loyalists began to attempt to outflank the redoubt.

American reserve committed 

British advance

American redoubt

The attempt by the loyalists to outflank the redoubt met with disaster as the 3rd Maryland about faced and poured a devastating volley into the cavalry, routing them from the field. The British legion met with better success storming the redoubt and forcing the militia unit back. Meanwhile the British infantry assaulted the 2nd South Carolina, unfortunately the Americans  were no match for the cold steel of a bayonet charge and we're quickly routed. With the Artillery now concentrating against the redoubt and with 2 broken American brigades we ended the game with a solid British victory.

Give them cold steel

Overall a very enjoyable game. The lack of Artillery hindered the Americans with the British able to inflict casualties at range before their infantry closed to the assault. The majority of my Continentals performed poorly on the day.