With the French having taken New Orleans, but now bottled up in the city, their Spanish allies looked towards their own objectives. A French fleet carried a Spanish force of six units to St.Augustine, Florida. The defenders could only muster 12 NG, and they decided it was prudent to evacuate to the north. (Note, In 1880 many of the key population centres in Florida were little more than towns.
Having so easily occupied St. Augustine, some of the fleet carrying three units moved south, both Daytona and New Smyna were taken without a fight. Keen to continue this success, the fleet carrying one unit arrived off Tampa. Here, the local population mustered 6 NG, and 9 armed civilians, and were keen to fight.
THE SKIRMISH
The twelve Spanish disembarked from three landing boats, but immediately came under fire. Advancing on the hidden skirmishers they suffered a casualty on move THREE. and they also received fire on their left flank. On move FOUR the two Spanish sections charged their opposition. The local volunteers scattered, but the NG retired in very good order, maintaining their fire, and inflicting a second casualty. If only the armed civilians had stood their ground, the Spanish bluecoats now loosed off a volley that even took down one of those routing.
Having neutralised their opposition, the bluecoats faced right and sought to support the Spanish Marines. While this was going on the American Commander attempted to rally his irregulars. When the Spanish marines entered the Fruit grove they too deployed as skirmishers, and now supported by the bluecoats, the superior numbers brought down two NG. This action was over, the NG retired, the irregulars stopped routing but declined to re-engage. The Spanish were in control of Tampa.
This last map shows the state of games played, points having been granted to each victory, red Empire, green USA, blue Franco-Spanish.
Another great game , are you using your own rules - they sound interesting
ReplyDeleteYes Tony, I have my own very simple D6 set for 54mm 1860-1900, another for all scales 1300-1500 using D8s. (My 18th century is more complex and based on some devised by Peter Helm D10s, but I only war-game that period in 28mm.) I don't promote my 1860-1900 rules as they comprise scribblings on two sides of A4, but they are based on three-figure firing sections as suggested by Featherstone. Morale and terrain dominates most games. With simple amendments I can integrate post 1900 weapons. But I never promote them as they are VERY basic, and quick, and those expecting something more will only be disillusioned, or forced to add content, replace others, etc. Fortunately for me, I'm very happy with them lol.
DeleteMichael
Beautiful game Michael! I really like your landing area, no wasted space! That goes for your whole table, every inch is utilized! The orange trees are great for Florida and the Deetails make a wonderful irregular force! Very well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brad, some time back I came to the conclusion that a bigger table was giving me back problems. And it just meant more preliminary moves before the action. Surprise scenarios can still exist with a combination of off-table moves, and restricted reactions incorporated into a scenario. For example, in the above skirmish the Spanish had to accept a first round of fire from the Americans, and a flank fire as they advanced. The landing beach is more of the fabric I use for roads, etc. Have just secured the edges on several with PVA and grass scatter. They also work for arid terrain.
DeleteMichael