The (what if) Battle of Champlain

Saturday 20 November, 2021

See the American Objective and Scenario document for a background to this realistic what if battle that should have occurred before the battle of Plattsburg.

My format for my After Action Reports is; the Order Of Battle Research, (there is much detail in the endnotes), the Game Order of Battle (this is the cleaned up OOB with the minimum information to game the battle), The Scenario and Objectives for each side and finally the photos with commentaries.

We use General de Brigade deluxe rules coupled with a growing addendum to cover unique War of 1812 variations to the rules. The figure ratio is 20:1 and the actual unit strength numbers of units are utilized and converted to scale.

Research

Battle of Plattsburg August 1814 Research (Ver 3) British Order of Battle and Strength Officer Commanding– Lt-Gen. Prevost Left Division Commander – Maj-Gen De Rottenburg Quartermaster General: Maj-Gen Sir Sidney Beckwith, Chief Engineer – Lt-Col Hughes, Artillery – Maj Sinclair
Brigade	Regiment	M	F	Strength	Ratio	Uniform Details
1^st Brigade – Major-General F.P. Robinson 1221 (-100 (gunners = 1121 - 160 (Lt Coys) = 961 / 2Bns =
3/27^th	Inniskilling P[i]	E	E	556[ii]	28	Lt Col John Wardlaw
1/39^th Foot	Dorsetshire[iii] P	V	V	773[iv]	38-2=36	Lt Col Patrick Lindesay
1/88^th Foot	Connaught Rangers[v] P	E	E	717[vi]	36+4=40	Lt Col R.B. MacPherson[vii]
76^th Foot	P	V	V	600[viii]	30-2=28	(use 32^nd Cornwall)
1^st Bde Art		V	V	5x6p 1xH	2x6p+1[ix]	Maj W. Gordon

2^nd Brigade – Major-General T. Brisbane 2952
2/8^th Foot	King’s	V	V	545[x]	28
13^th Foot	Somersetshire[xi]	L	L	624[xii]	32	Lt. Col. Sir William Williams,
49^th Foot	Hertfordshire	V	V	623[xiii]	32	LtCol Charles Plenderleath
De Meuron	Swiss in British Service	V	V	906[xiv]	46-6=40
Voltigeurs	Canadian Volitgeurs[xv]	L	L	350	18+2=20	LtCol Fredrick G. Heriot
Indians[xvi]	Mohawks (attached to Volt.)	L	L	300	15
Chasseurs	Canadian Chasseurs[xvii]	L	L		24
2^nd Bde Art		V	V	5x6p 1xH	2x6p+1	Capt. W. Green

3^rd Brigade - Major-General M. Power 3094 (3094 – 100 (gunners) = 2994 / 4 = 748.5
1/3^rd Foot	East Kent The Buffs P	E	E	801[xviii]	40	Lt. Col. James Willington[xix]
1/5^th Foot	Northumberland P	V	V	879[xx]	44	Lt. Col. Charles Pratt
1/27^th Foot	Inniskilling PE	L	L	942[xxi]	48
1/58^th Foot	Rutlandshire[xxii] PE	L	L	734[xxiii]	36
3^rd Bde Art		V	V	5x6p 1xH	2x6p+1	Capt. H. Jackson

Division Artillery[xxiv] - Maj Sinclair
	24pdr Field guns	V	V	2	1
	8” Heavy Howitzer,	V	V	1	1
	24pdr Carronade on carriages	V	V	3[xxv]	1
RMA	Rockets	E	E	1	1
19^th L.D.	Two Squadrons	V	V	266	14
Artillery	Additions fm Ilse aux Noix	V	V			2 (1) x12pdr iron guns & 2 (1) x 8” mortars[xxvi] (augmented later)
Artillery	Additions from Chazy[xxvii]	V	V			2 (1) 18pdr field gun

[i] The red P indicates combat experience in the peninsula and PE the eastern peninsula campaign. The source for arriving at the morale classification is, And All Their Glory Past, D. Graves, p. 144 and Appendix E.

[ii] British Infantry Regiments and the Men Who Led Them 1793-1815 By Steve Brown (Napoleon Series). Full strength = 552 + 10% = 607. Ref. British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815, Andrew Bamford, Napoleon Series. Most importantly, the figures provided are for the rank-and-file strengths only, with no details of officers, sergeants, or musicians. Unfortunately, this means that the closest one can come to knowing the full all-ranks strength of a unit is to follow Oman’s formula and add ten per cent to the figures given here. So, in the case of the 76^th it is 703 (Aug 1814) + 10% = 773. All OR returns are for August ,1814. On further reflection the addition of 10% does make some battalions huge, so instead, where the battalions are already huge, I have used adjusted the OR totals and rounded up slightly. For the 3/27^th it is 552 + 10% = 600.

[iii] July 1809 to January 1812 (Peninsula – 31 months); British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815.

[iv] August Monthly Returns for British Units in Canada, from Andrew Burnham’s series in the Napoleon Series; 703 ORs not including officers, so plus 10% is approximately 773.

[v] The 88^th was protecting the lines of communication at Chazy. However, rather than having two battalions of the 27^th in the OOB, I have swapped one of the 27^th battalions for the 88^th.

[vi] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 717 + 10% = 788.

[vii] British Infantry Regiments and the Men Who Led Them 1793-1815 By Steve Brown Napoleon Series.

[viii] August Monthly Returns for British Units in Canada, from Andrew Burnham’s series in the Napoleon Series; 556 ORs not including officers, so plus 10% is approximately 600.

[ix] Before game start, the British Commander may group all howitzers into a single battery.

[x] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 545 + 10% = 599.

[xi] July 1813 to May 1815 (Canada – 23 months). Total coverage, 23 months; British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815

[xii] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 624 + 10% = 686.

[xiii] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 623 + 10% = 685.

[xiv] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 906 + 10% = 996.

[xv] Established for 670 in the spring of 1812 it managed to consistently man 350 with a company of sixty Indians and six chiefs attached to it (probably Caughnawaga Mohawks south of Montreal). The War in the Champlain Valley, A.S. Everest, p 36. Also, in June of 1814 they were augmented by the former Frontier Light Companies, becoming the 9^th and 10^th companies. So, conceivably the Voltigeurs may have been at full strength…. needs further research.

[xvi] 200 Indians accompanied the British/Canadian army. Ref; Everest, The War in the Champlain Valley, p. 168. However, Major-General Brisbane forbade their crossing the border “as they were greatly feared by the people of northern New York.” It was policy for the army to treat the local population with respect if they remained peaceable and did not take up arms against the British. And All Their Glory, p. 156. Nonetheless, I have included the Mohawks in the OOB.

[xvii] The 5^th battalion S.E.M. was reformed as a light infantry unit of six companies. Defender of Canada, App., B, p 255, note 6. The Canadian Chasseurs was a battalion size unit and composed from members of the 5th Battalion (SEM) of the embodied militia of Lower Canada. To conform to its fellow LC light infantry brethren, it abandoned its red uniform for the light infantry grey. They were dressed the same as the Voltigeurs except that they wore a stove pipe shako. See also Defenders of Lower Canada: The Canadian Voltigeurs, p. 83

[xviii] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 801 + 10% = 881.

[xix] Killed while leading his 3^rd “Buffs” against American militia and regulars near Culver Hill, In All Their Glory Past, p.160.

[xx] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 879 + 10% = 967.

[xxi] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 942 + 10% = 1036.

[xxii] Very limited combat experience on the east coast of Spain from April to July 1813. British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815.

[xxiii] British Army Individual Unit Strengths: 1808-1815; 734 + 10% = 807.

[xxiv] Confirmation of the Divisional artillery plus 2 x12pdrs iron guns and 2 x 8inch mortars from Isle aux Noix is contained in Appendix B of Defender of Canada. There were three 18pdr iron guns at Chazy Landing that could have been forwarded faster than the aforementioned artillery.

[xxv] The extra 24-pdr carronade offsets the eight-inch howitzer.

[xxvi] From Isle aux Noix. Ref., Appendix B of Defender of Canada.

[xxvii] There were three 18 pounders defending the supply dock where the Chazy river entered Lake Champlain. Ref., Appendix B of Defender of Canada.

Game Orders of Battle

Game - Battle of Champlain British Order of Battle and Strength Commanding Officer – Lt-Gen. Prevost (P) [5] Commanding Officer Left Division– Maj Gen De Watteville (A) [1] Quarter-Master General Maj Gen Sir Sydney Beckwith – Chief Engineer: LCol Hughes Chief Artillery: Maj. Sinclair – Commissariat: LCol. W. Robinson
Brigade	Regiment	V.P.	M + F	Str	Details
1^st Brigade – Major-General F.P. Robinson (E)[1] 1.221
3/27^th Foot	Inniskilling	3	E	28
1/39^th Foot	Dorsetshire	3	V	36
1/88^th Foot	Connaught Rangers	3	E	40
76^th Foot		3	V	28
1^st Bde Art	Maj W. Gordon	3	V	3	2 x 6pdr 1H


2^nd Brigade – Major-General T. Brisbane (E)[1] 2,952
2/8^th Foot	King’s	3	V	28
13^th Foot	Somersetshire	3	L	32
49^th Foot	Hertfordshire	3	V	32
De Meuron	Swiss in British Service	3	V	40
Voltigeurs	Canadian Voltigeurs	3	L	20	Sk
Indians	Mohawks (attached to Volt.)	3	L	15	Sk
Chasseurs	Canadian Chasseurs	3	L	24	Sk
2^nd Bde Art	Capt. W. Green	3	V	3	2 x 6pdr 1H

3^rd Brigade - Major-General M. Power (A)[1] 3,094
1/3^rd Foot	East Kent The Buffs	3	E	40
1/5^th Foot	Northumberland	3	V	44
1/27^th Foot	Inniskilling	3	L	48
1/58^th Foot	Rutlandshire	3	L	36
3^rd Bde Art	Capt. H. Jackson	3	V	3	2 x 6pdr 1H

Div Artillery	Major Sinclair (A) [1]
	12 pdr field gun	1	V	1
	18 pdr field gun	1	V	1
	24 pdr Field guns	1	V	1
	24 pdr Carronade	1	V	1
	8” Heavy Howitzer,	1	V	1
Rockets	RMA Rocket Battery (H)	1	E	1
R.E.	Pioneer Company	1	V	4
R.S.&M.	Sapper companies	1	V	9

Cavalry	LCol John O’Neil (A) [1]
Cavalry Bde	19^th Light Dragoons.	3	V	14	Separate formation

Army Falter Point: 75 x 25% = 19 VPs.

Army Break Point: 75 x 50% = 38 VPs.

Game - Battle of Champlain, 1814 US Right Division (aka Northern Division) Order of Battle and Strength Commanding General – Maj Gen Izard (A) (3) Acting Adjutant General: Lieutenant William R. Duncan:
Brigade	Regiment	VP	M	F	Str.	COs and Uniform Details
Light Brigade	Brigadier-General Smith (A)(1)
1^st Rifles	2^nd Battalion	3	E	E	12	Sk Maj. D. Appling
4^th /10^th Inf.	Combined Battalion	3	V	V	28	Lt coys Sk Col. R. Purdy
12^th Inf.		3	L	L	24	Maj W. Morgan
Light Artillery	3 x 6pdr	3	E	E	3	Capt. B. Branch

First Brigade	Brigadier-General Macomb (E)(1)
6^th Inf		3	L	L	20
13^th Inf		3	L	L	20
16^th Inf.		3	L	L	20
29^th Inf.		3	L	L	24
Light Artillery	3 x 6pdr	3	E	E	3	Capt. L. Leonard

Second Brigade	Brigadier-General Bissell (A) (1)
5^th Inf		3	L	L	20
14^th Inf.		3	L	L	20
30^th Inf.		3	L	L	20
31^st Inf.		3	L	L	20
34^th Inf.		3	L	L	20
45^th Inf.		3	L	L	24
Corps of Artillery	3 x 6pdr	3	V	V	3	Capt. A. Brooks

Cavalry	Light Dragoons	3	V	V	12	Capt. Hall

Divisional Assets	Brigadier-General (P) (1)
Heavy Artillery	18pdr field guns	3	V	V	3
Heavy Artillery	24pdr field gun	1	V	V	1
Pioneers	Company	1	2L	2L	6
Light Artillery	Serving as Infantry	3	E	E	12	They may augment artillery crews.

Militia Division – Commander - Major-General Benjamin Mooers (A)(3)
Vermont Militia Brigade – Major-General Samuel P. Strong (A) (1)
1^st Regiment	1^st Battalion	3	C	C	28	11 companies in two battalions
	2^nd Battalion	3	C	C	20	May use the second battalion as a feeder unit to keep the first battalion at full strength.
2^nd Regiment	6 companies	3	C	C	28
3^rd Regiment	5 companies	3	C	C	24
4^th Regiment	5 companies	3	C	C	24


New York Militia Brigade Major-General Benjamin Mooers (A) (1)
9^th Inf +	Sanford’s Ind. Battalion	3	C	C	20
36^th & 37^th Inf	Combined battalion	3	C	C	20
7^th N.Y Dragoons	Light Dragoons	1	2L	2L	3

Army Falter Point (loss of): x 25% = VPs.

Army Break Point (loss of): x 50% = VPs.

Battle of Champlain - British Scenario Objective, Options and Restraints:

1. Objective. The British objective is to destroy the American army gathering just north of Champlain with a view to taking Champlain enroute to Plattsburg. A major victory is achieved by routing at least one American brigade and exiting one British brigade off the board via the Champlain Road. A minor victory is achieved by exiting one brigade via the Champlain Road.

2. Situation. British/Canadian troops and their Indian allies have been skirmishing with the Americans in the border area over the last several months. To their great credit they have kept the Americans at bay and thwarting their attempts to threaten the naval base at Ilse aux Noix. Further, our skirmishing troops shot dead the notorious LtCol. Forsyth of the 1^st U.S. Rifles. Contrary to previous intelligence reports, it appears that Major-General Izard is not moving the bulk of his army to the Niagara frontier, rather he intends to defend his territory near the border along the Odelltown/Champlain Road north of Champlain.

3. Topographical information. You have obtained some general information about the Plattsburg area from deserters and prisoners.

a. the roads provide a movement bonus of 3”,

b. the countryside is largely farmland with a few hills,

c. the Odelltown/Champlain Road is likely to be heavily contested,

4. Double One: If a unit rolls an unmodified double one (firing or melee) there is a risk to its Colonel (use the Risk to General Table). If a battalion/regiment colonel is killed, the figure is removed, and unit morale drops one level.

5. Command. The British Commander may apportion part of the British/Canadian army to a Wing Commander (Major-General De Watteville) who will have separate army command capability like the Commander in Chief. This must be declared to the GM ahead the game start.

6. Brigade Ammunition. Each brigade has an ammunition wagon. Should the ammunition wagon be destroyed the brigade is reduced to minimum fire power (only firing every other turn).

7. Reorganization. The British Commander may reorganize his OOB by repositioning one unit to any formation he chooses. This must be declared to the GM ahead the game start.

8. Column of Divisions. The British regular infantry may move in column of divisions but does not earn 3” road bonus.

9. Specific addendum rule considerations:

The militia fire table will not be used i.e., use normal GdeB tables,
The militia fear of Indians morale rule is not enforced.

10. Formation & Entry Points: On each turn the British commander will roll a D6 for one formation to arrive on the board via a random entry point 1 to 6. The selected formation then rolls a D6 for an entry point from 1 to 6. D1 = 1^st Bde, D2 = 2^nd Bde, D3 = 3^rd Bde, D4 = Div Artillery, D5 = Cavalry, D6 = player’s choice. Entry points will be provided at the game start.

Battle of Champlain: American Scenario Objective, Restraints and Options:

1. Objective. The American objective is to defend the border by preventing the British Army moving on to Plattsburg via Champlain. A secondary objective after defeating British is to advance on Ilse aux Noix base with aim of destroying it and the ships anchored there, particularly HMS Confiance. A major victory is earned if one American brigade can exit the board from Odelltown Road. A minor victory is earned if no British Brigade exits south towards Plattsburg.

2. Situation: It is the 29 August 1814; you are Major General Izard and you have prepared to leave the Champlain Valley with the bulk of your army to assist Major General Brown’s Niagara campaign in accordance with orders from the Secretary of War. This order was activated because of your previous suggestion to the Secretary of War, John Armstrong. However, you have recently received valid information that a massive British/Canadian army has gathered just north of the border and is waiting for your known planned departure of the area before starting its advance to Plattsburg. Rather than blindly following an order that is clearly redundant in the face of this imminent British invasion, you decide to meet the British threat head on.

3. Intelligence. The British invasion army consists of three brigades and supporting artillery plus divisional assets of cavalry, rockets, and heavy field guns. Just north of the border at Ilse aux Noix, the Royal navy is the final stages of the fitting out of HMS Confiance, which when completed will be the largest frigate to operate on Lake Champlain. You are comforted by the knowledge that you have three brigades of regular infantry and cavalry supported by first rate artillery battalions for each of the brigade in addition to divisional artillery. Further you are supported by the New York and Vermont militia brigades.

4. Topographical information. You have occupied this area north of Champlain for several weeks and know that:

a. the roads provide a movement bonus of 3”,

b. the countryside is largely farmland with a few hills,

c. the Odelltown/Champlain Road is likely to be heavily contested.

5. Brigade Ammunition. Each brigade has an ammunition wagon. Should the ammunition wagon be destroyed the brigade is reduced to minimum fire power (only firing every other turn).

6. Command. The Militia Division commander, Major-General Moores, must accept direction from the Commander in Chief Major-General Izard. However, Major-General Moores has a separate command status over his militia division and can send orders to his two brigades like a Commander in Chief. MGen Izard may not directly send orders to a militia brigade unless he is next to the militia brigade commander or one of its battalion commanders.

7. Double One: If a unit rolls an unmodified double one (firing or melee) there is a risk to its Colonel (use Risk to General Table). If battalion/regiment colonel is killed the figure is removed and unit morale drops one level.

8. Specific addendum rule considerations:

a. The militia fire table will not be used ie use normal GdeB tables,

b. The militia fear of Indians morale rule is not enforced.

c. The militia may only use linear formations (column & line).

9. Formation & Entry Points: On each turn the American commander will roll a D10 for one formation to arrive on the board via a random entry point 1 to 6. The selected formation then rolls a D6 for an entry point from 1 to 6. D1 = Light Bde, D2 = 1^st Bde, D3 = 2^nd Bde, D4 = 3^rd Bde, D5 = Div Artillery, D6 = Cavalry, D7 = N. Y. Bde, D8 = VM Bde, D9 & 10 = player’s choice. Entry points will be provided at the game start.

Modern Map of Champlain Area with War of 1812 Overlay

The Game on 20 November, 2021

A view of the battlefield looking east. The British will arrive from the north side (left) and the Americans from the south side (right). There are random road entry points starting from number one (top center) and then for the British clockwise from the left to the bottom center number six entry point. For the American entry points it is counter clockwise from the top center to the right and also ending at bottom center with number six. I realized that I should have included a map for the reader to easily understand where the entry points are. I normally have a map for each game but initially did not think it was necessary, which it wasn't for the players.

There are three hill areas marked by light woods (outlined in light green) on their plateaus. One hill on the west end of the terrain ( mid left of center), one large hill (top center) dominating the main north south road from Iles aux Noix to Champlain and one medium hill (very top slightly left of center) near the eastern edge of the battlefield.

Arrival Table

Each turn the player winning the initiative throws a D6 for the arrival point and D6 or D10 as appropriate, for the brigade that will arrive at the diced for arrival point in accordance with the following table.

D6 for American Brigade Arrival Point from 1 to 6. D10 for American Brigade at the diced for arrival point.
1. Light Brigade	2. 1^st Brigade	3. 2^nd Brigade	4. 3^rd Brigade	5. Division Assets
6. U.S. Dragoons	7. N.Y. Bde	8. VM Bde	9. Players’ Choice	10. Players’ Choice

D6 for British Brigade Arrival Point D6 for British Brigade at the diced for arrival point.
1. 1^st Brigade	2. 2^nd Brigade	3. 3^rd Brigade	4. Div. Art.	5 Light Dragoons
				6. Players’ Choice

TURN	U.S. Entry Point	U.S. Brigade	British Entry Point	British Brigade
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten	Any Formation
Eleven	Any Formation
Twelve	Any Formation
Thirteen	Any Formation
Fourteen	Any Formation

Well as luck would have it, both the British Third brigade and the New York militia Brigade diced for the same entry point. I ruled that the militia would arrive 18" south of the entry point. Later the American dragoons would also come in at this same entry point adding to the congestion.

'My British veterans (top left of center coming from point one) are not even going to bother engaging your paltry American militia', as they march past the new York militia brigade (mid right), which is moving forward to engage.

The British second Brigade arrived via point 4 (top left) without incident and Have moved up to engage the American Light Brigade coming in from entry point three (bottom right corner). Both sides have their skirmishers deployed.

So far there has not been a dice roll duplication of random entry points, which means no one has wasted a turn, yet. Now the British Second brigade have entered via point two and heads for the man north south road.

While the US 4th/10th combined regiment pins the British Voltigeur skirmishers (top left of center) the American light artillery rides in from point three to give supporting fire. The Champlain/Odelltown road was destined to be the main scene of action for the game.

The American First brigade arrives via entry point two. Some light artillery gun teams trample some of farmer Ame's corn. He is not a happy farmer.

The center of the battlefield around the main north south road. The light Brigade's artillery is unlimbering (center right) as the British skirmishers (left center) gather.

Oh my, what congestion between entry points one and two. This congestion will plague the Americans for the rest of the game. BTW units must come in no more than three inches either side of the entry road for one move after which they have freedom of movement. If there units blocking the entry point no further units may arrive at that same point.

The rear of the British Third brigade is deploying to meet the Americans coming out of congestion corner.

The British First brigade closes with the American Light brigade near the main crossroads.

Major General Izard (center) vainly orders an aide to sort out the traffic jam at congestion corner.

The British view of the artillery reserve (upper right) and the Second Brigades' artillery battery (bottom center) near entry point four and the main north south road.

Brigadier-General Macomb of the US First Brigade bravely orders an assault on the British Third Brigade with the 16th regiment leading against the elite light companies. This is a desperate move to get American regiments out of congestion corner.

"What to do what to do "? ponders the American Militia commander while viewing the traffic jam...and then "we will Assault the British". those are very brave and audacious words for a militia division commander. Kudos for this aggressive action by the American militia but they were urged on by Izard.

The battle heats up in the center of the battlefield with both sides enduring casualties but the American's are getting the worst of it.

Meanwhile at the quiet end of the battlefield (the quiet western end) yours truly is given command of the 19th Light Dragoons coming in from entry point six. In the meantime the American reserve arrives at point four. Luckily the LDs score a successful Brigade commander initiative change of order for an Assault on two isolated companies of Light artillery infantrymen and a company of Sappers. As the LDs change into line formation for a charge a 24pdr gun comes on the field and unlimbers to support their fellow Americans. This could be bad for the Light Dragoons.

The LDs must charge as per their Assault order but Falter at the half way point and receive cannister shot from the 24pdr. Fortunately the Americans roll low and the LDs receive only a one figure casualty.

The British heroes of the game, the Royal Marine Heavy Rocket Battery. The rockets fire two successful salvoes at the American 24pdr and infantrymen at entry point four.

After about thirteen turns of battle the American's conceded. The following photos represent the endsate of the Battle of Champlain.

The N.Y. 9th and the Vermont 4th have been driven off the field and the NY 37/37th (bottom left) is forced to Retreat. Nonetheless, the NY brigade surprisingly passed a brigade morale check. Meanwhile, the U.S. Dragoons (coming on to hay filed) belatedly attempt to remedy the unstable American situation in congestion corner.

The British Third Brigade dominated this congested area of the battlefield.

The brave Vermont First Regiment (center) under fire from the British artillery suffers heavily (and must do a morale check) but still fires into the flank of Second brigades light companies (center right). In turn the light companies pour a murderous fire into U.S. 16th regiment which is unformed. The 16th will not stand for much longer.

From the British view. The very large 3/27th Inniskilling's battalion (top left of center) is steadily decimating the smaller American 13th Regiment. The 13th will not stand for long. And yet the Third brigade still has the 5th (left center) and 58th (left and slightly forward of the 5th) that have not been committed. The British are in a solid position.

It looks like the Major-General Brisbane's Third brigade is poised to exploit a weakening of the American center along the main road to Champlain.

The US 15th Regiment is fired upon their right flank by the Mohawks, the Voltigeurs in column to their front supported by the Second Brigades combined light companies while the De Meuron regiment (top left) is pouring fire into its left flank. The US 5th will not stand long, particularly as the Mohawks can now attack their flank (the Mohawks can only charge flanks and rear of formed units).

The American Light Brigade's artillery is wiped out and is barely holding its position. However, Brigadier-General Bissell's Second brigade is finally on the field attempting to plug the hole in the American line. The 14th and 30th regiments are vainly holding off the British onslaught while the US 31st Regiment marches up the Champlain road to assist.

The US 12th regiment has endured heavy casualties from the front (39th & 1/27th) and the left flank from the Canadian Chasseurs and is forced to Retreat. The left flank of the American army has been turned and the Canadians are about to roll up the American line. It is at this point that the American Commander concedes the battle to the British Army.

The Canadian Chasseurs are poised to roll up the American line. The commander of the US Rifle Regiment is the lone figure ready to receive the Canadians.

Despite the protests of Major Sinclair, the divisional artillery commander, First Brigades De Meuron regiment (left center)and the 88th and the 76th (right center) have screened the guns largely making them ineffective. However, Major-General Robinson was heard shouting, "it is fine Sinclair I have a cunning plan".

Lt-Gen. Prevost and Major-General De Watteville (left on the hill) watch the American Light brigade unravel. Major Gordon's battery is also cast as observers from atop the hill as their fire would endanger their First brigade infantry brethren.

Eric's Royal Marine Rocket battery has done well much to Paul's chagrin (In our Battle of Plattsburg game, Eric rolled the dreaded snake eyes. "Rockets double back and strike ammunition's. Rocket battery completely destroyed" {classed as a ROUT})

No activity at the western end of the battlefield and farmer Jones like it that way.

Some over all views of the battlefield at games end.

Looking to the west from the British vantage point with the crossroads in the upper center

Looking to the east from the quiet or western end near point 6 with the American point four off mid right.

A view of the crossroads (middle) from the American side and the American left flank (mid center left) with the Canadian Chasseurs about to roll up the American flank.

Summation

First off kudos to Bruce for taking on the role of the American Commander for the second time (re The Battle of Plattsburg). In hindsight I should have asked another player to take on that unenviable role. With Paul acting as the uncharacteristically competent Lt-Gen Prevost there were British no command errors (except the masking of Eric's guns). Also, unlike our Plattsburg game, Prevost did not blunder into the American lines.

The key aspect of this game was the American inability to move onto the battlefield in a coherent manner. Specifically, most American brigades were jammed into the area between point one and point three creating a congestion corner. At least one American brigade's entry was delayed significantly because there was another brigade ahead entering the battlefield. In fairness, the American side was a victim of random entry system that work against them. In contrast the British brigades arrived at varied points and were able to readily deploy against the American lines before they were consolidated.

Conceding the battle was realistic decision to avoid the unnecessary effusion of blood. Also, the American was approaching its Falter point. Overall, a good game, good gamers, reasonably good pretzels, refreshments and pizza for lunch. Life is good!

Epilogue

Both battles confirm the awesome military capability of the British army during this campaign. There is no doubt that if Prevost attacked the unfinished Plattsburg forts immediately, the Americans under Brigadier-General Macomb would have been defeated. Further, if Major-General Izard did indeed have the courage of his convictions and remained in the Champlain area as he planned, he would have been defeated too. So says this armchair general.

Those Are Regulars!

Monday 22 November 2021

The Battle of Champlain