The second day continued with the Spanish colonial cavalry charging the routing American troops, inflicting three casualties. NOTE, one adjustment from yesterday, I failed to notice a dismounted staff officer with the American brigade, this would not impact any previous moves but would permit an attempt to rally one of the routing units. A score of five secured the U.S. Marines, it was a fluke that they panicked in the first place having suffered no casualties. But move eight continued to inflict heavy casualties on the Americans, ten for the loss of only two on the allies. A counter charge by American cavalry neutralised the troublesome Spanish cavalry in move 10, but the American regiment was effectively broken too, and it was retired. The American field army now formed a new defensive line, where their light guns could have greater value.
By move thirteen the situation required some kind of conclusion. Losses had been very heavy on both sides. The two redoubts were still in American hands, but their far left had been taken. The American field army on the right was now reduced to one depleted battalion of marines and another comprising armed civilians. They had lost their light guns and were about to be crushed. For the Allies, they had seen four strong battalions destroyed before the redoubts. Only one battalion having secured part of the fortifications. In truth. It could take another four or five moves to confirm an Allied victory, and it would be pyrrhic.
I asked a member of my family, Chris, to determine the results, he too felt it was a draw, with a possible Allied victory if played to the last man standing. I decided to play a few more moves. When the Spanish cadet cavalry also gained entry to the fortifications, terms of surrender seemed appropriate.
BATTLE RETURNS
Franco-Spanish Commanders 3
Armored Car 3 (-3)
French Regt. 12 (-10)
French Regt. 12 (-6)
French Regt. 8 (-4) Broke
French Marines 12 (-4)
French Marines 12 (-8) Broke
French Foreign Legion 12 (-1)
French Foreign Legion 3 (-1)
FFL Artillery 6 (-1)
French M/Gun 2 (-1)
French M/Gun 2
Spanish Siege Gun 7 (-1)
Spanish Cadet Horse 4 (-1)
Spanish Cazadores Horse 4
Spanish Cazadores Foot 12 (-10)
Spanish Regt. 12 (-10)
Spanish Regt. 6 (-1)
Regulares Horse 4 (-3) Broke
Regulares Horse 4 (-3) Broke
Spanish Marines 12 (-6) Broke
Spanish Marines Artillery 3 (-1)
United States Commanders 3
US Siege Gun 6 (-1)
US Heavy Guns 6 (-2)
US Light Guns 8 (-4) Broke
NG Light Gun 4 (-2)
NG Gatling Gun 3
US Infantry 12 (-11) Surrendered
US Infantry 12 (-6) Broke
US Infantry 12 (-7) Broke
US Marines 12 (-6)
NG Regt. 12 (-7)
NG Regt. 10 (-5) Broke
NG Company 6 (-4) Broke
NG Company 6 (-3) Broke
Armed Civilians 10
US Cavalry 4 (-3) Broke
NG Hussars 4 (-2) Broke
NG Hussars 4 (-2) Broke
For those interested, the American redoubts suffered 22 casualties, but they inflicted 52 casualties, in addition to 13 more routing, and 4 refusing to advance any further. The Allies should have pounded the fortifications before attacking with their infantry.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the big gun in picture #1, that could have pounded the Americans into submission before the infantry attack! It came out beautifully Michael, another great job of restoration! An excellent battle report Michael, very exciting right up to the end! Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brad. Under my rather simplistic rules the Spanish siege gun continued to fire at the redoubts throughout the game, but it failed to destroy a gun, and general hits on the crew were largely cancelled out by saving throws, I think it only took out two gunners during the whole game. For the record, the US coloured regiment on the American left took out twenty enemy! And the gatling gun took out six more. By the way, when a regiment is 50% strong, it must test its morale, normally leading to a rout, but quite a few regiments continued to obey some orders (being allowed to hold positions and fire, but no advancing). The coloured regiment was taken out with bayonet, the last survivor surrendered. Lots of interesting occurrences enacted with toy soldiers, an enjoyable game!
DeleteMichael