SPECIAL THANKS. I would like to thank Paul Watson for his sponsorship of several lead figure collections on this blog. Having decided to clear his spare/surplus figures, he generously forwarded them on with no other requirement than they deserved to be restored. I would also like to mention George S. Mills, who kindly furnished a quantity of plastic figures which allowed me to complete another five or six military units, serving in several collections.

Sunday 25 April 2021

Battle of Vankleek Hill part 2 (Dominion Wargame)

The battle commenced with a rapid advance by both sides. As soon as the medium guns were in range they opened up. The first hit was made by the Roving Cannon, taking out an Irish guardsman. In response to this three of the four RA guns directed all their fire power on this strange contraption, which was leading the American advance. A hit, one of the crew down, In subsequent moves another crew member. But it was the third strike that shocked everyone, throwing two sixes, the magazine blue up. While this event dominated the game the Americans had formulated a good defensive line using the terrain for maximum advantage. And when their gatling gun opened up on the advancing British infantry it stopped them in their tracts. 








By now casualties were mounting up, mainly on the British side, the Lancashire regiment having 50% casualties still held fast but unable to now take offensive action it was thought best to retire the battalion. For the Empire troops there was now a serious problem. If the American line held, it would be  a victory. The British had to break through their lines if they were to liberate Ottawa. 


Both sides now attempted to reorganise their forces while still under artillery fire. On the Empire right, the artillery had been silenced by American guns, while on the left the guns were doing their work but not at a rate which would make an assault viable. 
Now something occurred which dashed all plans to take the offensive. The KRRC were under stress trying to compete with the American riflemen. The latter had fortified the watermill and with hard cover they were more than holding their own. The KRRC broke. With the neighbouring Durham Light Infantry unable to help due to mounting losses from the American artillery. When the two battalions of skirmishers advanced there was little to stop them, and the RA battery was also now under threat from small-arms fire. 


The Empire troops are ordered to retire back to Montreal.

EMPIRE ARMY
Command 3
Cavalry 4
Cavalry 4
Cavalry 4
Cavalry 4
Cavalry command 1
Royal Artillery 13 (5 casualties)
Irish Guards 12 (1 cas)
RM Artillery 5
KRRC 8 (3 cas)
Durham LI  12 (9 cas)
Lancashire Regt. 12 (6 cas)
Essex Regt. 12
Royal Highlanders 12
Gordon Highlanders 12
Canadian Grenadiers 8
TOTAL 126 plus 7 medical staff (24 casualties)

UNITED STATES ARMY
Command 3
Cavalry command 1
Cavalry 4
Cavalry 4
NG Cavalry 4
NG Cavalry 4
Infantry 12 (7 cas)
Infantry 12 (5 cas)
Infantry 12 (2 cas)
Artillery 8 (4 cas)
NG Gatling 3
Marx's Roving Cannon 3 (3 cas)
West Point Battn. 12
NG Infantry 12 (4 cas)
NG Skirmishers 12 
NG Skirmishers 8 (1 cas)
NG Skirmishers 6
NG Skirmishers 8
TOTAL 128 (26 cas)
MGB


6 comments:

  1. That was a lot of action, very exciting! A most excellent battle Michael! Well done!

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    1. Thank you Brad, I enjoyed it too. It was the advantage of terrain, fortifying two buildings, and securing a key wood which held the British at bay. Even the roving cannon played its part, taking fire, blockading the bridge and hiding the gatling gun.
      Michael

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  2. Oh dear the Brits need to pull their socks up !

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    1. Tony, the Empire army in Montreal is still a threat, it was useful terrain that allowed the Americans to form a strong line. If the Empire attacked again who is to say the dice would grant terrain so favourable to the Americans.
      Michael

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  3. A fine and shiny Wargame with added random excitement of the roving cannon blowing up. All those months of painting and restoring some together on the table at last!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mark, three games in three days. And I enjoyed all three. A minor skirmish, the taking of two small settlements, and a large battle. It was nice to see the figures actually being used!
      Michael

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