Battle of Bladensburg - Fifth Session

Battle of Bladensburg Fifth Session

Another short gaming span as we only got three turns but they were event packed turns. The following photos represent  the end state at 1540 hours.

 The much dreaded Royal Marine rocket detachment is moving closer to the American front line before deployment. They are no doubt hoping to panic the American militia. The small sailor battalion appears to be following the marines.

 The 44th East Essex take a well earned rest (currently UNFORMED) while the 4th King's Own moves past their brethren to engage the Americans. Some much needed Royal Artillery (3 pdr) is also moving up to engage the Americans.

On the first turn the 2nd RMs (right ) charged the the best of the American militia, the Fifth Maryland. The melee result was a victory for the marines and RETREAT for the 5th. On the last turn the marines continued the pursuit of the 5th. Meanwhile the 5th Maryland have fortunately rallied from RETREAT and are now UNFORMED. Will the Fifth be able to withstand another marine charge?

 The 21st Royal North British Fusiliers charged the Maryland Regiment. They passed their charge home test but the UNFORMED First Baltimore Regiment's defensive fire elicits a double six. Egad, the the Brigade Commander, LCol Patterson is attached and subject to the Risk to General table. Although the ADC is killed, after a tot of brandy to steady the nerves the general carries on but the unit FALTERS. In the face of the British juggernaut, the American militia are holding up much better than expected.

 Pinkney's Rifles (armed with muskets because the Secretary of War, Armstrong refused to issue government rifles to a former political foe) cover the withdrawal of Stansbury's Eleventh Maryland brigade. Note units of the Maryland cavalry who are also covering the withdrawal.

 The third line of American Militia (Annapolis brigade) and Barney's sailors and marines stands ready. So much American militia for Ross's army to deal with.

 A closer view of Stansbury's Brigade, specifically the 2nd Baltimore Regiment withdrawing. The Colombian Brigade with the Washington Light Artillery are a solid second line also cover the withdrawal.

 In the center left of the photo Barney's naval 18 pdr and two marine 12 pdrs have unlimbered. To the left of the guns the flotillamen and marines take cover behind a hedge line.

 A close up of the marine 12 pdrs and the naval 18 pdr.

The 85th still hold the mill and await the colonial marines (middle).

After holding up the British for several turns the American regular brigade finally routed. Although the British have unhinged the first line and Stanbury's brigade has been pushed back, the units are largely intact but separated. On the American right flank, the Fifth and the First Baltimore Regiments are holding up incredibly well.