Gallery

French and Indian War game: Battle Report (Part 2)

Posted by John Simmons on 23 May 2021, 16:15

This is the (much-delayed by work) second half of the report on our recent French and Indian War game. Those who saw the first half of my report might remember that it ended as the French siege of the fort began in earnest, with a long artillery duel between the French siege guns and the British artillery.

Image

Image

The results of that artillery battle were: numerous casualties and several guns destroyed; desertion by some of the Indian forces (who were already operating at low morale before sustaining additional casualties from artillery fire); both sides running very low on ammunition for the remaining artillery; and a breach in the wall of the fort.

Image

Image

Image

It was at this point that the missing British ranger company, off the table on water, re-emerged, landing in the swamp and proceeding through the forest to the road.

Image

Image

Image

They arrived in time to ambush and destroy the recently summoned French ammunition re-supply column. This resulted in further Indian desertions (who now knew there were enemies close to their village) and a consolidation of the French regulars for a storming of the breached British fort.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

The one controversial moment in the game occurred here, with the British players bringing back the long-gone brigantine, carrying reinforcements and re-supply. The special off-table water movement rules we had adopted required a certain number of turns off-table before water craft could return with new troops, so we had to count the turns in the game that had elapsed. The French players in the end agreed that this move was legitimate, so the ship both landed its reinforcements and drove the remaining Indians off the island.

Image

Image

Image

As the British advanced, the French, with their artillery and their flanks now exposed, began a fighting withdrawal, finally holding the bridge and allowing their artillery to escape.

Image

Image

Image

Image

By regaining the river line, the British side secured a victory. By holding the other side of the river (and saving their artillery), the French prevented a bad defeat. But all the players agreed that the British victory had depended on good timing and some excellent luck with the dice.
John Simmons  United States of America
 
Posts: 66
Member since:
17 Apr 2020, 14:12


Posted by C M Dodson on 23 May 2021, 16:45

Hi John.

Interesting write up on your lovely game.

I personally feel that your models and terrain really create an atmosphere of the period.

Whilst difficult to achieve, this is especially more impressive because of it being a war game and not a diorama.

Brilliant work.

Best wishes

Chris
C M Dodson  United Kingdom
 
Posts: 2673
Member since:
01 May 2015, 18:48

Posted by Peter on 23 May 2021, 17:12

Thank you for sharing this with us John! Beautifull terrain and great painted figures! :thumbup:
User avatar
Peter  Belgium

Moderator Moderator
 
Posts: 22750
Member since:
25 Mar 2008, 18:51

Posted by Minuteman on 23 May 2021, 17:34

Wonderful stuff !! So much great scenery, almost out-doing the very well-painted miniature soldiery. A lively battle by the sounds of things, and the British were lucky indeed, not least to have an armed Brig appear mid-stream at just the right time with reinforcements and some firepower.

As I think I have noted before, the quality of the modelled water and the way it has been photographed is excellent.
User avatar
Minuteman  United Kingdom
 
Posts: 1140
Member since:
06 Mar 2020, 21:38

Posted by MABO on 24 May 2021, 09:15

Amazing table! Thanks for the report!
User avatar
MABO  Europe
Supporting Member (Gold) Supporting Member (Gold)
 
Posts: 9170
Member since:
12 May 2008, 18:01

Posted by Bill Slavin on 24 May 2021, 13:08

Beautiful stuff! It really does look almost more diorama-like than a wargame, and the models and terrain are excellent. I especially love the boats and water, but every bit from the purpose made fort (with breach inserts, I assume!) and the wagon train are exquisite.
User avatar
Bill Slavin  Canada

Supporting Member (Bronze) Supporting Member (Bronze)
 
Posts: 1338
Member since:
24 Oct 2016, 14:55

Help keep the forum online!
or become a supporting member

Posted by Rich W on 27 May 2021, 22:52

Great fun, thanks for sharing! If only Strelets would start a FIW range...
Rich W  United Kingdom
 
Posts: 1335
Member since:
05 Feb 2018, 23:40

Posted by Graeme on 30 May 2021, 01:31

The table and figures look fabulous!

And a great battle report, I found it easy to follow the action. This turned into a very entertaining narrative, my favourite bit was the Ranger raid on the supply column.
User avatar
Graeme  Australia
 
Posts: 1565
Member since:
27 Nov 2015, 02:39

Posted by Kekso on 05 Aug 2021, 15:51

Image

I love this one :love: ... don't ask me why :-)
User avatar
Kekso  Croatia

Moderator Moderator
Supporting Member (Bronze) Supporting Member (Bronze)
 
Posts: 6883
Member since:
19 Oct 2011, 18:32


Return to Gallery




cron