The battle begins at 1200, so the Americans have a ten minute turn to issue new orders if required. Unfortunately, Secretary Monroe has skillfully (in his mind) ordered the 1st Maryland Regiment to retire 12" and of course they obey. See the American Scenario note to ascertain how this was done. Stansbury is not aware of Monroe's tactical move of his unit as the British start to arrive via the Annapolis road.
The combined light companies lead the British First Brigade. Major-Genral Ross observes the American positions. He has just obtained some useful information from an American couple who were eager to exchange this information to preserve their home from looting. Ross now knows that the river is fordable at the Bladensburg mill and above.
This American couple are pleased that the British column is passing by their home.
The Royal marine rocket battery manages to cause a casualty soon after setting up.
The Following Photos represent the end state at 1340.
Commodore Barney's guns arrive via the Washington road. The flotilla-men's field gun is an 18 pdr hauled by civilian contractors. The two 12 pdr field guns are hauled and manned by marines.
I have often wondered if the navy 18 pdr was on a naval truck as per ship mode. But if the following painting is authentic ( I have no reason to doubt the authenticity) then it was definitely a field gun.
Note the long barrel and the bracket trail of the naval field piece. The model of this gun was purchased from Fife and Drum Figures.
A close up of Barney's 18 pdr. Note the civilian contractors handling the team of horses.
A bit of an American traffic jam occurs around the Tunnicliff bridge. It seem the First Columbian Brigade has halted while the traffic clears the bridge.
A close up of Monroe and Madison encouraging the troops (center) .
The regular brigade under LCol William Scott has emerged from the traffic jam in an effort to position itself in the front line.
Late in the session the redoubt battery finally fires on the approaching British light companies ...who are now in the town... causing a couple of casualties.
Unlike the actual battle the Maryland volunteer cavalry have received orders and have moved forward to menace a possible British river crossing on the American left flank.
The Washington Light artillery have limbered up. Where are they going?
The 85th and two light companies of the advance battalion followed by the Second brigade are moving through the town towards the river. Some of the troops have pilfered some the ripe corn as they march by.
The Royal Marines enter the battlefield followed closely by the lead company of the Colonial Marines.
The rocket battery is joined by a six and three pounder battery.
A small crowd has gathered on a hill north of Bladensburg to view the coming battle.
Summation
So far the first eleven turns have been a game of tactical maneuver. Still, not unexpected as not all of the British units have entered the battle area. After several more turns of movement, I expect some serious action. Stay tuned to Session two.
No comments:
Post a Comment