This is the second time I have played this most interesting battle. The participants were from the Duc de Fromage Group; Mike, Howard, Eric, Howard, Ed, Bruce and yours truly. One session was an all day event followed by two evening sessions over about two months. The battle was played from 1200 to 1620 hours, which is 27 turns.
The scenario was largely the same (see original scenario and constraints) as the previous game (see blog entry April 2018) ; the Americans had to prevent any British unit from exiting the table on the Washington Road and the reverse for British. The major British constraint was that it could not have any Brigade rout.
Contrary to some histories the aim of the British army and naval forces was not to destroy Baltimore as a major objective, rather it was to opportunistically raid American towns and cities with extreme prejudice in the hope of drawing American troops away from the Canadian frontier. Always in Ross' and Cochrane's thoughts was the efficacy of preserving the army for its ultimate objective, the taking of New Orleans. Clearly and rightly in my view, Colonel Brooke's decision not to assault the Baltimore ramparts was a sound one that was consistent with army's ultimate objective. Also, Vice Admiral Cochrane called off the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which was necessary to gain access to Baltimore harbor to support to the army. So, this is the historical background that underpins the rationale for the game's British constraint.
As per all my War of 1812 games, General de Brigade (D) rules coupled with a growing addendum of War of 1812 caveats were used. The following photos and commentary represent the end state at 1620.
After missing two opportunities at 1430 and 1500, the American's successfully roll at 1600 for the arrival of the Virginia Brigade. Perhaps Col Minor used some physical persuasion to convince the supply clerk to finally issue the Virginians much needed muskets.
Colonel Minor leading the Virginia Dragoons in a desperate attempt to bolster the American right flank.
Also moving quickly to the vulnerable right flank are the two 12 pdrs and one 18 pdr of Barney's Flotilla Brigade.
The aforementioned American right flank with the Barney's Flotilla-men on the left and facing them on the right is ever advancing 21st Fusiliers. The casualties are the remnants of two of Col Beale's Annapolis battalions that were routed and dispersed by the 21st.
Beale's Brigade is BROKEN, so it remains to the American sailors and marines to hold the fragile right flank until its guns can come to the rescue.
An overview of the American right flank and the assault of the British Third Brigade supported by the naval contingent. Casualties were inflicted by the Maryland gunners (upper center right) on these two brigades as they advanced from the Bladensburg bridge. Fortunately, someone forgot to issue the American gunners with canister, otherwise the British casualties would surely have been higher.
Having routed a Maryland battalion of Beal's brigade, the 2nd Royal Marines struggle to keep up with its fellow brigade battalion, the 21st.
The British artillery go their separate ways to engage the Americans. The three pounder (right) heads towards the bridge and the six pounder (bottom left) makes its way to the river with the hope of engaging the American right flank.
Things are not going well on the British right flank, so, Major-General Ross gallops over to galvanize the First and 2nd Brigades. Alas, he is too late.
The British 2nd Brigade hangs on in the face of American volley fire. Both the 4th and 44th have FALTERED and are now any easy target for an American charge. Where is the First Brigade? It is supposed to be right of the Second Brigade.
Ahh...this is why the 1st Brigade is no more. Canister fire to their front, volley fire to their left and Eric with at least three double six rolls ensured its demise. One of the DD6 rolls (risk to general chart) caused the death of the 1st Brigade's commander, LCol Thornton and then things went steadily bad for the British right flank (Howard). Howard was heard to say, ' what will they think of me back home' with Bruce's instructions in ringing in Howard's head. At this point I declared an American victory as the British lost a brigade and must withdraw to the Fleet.
The Maryland Cavalry Brigade are now eager to mop up the remnants of the British First brigade and charge the FALTERED 2nd brigade.
A view of the American center. The Second Baltimore Regiment forming column of divisions in likely preparation to reinforce the collapsing right flank.
A close up of the 2nd brigade in its FALTERED state.
An overall view of the American left flank with the Georgetown Light Artillery on the far left and the British 2nd brigade mid upper right near the the mill.
A last view of the Bladensburg battlefield before I dismantle it to set up for North Point. I think everyone had a most enjoyable and interesting game.
