Chippewa July 5, 1814

   This was the battle which sparked my interest in the War of 1812.  We visited the battlefield in 1985 and I have wanted to recreate this battle on the table top since.  It has simple terrain, balanced equal forces and colorful uniform.  British regulars, gray jackets Americans, volunteers in mixed dress and native Indians.  You would have a difficult time finding a more perfect battle to fight in miniature.


  For this battle I used the maps out of Richard Feltoe's book, Tides of War.  To fit the battlefield on a six foot by eight foot table I divided the field in half to represent the plain and the woods.  Fences outlined the woods and defined the roads.  This way I could place trees in the wooded area but players could move the trees to not interfere with troop movement.   I did not include either river.  Instead both sides had to enter the table on the road in road column.  Light troops for both sides were already deployed in the woods.  Historically I should have had the players in the woods fight for three or more turns before the regulars entered the table.  But I did not  want players just hanging around doing nothing  ( no fun there).  So for the first couple turns players commanding the regulars entered the table and deployed while the light troops fought it out in the woods.

American Command:
9/21st Regiment (24 figures)
11th  regiment. (24 figures)
25th regiment  (24 figures)
Towson's battery (2guns)
Richie's battery  (2 guns)
American dragoon  (6 figures)
Pennsylvania Volunteers (24 figures)
Native Warriors (12 figures)

British/Canadian forces:
19th Light Dragons. (6 figures)
1st Regiment of Foot. (24 figures)
8th Regiment of Foot. (24 figures)
100th Regiment of Foot. (24 figures)
Light companies  (12 figures)
Royal Artillery. (2 guns)
Royal Artillery. (2 guns)
Lincoln Militia. (24 figures)
Native warriors. (12 figures)

The game:
In the woods both sides marched directly at each other.  Militia volunteers fought militia volunteers while native warriors fought each other.

  During this time the regulars of both sides marched up the road and onto the field.  Although both sides advanced with the cavalry leading, the Americans brought their infantry up fast while the British made sure their artillery was to the front.

Once they spotted each other the cavalry could not help themselves and both sides

charged.  A good war gamer cannot do otherwise.  Although the melee was inconclusive, the American morale broke and they

scampered back.  The victorious 19th Light Dragons held the field and covered the royal artillery.

 Meanwhile both sides deployed along parallel rail fences.

In the woods the great melee was coming to a head.  The American Indians forced their British counterparts to fail morale and retire shaken.  But the Lincoln militia forced the Pennsylvania Volunteers back also.  The American Indians raced behind the Lincoln's to attack them from the rear but the British Indians had recovered their morale and attacked them in their rear  and routed them in turn! The Lincoln Militia marched on chasing the Pennsylvania volunteer off the boards!

On the plain, the British commander massed three gun sections and commenced target practice on the U.S. 9/21st Regiment.  The American commander could only reply with two gun sections, the other guns were masked by his cavalry.

  Seeing the 9/21st being shot to pieces the British commander advanced his light companies in skirmish order against him supported by the 19th Light Dragoons.  This must have been the moment the American Artillery commander waited for.  He unmasked his guns and unloaded a devastating round against the dragoons which decimated them.  The American dragoons charged the skirmishes.  Although the skirmishes were shaken, they in turn caused the dragoons to fail their morale which tumbled them back.

The 9/21st failed their morale in the face of the British advance and retired off the board.

By this time the Lincoln Militia and Indians in the woods were positioning themselves on the flank of the American line.

 The British line advanced against the Americans, who now have a major gap in their line and are facing enemies on three sides.

At this point, with the full weight of the British line on them, and the Lincoln's in position to out flank them we called the game.  It was a British victory and future cadets at West point would wear anything but gray!

Conclusion:

All felt it was a fun and balanced game and would enjoy replaying it.  Perhaps I have found my "go to" scenario for War of 1812?

In the future a couple things to improve the game.  I plan on buying more trees to make the woods look better.  Also I am working on better buildings.  I will add rivers and bridges to both ends to make both sides remember their escape (should things go wrong) is a small bridge.

  Thank you Byron, Dave and Warren for commanding the Americans. And thank you Charlie and Ed for commanding the British/Canadians.  I am most glad you played in my game and more importantly had a good time.

Club game night

  Last night was club game night and fun evening it was.  Attendance was great, with over 20 people in attendance.  The three games put on were  Fire and Fury American Civil War game in 15mm, a X Wing Star Wars game and War of 1812 in 25mm.

  The X Wing game put on by Mike  saw a large variety of space ships spread across an very nice space mat.  Ships big and small battled it out.  From across the room it looked like great fun.

  Phil put on a 15mm Civil War game based around the historical battle of the Anna River.  It looked good and again people were having fun.

  Finally I put on a battle based around Chippewa  on July 5, 1814.  This time it was a British victory and cadets at West Point will wear anything but grey coats in the future.  This is one of my favorite battles of the war, one I have long wanted to firefight.  So there will be a longer post, and more pictures in a separate posting.  But let me say it was a fun game which may become my go to War of 1812 game scenario.

Lee's Legion 1781

  The 2nd Partisan Corp or as it's better known as Lee's Legion was formed in April 1778 when it was detached from the 1st Continental Light Dragoons.  Through its commander, "Light Horse" Harry Lee and his memoir the Legion's service is one of the better known regiments during the American Revolution.  As to if it was an elite unit, that is up to the reader to decide. But what is not debatable is it could be, at times as ruthless as the British Legion with whom it fought. It was a very active part of Greene's army so I had to include it in my collection.

   Incidentally, Lee's  memoir was written partly to adress the controversy over Lee's action at Eutaw Springs.  His son, Robert E. Lee would continue the defense of his father in later editions of the book.

There are numerous interpretations of how the Legion looked.  This could be because the uniform was changed during the War and also supply problems.  In addition different infantry elements were assigned to the Legion during its history.  I have of course focused on it activities in 1781.

  I understand that suggesting Lee's Legion were not dressed in green might go against current excepted knowledge this is usually suggested that Lee ambushed Pyle's loyalists because they were dressed similar to Targets 's British Legion.  When I painted them up I used the painting of Lee himself in a tan/brown faced green coat. In addition I also used the following quote from private Shaw of the 33rd regiment of foot. He was captured just prior to guilford courthouse and wrote later:
"Scarcely had we gone half way up the lane, when seven of Lee's light horse made their appearance: my companion swore there was Tarleton's light horse coming, and, says he, ‘we shall be taken up on suspicion of plundering, and get 500 lashes a piece.' ‘No;' said I, upon observing their brown coats, and white cockades, ‘no, friend, you are deceived; these must be the rebels.' Having therefore discovered his mistake, he began to cry;--but for my part, I thought it very good fortune.—As they were advancing towards us, we concluded to go and meet them; which we accordingly did, and falling on our knees begged for quarter; which they granted ….

While the evidence, and most authorities agree on the inform of the Legion cavalry the Infantry are much more of an mystery.  I think the evidence suggests the Legion infantry had a different uniform from the mounted element. There was an issue of enough cloth to three officers to make coats of blue faced red and lined white (see p40 Katcher Uniforms of the Continental Army). This was by the clothier general of Maryland in 1782. Coincidentally it was at the same time the portrait of Harry Lee

painted by Charles Wilson Peale. There is also a portrait of an officer of the Legion Infantry,  Laurence Manning who was
shown in a blue coat faced red.

  So I feel confident the Infantry element of the legion in 1781 at least we're in standard blue faced red coats.  There is no evidence helmets were issued so I outfitted my infantry in standard infantry uniform.

  For my table top Legion I have once again used the most excellent figures from Fife and Drum miniatures.  While they do not make a figures for the Legion figures in their existing range work well.  The cavalry comes from the 16th light dragoons. Minor filing was all the work they needed.  For the Infantry I am using existing painted figures. Half of the Light battalion are used as Kirkwood's Delaware company, so the other half of the battalion are now the Infantry of the legion.  Thus I get double duty out of that group.  No flag for the unit.  Although some sources suggest one I am unsure of the documentation.  If better information comes available later to convince me I will add it then.  And now I look forward to Lee tangling with Tarleton in the battle of the legions on my table top!

49th Regiment of Foot 1812

  At the time war broke out, the 49th Regiment of foot was one of the only regiments of regulars in Canada.  Having arrived in Canada in 1803 the regiment was stopped returning to Great Britian by the declaration of war.

  Divided up into smaller commands the 49th was stationed around the Niagara area.  The Grenadier and Light infantry companies were at Queenston Hieghts in October 1812 and played a prominent part in the battle.   The regiment's  commanding officer, Lietentant Colonel Isaac Brock (and commander of all British Forces in Canada) was killed at the head of the Grenadier and Light companies leading a charge against the Americans.

In November 11, 1813 at the Battle of Crysler's Farm the 49th and 89th regiments of foot fought and defeated a much larger American Army under General Boyd.  It was a text book example of better trained and disciplined troops against poor quality but more numerous troops.

  I have painted the regiment in its early war dress.  Officers are still wearing bicorns with white breeches and the men stove pipe shakos. I really like the NCO's, keeping men on their toes and dressing the line.  The gallant officer appears to be channeling General Brock inspiring his men.  It is a nice break from the usual and gives the unit a dashing appearance.

  Figures are from Knuckleduster miniatures.  They continue to provide great figures and great value.  The flags from Flags of War.  These are a great item also and I wish they got more press and were better known as they are wonderful.

Captain James McCall's mounted militia 1780

  Captain James McCall had been active an an officer in the South Carolina continental and militia forces.  From 1776 to the end of the war he held various command and was almost always in the field leading soldiers.  His service was typical of numerous militia leaders, with long years of service but little public credit.

   His most memorial achievement was leading two troops of mounted militia.  These were typical militia men who provided their own mounted and equipment.  At the Battle of the Cowpens in January 1781 his men served with Ltd. Col. William Washington and played a dramatic part in the victory against Tarleton.  He and his command continued to serve with the Continental cavalry of both Washington and Lee during the fighting in North Carolina.  They left Greene's army just before Guilford Courthouse and returned to South Carolina where they fought under Pickens and Sumter's command.

Miniatures are from the Perry Brothers American Revolution line.

4th July

A friend sent me this in honour of independence day.
🍻  🍺  🍻

State line regiment 1781

  Enjoyed painting the old RSM miniatures for regiment von Bose.   So I  wanted to paint some more.  Here are the figures they sell which represent a generic Continental or British battalion.  I painted it up in Brown coats faced red. One of my favorite patterns if early war uniforms, and also represented some of the French bounty coats sent in 1778.   This regiment was to represent a state line regiment.  It can be fielded on the table top as a continental line battalion, or a militia type battalion. As such it will fit in with my southern American Army.  A most useful regiment!

Sumter and Pickens

   I have also done a couple command figures for my militia brigades.  These represent Generals Sumter and Pickens. Both men were very different in command styles and personality.   But both did an incredible amount to keep the rebellion alive at its darkest time in South Carolina.

  Sumter, nicknamed "The Carolina Gamecock" was more dramatic and more impulsive.  He gave as good as he got on the battlefield but at times was very easy with his men's lives. Pickens on the other hand cooperated with the continental officers better and was very protective of his men's lives.  One friend said this taciturn individual was so silent  he spoke only after he thought over what he would say and then took the words out of his mouth, examined them and then spoke.

   They are very nicely done figures that painted up quickly.  The hunting shirt wearing officer represents Sumter while Pickens is in his continental line uniform.  Miniatures from Fife and Drum.

Club game night

How does this thing work?

I want to start this by thanking Ed for the generous use of his pictures from his blog.  While I did take some pictures, I deleted them in error!  I have a problem with technology.  He kindly came to my rescue and offered the use of his pictures. So all pictures in this posting are from his blog.  Thank you Ed!  Now on to the story.......

  Friday was club game night at the Northern Conspiracy club.   I participated as a guest of Ed from Ed's Meandering War games ( http://edmwargamemeanderings.blogspot.com)  .  As is usually a wonderful time was held by all and great games were put on in three decades different time periods.  Interestingly all three were in 25mm ( or is it now 28mm?) Scale.  In my past 15mm were very popular but now it's 25mm.  Due to age or eye sight?

  Charlie put on a striking Napoleonic game played to his rules.  A beautiful army of Austrians vs French.  Great looking figures on a wonderfully terrain table.  As Ed played in this game I would suggest a trip to his blog for a write-up of the details.  But from across the room it looked like all were having fun.

AJ, from AJ's blog  (http://ajs-wargaming.blogspot.com) put on a interesting and fast paced WW2 action.  The rules were I believe Iron cross.  I am not a big player for modern type games but it did look interesting and is with all of AJ's games had incredible beautiful terrain and equally beautiful figures.  Please see his blog for a write up.

I played in Peter's game.  This saw the British in the Sudan vs the Madhi.  A column of troops had to March across the blazing sands to relieve a city (rescue Gordon?).  Naturally the forces of the Mahdi were there to stop them.  Rules used were "800 Fighting Englishmen" and figures were 25mm.  It was a fun low stress game and my fellow players Mike, Don and John kept it light hearted and fun.

I was on the British side and commanded the infantry (4 battalions) a screw gun and three Gardner guns.  John took the hussars and camel corp (Guard Camel Corp old boy).  Although we were supposed to March across the table the Madhi and his forces came to us.  Mike threw waves of cavalry and infantry against me.  I formed line and with a clear field of fire mowed down the enemy to my front.  John and Don engaged in an epic mounted battle with every mounted unit thrown at the Guards Camel Corp being routed back!  The Corp was finally done in by advancing across the dervish front and being surprised by hidden units.   At this point the game ended as although the British done well, they had gotten no where near the city. Poor Gordon was not to be rescued yet again.

A very fun night was had by all.

Hunting shirt infantry

Most of my American regulars are in standard uniforms.  But nothing says Rev War like figures in hunting shirts so I just had to paint some.  And I must say they were great fun to paint!  So much so that I intend on doing another regiment like it.

These figures represented  continental or state line infantry.  They could also stand in as militia.  So this is a very useful regiment. I have added some diversity in the look by adding a few figures with non standard equipment or head gear as well as blanket rolls.  A very nice look to a useful regiment.

Figures are all Fife and Drum miniatures.  Flag by the Flag Dude.

17th Light Dragoons

I almost added the 17th light Dragoons  to my blog post about the British Legion.  That was because throughout the southern campaigns a troop of the 17th Light dragoons  was usually attached to the Legion cavalry.  But, I considered this just not right.

   Why? According to tradition, while campaigning the uniforms of the 17th became worn and patched.  Offered replacement green coats like the legion wore the the 17th to a man refused them and clung to their red coats which marked them as regulars.  So I gave them their own post, just to be right!  One item which marked this troop as campaigning down south is the white turban around their helmets.  In the south the usual red one was replaced by a white (sheepskin?) Turban.

  Figures are from Fife and Drum miniatures. And wonderful, easy to paint and dramatic figures they are.

Interestingly, the 17th are one of those regiments I have done for the table top in more then one time period.  I have their grandsons my Crimean army as the 17th Lancers.  I also have the 23rd RWF and 33rd in both Rev War and Crimean.  I am curious how often other gamers do this?