Hubbardton - Take 1

This afternoon I ran through the scenario twice with similar overall results each time. The second time I adjusted things slightly. Of that, more anon.

For the first run-through I made some adjustments to Steve’s scenario. First I used the Staff Ride map for the game, with Germans due to appear on the extreme right of the American line, and Acland’s British grenadiers on the extreme left of the American line. Secondly, the Staff Ride map shows the situation later on from where Steve starts his and the crossing of the brook (off table). I did this because with my ground scale of 1mm per yard on an 8x4 foot table* I couldn’t fit everything in otherwise.

* being a Brit, I will flip between Imperial and Metric measurements at the drop of a cocked hat.

As Steve had the Germans appearing from turn 7 of 9 and my game started later, I started dicing for arrival from turn 5. Ditto Acland. These troops would arrive on a 5 or 6, with the odds improving each turn.

Each turn the commanders got 1 AD plus 1 Command Points. I gave the Brits the initiative each turn, but moves etc are simultaneous in Loose Files so it’s not an overwhelming advantage.

During the first game I forgot to take pictures for the first few turns, so they start part way through. The British Lights snaked their way forward in route column, with 24th opting to deploy. Any formation change (or indeed wheeling) causes a Disorder Point in Loose Files so it’s always about striking a balance between speed and order.

The 11th Mass in the centre and the NH infantry on the right opted to about face and march to the other side of the fence/road to avoid being beaten up or cut off. These manoeuvres are risky as they cost time and Disorder, but the Americans had sufficient time on their side as it turned out. Movement speed is variable in Loose Files so it might have proved disastrous. It was probably worth the risk as the Lights were in route column so whilst faster, they would lose a turn deploying to fight. Warner’s Green Mountain Boys (blue on my table) faced off against the 24th. 

As luck would have it, the Germans arrived bang on schedule (the Dice Gods were playing to stereotypes).

The American right and centre have successfully got over the fence lines.

Whilst the Lights (top) swing round, the 24th with a lucky 9” movement roll (or easier than expected going) dash across the open ground and crash into the startled Green Mountain Boys, bayonets bristling, before the colonists get a shot off. Fraser joined in to make sure his lads attacked with sufficient verve. “With zeal and bayonets only lads! Last one there’s a Frenchman!” The gamble paid off. The GMB** suffered 2 DPs and 2 casualties, and legged it over the fence. The 24th halted next turn to rally off the DP that they automatically incurred.

** note, not the General, Municipal and Boilermakers Union 

Meanwhile on the American right, the American skirmish line undertook a successful fighting withdrawal, inflicting first blood on the Jägers. Bottom right of the picture above, the Jägers are down to 1 base versus the Americans 3, but they are supported by 3 bases of grenadiers.

Acland’s grenadiers are finally on!

The rallied GMB face off against the 24th. But it would only be a matter of time before Acland takes them in the flank. In any case, the allotted time is up. Result: tactical win for the Brits. But the Americans escape mostly in tact. Losses were two American bases to one ‘British’, so 2 points list by the Americans v 1.5 lost got the British.