The Battle of Dunkeld 21st August 1689

Bob Black visited at the weekend and we decided to play a scenario from the Command And Colors game, Jacobite Rising.  Bob had recently played the first scenario, Killicrankie, so it made sense to attempt the second, which turned out to be Dunkeld.  I planned to use my 54mm collection and having recently purchased some small houses, I went about setting up the game.  Some buildings were knocked up from foam board too.

After the action at Killiecrankie, Jacobite forces realised that the city of Dunkeld was held by a single unit, The Earl of Angus's Regiment, The Cameronians. The Jacobites, having numerical superiority decided to attack from the hills surrounding the town.

Essentially the battle would consist of Government forces holding the town while being assaulted by the Highlanders.  This is the starting point of the battle.  The Highlanders occupy the hills at the top of the table, with Government troops in the buildings.  The 'cathedral' forms a strongpoint:

With the roofs removed the redcoats can be seen:

Highlanders move towards the town:

The redcoats take up firing positions, but initially plan to sit tight:

The first attack came from the Jacobite right; their plan becoming clear to attack each building with overwhelming force and this happened against two buildings that stand proud of the main position. Two Jacobite units storm one of the houses:

More Jacobites come charging down the road. 

The Government troops cause some casualties but are forced out of the first house, and make a stand on the road

Several Jacobites fall and the Government forces regain control of the building:

The pressure builds and soon troops in both of the forward buildings are forced out:

The Government troops cling on, holding back the Jacobite charges, but are taking casualties all the time:

In order to restore the situation more troops are ordered forward to push the Jacobites back:

Fierce fighting occurs in the narrow streets.

The government troops regain one of the buildings mow down some of the Jacobites with musket fire:

The threat of Jacobite cavalry, however, forces the redcoats to scuttle back to the protection of the houses

With most of the Government troops in buildings the cavalry are not effective and take casualties while negotiating the narrow streets:

And are beaten off:

Having been slowed down in the centre, the Jacobites tried an assault from their left, with their infantry bursting out of the trees:

Although they manage to score some hits, the return fire is devastating and the remnants of this failed attack pull back:

While all this was going on over on the flank, in the centre the Jacobites manage to evict the redcoats from another building:

Now, technically the capture of the second building should be a win for the Jacobites, however, they have lost over half of their men and the Government troops still hold more of the town.  As per the real battle we mutually agreed that this was really a draw and that the Jacobites had no real hope of taking any more buildings.  Thus we ended the battle at this point and adjourned for tea!

This turned out to be a more exciting game than I expected.  The close combat amongst the buildings saw the fortunes of each side swing back and forth.  The spectacle of shiny 54mm troops added to the fun.

Battle of the Boyne - Part 2

 Yesterday, Bob Black came over with the aim of completing our unfinished Battle of the Boyne game.  We left the game a couple of weeks ago with the Williamite forces struggling to gain a foothold on the Jacobite side of the river.  Several attempts had been thwarted with the loss of two foot regiments.  

Jacobite cavalry charges had also succeeded in pushing back William's advance, destroying a Dutch unit, but the Jacobite cavalry had suffered with two horse regiments having to leave the field.

We catch up with the action once again over on the Williamite left, as Schomberg's cavalry crash into Dillon's Irish Piquets.  Kirke's regiment crosses the river in support. The Irish infantry are pushed back as William gains a toe hold on the left.

In the centre, James orders more infantry to advance down to the river bank, facing Danish and English troops.

In a counter move, William advances into the river once more in the centre and the Dutch advance on the right.  The Lord High Admiral Regiment, in yellow, moves up in support.

A major action ensues as William's army begins to gain ground on the Jacobite side of the river.

Meanwhile on the opposite flank, alarmed by the advancing Williamite cavalry, King James orders the Jacobite cavalry to charge into Schomberg's dragoons.  A large cavalry melee takes place.

The battle in the centre swings back and forth and despite heavy casualties the Williamite troops continue to edge into the Jacobite lines.

In an attempt to restore the situation Bob's Jacobites make a determined counter attack.  It does not go well and despite damaging the Danes they fail to destroy them and William's force clings onto their gained ground.

The Jacobites are forced back, losing more troops in the process.

Then King Jame's army collapses.  A cavalry charge by Schomberg's horse, supported by Oxford 's blue regiment destroys the Jacobite cavalry.  Their rout causes the Jame's men to break and head for the rear.  the battle is over and William wins 6 - 4, although most of his units are severely damaged.

This was an excellent game which we both enjoyed.  Plans are being hatched for a rematch, possibly an early Jacobite Rebellion action set in Scotland.

Jacobite Rising 54mm Cavalry

 I have been after some cavalry for my Jacobite Rising scenarios for some time.  In 54mm scale, metal cavalry work out to be quite expensive, with a painted figure coming in at around £100.  I need four regiments of four figures each.

However, there is an inexpensive source in the shape of Del Prado figures.  In their 'Cavalry through the ages' range there are a few figures that would fit the late 1600 - mid 1700 period.  One such figure is the 'Blenheim Dragoon'. These were available in large numbers and can be picked up for £ 3-4 secondhand.  The paintwork is a little dull and scruffy in places, but with some touching up and new facings they look quite good.  

Here are the first three regiment:

I am looking at other figures in the range, especially to provide cavalry for my 1690 collection.  More on that to come.

Jacobite Rising - Battle Report

Several days ago, Bob Black called by and we decided to give Jacobite Rising a go, but using my 54mm troops rather than the game counters. 

The game was based upon the idea that a strong Jacobite force had severed the Government road, cutting off supplies and support to units in the north.  The Jacobites had established themselves astride a river valley, largely holding a low ridge.  A Governemt force of mostly regular troops has been tasked to clear the route and destroy the Jacobite force.

With three foot guards battalions and another nine line units the Government forces confidently advanced towards the Jacobite lines.  However, they did not bargain on a full tilt highland charge, supported by Irish Piquets on their right flank.

The highlanders wild charge sends the Northumberland Regiment towards the rear:

The highlanders continue their headlong advance pushing everything out of their way, while Jacobite cavalry swing around the Government flank:

Having taken some casualties the highland charge begins to slow (under the rules they lose combat power once below full strength).

Meanwhile, over in the centre, the Government regiments are also pushing forwards, coming up against the lowland units and French Scots.

A Foot Guards regiment is attacked by cavalry and French infantry, but despite taking some hits they fight off these attacks.

After several rounds of fighting the Jacobite lowlanders are slowly pushed towards the rear and Jacobite casualties are mounting.

Over on the other side of the river a Highland and a French regiment await the advancing Government regiments, which are hemmed in by the river.

The Royal Ecossais are in disarray as their general rides up to give support

At the same time the Lowlanders begin to rally.

Once again, the Jacobite cavalry charge into the Foot Guards.  The guards hold and the cavalry are forced back to their own lines.

Having reorganised the Highlanders charge once more.  This time they are beaten and destroyed by the Guards musketry.

The highlanders are destroyed:

Over on the opposite flank, led by their general, the Royal Ecossais drive into the Government lines, while some highlanders attempt to force the ford:

And, as all of this is going on, the Lowlanders, with a French regular regiment push forward (the Jacobites had a lucky break with the cards, drawing a succession that allowed major advances in the centre).

Heavy fighting erupts in the centre, with both sides taking casualties.  The Jacobites, however, having been on the back foot are beginning to make gains.

The fighting turns into a bitter hand to hand struggle for the centre as the Government line slowly gives way:

As French infantry and lowlanders pour fire into their ranks, two Government regiments break:

The Government artillery is forced off the hill and the redcoats pull back again. The Government commander decides his troops have had enough and breaks off.  The score is a draw, but the Jacobites win the day by holding their blockade of the valley:

This was an enjoyable game and looked superb with all of the troops on the table.  It took a little while to master the rules and there are a couple of areas that need further reading but otherwise the mechanics worked well.  The highlanders were great, charging about the place.