Final Session Havre de Grace

Before a brief recounting of the final session I offer a few shots of some the objectives, terrain and unusual equipment.

While not an objective this farmstead was part of the battle ground used by the Maryland Rifles in the opening stages of the engagement.

 A look at one of the British boats making off with flour from the town's mill.

 A close up of the successful rocket boat supporting a Marine landing on the east side of the Susquehanna River.  The boat is from laser dream works, the rocket frame is home made, the RMA figures climbing and loading are Warlord conversions (new Belgic Shakos vice RHA Tarleton helmets), the oarsmen are Brigade Games and I believe the Boatswain is a Redoubt figure.

 The British have conducted a skillful withdrawal from the town while under fire from American Rifles and Volunteers. The main part of the RM Bn is embarking the west shore for the east of the Susquehanna River. Smoke is billing out of  the town's mill  (upper right).

 Having achieve its objectives on the west bank of the Susquehanna, the British force has successfully landed on the east bank and is engaged with the American's.  Top center the naval battalion is in a firefight with the 42nd Maryland Volunteers. Part of the naval Bn has taken over the the nine pounders of the Concord and is about to turn them on the Marylanders. The first elements of the RM Bn are about disembark while the naval gun team (the sailors hauling the limber and gun are from XX boarding party but modified to remove weapons-the limber and gun are Victrix) makes its way to the scene of action.

 Another view of the Naval Bn engaging the 42nd Maryland Volunteers.

 Looking south down the Susquehanna River with the town mill billowing smoke.

Contrary to my expectations (land forces using the horse and wagon to transport the flour to the southern beachhead) under the protection of their gunboat a British boat made off with the flour via the river side of the mill.

 Having already neutralized both American batteries, the British gunboats was free to roam at will. Accordingly, the six pounder armed gunboat destroyed both ferry boats. This isolated half the American defenders on the east shore (town side). Now the the British raiding force could concentrate its fire power on the east shore Americans.

 The priority one British target, the Principio (also listed as Hughes) cannon foundry, which prodiced cannon and carronades for the American navy. Clearly the workers have fled with the news of the British Landing on the east shore. The foundry's destruction appears to be a matter of time.

 Looking south down the Susquehanna River at the engagement on the east shore with the mill burning (right bottom).

 The American Commander (bottom center left) is likely thinking, 'what do I do now' as his two battalions are now stranded on the west shore.

A looking south a view of the farm and fields west of the town.

Conclusion

With the ferries destroyed there was no hope of concentrating American forces to thwart the British landing on the east shore. The naval battalion and gunners could at the minimum pin the American battalion while the RMs did an end run for the foundry. Or, the Naval Bn, gunners and RMs could unite and destroy the Americans before proceeding to the foundry. Accordingly, Steve and Paul M. conceded victory to the British commanded by Paul G.