The Battle of Saint Jean sur Richelieu (3rd Dominion Wargame)

In response to this latest US campaign to capture Ontario the Empire withdrew and reduced military units along the east coast so as to muster a fair sized army in Montreal, supported by a naval flotilla. Having left a brigade to protect that city, the main army started on their march towards American-controlled Ottawa. While two brigades were sent to engage a smaller force occupying the town of Saint Jean sur Richelieu.

The American commander in Saint Jean was aware of their approach (D4), and decided to make a stand (D5). His force comprised two infantry battalions, a corps of light infantry, and a battery of howitzers. The Empire force comprised four light infantry battalions, and two light cavalry regiments.

                                               The Empire troops approached in skirmish order

MOVE ONE and TWO. The Empire troops approached Saint Jean. MOVE THREE. The Garrison artillery spotted the light infantry on their far left and opened fire, inflicting a casualty. MOVE FOUR. Empire troops advanced, one battalion used a hedge for cover but (D6) the Americans spotted their approach. Those howitzers scored another hit on the visible enemy. MOVE FIVE. The Empire cavalry on the left recognised the possibilities of hitting the enemy flank. The American commander had also spotted this, and ordered his light infantry to reinforce his rightwing. The howitzers opened up on some woods, rightly, believing it now held their previous target, but no casualties (saving throws in operation for hard cover).

The Garrison had taken up their positions

View from the American left, under howitzer fire

The Garrison

View from the Empire's left

MOVE SIX. The Empire troops approached the town, and were now in rifle range. While the howitzers were obliged to cease their firing. MOVE SEVEN. Intense rifle fire from both sides, but the combination of skirmishers versus saving throws for those in buildings limited the casualties. MOVE SEVEN. The dice now favoured the Empire, D5s and D6s flowed and saving throws faltered for the garrison. Worse still, the artillery crews were de facto wiped out, obliged to test their morale, the last gunner standing surrendered. This obliged a morale test on a neighbouring unit, a half strength battalion, and it too surrendered. In turn, it obligated a morale test on a neighbouring unit. Although still in good shape, a D1 saw the American light infantry rout! With only one infantry battalion still active, and facing enemies on two sides, they took a compulsory morale test (D1) and surrendered. GAME OVER!

This was a splendid game to play, very enjoyable. The Prisoners were allowed to return to American territory on parole. I think the Empire commander was aware just how lucky he had been that four enemy units would all break at the same time.

See arrow for battle location. The concentration of American troops besieging Toronto has left Upper New York largely devoid of troops 

MGB