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 12 December 2021

The Attack on Winnipeg (Dominion fictional wargame)

After the successful defence of Toronto the Dominion War had largely gone quite, both sides fairly secure in their positions. But in December prominent gentlemen in Minneapolis devised a plan for a surprise Winter expedition to capture Winnipeg, a risky business but a generous bounty brought in the recruits.

The Americans were allowed to throw a dice for the number of units participating on this expedition. The Canadians were allowed to throw two dice, for the number of firing sections (three figures) that could be mustered as defenders. An additional dice confirmed that the Canadian commander was fully abreast of this expedition and all movements towards Winnipeg. The settlement was placed on a war footing, and requests for assistance were sent to other Empire garrisons. Unfortunately for the garrison, (Dice) no forces were available. 

RETURN OF FORCES AND DISTRIBUTION

Dice determined the Americans would attack on both sides of the river, and it also deployed the units. The Empire commander was permitted to distribute his forces as he wished, and for charitable reasons declined to 'fire' local properties, although all provisions were removed. The garrison guns were (Dice) both heavy, as was the American gun. (My guns are divided into Light, Medium, Heavy, Siege, Super.)
THE ATTACK
MOVE 1
The US army advanced on the Upper fort, with all infantry redeployed as skirmishers. The Empire guns opened up inflicting a casualty on the Irregulars, and a civilian limber rider. The Irregulars panicked and ran!
MOVE 2
A US officer rallied the Irregulars. The other troops advanced. The American gun opened up to no effect D1. An Empire gun returned fire D6, a hit, throw another dice to see what it did, D6 the gun is knocked out, what about the gun crew? D6 the four gun crew are killed in the explosion! The neighbouring NG battalion was obliged to test its morale having witnessed this disaster, D2 it routs. The Irregulars having witnessed the NG battalion test their morale, D2 they rout. This could be the quickest game I have ever played!!!!!!!!
MOVE 3
US Commander obliged to decide what to do, with 50% of his army routing or casualties. Decided to hold his position on the right side of the river D3, but now under artillery fire.
MOVE4
The routing NG battalion was rallied, but the Irregulars had gone. There return however allowed a renew of the general assault.
MOVE 5 and 6
Further losses as they advanced.
MOVE 7
The US commander ordered his cavalry to charge the redoubt. They succeed with heavy losses, and in the melee knock out an artillery crew. But in their turn are taken out by the Empire infantry. 
MOVE 8
In the subsequent melee the outnumbered Empire troops are beaten, and the infantry rout. One surviving artilleryman surrenders. I think the game is over!
MOVE 9 and 10
No, the garrison commander from Lower Fort Garry just makes it to rally the fleeing garrison, and with his own gentlemen volunteers they return to Upper Fort Garry. No attempting to storm the works, they use their numbers to take down any heads appearing above the parapet. And it works, despite needing a six for a hit, the enemy fire is largely silenced, needing at least three figures to return fire. One NG battalion having declined to enter the fort due to 50% casualties (may fire but no advancing).
MOVE 11
Terms are agreed, the US troops are allowed to depart unmolested, with provisions for their return trip.
                                                                       CASUALTIES






MGB

10 comments:

  1. Very exciting report Michael! A close run battle, but strong leadership won out in the end! Your table looks great and the variety of figures is awesome! very well done!

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    1. Thanks Brad, I was shocked to roll three 6s for one gun, only to be followed by at least two features that so turned the tables round in the game. Two more inches routing would have changed the outcome! It was a quick, entertaining game. Laying out the figures at this moment for another.
      Michael

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  2. Excellent looking game , have you ever thought of publishing your rules on this blog ' I would love to see them , Tony

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    1. Thanks Tony, I suspect it will happen by default, occasional comments explaining some result, rather than a formal post.
      Michael

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  3. Always a challenge to a game, a shaky morale start when you think it's all over almost before it's barely begun. An enjoyable and shiny game table.

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    1. Thanks Mark, it really did work out to be a intriguing and entertaining game. I genuinely thought it was going to conclude in Move 3, I got that wrong!
      Michael

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  4. This must be why no one sent help,they were sure that the defenders could turn back any force. They very nearly had a nasty shock!

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    1. Cheers Ross, but I'm the one that threw three 6s, I'm still in a state of shock over that. If the dice had allowed for reinforcements it would have added even more spice to the game. I'm thinking of giving the armed gentlemen of Winnipeg a larger flag, with the motto 'Empire or Death'. By the way, historically, Fort Garry was previously called Fort Gibraltar!
      Michael

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  5. Replies
    1. Thanks MJT, it was a fun game to play, but it was only until move 10 that I felt a result was necessary. About to post another game, played yesterday afternoon.
      Michael

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