Battle of Chippewa - First Session (11 Jan 2017)

The First Game of 2017 for The Kingston Old Timers

Background re Abscence of Reports

I already had the Chippewa battlefield set up for the Duc de Fromage group for a game that took for a full day on 28 Dec 2016. I did take photos of this game as well as the Havre de Grace battle with my new Samsung 7; however, I am having difficulty downloading the Samsung software that will permit me to up load the photos to my PC. So, as an interim measure I am back to using my Cannon digital SLR with easily removable flash disk.

The Battle of Chippewa - First Session

Unfortunately the photos covering the start state situation are recorded on my S7. When I figure out the upload, I will add those photos to this blog/session.
The start state and scenario with objectives is contained in the following British/Canadian and  American Orbats:

A note regarding the British Orbat. The British players (Paul G and Steve) decided to create a Grenadier battalion by combining the grenadier companies of the 1st, 8th and 100th. I know this was frequently done for the light companies and sometimes done for the grenadiers by the British in earlier Napoleonic warfare but never during the War of 1812. Nevertheless, I am not one to deny a player a reasonable tactical initiative if there is some historical justification. 

An interesting adjustment...I wonder if crating an additional unit by reducing the size of of each battalion will pay off. An extra manoeuvre unit is always useful to be sure. I am guessing that reducing the battalions from 20 to 16 will still keep said units in the same  line of the firing table. As the table reads 5 or less, 10 or less, 20 or less, 21-27 etc; it is probably a good gamble or is it gamesmanship?

 A view of Pearson's Light Brigade, which has made a significant advance from the Chippewa River area after forcing the Pennsylvania Volunteers to ROUT and eventually DISPERSE. This caused Porter's Brigade to FALTER and RETIRE to Street's Stream. Redstick's Indians are center bottom with the Canadian Volunteers (traitors) to their right flank and further right are the NY Volunteers.

 A view of eastern edge of the battlefield along the Niagara River with Usher's Farm on the left. The 19th LD are supporting the big gun (24 pdr) which is no doubt about to unlimber. A company of the 21st are taking cover in the Usher farmhouse while Scott's brigade moves across the Chippewa Bridge. The US LDs are supporting the American Brigade's movement.

 Major Hindman's 6 and 12 pdr support First Brigade's crossing as well as the LDs. They have fire off a volley at the 19th LDs but to no effect.

 Another view of Pearson's Light Brigade in the woods (right) and Porter's Brigade (left).

 The not so 'thin red line' advancing south on the Chippewa Fort Erie road led appropriately by the 1st Foot 'Royal Scots'.

A view south along the Chippewa Fort Erie road with the 19th LD and Lt Jack's 24 pounder in the center foreground. A company of the 21st U.S. Infantry an the Usher farmhouse center with the American LDs in suport. In the distance the 25th and 11th Regiments cross the Chippewa bridge.

A Scott's and Riall's brigades deploy the question is; will Porter's brigade be able to stop the advance of Pearson's seemingly determined Light Brigade.