Phil paid a visit recently and we decided to have a go at an American Civil War game. We used a set of home grown rules that smacked of Featherstone/Grant, but with a twist. An idea borrowed from Perry's Travel battle, we increased the importance of brigade commanders, them having to be in close proximity to units for orders to be issued. This added a new dynamic and interest to the game as units carried out orders then stopped awaiting new direction, although they can engage enemy units that threaten when required. Deploying the commanders forward increased the likelihood of their becoming casualties and complicating the command process.
I played blue, while Phil played grey.
An overview of the battlefield, with the grey forces on the left; blue to the right
The Federal commander deploys his forces on the right, with the idea of sweeping up the Confederate left flank.
Confederate cavalry, some skirmishers and the Alabama regiment hold their left, with two batteries of guns in the field towards the centre.
A whole Brigade of infantry in column begin to move forward on the Confederate right flank.
The Confederates quickly occupy a farm, which will later be supported by artillery and this position will become a thorn in the side of the Federal army.
Concerned about the Confederate build up on the left, federal reserves are called forward, while the guns fire into the Alabama Regiment and the Confederate artillery.
Phil pushed out the Alabama Regiment to threaten the Federal right, supported by his artillery:
However, I had deployed the Federal Sharpshooters into a wood and they picked off the grey troops, forcing them to halt and withdraw. During this action one of the Confederate brigade commanders falls, causing some chaos:
The Sharpshooters were supported by a regiment of cavalry that trotted around the Confederate left. For some reason the Confederate cavalry had moved off over to the other side of the field, giving the federal cavalry the freedom to move around the flank:
Seeing the Confederate brigade moving around the threaten the Federal left flank Pennsylvania Regiment is deployed up against the rail fence in support of the New York Zouaves, who by now had taken quite a few casualties from rifle and cannon fire.
Early on one of the federal batteries is destroyed and the unmanned gun can be seen on the left in the field.
Two regiments of Confederate infantry are now approaching from the the Federal left, moving through a wheat field. In the far distance another federal regiment attempts to attack the Confederate guns, supported by Sharpshooters and cavalry. However, the field is being swept by close range artillery and casualties mount.
The federal cavalry sweep into the remnants of the Alabama Regiment and see off some Confederate skirmishers, but hindered by the rail fence and suffering casualties from the guns, their success is short lived; however, the Confederates lose another commander, leaving just one general to command the whole army. Things slow down for the Confederates
The Confederates emerge from the wheat field and are met by federal volleys causing some casualties amongst the Texas Regiment and the Kentucky Volunteers.
Without leaders, the Confederate advance comes to a halt and Phil decides to call it a day, which was a shame as the Confederates looked to be in a strong position.
BUT
After a beer or two, we decided to return to the game, allowing the Confederate Army Commander to take tactical command of the units on the Confederate left. The one remaining brigade commander could now reengage around the wheat field. Soon the Confederates gained the upper hand and the result of the game was reversed.
This was a most enjoyable game, played with my old Spencer Smith troops and simple but effective rules.
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