Battle Report - 1690 Battle of the Boyne Part 1

 After a fair bit of painting and preparation of the table the scene was set for a wargame refight of the Battle of the Boyne.  Bob Black came over and decided to take on the role of the Jacobite forces commander King James II.  I was to play as William of Orange.  

Advancing from the north the Williamite forces would have to cross the Boyne river to destroy the Jacobite army.

William's troops were better equipped and trained, consisting of a mix of English, Dutch, Danish and Irish, but had the task of defeating a defending army on the other side of a river. For the battle we used Command & Colors Jacobite Rising rules with 54mm metal figures. Here are the opening positions:

The Jacobite right wing on the south bank of the Boyne. James can be seen on the hill top left.

The Williamite right wing, with the Dutch guards, supported by artillery preparing to make the initial advance across the river at the Oldbridge ford.

The Williamite left flank with cavalry and infantry covering the ford opposite Rathmullen:

Williamite troops begin to wade across the river to open up the action over on the Jacobite left;

The Williamite probe over the river gains momentum, however the Jacobite infantry begin to close in on the river bank:

The battle for the river bank intensifies.  The Williamite troops are unable to use their muskets in the river and despite causing some casualties amongst the Jacobites they are forced to give ground.

As the action in the river takes place, James (Bob) launches his right wing cavalry across the Oldbridge ford, forcing Williamit gunners to abandon their guns and forcing a Dutch guards regiment to break.

The battle around the Oldbridge ford grows in ferocity and a counter attack by William's right wing cavalry destroys the Jacobite cavalry, although for the time being Williams move on the right has been checked.

William now turns his attention to his left flank where the Jacobites are a little weaker.  Williamite cavalry storm over the ford and set about some Irish militia.  A Jacobite cavalry counter-attack is destroyed as Williams infantry moves across the river in support.

On the Williamite right the Dutch and supporting cavalry regroup.

Unfortunately Wlliam and James had spent rather too long at lunch and there was insufficint time to complete the battle, which still hangs in the balance.  

In part 2 it is hoped to conclude this fascinating action