Battle of Bladensburg - Sixth and Final Session

Sixth and Final Session 25 June 2018

In the fifth session the British were making steady progress and disrupted Stansbury's first line. Nonetheless the Americans were holding their ground rather well.  In this session the situation changed dramatically for the Americans.

We completed five turns from 1150 to 1630. The following photos represent the end state at 1630.

 Mixed results for the rocket battery; one miss, one enemy hit  with two casualties and a FALTER and one friendly hit with two casualties.

 The sailor battalion has moved up to support the rockets and act as a reserve. In the mid distance is Admiral Cockburn and just beyond him are the Colonial Marines.

 A surprise charge by the Virginia Light dragoons destroys a British six pounder gun team. It is now unformed and in the next turn will likely get nose full of 3 pdr (right mid behind the fence) canister.

On the British left flank , the Royal Marines get ready to cross the river to engage the Annapolis Rifles (equipped with muskets) and the 34th Maryland Regiment.

 On the British left flank on the opposite side of the Washington Road from the RMs, the Washington Light Artillery battery dispersed on the 1600 turn. The path opened for the advancing British. Taking advantage the 21st Fusiliers continued their advance. The 21st  (now in line)  previously ROUTED one the few remaining Stansbury battalions and has just fired a devastating volley which caused the 17th Maryland Regiment (Annapolis Brigade) to FALTER

 American civilians continue to watch the battle with some trepidation. Up until this session their fellow doodles had been holding up rather well.

The 85th Light Infantry and the Sappers anchor the right of the British line. The Fist or Light brigade is in a fragile state. The 85th must conduct a morale check every turn (<50% but > 35% casualties -a home rule modification) and so far the worst result was a RETREAT, which they have recovered from. What the American players did not know is that if either the 85th or the engineers were routed this would cause a Brigade Morale check and if they failed then the game was over and an American Victory would be awarded . This restraint was part of the British Scenario Briefing, which reflected the historical imperative. Namely, that Ross's army was a raiding force and he was under instructions not to get bogged down in a protracted conflict and to minimize casualties for the up coming New Orleans campaign.

The Maryland cavalry remain behind the hill in support of their fellow infantrymen. They have done a fine job of anchoring the American left flank and threatening any British attempt to advance.

The best American infantry on the field, the U.S. marines (left) and Commodore Barney's Flotilla-men (right).  However, they have not seen any action in this game unlike their historical counterparts.

The remnants of Stansbury's broken brigade await further orders safely protected by Barney's Brigade.

Barney's guns wisely limber up in the face of a possible retreat or rout by the Second  Columbian Regiment ahead of them (on the river bank) , who in turn are being assaulted by the British 4th Foot.

A view of the American left flank, which is solidly defended by Maryland Cavalry Brigade (left) , the Georgetown Light Artillery and First Columbian Regiment. These units successfully pinned what was left of the British Light Brigade at the mill.

Despite Standsbury's Brigade breaking and some of the Annapolis regiments FALTERING, the President and Secretary of State continue to offer 'stirring words'.

A gap has developed on the right center of the American, which the 21st Fusiliers (middle of photo) will likely exploit. However, it appears that the fresh 60th Virginia Regiment have moved to fill the gap and stabilize the American line.

An overview of the main battlefield looking towards Washington.

Even though the American Army had not reached the Army FALTER POINT, in the spirit of Brigadier-General Winder the American players declared defeat.

I thought this decision was premature as there were still five solid brigades in play.  The Annapolis brigade was intact sustaining only a few casualties with two of the four Battalions in FALTER. Barney's Brigade (best brigade) had not seen action yet. The Maryland cavalry brigade sustained minor casualties and all four squadrons were intact. The Virginia Brigade (two units) was intact although the Virginia Dragoons, after destroying a British six pounder battery, were now facing canister from a British 3 pounder in the next turn; however, the 60th Virginia had not seen action yet. The Colombian brigade was the weakest of the five brigades.  It had previously lost Washington Light Artillery and the 2nd Regiment had just sustained 20% casualties and was in in RETREAT. However, the Columbian Brigade was still a potent force with 2 Infantry Battalions, three guns and two companies of light infantry.

Commentary to be continued.

Battle of Bladensburg - Fifth Session

Battle of Bladensburg Fifth Session

Another short gaming span as we only got three turns but they were event packed turns. The following photos represent  the end state at 1540 hours.

 The much dreaded Royal Marine rocket detachment is moving closer to the American front line before deployment. They are no doubt hoping to panic the American militia. The small sailor battalion appears to be following the marines.

 The 44th East Essex take a well earned rest (currently UNFORMED) while the 4th King's Own moves past their brethren to engage the Americans. Some much needed Royal Artillery (3 pdr) is also moving up to engage the Americans.

On the first turn the 2nd RMs (right ) charged the the best of the American militia, the Fifth Maryland. The melee result was a victory for the marines and RETREAT for the 5th. On the last turn the marines continued the pursuit of the 5th. Meanwhile the 5th Maryland have fortunately rallied from RETREAT and are now UNFORMED. Will the Fifth be able to withstand another marine charge?

 The 21st Royal North British Fusiliers charged the Maryland Regiment. They passed their charge home test but the UNFORMED First Baltimore Regiment's defensive fire elicits a double six. Egad, the the Brigade Commander, LCol Patterson is attached and subject to the Risk to General table. Although the ADC is killed, after a tot of brandy to steady the nerves the general carries on but the unit FALTERS. In the face of the British juggernaut, the American militia are holding up much better than expected.

 Pinkney's Rifles (armed with muskets because the Secretary of War, Armstrong refused to issue government rifles to a former political foe) cover the withdrawal of Stansbury's Eleventh Maryland brigade. Note units of the Maryland cavalry who are also covering the withdrawal.

 The third line of American Militia (Annapolis brigade) and Barney's sailors and marines stands ready. So much American militia for Ross's army to deal with.

 A closer view of Stansbury's Brigade, specifically the 2nd Baltimore Regiment withdrawing. The Colombian Brigade with the Washington Light Artillery are a solid second line also cover the withdrawal.

 In the center left of the photo Barney's naval 18 pdr and two marine 12 pdrs have unlimbered. To the left of the guns the flotillamen and marines take cover behind a hedge line.

 A close up of the marine 12 pdrs and the naval 18 pdr.

The 85th still hold the mill and await the colonial marines (middle).

After holding up the British for several turns the American regular brigade finally routed. Although the British have unhinged the first line and Stanbury's brigade has been pushed back, the units are largely intact but separated. On the American right flank, the Fifth and the First Baltimore Regiments are holding up incredibly well.

Battle of Bladensburg - Fourth Session - 13 June 2018

The Fourth Session started late at about 7:45 pm but we nonetheless got in four solid turns of action. The following photos represent the end state at  the conclusion of the 1510 turn.

 The 2nd Royal Marines have inflicted heavy casualties on the 5th Maryland but to their credit this elite Volunteer unit has stood its ground.

 To the north of the 2nd RMs the 21st Fusiliers have advanced in column of divisions towards the First Baltimore regiment who are sheltering UNFORMED behind the rail fence (left center).

 The 44th Foot have wisely retired after receiving further casualties from the only U.S. regular infantry battalion on the field. The 44th is now at 50% casualties and must conduct a morale check each turn. At the end of 1510 turn it incurred a FALTER. However, the 4th King's Own has arrived on the 44th's right flank...hopefully just in time to protect its fellow brigade comrades.

 A bit of a traffic jam among the guns and sailors on the west side of the bridge.

 The remnants of the 85th are hunkered in and around the mill and no doubt intimidated by the American cavalry, even if it is militia.

 The Maryland cavalry are hoping that the 85th will come out to fight. Not yet methinks.

 The American pioneer company are holding the barn in support of their brethren regular infantry  (center right), who have successfully engaged in a firefight with the 44th Foot and ultimately drove them off.

 The regulars are holding the British while units of Stansbury's Maryland brigade are reforming into a new first line to the west of the apple orchard and behind the rail fence.

 The Colombian brigade forms the second line of American defence.

 A view looking further west where the Annapolis Brigade stands forming the third defence line. The Virginia Brigade is in support to the right rear of the Annapolis Brigade.

Looking east, a rear view of the Annapolis Brigade and the Virginians (right foreground) in support. Not shown off to the left is Barney's Naval and Marine brigade.

So far the American militia has surprisingly held up well against the seasoned British regulars. Will the American militia continue to hold back the British regulars?

Battle of Bladensburg -Third Session - Wednesday 16 may 2018

This was a short session of about three turns from 1400 to 1430.

 The advance light companies are reduced to 50% and so must conduct a morale check in the morale phase of each turn. They continue to support the 85th light infantry who are licking their wounds after being thrown back over the river in RETREAT by Maryland cavalry.

 The militia cavalry horses are BLOWN and so the Bladensburg Light Dragoons and the Baltimore Hussars (who have forced the 85th L.I. to retreat across the river) must now regroup behind their lines. LCol Tilghman salutes their gallant efforts while the remaining Maryland cavalry squadrons cheer.

 The Washington (Irish) Light Artillery have recovered from a RETREAT and are now UNFORMED on the Georgetown Road.

The Following Photos represent the end state at 1430.

 The 44th Foot have forced the First Baltimore Regiment to RETREAT out of the redoubt area. As part of their melee victory, the 44th charged again causing it to RETREAT (next compulsory phase) with additional casualties. Perhaps the First Baltimore may be saved by the American regulars who are just north of the engagement area. 

 The Royal Marines (right) are steadily advancing on the American right flank to engage the famous Fifth Maryland Volunteer regiment (left).

 The 21st Fusiliers changed into line to face the Baltimore Rifles (armed w muskets), the latter wisely choosing to withdraw.

 The much needed British artillery cross the Bladensburg bridge.

 Major-General Ross (center to the right of the church) acknowledges the cheers of the Colonial Marines as they march past on their way to cross the bridge.

  Colonel Beale's Annapolis Brigade are lined up as the third line of American defence while the Virginia Brigade (center - on the Washington Road) receives orders from Brigadier- General Winder.

 The Colombian Brigade forms a second line on the left flank of the American Army.

 Looking north on the Washington Road at the Virginia Light Dragoons and the 60th Virginia Militia Infantry. The naval artillery (middle) is moving north to join Barney's sailors and marines.

 The Second Baltimore holds the left flank of Brigadier-General Stansbury's first line across the Georgetown Road. They are now somewhat relived as their cavalry counterparts have just driven off an attack by the 85th and the advanced light companies.

 Barney's sailors and marines march towards the Georgetown Road. They appear to be reinforcing the American left flank.

A view west with the town of Bladensburg in the foreground and the first, second and third American defensive lines looking westward.  The British have successfully gained a a solid foothold on the west side of the East Branch of the Potomac and have forced the Americans out of the redoubt. However, there is a stalemate on the British right flank.

Regarding American command and control; so far Brigadier-General Winder's Poor Command rating (can only attempt to order/change orders of one brigade per turn) has not had a significant impact on the positioning of the American army. It will be interesting to see if Winder's control continues as the action becomes general.

The Battle of Bladensburg -Session Two - 3rd May, 2018

After some maneuvering on both sides the British quickly assaulted two objectives; the redoubt and the mill.

The following photos represent the situation about halfway through the session.

 The 44th cross the Bladensburg bridge.,

 The 85th Light are across the riverand must now face canister fire and the threat of militia cavalry.

 The light companies give supporting fire to 85th.

 LCol Tilghman's Maryland Cavalry Brigade wait for an opportunity.

 The 44th and and 21st Fusiliers charge the redoubt. Fortunately for the British, the Maryland First Artillery regiment has only round shot, otherwise canister would have ben devastating.

The American Light Dragoons seize the initiative with an opportunity charge against the 44th.

 After a devastating canister volley by Burch's light artillery, the 85th had retreated. In the following turn the Baltimore Hussars charge the rear of the Retreating 85th. This does not good for the 85th.  However, a unit in retreat must face the enemy.

Burch's Light Artillery fail a morale check and are forced to retreat.

The following photos represent the end state at 1420. 

 The British have won the melee forcing the Maryland Artillery to rout. The 44th now occupy the redoubt and will face the First Baltimore Regiment who are waiting for them. Incredibly, the American Light Dragoons failed in their opportunity charge against the column of the 44th. 

 The British Third brigade led by the Royal Marines crosses the bridge.

 The Baltimore Hussars have charged the retreating 85th in the rear but shockingly have lost the melee and are pushed back. Must review how the British player calculated his melee results and a review of the rules regarding units in retreat during melees.

 Looking west; the Columbian Brigade has formed a second defensive line (center right). Beyond the second line, Colonel Beale's Annapolis Brigade has formed a third line on the hill ridge (center left). And beyond Beales Brigade Barney's Naval brigade is moving north in column of route. 

The American players were fortunate to roll a D5 on the first time chart opportunity (needed a D 5 or 6) at 1400, which brought on the small Virginia Brigade (one large infantry battalion and small squadron of light dragoons). In the actual battle Colonel Minor had been searching most of the day for the quarter master to obtain muskets, ammunition and flints. The quarter master clerk refused to issue anything to the Virginians without Col Carberry's signature. In the end they finally received them late in the day. They eventually arrived on the periphery of the battlefield as the American army was routing.

 An addendum concerning the charge of the Baltimore Hussars against the rear of the retreating 85th column:

Firstly, a unit in retreat (85th Light Infantry) should be facing the enemy.

Secondly, after a review of the rule 12.13 Retreating Units in Melee; the Baltimore Hussars automatically win the melee. The rule states; "Retreating units contacted by enemy troops automatically lose the melee and continue to retreat. The attacking unit automatically inflicts casualties at their winning rate and the retreating unit inflicts casualties at its losing rate and continues to retreat in the next Compulsory Movement Phase. No 2D6 rolls are made. Winning cavalry take a pursuit test, infantry a formation test."

An addendum concerning the charge of the American 2nd Light Dragoons against the 44th Infantry in column.

A vociferous debate ensued about the flaw in the GdeB rules which does not lay a negative Melee modifier for infantry not in square who are charged by cavalry. I had raised this issue on the GdeB forum many months ago. However, the author, David Brown, argued that infantry could rapidly change from column to square therefore cavalry were in effect not a threat to columns of infantry. I did not accept his argument nor did a few other commentators. I still do not accept the argument.

So, my decision is to change this glaring flaw in the rules immediately. Until the Melee Table is amended; it is understood that the Melee table has an additional Factor: " -4 modifier to infantry not in square charged by cavalry". Also, in the melee table right column,  the factor "Formed Infantry Square or Column v.s. Cavalry +4 "; "or column"  is deleted.  

A subsequent note: A legitimate protest with opposition support rescinds the immediate application.  The application of a  -4 modifier to infantry not in square charged by cavalry is postponed until the next game.

An addendum concerning a three gun battery firing singly rather than as a collective battery.

During this session, the American player instead of firing his militia six pounders as a battery of 3 model guns chose to fire them singly at the same target. His argument was the odds of causing casualties was better firing singly (I couldn't see that ) and more importantly he argued that he had three times the chance of rolling a double six against the target. The latter is correct but a bit gamey but at the time I could not find a rule prohibition. and so allowed it. 

So, I posed the above scenario to the GdeB forum and received two constructive replies that pointed to rules that I had not noticed. The first response was as follows:

The first response:

"I don't find where the GdB Deluxe rules forbid firing each gun model as an individual battery either.  But I agree with you, IronDuke596, it is gamey and in my opinion not in the spirit of the game.  
I'd also point out to the player, that each gun model that fires individually is an individual battery and subject to all casualty rules for a one gun model unit.   For every two hits, a gun model must disperse (page 135, para 13.8 Disperse & The Dispersal Point), and include all required unit and brigade moral checks."

The second response pointed to the correct rule:

"Only infantry or artillery units can split their fire if ..... See "10.7A Split Fire" 

10.7 Multiple Targets. When firing at two or more targets one 2D6 dice roll is made and this score is used for all calculations. Units firing against multiple targets spread the fire and casualties as evenly as possible against all eligible targets. If firing at several units in different formations then apply the majority formation modifier or the modifier of the most prominent target."

10.7A Split Fire: Infantry and artillery may only split their fire if in a square or with a refused flank or facing in several directions. Artillery batteries must fire at the same ammunition type; different sections within a battery may not fire a combination of canister and shot. Squares may issue fire from each flank. A single 2D6 dice roll is used to work out all calculations for split firing.

The Third Response from the Author David Brown:

"All firing is by unit - either a battery or infantry battalion".

Clearly the intent is apply one 2D6 roll for all artillery fire and that is what we will do.