After the capture of Louisiana, the French found themselves bottled up in the city, with several American armies encamped to the north, opposing all further movements. In December the French received reinforcements and decided this was an opportunity to secure further territory. It appears both sides were keen to engage in something more than a skirmish.
Overview of the battlefield
MOVE 1.The armies approach each other.
MOVE 2, the armoured cars and artillery came into range of each other, the US having some success on the French AC. MOVE 3 saw light troops engage in a melee inside the yellow house. MOVE 4 Artillery fire dominated this move. MOVE 5 US score a D6 on the French AC, followed by another D6, and then a D5 this equated to the destruction of the turret. But the French artillery had pounded the US battery, and they were silenced. However, the French Zouaves fled the yellow house, it was now under US control. MOVE 6 a battalion of French marines advanced and opened fire on the yellow house.
MOVE 7 and 8, the US armoured car overran a French machine gun section, and its turret gun was also causing real problems. A neighbouring French battalion routed and was pursued by the US armoured car. The French artillery eliminated a cavalry unit. MOVE 9, the French commander sent word he was willing to retire, the US commander (D5) demanded a full surrender. This was not accepted. MOVE 10, on their THIRD attempt the French marines charged the house, some Americans were captured. MOVE 11, at this point something unforeseen occurred, the loss of the house obliged a morale check on a nearby US battalion, they scored a D1 and routed!. MOVE 12, the US commander sent word he was willing to allow the French to retire, the French commander now declined his offer. It was finally agreed that both sides should retire, it was a draw. (NB. From a campaign point of view this will be considered an American victory as the French remain bottled up in the city of Louisiana, and had also suffered heavier casualties.)
RESULTS
MGB
Another excellent battle and report Michael! I love any chance to see the armored cars in action, they are without a doubt, my favorite pieces on the web! Very well done indeed!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brad. Strangely, I was looking towards getting some armour for my WW2 Germans and Japanese. Putting aside the fearful costs of modern 1/35and1/32 models, I could not help thinking the old, inaccurate toys of the 1930s looked much more attractive. So, saving money too, my intention is to make some more, inspired by toys made in Germany and Japan during the 1920-50s. I must confess, when I put the two on the games table, I had to smile, they really do look daft, and also great fun to use! The visible commanders add a lot to this pleasure.
DeleteMichael
Great battle, looks like terrific fun was had.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan, I did enjoy it, but the balanced armies created a different feel from the first action of the day, the attack on Winnipeg. But I'm exited to play some more games this week, if possible.
DeleteMichael
Another brilliant looking game
ReplyDeleteThank you Tony, this larger game was quite distinct from the dice-inspired scenario games I normally play. This was more like the point-based armies most wargamers expect. I enjoyed it, but the earlier game was more exciting to me!
DeleteMichael