The Attack on Fort William and Port Arthur, Ontario (Dominion Wargame)

All Decisions are determined by Dice

The Twin Ports of Duluth (Minnesota) and Superior (Wisconsin) decided to launch their own combined expedition to take the settlements of Fort William and Port Arthur in Western Ontario. Having larger populations the Americans were allowed a six-sided dice x12 figures. With a score of three they were able to muster thirty-six figures for this expedition. The Canadian settlements were less developed so were granted a D6x3 figures for Fort William's garrison, another D6x3 for Port Arthur, a D6x1 for Neebing, and D6x1 for McIntyre. Unfortunately, a rivalry between the two main Canadian settlements resulted in neither community willing to subject their command to the other. This allowed the Americans to concentrate their resources, while the Canadians halved their potential strength attempting to defend two locations.

THE ATTACK ON FORT WILLIAM

As the American force approached Fort William the two medium guns in the fort opened up. In these initial exchanges the Canadians fired down the main causeway with good effect. Taking down three American gunners, and one infantryman, for only two gunners on their side. The Americans now assaulted the fort with National Guard skirmishers and a band of volunteers. Having to now divide their fire, the tide turned against the defenders. When the Canadian company in the block house went silent, and the local commander's wife was injured, the garrison surrendered. 

Canadians

Commander and his wife (1 injured, 1 captured)

Militia-Volunteer Artillery 6 (4 injured, 2 more captured)

Militia Volunteer Riflemen 3 (1 injured, 2 more captured)

Americans 

Commander 1

National Guard Artillery 7 (3 injured)

National Guard Infantry Battalion 12 (2 injured)

National Guard Skirmishers 8 (1 injured)

National Guard Hussars 4

Armed Volunteers 5

THE ATTACK ON PORT ARTHUR

Leaving the Armed Volunteers to secure Fort William and the prisoners, the American force moved over to Port Arthur. This time the American commander took steps to approach the settlement from three directions. And, he decided to use his superiority in artillery to weaken the garrison. In the exchange of artillery fire the garrison could not compete and when their own gun was taken out, they chose to withdraw. They were not followed.

Canadians

Commander 1

Militia Volunteer Artillery 3 (3 casualties)

Militia Volunteer Riflemen 6 (1 casualty)

Armed civilians 5 (1 casualty)

Note. The Americans did suffer the loss of another artilleryman.

MGB