Last night Jonathan hosted a remote game for the Rejects. It was Hoods assault, to which I will refer you to his excellent report at Palouse Wargaming Journal.
My screen shots are few in number and I won't even try to record the details in what, from the Federal (me and Ray) point of view was calamitous.
As the opponents faced each other it was clear that engagement was going to be immediate.
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| Positions at the start of the game. |
Realising that the rebels were going to move fast and wherever possible double up their charging units, the Federal command made a possibly ill-conceived decision to thicken the defence. However, this then did three things:
1. Made them a dense target for small arms and artillery.
2. Gave the confederates the initiative to either fire, charge or both.
3. Whenever the boys in blue charged to repel the rebels they were left exposed to points 1 and 2 above.
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| Positions at the start of turn two |
The rebels were able to push onto Houck's Ridge and repulse any counterattack. They also maintained pressure on Little Round Top. De Trobriand's brigade on Stony Hill engaged in a fairly active, but largely peripheral, defence.
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| Positions at the start of turn three |
The last turn saw the rebels pushed off Houck's Ridge, only to swiftly climb back up. Little Round Top was taken before Vincent could really reorganise to muster a defence. When Weed's newly arrived brigade attacked it was thrown back; as were other Federal counter-attacks. Rebel casualties were being inflicted but the effort drained the defenders' resources. The Federal troops had no choice but to withdraw.
The Confederate commanders, Lee and Surjit need to congratulated on playing everything right.
Excellent game which I enjoyed regardless of the result. The after game group analysis providing almost as much entertainment.
Next time I would try out a more agile defence with two lines. The second on reserve to hopefully stiffen the front when attacked. I also believe the maintenance of Stony Hill is less necessary and kept valuable resources away from reinforcing Houck's Ridge and Little Round Top. Hopefully, these thoughts can be put to the test.
Excellent looking game Gents!
ReplyDeleteKudos to Jonanthan Michal.
DeleteSuper recap of the action, Richard! Replaying a battle to test alternative plans and tactics is a useful exercise in my book. I look forward to seeing what you fellas come up with for the next game.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon. Look forward to testing the new plan.
DeleteGreat looking game
ReplyDeleteCheers.
DeleteBad luck Richard on getting the wrong end of those melees (both ways it seems). Though credit to your opponents.
ReplyDeleteI agree about Stony Hill.
Chris/Nundanket
I was stupid not to consider that beforehand, but was unaware of the restrictions on the rebs.
DeleteGreat to read a summary from your perspective Richard. It all looks great, and Jonathan has put on a well-balanced scenario that comes across as exciting to play.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lawrence. It is very well conceived scenario.
DeleteIt did read like a hard day at the office for the Union in Jons AAR Richard. Three moves and it was time for the post-match studio discussion I understand - how long did the game take to play?
ReplyDeleteHard but enjoyable Keith. We started at 7pm and finished at about 10.30pm.
DeleteWell and truly hammered!
ReplyDeleteLots of action going on, Richard! For an instant I thought it was a Soviet game; misread the title initially as Sickle and Hammner :)
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff - sorry you were on the 'wrong end' of things. Under Jon's rules the trick is clearly to use doubled-up units in the charge, but not if they receive a lot of fire! Indeed multiple lines for flexible defence seems a good and 'authentic' tactic. Good luck for the re-match!
ReplyDeleteGreat write up of a tough game. I think you are right about doubling up Union defence. On the two notable occasions when you pushed back rebel attacks we were able to counterattack almost immediately and push you back. The initiative definitely lays with the attackers in this game, but that's not necessarily a negative for the Federal troops if handled differently. Looking forward to replaying this game.
ReplyDelete