I was up again for the Tuesday scenario. Unfortunately, I had a very busy weekend and did not have time to develop a detailed battle scenario, so it would be time for more Rebels and Patriots in the French and Indian War.
This scenario would be a variant of the Lament Bridge scenario in the rule book. I had a good number of players and would have to stretch things out. To make it interesting, we would make the stream uncrossable (except in emergency swim tests). However, there were boats on each flank that would allow forces to row across.
The table was open in the center with fields and the road and surrounded by open forest. The forest did not slow down movement, but limited visibility to twelve inches and provided light cover. I also let forces start in close order if they wanted.
The sides rolled off and set up forces one at a time, going back and forth. The British and Colonists oped for a central strategy, where they would go up the middle for the bridge. So, all their forces ended up close to the main road in the center.
The French opted for a flanking strategy, placing their center force as a blocking force and their lighter troops on the flanks with the intent of enveloping the British. We would have to see which plan worked out best!
One of the beauties of group games, is that players do not tend to stick to the plan! That was kind of the case in this scenario. The British advanced in the center, arguing with each other on who should engage first. The French on the other hand ended up moving on the flanks, but not having their blocking force move forward to pin at the bridge!
Things started to settle into place in the mid-game, with the British finally forming up along the river to dominate the fire zones to their front. This made it impossible for the blocking force to more forward at this point and do its job.
In the meantime, the Indians on the flank crossed the stream and engaged the British flank, but they were not strong enough to do more than harass. Their French light counterparts decided not to support their advance and changed direction to the center bridge fight in support of their countrymen!
The firefight went mostly the British and Colonists way. They were able to clear an opening and storm the bridge to take position. Just as they thought they had it all bundled up, the French lights arrived and showed them it was not going to be so easy after all!
The game went nine turns (all scenarios have random endings), with the British firmly on the bridge, but not in control of it. We tallied up the casualties and found the French were on the short end of the stick, resulting in a British minor victory!
- Manteuffel