A meeting engagement between Washington's army and a smaller British Brigade. Based in the historical scenario but a few addition British units added to make the game a little more even. In this game although the British put up a grand fight the more numerous Americans broke there right flank and center for a victory.
The second game was a "what if" the British had reinforced Trenton. The table saw the sane set up as the first game but thus time British reinforcements arrived. If the first game was a American steamroller, this was more Stalingrad with 18th century troops.
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| Trenton with the Delaware river. |
Jim Purky is a master at creating beautiful and fun convention games. For the last three years I was lucky enough to get in each of the games he put on that year. Each was fun and a visual treat. This year he put on three different games. I made sure once registration was open I signed up for them so I didn't miss them.
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| Jim himself |
The first game on Thursday morning was the historical Battle of Trenton. Colonel Rall with three battalions of line, some jagers and two light guns are surprised by Washington and the entire Continental Army (8 battalions line and four guns). Heavily out numbered the Hessians must hold on for four turns before they can try and escape the trap.
Jim went out of his way in creating a beautiful snowy landscape that felt cold! Snow was everywhere; on the houses and the troops bases. A really nice touch!
As far as the battle American artillery was placed (historically) on the high ground where they could sweep the two main roads in the town. Washington's troops approached the town in a "L" formation on two sides. Colonel Rall had his regiment to defend the town on his left, another battalion (Knyphausen regiment) in the orchard on the right and Lossberg regiment in the town. On the left the advancing Americans decimated my small company of jagers and it was up to the Rall regiment to try and hold them off. I managed to hold on for six turns before the regiment was down 80% and poor Colonel Rall was dead. The Knyphausen held out just as long on the right. With all gone, except honour the Lossberg and a gun managed to escape over the bridge. All in all we did pretty good!
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| The American players |
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| The Hessian players. I got to wear the mitre cap! My friend Richard is on the right. |
All the players were great and all got into the spirit of the game. In one of those twists you can't make up my friend Richard Geottel, who I have not seen in over 40 years was one of the Hessian players! The last we had seen each other we were both privates in the recreated Colonels company 23rd RWF. It was a heartfelt reunion and added greatly to our experience. Thus experience couldn't get ant better!
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| The Rall regiment attempts to stop the American attack. |
It was a world wind trip to Historicon this year and I am barley recovered. Part if the problem was the long distance I traveled. Flew up north to meet friends then drive to Lancaster PA. Three days filled with games and lectures. Then drive back. I took a day off before flying back to rest up. But it was great and well worth it.
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I played in four games, three Rev War and the hunt for Moby Dick! The lectures were outstanding and it was awesome to meet in person individuals who I have been reading there articles and books for years. I will be posting a review of these in the next couple day with extra pictures. That is once I get some rest!
Its that time of year to get ready for Historicon. My ride down is arranged, hotel room booked and entry fee paid. Theme is the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. So plenty of special games for the period. But I am especially excited by the group of top notch speakers about the American Revolution that they have this year. Todd Braisted, John U. Rees, Gregory Urwin, Don Hagist, Douglas Cubbison, Thomas Maguire and David C. Bonk are experts in the field. I have books by all of them and to actually hear them speak, and actually meet them is to me beyond words exciting. Guess I have a simple life 😋
Here us a list if talks I am.interested in attending.
Thursday:
Loyalist military Service. Thursday 2:00. Todd Braisted
British Grenadier and Light Infantry battalions. Thursday 6:00
Don Hagist
Friday:
Battles never fought: new scenarios for the AWI. Friday 9:00
David C. Bonk
Battle of Brandywine. Friday 11:00
Thomas Maguire
The Queens Rangers 1st American Regiment. Friday 12;00
Todd Braisted
Brigade of Guards. Friday 3:00
Don Hagist
Saturday:
The Artillery never gained more honour. Saturday 9:00
Douglas Cubbison
From parade ground to battlefield: the British army 1776-1783.
Saturday 11:00 Professor Gregory J. W: Urwin
Lt. Gen. Burgoyne and the 1777 Saratoga campaign. Saturday 12;00
Douglas Cubbison
An overview of African Americans in the Continental Army. Saturday 2:00.
John U. Rees
Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse same tactics, different ends. Saturday 3:00
Martin Fenelon