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?

Lundy's Lane Redux - Session Six - 15 October, 2015

Just when most of thought that the American left flank was about to be rolled up ending the game, a series of surprises occurred that kept American hopes alive. It was a most interesting evening of war gaming.

 On the American left flank, Scott's First Brigade defend the north-south road with the 103rd Foot's light company harassing the American Ninth Regiment. The rest of Scott's brigade is lined up and ready to receive the rest of the 103rd.

The 103rd advances on the 11th and 9th American regiments. 

 Ripley's Second Brigade has withdrawn down the slope in the face of a threatening 19th Dragoon troop on its flank. 

A little bit of discussion ensued regarding the efficacy of cavalry being able to to jump over a stout five foot rail fence as part of a cavalry charge. The GdeB rules state that both cavalry and infantry can 'cross a wall or stream, etc.' using up half a turn. However, it is believed the intent of the rules was to represent the average European wall or fence, which is arguably about three to a maximum of four feet in height. The host ruled that these formidable fences were not jump-able/cross-able and certainly not part of a charge sequence. Subsequently, the host validated his decision through Graves account of the Lundy's lane. Around Lundy's and throughout most of Upper Canada, the fence "was required by law to be at least five feet high with fours rails or logs sufficiently well made." Ref Graves LL p. 126.

 Left center, the 1st Royal Scots advance down the LL slope to engage the 21st regiment of Ripley;s Second brigade. Right bottom, the 1st regiment advances on the flank of the 89th Foot.

 Left bottom, the 1st regiment; to its right the American engineers and the Pennsylvania Volunteers all pour fire onto the 89th Foot.

On the American right flank Porter's Third Brigade's New York Volunteers has secured the Queenston road and is engaged with the British pioneer company in the house and the GLI. This engagement will undoubtedly prove pivotal.

Center, the dreaded infernal rocket battery begins its deadly launches but so far misses. In the meantime the American players vainly hope that a volley of rockets will turn on itself or least hit a British unit....for a change.

 The British/Canadian left flank with the GLI left bottom and the NY Volunteers mid center and the pioneers company defending the house..

 A view of the rocket battery on LL heights with the 49th LC in the LL Church.

 A view of LCol Morrison (left) and LGen Drummond behind him and the 1st Foot ahead engaging Ripley's Brigade.

Having successfully intimidated Ripley's brigade to withdraw, the 19th LDs lurk behind some friendly skirmishers waiting for an opportunity to pounce.

It sounds repetitive but we are indeed reaching another possible decision point. Can Scott's First brigade hold back the onslaught of the British 1st brigade? Can the Ripley's maintain its line versus the threat of cavalry and the Royal Scots. Can Porter's brigade hold its position or even advance against the 89th and the GLI. We shall soon see.

Lundy's Lane Redux Session Five - 1st October 2015

This Fifth Session includes the ten minute turns from 0720 to 0830. The following photos represent the end state at 0830.

Another upset occurred on the British right flank; the 19th LDs were again subject to a push back. The remaining three battalions and howitzer of Scott's Brigade have withdrawn intact in the face of a steady advance by LCol Scott's 1st British brigade.

 The 103rd Foot advances north to south on the 11th and 22nd U.S. regiments.

 The light company of  8th Foot in skirmish order are harassing the 9th Regiment in the woods on the extreme right flank of the British line.

A rear view of the the 11th and 22nd U.S. regiments with Towson's howitzer on the lower right. 

 The British 24pdr, the howitzer and the American 18pdr have steadily lost gunners to point that they have variously failed their morale checks and routed from the filed. With no artillery on Lundy's Lane heights, MGen Brown orders Ripley to advance his Second brigade.

 The First Regiment is taking the Portage road towards Lundy's Lane heights.

 Porter's brigade of Volunteers has turned the British/Canadian flank having routed the IMUC and 1st Canadian Militia battalion.

 The Second Brigade has failed its morale check and must retire on its next compulsory move.

 Oh No! That dreaded infernal rocket machine is slowly making its way up the reverse side of the Lundy's Lane heights.

LGen Drummond still seems quite confident observing the battle to the rear of the 1st Foot The Royal Scots on top of Lundy's Lane heights.

The steady withdrawal of First brigade in the face of a very strong British 1st brigade advance coupled with the cavalry repulse has staved off what was a possible disaster on the American left flank.

On the American right flank Porter's Brigade has forced the British 1st Brigade to retire and exposing the left flank flank of the British line. Can Porter's Volunteers capitalize on this situation? We shall see next time.

Lundy's Lane Redux - Session Four

The fourth session got underway after a long summer hiatus on Thursday 24th September, 2015.

 After many set backs Scott's brigade is holding its ground  on the Army's left flank but faces significant British opposition.

 The 19th LDs versus the U.S, LDs came to a surprising result. The 19th were pushed back to their own start line. This provided some much needed breathing space for Scott's First Brigade.

 Ripley's Second brigade holds the line just outside the British 24pdr's canister range. The U.S. 18 pdr battles' it out with the British 5.5 howitzer and 24pdr. Ripley is content to wait it out while the big guns attrit each other hopefully with American guns the last standing. 

 On the right of Second Brigade the 18 pdr left and the destroyed 12pdr on the road. It does not look good for the American guns.

 It was a brave attempt of the 12 pdr crew to get within canister range of the British (12 o'clock to the 12pdr). To the right of 12pdr remains, is the American combat engineers getting into postion to support Porter's brigade.

 The only successful American brigade is Porter's New York and Pennsylvania volunteers. The continually pushed back the British/Canadian left flank.

 A view looking north down the left flank of the British/Canadian.

A view of the left center of the British/Canadian left center. Yes, they are holding onto the Lundy's Lane heights.

Will Scott be ba able to hold off the British on slot on the American left flank? Which side will win the crucial gun duel in the center? Can Porter's Volunteers continue their successful advance?

Stay tuned to Session Five.