Chesapeake Campaign - The raid of Havre de Grace

The Chesapeake Campaign

The plan is to eventually game the Battles of Bladensburg and North Point. However, those targets require the painting of many American militia figures, which will take many months. So, in the interim we will game some of the raids during 1813 and 1814 by the aggressive Rear-Admiral Cockburn. The first of these raids is the raid at Havre de Grace.

We will continue to use General de Brigade rules with a regularly revised and growing War of 1812 addendum, now at Version Four. New to the addendum is the use of damage points for structure, redoubts and boats. A small table for boats using shoal infested waters has also been added. This will be used for an upcoming Battle of Craney Island. Lastly, a procedure to set fire to buildings has been included.

The Raid at Havre de Grace - May 3rd, 1813

The actual battle of Havre de Grace was a walk over for the British marines and sailors. Unfortunately for the Marylander's, the 40th and 42nd Maryland Volunteers Regiments were recently in the area but ordered to march immediately to Annapolis to oppose Cockburn's expected attack on the capitol.This left a handful of militia from the 49th (Harford & Cecil Counties) to man the two gun batteries, which protected the town and access to the Susquehanna River. 

It would not be much fun to war game this lop sided raid using the historical American Orbats. So, in this scenario there is a complete local militia battalion (49th) plus gunners for the two batteries, Potato (2 x 6pdrs) and Concord (2 x 9pdrs). In addition 40th and 42nd Maryland Volunteer will remain in the area and will be placed east and west of the Susquehanna River. To make it a little more interesting a small volunteer rifle battalion is added (they will be in a hidden position, which will be revealed when an enemy unit comes within six inched of it). The British Orbat is pretty much the historical one.

Orders of battle and Victory Conditions

The following Tables outline the details of the American and British Orbats, missions, constraints and victory conditions:

Battle Havre de Grace, May 3rd, 1813 (modified) US Order of Battle and Strength Officer Commanding – LCol William Smith
Regiment		M	F	Strength	Formation	COs & Uniform Details
Infantry
Militia	Harford & Cecil Cty Militia	C	C	20	C, L	Must be placed within the hedge line of the town. May be moved at the first turn.
40th	Maryland Volunteer Regiment	2L	2L	20	C, L, OO	Placed anywhere on the town side of the Susquehanna river.
42nd	Maryland Volunteer Regiment	2L	2L	20	C, L, OO	Placed anywhere on the Foundry side of the Susquehanna river.
Rifles	Maryland Volunteer Rifles	L	L	12	C, L, OO, Sk	May be placed anywhere. Also, they may be hidden behind a hedge etc not visible until within 6” from enemy unit…advise  moderator. May be in skirmish, open or close order.
Artillery	Concord Battery  2 x 9 pdrs	2L	L	6 -8dpts		8VPs May be placed anywhere.
	Potato Battery  2 x 6 pdrs	2L	L	6 -6dpts		8VPs May be placed anywhere.
Vital Points	Principio Cannon Foundry			6 dpts		12VPs
	Mill			8 dpts		8VPs
	Ferry large			3 dpts		6VPs   (2 Company capacity)
	Ferry small			2 dpts		4 VPs (1 Company capacity

Background: Havre de Grace on the lower Susquehanna River is an important link along the Post Road from Philadelphia to Baltimore. As a consequence ferries are needed to continue the route across the river. Havre de Grace has a Cannon Foundry that is one of the main suppliers of heavy cannon to the American Fleet. The entrance to the Susquehanna River is somewhat protected by many shoals so that large enemy warships are not able to safely engage the coast. As a consequence the British will be forced to use flat bottomed barges and gunboats. Also, there is still a risk of grounding in some shoals, including shallow draft boats, particularly at low tide.

Mission: Defend the following in order of priority: 1. Principio Cannon Foundry; 2. Havre de Grace Mill (and flour barrels); 3. Havre de Grace Ferries, and 4; the two gun emplacements.

Constraints:

1.      You may risk using the town as a defensive point. However, the destruction of private property by the enemy will have grave consequences.

2.      You must defend the vital defensive points to the last man standing.

3.      At the start, you must place various units as per the notes/details column.

Battle Of “Havre de Grace”, May, 1813 (modified for game purposes) British Order of Battle and Strength Officer Commanding RN Amphibious Forces - Rear-Admiral Cockburn
Brigade	Regiment	M	F	Strength	Formation	Uniform Details
RM	Royal Marines	V	V	20	C, L, OO LC Sk	Capt Byng  (composite battalion from ship’s companies) Grenadier Company may be detached but must be within 18” of CO
RN	Sailor Landing Party	L	L	20	C, L, OO	Lt (RN) Westphal (composite battalion from ship’s companies)
RN	6pdr naval field gun team	L	L	4		Movement = 5”
RMA	Rocket Boat	V	V	4 pts		RMA may disembark (2 figs by order of OC) to provide incendiary function to burn buildings. However, this will negate any rocket functionality. Plant powder from rockets in one turn and the building is immediately on fire in the shooting phase. In the following turn the building is destroyed (in the shooting phase).
RN	Gun Boat 6pdr	V	V	4 dpts
Barge L	X 1			3 dpts		capacity = 2 Coy or gun team and gun
Barge S	X 5			2 dpts		capacity = 1 Coy

Background: Havre de Grace on the lower Susquehanna River is an important link along the Post Road from Philadelphia to Baltimore. As a consequence ferries are needed to continue the route across the river. Havre de Grace has a Cannon Foundry that is one of the main suppliers of heavy cannon to the American Fleet. This facility must be destroyed at all costs. The entrance to the Susquehanna River is somewhat protected by many shoals so that our large vessels are not able to safely engage the coast. As a consequence amphibious forces will be forced to use flat bottomed barges and gunboats. Also, there is still a risk of grounding in shoals, particularly at this time of low tide. Our spies have advised that there are no American regular units in the immediate area. So, once ashore you can anticipate an easy victory over the poorly trained militia.

Mission: Destroy the following in order of priority: 1, Cannon Foundry (12 VPs); 2. Stone Mill (8VPs); 2B. secure flour (4VPs) and return flour to the fleet  (+ 4VPs = total of 8VPs); 3. Ferries (L. = 6 VPs - S. = 4VPs);  4. gun emplacements (6 VPs each) and 5, militia (rout); then withdraw while sustaining nominal casualties (< 25% {8VPs}).

Constraints:

1.      You must avoid the destruction of private property. However, if the enemy chooses to use private property as defensive points, it should be destroyed.

2.      You must avoid heavy casualties.

3.      You only have enough barges to land one battalion and the gun team in the first wave.

4.      It takes two turns each way from the board edge (total 4 turns) for the barges to go to and from the fleet for the second wave.

The First and Second Sessions

Regrettably I mislaid/lost the start set of photos, so the following photos represent the end state after two sessions.

 The Royal Marines have entered the town after a rocket attack forced the Potato battery gunners to retreat and eventually disperse.

 The Maryland Volunteer Rifles are defending while the the 40th MD evacuate the town. At the top it looks like the 49th Militia  headed to the ferry crossing.

 Bottom center (blurry) the RM light company are protecting the naval gun team from MD rifle fire.

 To the right are the first wave of the Naval landing party, which are screened by the gunboat and rocket boat. Note that they take care to avoid the shoals.

 A rear view of the riflemen looking down to the beachhead and firing on the RM Light Company and the naval gun team.

 A rear view of the 49th militia and 40th MD Vol.

 The 42nd MD Vol with its Light Company detached are defending the eastern side of the Susquehanna River. In the distance (upper right) is the Concord Battery of two nine pounders.

The RM Rocket Boat knocked out the Potato Battery--middle  right (a double six certainly helped) paving the way for the RM Battalion to occupy Havre de Grace. Above the Potato battery on the opposite side of the river is the Concord Battery at the ready.

It looks like Rear-Admiral Cockburn's amphibious forces have exploited the demise of Potato Battery and are moving quickly to gain objectives on the east side of the Susquehanna River. Can the American Volunteers regain the initiative? Stay tuned for the next session.

P.S. I will try to take some better photos.

Lundy's Lane Redux - 22nd December 2015 - Final Session

Lundy's Lane Redux 

22nd December 2015

Final Session

The following photos represent the end state at 1120 hours, 26 July 1814.

The formidable British 1st Brigade advanced steadily to keep within ENGAGEMENT range while Winfield Scott's First Brigade withdraws steadily. Bottom left; American skirmishers fire into the flank of the 2nd Militia Brigade (battalion) in an effort to keep the British brigade off balance.

 The units of Scott's brigade are in a very fragile state. The only unit that prevents a possible British charge is the American howitzer commanded by Captain Towson. 

Note: regrettably I misinterpreted the six inch rule at this session, which is meant to apply only to long range fire. IE, at long range friendly units can't be within six inches of the target unit. So, as long as friendly units were outside of the howitzer's 30 degree canister arc of fire, or at effective range, had a clear view of the target despite friendly units ahead of it; it could fire.

Accordingly, I believe this would have had some impact on the British advance at effective range and possibly significant effect at canister range. Apologies to myself and Paul M the American players.

 Only one battalion (First Regiment) of Ripley's American Second Brigade is left to fend off the 8th Foot. The other is in retreat but recovered. Both  the American First and Second Brigades are in a fragile state as most battalions are nearing the critical 50% casualty situation.

 Porter's Brigade failed a brigade morale check (under 50%). So, the remaining unit The New York Volunteers, which was in RETREAT state, was forced to disperse.

The only unit holding the American right flank are the American engineers. Meanwhile the GLI are steadily advancing. It does not look good on the American right flank. 

Although the American engineers are ELITE versus the GLI LINE, the GLI have over double the numbers.

 The GLI can't believe their good fortune having being driven back the Volunteers of Porter's brigade. Now that same brigade has melted away.

A view of the  rear of the British 1st Brigade with the 8th Foot to the left and 103rd to the right. A much reduced 104th (bottom center right) is much reduced and in no state to continue the battle.

The Americans Capitulate!

The American side conceded the game when Porters' brigade was dispersed. This reasoning coupled with the much reduced and fragile state of the remaining American Brigades meant that further resistance was futile and that General Brown wished to prevent the effusion of further bloodshed.. Lastly, it was clear that Brown's army lost the previously gained games' objectives and there was no chance of recovering them.

A most enjoyable game. Several sessions ago most of us thought that the American army was done for and incredibly it bounced back. That represents the unpredictability of war as reflected within the GdeB rules, which makes for a very interesting and satisfying game.

Lessons Learned - Tactics

In hindsight (as suggested by Paul G), the American army should have gathered its artillery into batteries at the base of LL Hill where it could have been decisive. The tactic of moving the American infantry up LL slopes quickly and under the cover of darkness (making artillery non effective until close) was a good one. However, both the First and Second brigades should have been used. Oh yes; by pass those indestructible Mohawks in the building! They really slowed down elements of the American Second Brigade.

Lessons Learned - Game Mechanics

The game was arguably longer than required. For the next game the host will use the Victory and Defeat points system to prevent much weakened brigades from continuing the battle. As part of future scenarios a Division falter/break point system based upon commanders and unit values will be in place. 

I have already mentioned the misapplied six inch rue as it applied to artillery fire and friendly units.

The 50% casualties morale test. For the next game this rule will be applied except for Elite and Guard units where the test will happen at 75% casualties. If the unit passes,  it withdraws from the field in good order and does not cause a morale check to other friendly units within 12 inches. If it fails it will will disperse and cause a morale check for all friendly units within 12 inches. I believe the correct application of this rule will certainly speed up the game and reduce the fight to the last man syndrome. Further, it should force players to better manage their units....withdraw units that are close to the 50% casualty level rather than risk dispersal and a resulting brigade morale check.

Regarding Brigade Morale; on reflection, prior to the start of the last session the remaining battalion (GLI) of the British 2nd Brigade and remaining company (49th Light) of the 3rd brigade should not have been allowed to stand. I believe at least one brigade received a broken brigade morale result twice. This should not have happened (my fault). To quote; " No brigade may break twice and remain on the table. As soon as a brigade breaks for the second time the entire brigade is removed from play." 

I think the unrealistic specter of a one company or one battalion out of a five unit brigade remaining on the battlefield will be mitigated by the use of the aforementioned Victory and Defeat points system.

Epilogue

Many thanks to my compatriots Paul G., Steve D. and Paul M. for making this a most enjoyable game.

Next time it is Bladensburg in August of 1814. Good grief,  I have a lot of American militia to paint to say nothing of the Royal Marines, sailors  and a Fusilier battalion.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Lundy's Lane Redux - Session Nine - Tuesday 8 December, 2015

Lundy's Lane Redux - 

Session Nine - 

Tuesday 8 December, 2015

Well for awhile it looked like the American army was going to prevail. Units of Porter's Brigade had gained the Lundy's Lane heights and the First and Second brigades were holding their own having driven off the Royal Scots! But the tactical success was fleeting.

 The British 1st brigade advance on the American with 2nd Militia Bde (left Bottom) , the 103rd to the north on the road and 8th even further north engaged against American skirmishers. Facing off the British onslaught is the 22nd Regt of First Brigade, which has been reduced to 50% strength. 

In support of the 22nd is the 9th and 11th Regts with the 11th in RETREAT and supported by the only artillery left on the battlefield. In the mid upper center of the photo are the 21st (at > 50% casualties) and 23rd Regts who have recently driven off the Royal Scots. Now they are being harassed by skirmishers from the 8th Foot. Behind these skirmishers is the 104th Foot (at > 50% casualties).

 The American Engineers (tasked to support Porter's brigade) are the only American unit on LL Heights. They are battling the 49th Light Company for possession of the meeting house. Further down LL road to the west is the 89th Foot who are recovering from a rout.(at > 50% casualties).

The Pennsylvania Volunteers, the only functional unit left in Porter's Brigade, are in RETREAT after having recently gained LL heights and are also ( > 50% casualties). The British Pioneer Company still hold the house while the GLI are standing firm having forced the NY Volunteers to ROUT and eventually disperse.
A serious set back for Brown's Army all around with many units at over 50% casualties.  However, several British unit are also at over 50% casualties. The American Army is in acutely fragile state.
Can it hold on?

Lundy's Lane Redux - Session Eight - 17 November, 2015

This is the situation at 1000.

In the distance upper left is  part of the 103rd Foot, which has fully recovered from its retreat and is ready to advance.  In the mid ground left the 11th and 12th Regiments are holding off the 8th Foot. The 9th Regiment (left bottom) is withdrawing down the forest road.
Mid right, the 104th Foot has suffered a FALTER, which means that it and its skirmishers could be an object of an American attack. Bottom center right, Scot is urging American skirmishers to attack.

 Meanwhile in the center of the battle ...incredibly, (shades of 'le garde recule') the 1st Foot Royal Scots have started to rout as a result of sustained musket fire from the 21st and 23rd Regiments. Will the Royal Scots be able to recover? A critical moment in the battle indeed.

 On the American right flank Porter's brigade has cut off the British line supply on the Portage Road and is endeavoring to slowly advance up Lundy's Lane. On the left, American engineers are well up the slope and are about to engage the 49th Light company in the house. In the center, the Pennsylvania Volunteers slowly but steadily advance up Lundy's Lane against a much depleted 89th Foot who are barely hanging on (below 50% = morale check each turn). On the right the NY Volunteers are in a do or die fire fight with the GLI while suffering from harassing fire from British pioneers in the house to their left.

The left flank of the Anglo-Canadian army with the GLI on the left and the 89th on the right. To the right bottom are General Drummond and his staff who are dumbfounded at the sight of the 1st Royal Scots about to rout.

 A rear view of the Royal Scots in the first stage of routing. To their right is the 104th Foot in a FALTER state.

A view of the 8th Foot (left) engage with the 21st and 23rd regiments.
The Anglo-Canadian center is in a critical state with the 1st Foot about to ROUT and the 104th in FALTER. This a great opportunity for Ripley's Second Brigade, however, they are in a weakened state. So will they risk a charge?
Will the 1st Foot recover from its ROUT?
Will the recovered 103rd be able to aid the 8th in time?
Will Porter's Brigade be able to gain the Lundy's Lane heights?
Both armies are in a fragile state and any unit could suddenly give way as did the Royal Scots.

Lundy's Lane Redux - Session Seven - 5 November 2015

This is the situation at the end of turn of the ten minute turn at 0940.

 Th left flank of the American line held by Scott's First brigade. The U.S. 9th, 11th and 22nd are engaged with the 103rd Foot. Note the 103rd has refused its right flank to deal with the 9th and 11th. In the background left is the Second Militia Battalion acting as a reserve.

The center of the battle with Ripley's Second brigade. The U.S. 23rd Rgt is engaged with 104th Foot and has caused it to falter. Hmmm...an opportunity to charge. Note the 8th Foot in the background left...in reserve. In the center the 21st Rgt is heavily engaged with the Royal Scots. On the far right the 1st Rgt is engaged with skirmishers from the 89th Foot. Also, note the absence of British cavalry as the 19th LD routed and ultimately dispersed in the previous turns. A final note, on the far left the American cavalry is in retreat.

 The right flank of the American army ably represented by Porter's Brigade assisted by American combat engineers and the 1st Rgt. Note the 89th has withdrawn to avoid being attacked in the flank by the 1st Rgt. The 5th Penn Volunteers continue to engage with the 89th.

 The NY Volunteers have moved to the right to fully engage the GLI but are receiving harassing fire from the British Pioneer company in the building.

 The reverse view.

 The 89th has withdrawn to a better position.

The center of the British line with 1st on the left and the 104th Foot (FALTERED)  on the right. To the right a skirmish fire fight is in progress.

 A look south with the 8th Foot in reserve perhaps waiting for the American Second brigade to weaken....and then pounce!

The right flank of the Anglo-Canadian line. The 103rd reusing it right to deal with with two American regiments. The 2nd Militia brigade in reserve.

The American First brigade is in a fragile state but has managed to fend off the advancing British. Can it still hold the line? 

Also, the American Second brigade appears to be holding off the mighty Royal Scots. It is somewhat relieved by the demise of the 19th LD.

Porter's brigade with help of the engineers and the 1st Rgt is the only American brigade to advance. Can it continue its onward push?