Battle of Queenston Heights 13 October 1812

 

   On Saturday I got to play in an outstanding game of the Battle of Qeenston Heights.  You do not see too many War of 1812 in North America games and having walked the battlefield I just had to play in this one.  Best of all it was put on by Eric Turner who is on the Fife and Drum minuatures forum.  Before the game Eric, Roger Boschetti and I got a chance to met and talk.  We have known each other on the forum for a number of years;  but finally got a chance to actually met and talk in person.  Huzzar!

  All figures and terrain were made by Eric.  The game board has the heights and village of Queenstown Canada which is across the Niagara river from the United States.  Atop the heights is a heavy gun battery in a redoubt.

  Historically  the invading American army of mixed regulars and militia were to cross the river in a number of waves, land and capture the battery and town.  A small force of British regulars and Canadian militia defended while more troops were in the area and could march to the sound of the guns as reinforcements.  Historically nothing went right for with boats being swept down river, others landing in the wrong spot and most of the New York militia declaring crossing to Canada would violate their constitutional rights and refused to cross the Niagara river!  

  To represent this each turn the American player could load four boats with a company of Infantry.  They could pick US Regulars, New York Militia or US Artillery crews without guns for passengers.  Each boat then rolled a D6.  A 3-6 the boat crossed the mighty Niagara River and landed the soldiers.  A 1or 2 it got swept down the river!  For those unfortunate boats swept down river subsequent rolls could return it to the US shore and they could try try again.   If the boat had Militia As passengers they first had to roll to see if they voted to cross!  Simple, but eloquent system as were all the game rules.

  On the first turn the Americans managed to land three of four boats on the Canadian shore.  Advancing up the cliff musket fire was exchanged.  Unfortunately for me  my two companies failed their checks and retired back down the beach.  There they stayed for the next three turns!  Morale is simple in the game.  You roll 2D6 and have to roll the number of figures in your company or less.  If you fail they stay where they are and lose a figure.  By turn five my companies had disappeared.  Hardly a good start for me.

  During this time one boat missed its landing spot, went down river and landed by Hamilton Cove.  This represented Lt.Col. John Fenwick who actually did land there.  Historically he was quickly surrounded and captured.  In our game  he avoided this fate and instead marched to attack the village of Queenston!!

  By turn six more US regulars had landed and launched an attack to capture the village.  With Fenwick's help the Canadian militia were driven back and the village taken.  An attack on the redoubt by a company of US Infantry  was driven back and more British reinforcements were arriving all the time. Buildings in the village went back and forth in close combat.

  Feeling sorry for me I was given a new company of the 13th US Infantry as well as the US artillery crews without guns.  As British troops were drawn off the fight  to help over at the village I marched up the hills, drove off the Grenadier company of the 41st, and advanced towards the redoubt.  Busy firing at troops in another direction I charged the redoubt and drove off the Royal Artillery gunners!  Huzzar!  My moment of glory as I captured the redoubt.  ( Please note in the future the number of schools and base ball fields that will be named in my honor 😊)

   Alas, all glory is fleeting.  More and more British regulars and artillery were arriving.  In addition the New York militia held a vote and refused to cross to a man.  A small company did land but the war cries of the Mohawks caused them to high tail it to the boats and return to New York!

  As the game ended what was left of the US regulars were being driven out of the village and masses of troops were marching towards the redoubt.  The game was call for a British and Canadian victory which surprisingly mirrored the historical events very well!

  A outstanding game by Eric.  He kept the game running smoothly.  His rules were simple yet eloquent.  Best of all his humor and historical comments enlighted and entertained us.  It was a pleasure to play in the game.  Thank you!