Afternoons with Bernie

 

  

A brief pause from the wargame and miniatures world for a little fun.  After President Biden's Inauguration Senator Bernie Sanders in his overcoat and oversized mittens has become an internet meme.  A number of sites have come up with cut and paste images to let you place Bernie anywhere in the world.  The one place he has not visited was the wargame table world so I placed him in the midst of some if my miniature battles.  

These are great fun and I hope you can get a little laughter with me over these.

We now resume our regularly scheduled programming.

If you too want to have Bernie sit anywhere I recommend this site.  Its fast and its free.

https://outsnapped.com/content/sit-with-bernie-sanders-meme-generator/?fbclid=IwAR0owseUHb6XC6AbAi6-HX_RxV7BVtulnhclWTYPjKeNiQFzH7imjorbXHI

Rev War Battle Problem.

This game comes from a back issue of The Courier.  The battle problem creates a challenge for both commanders and sets up a situation familiar to players of this period.  A larger British force must capture its objective in a limited number if moves.  The American commander must hold the enemy off for a number of moves and withdraw his forces to safety.  Both sides need to avoid high casulties. 

 I plan in the next weeks to play this out twice;  once in the Rev War and again with my War of 1812 figures.

The American commander must try and prevent the British from capturing the village (hold 3 of the 4 buildings) for 7 turns.  They may set up their command anywhere to the left of the small stream.  The Rifle regiment may set up, in ambush in the woods marked "C".  It is not placed on the table until seen or it fires.  The American forces must withdraw off the board by way of the bridge over the larger stream by turn seven.  Militia regiments may retreat off the table by road " D".

The British main force enters on road "B" and must capture the village by turn 7.  The British commander may send up to 1/4  of his force to enter on road "A",  but will roll a d6 to determine which turn they arrive.  

If either army suffers over 50% casualties (included routed figures as well as casualties) they must withdraw at once.

Order of Battle:

American Forces:

3 Continental line battalions

2 Militia battalions

1 Rifle battalion

1 Dragoon regiment

2 Artillery battery

British Forces:

6 Regular line battalions

2 Elite battalions

1 Light or Jager battalion

1 Dragoon regiment

3 Artillery batteries

“It is a fine fox chase my boys!”

The set up:

Mawhood's Brigade (17th Regiment of Foot, Converged battalion of drafts and recruit and light Dragoons (mounted and dismounted)) are in march formation on the road to Trenton.  Having spotted Mercer's brigade they have reversed course and marched back to the Thomas Oldan House.  They deploy into line in front of the house facing the orchard.  The 17th with artillery in the center, Dragoons to left and  Converged battalion to the right protecting the flanks.  The 55th could enter the field on turn 4.

Mercer's Brigade ( battalion and medium gun)  enter the William Clarke farm yard and deploy along the fence facing the British.  Cadwalader's brigade (3 militia battalions, A light battalion and some riflemen) enter the table in march column on turn 2.  Fermoy's Brigade ( A continental line battalion and some riflemen)  rolls and will enter the game on turn 5.  Hitchcock's Brigade (Rhode Island Continentals) will enter on turn 6 .   (Note: Mercer's brigade was a mixed rifle and muskets.  I am giving them rifle range but they roll on musket chart)

Turn 1:

British advanced  from the Olden house towards the Clarke farm.  Mercer's Brigade fires at them and cause some casualties to the 17th. The British brushed off the hits without a pause and continue their advance.

Turn 2 and 3:

The British use a fire and charge order ( they fire then move into contact with no movement bonus.  Casualties are removed before contact). This disordered the Americans line.  The devastating musket volley not only inflicted heavy losses but killed the American  battalion commander.  (Rule note: a volley which causes 7 or more hits causes a separate roll to see if the battalion commander is killed. If so thus causes morale headaches for that battalion.). The British overrun Mercer's brigade and they rout off the table.  

Mercer is not killed however and he joins Cadwalder in steadying his militia who pass their morale after witnessing the retreating troops.  One American battalion forms along the fence line with the artillery.  A second battalion takes position to their left and Cadwalader holds a third battalion in reserve.  The lights and rifles move out to the right and skirmish with the Dragoons.  

turn 4 and 5:

The 55th marches to get into the fight but have a long  way to come.  Mawhood deploys the 17th along the fence in front it the orchard and fires at the Americans.  He deployed the converged  battalion  to their right and moves against the militia.  The single stand of Dragoons charges the rifles who shoot them down!  The American lights advance against  the dismounted Dragoons who fall back guarding the artillery. 

The American lights and rifles push against the British left flank pushing the Dragoons away and threatening the guns,  and threaten to overwhelming that flank.  

Turn 6:

The 55th Regiment of Foot arrives and moves up to try and save the flank.  Seeing more Americans arriving Mawhood gambles on driving the Militia in front of him away and boldly advances forward.  The 17th Regiment pushes back the militia battalion in front of them as do the British converged battalion. 

 

American reinforcements have now arrived  on the field in strength.  Fermoy's Brigade moves quickly to attack the Converged battalion and the Hitchcock's Brigade against the 55th.

Washington is now on the field and is ralling the retreating battalions of Cadwalader's Brigade.  A single militia battalion and the artillery hold and poor fire into the advancing 17th who pass morale but are losing men quickly.

Turn 7:

With Fermoy's brigade driving into the drafts and the 17th taking heavy casualties the British in the farm just hold on.  The American lights and rifles silence the Royal Artillery.  Although the 55th is now on the field it is too little too late.  The Americans have overwhelming numbers and fresh troops.

Turn 8:

The Converged battalion and 17th  now collapse due to casualties and retreat towards the bridge. The Royal Artillery is shot up by the lights battalion and silenced.  The 55th is now alone and pulls back towards Princeton.  Washington waves his hat at the retreating enemy and orders a advance all along the front;  “It is a fine fox chase my boys!”

Conclusion:

A bloody, fast moving game. But one sided.  I do not think the British have much of a chance here if fought as a historical battle.  Especially once the American reinforcements arrive.  Interestingly there were more possible American reinforcements if I had wanted to add them.  I feel this is a very good little action to play as there is a small amount of terrain and troops.  I added the 55th Regiment who historically did not march to the sound of the guns.

  If you are a competitive gamers thus us not the game for you.  But if you are the type of gamer who gets in to the time period you will enjoy this one.  

Princeton 3 January 1777: setting the stage.

 

  What better way to bring in the New Year but with a battle fought on the third day of the New Year.  I am fighting this out as a solo battle.  Considering how lopsided the actual fight was that us probably a good approach.  But it is a battle which is most interesting and I have wanted to fight it out for a very long time.

The fight starts with Mawhood's force (17th, drafts, Dragoons and artillery) set up along the fence line.  Opposite them Mercer's Brigade.  Cadwalader's brigade entering into the board.  American reinforcements and Washington waiting in the wings.  The 55th Regiment of Foot can possibly intervene in a roll of 5 or 6 on a d6.

Princeton 3 January 1777

Washington's Army

Gen. George Washington commanding

General Nathaniel Greene's Division

Brigade Gen. Mercer

1battalion  (30)

NJ state artillery (Capt. Niel)

Brigade Brig. Gen. Cadwalader

3 battalions militia ( 30 each/90)

1 light battalion (20)

1rifle battalion (6)

1Artillery stand 

Reinforcements:  

Brigade Col. Hitchcock (roll d6 for when to enter)

1 battalion (30)

Brigade Fermoy (roll d6 for turn to enter)

1 battalion (30)

1 rifle battalion (20)

British order of battle

It. Col. Mawhood, commanding 

17th Regiment (30)

55th Regiment (24)

40th Regiment (24)

Recruits and Drafts (18)

Mounted Light Dragoons (2)

Dismounted Light Dragoons (10)

Royal Artillery (1stand)

55th regiment of Foot (roll d6 can join game on a 5or 6)

Projects for 2021

 

So, what do I have planned for 2021?  A full slate of activities that's what.  Too much time to plan and organize for the new campaign season.  

Games:  I am looking forward to playing much more then painting for once in my life.  Perhaps two games a month would be reasonable.  If this dreaded covid passes and we get back to in person gaming I am all in and cannot wait.  What games am I planning?  Here they are!

*fight first and second trenton

* fight Princeton

*fight Pell's point

*fight Harlem heights

* fight Cowpens-Guilford Courthouse campaign

* fight Lundys lane

*fight game based on Stoney Creek

*fight game based on Chrysler farm

* do at least three Crimean war battles

* Break out and Play wings of war WW1 planes

Terrain: while I am mostly happy with my terrain I have a few improvements I want to work on.  

* More buildings so I can fight Trenton.  There are a number of the MDF type buildings that would work.

*Finish my hills and ridges.  Paint and flock them.

*Swampy terrain.  Need something for Francis Marion to ride out of!

*New farm fields.  Add crops and veggies in the field.  Perhaps fenced in wheat?

*Base trees for better woods.  I think woods look better with a few trees on bases.  I will still have a few individually mounted trees but I think groups on a base look better.

* More wooden fences.  Rail and post and beam types. You can never have too many feet of fencing!

*A winter game mat?

Painting:  One change is much less painting.  I am kinda burned out painting big battalions after last year.   I do have a couple of projects I would like to do; and a couple of special units.  

*Rev War add Provincial Iight infantry battalion, The Camden light infantry bn. (Made up from a company from the 16th Regiment, the  Prince of Wales American Regiment and the 71st light companies), 17th company (created from recruits and draft after the 17th regiment was captured st Stoney Point),  more militia ( always handy to have and could fight on either side) and south Carolina Continentals. Fife and Drum miniature will be releasing Brunswickers thus year for Saratoga and I might just have to add these as well as possible more British in Saratoga kit.

* Rebase my mounted command stands.  I would prefer b them to be on round bases much like my new artillery stands. 

Fun project that might start

* Hunting Moby Dick!  Doing figures and terrain for the Moby Dick whale hunt game!  Saw it at Cold Wars one year and have always wanted to do this game.  Eureka whale boats, dice movement whale, sharks!  Could be great fun! Anyone know where I can get the figure if the whale from? 

  Lastly, I am determined to get out and exercise and stay healthy.  I and Janine have been doing a lot of walking.  Usually  2 to 5 miles most days.  In the summer we had a beautiful lake we went to a couple times a week to kayak on.  We need to keep this up.  

  This time last year when we returned from Hawaii I was depressed looking at pictures of myself.  I have never been a light weight, more the line backer type.  But my weight was getting out of hand.  So I started Weight Watchers and changed my eating habits.  More fruits and veggies, cut down in carbs, drink lots of water.  I am happy to report I am still with the program and have lost over 70 pounds.  I am feeling much better and goung to continue this through the new year.