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.