The French Attack on Norfolk, Virginia (Wargame)

After the earlier tactical draw, the American army withdrew to their second defensive line, protecting the landward route to the naval base at Norfolk. Here they were greeted by a further three military units sent down from Washington. The French, for their part, had also ordered two military units onboard their fleet to disembark. This gave the French sixteen units against the American fourteen. It was noted however, the Americans were reasonably entrenched. While the French were hoping a gunboat might be able to flank the American positions (to be diced for, D5 or 6)

INITIAL POSITIONS

THE BATTLE

MOVE ONE The French advanced. MOVE TWO the American heavy guns opened up. The French guns returned fire, as did the gunboat! MOVE THREE the guns kept on roaring, mainly at each other, with the French having a clear advantage, 5 down for only 1 loss. 

MOVE FOUR five American guns opened up on the French roving cannon (tank), and it did the job, two of its three crew were taken down, it would not advance further. But it was the American coastal gun aiming at the Gunboat that made the news, D6 hit on the gun, D6 gun knocked out, D6 took out the three gunners as well!

MOVE FIVE Saw the Americans counter-attack, while the French gunboat scarpered away. The American roving cannon also engaged the French infantry, while it's gun scored a hit on the French roving cannon, which took out the last crew member. MOVE SIX saw both the French battery of medium guns silenced, and the American counterpart. The latter was reduced to half strength by rifle fire from the Foreign Legion skirmishers. Both sides were now close to using bayonets. 

MOVE SEVEN was very bloody, with charges and melees. MOVE EIGHT continued this theme, perhaps even worse. On MOVE NINE the French commander sent word to the American commander that he sought to retire, and a cessation was agreed by both sides. Here are photos showing the concluding move. Under my House Rules its quite common for routs to occur, but both sides fought with peculiar gallantry, and suffered accordingly. The American roving cannon destroyed two units and routed a third. While the artillery largely silenced each other. The American rifle fire was always more effective. With so many units present I will just give the totals. The Americans (113) suffered 29 casualties with 9 more routing. Two military units were amalgamated. The French (145) had 52 casualties with a further 26 routing. Six military units were not re-raised.

MGB

DOMINION WAR RESULTS...... The French expedition to the Chesapeake is to be immediately withdrawn. The U.S. President has informed the French President that they may withdraw from New Orleans without hindrance.

NEWS...... A Royal Navy fleet has arrived in the south of Alaska. Terms for neutrality were offered to twelve settlements. Ten of these have accepted, one did not accept, another is still to declare. It is reported that five settlements had to witness gunboat diplomacy, but no casualties. 

NEWS...... The American army has withdrawn from the outskirts of Montreal, to Ottawa, there is a story behind this withdrawal, but no reported actions.