Jackson Gamers

2012 Game Schedule

2012-01-22T14:45:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since we have posted anything here. That is primarily due to laziness on our part as we have had plenty of games since early November of last year!

But now you have the first post of 2012 - our group's gaming schedule for February and March. Jay has been unable to upload or edit the group's web site on Angelfire. He and Bill have discussed a few web hosting mechanisms and that should happen shortly. The test site is up but has minimal content right now.

But until then, here is the schedule for the rest of the first quarter.

Our gaming theme is "The 20th Century and Beyond!" We have already had two WW2 games and as you can see from the schedule will have a wide variety of "modern" and "future" games.

FEBRUARY 2012

Saturday 2/4/12 10:00am. - Jay Stribling's home in Jackson MS. MAP
Scale: 15mm
Title: Battle of Belhaven - III
Rules: Variant of Memoir 44 rules
Notes: The Americans defend the small town of Belhaven as the Germans counterattack during the Mortain counteroffensive. We played this scenario on January 21 but will tweak the rules to try and balance them.
Gamemaster: Jay Stribling

Saturday 2/18/12 10:00am.- Jay Stribling's home in Jackson MS. MAP
Scale: 15mm
Title: Moosehead has been discovered!
Rules: Warhammer 40K (Modified)
Notes: The location of the captive General Moosehead has been discovered. Marines drop to recapture or kill the man!
Gamemaster: Russ Schnieder

MARCH 2012

Saturday 3/3/12 10:00am. - Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson MS . MAP
Scale: 1/2400
Title: Russo-Japanese War, Naval Action
Rules: Seas of Steel (variant for Pre-dreadnoughts)
Notes: A purely fictional battle set in the Russo-Japanese War milieu pits the reinforced Russian 1st Pacific Squadron against the Japanese Combined Fleet.
Gamemaster: Jim Pitts

Saturday 3/17/12 10:00am. - Jay Stribling's home in Jackson MS. MAP
Scale: 15mm.
Title: Battle of Igotchanow
Rules: Forward Comrades!
Notes: During the Russian Civil War, this is a ficticious Red offensive in the south.
Gamemaster: Jay Stribling

Saturday 3/31/12 10:00am. - Jay Stribling's home in Jackson MS. MAP
Scale: Unknown
Title: Not yet Given
Rules: Battle Tech
Notes: Stay tuned for further news once Sean decides what he is going to do.
Gamemaster: Sean Pitts

Battle Mechs in Progress

2011-11-02T20:26:00.000-05:00

Sean has been working on preparing battle mechs for his club game on November 19. Here are some previews:

"Commando"

"Enforcer"

"Victor"

The game will be hosted at Jay's house. It will begin about 10:00 or so on Saturday, November 19.

The Lion and the Gazelle

2011-10-27T15:20:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, October 15, the Jackson Gamers assisted in play testing Col Campbell's game for the upcoming Colonial Barracks All-The Sword and the Flame Convention in New Orleans (link). We had done a similar scenario several years ago.

The scenario pitted a small British led column of askari escorting a tax collector to a village to collect the back taxes. But the village chieftain didn't want to give up his wealth to the lazy white men. So he asked for assistant from a neighboring chief, who sent a force of warriors to help the village. To make matters even more complicated, a Zanzabari slaver raid was heading to the village and a "great white hunter" led party was in the area looking for game trophies.

We used The Sword in Africa variant that is published as part of the 20th Anniversary edition of The Sword and the Flame. All the figures and terrain are owned by Col Campbell. Pictures were taken by Col Campbell and "Electric" Ed.

The Lion and the Gazelle

"When the lion wakes up in the morning, he knows that he must be the fastest runner in order to chase down his prey to eat and survive. When the gazelle wakes up in the morning, he knows that he must be faster than the lion in order to survive. So no matter which you are, lion or gazelle, when the sun comes up you had better be running - fast!" An Old African proverb.

Note: Because of the number of pictures that were taken, this report was composed as a PowerPoint presentation, then each slide was converted into a jpeg file. Please click on each image to get a larger picture wherein you can discern what is happening and read the catchy descriptions of the action.

As a play test, the game went well. I learned that there were several things that needed work and those fixes have been accomplished. There will be more animal groups available to bewilder and bedazzle the players. Victory points have been established for loot, captives, and trophies.

This game will be presented at the Colonial Barracks convention on Saturday November 5 at 9:00 am. I'll have room for up to 8 players -- one British, one White hunter, three native warriors, one Zanzabari, one Ruga-Ruga, and the villagers and their "Seven Warrior" protectors. And I might even be able to squeeze in a ninth player to control all the animals - elephants, giraffe, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, Cape buffalo, zebras, crocodiles, hyenas, lions (but no tigers or bears, oh my!), gnus, and wildebeasts.

HubCon Report

2011-09-11T20:35:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, September 10, Jay and Jim traveled to Hattiesburg for Tim Broome's HubCon. Although we only played in a single game, we did buy some goodies and saw some old friends.

Travis Melton (center) participated in a WW2 game pitting a small German counterattack in April 1945 against the advancing Russian juggernaut.

Charles Canfield participated in the Field of Glory tournament.

Jay discusses the ironclad rules found on the Jackson Gamers web site with fellow gamer Paul Arceneaux.

The following pictures are of part of the 15mm Napoleonic game run by Travis Melton in which Jay and Jim played. Jay commanded the French along with David Arceneaux while Jim commanded an Austro-Russian force along with Duane (last name not known - sorry Duane). It was a hard fought game that came right down to the wire.

Jay looks over the battlefield prior to the action starting. The scenario was set just before Leipzig (1813) as a small Austro-Russian force advanced through a gap, opposed by a small Franco-Polish-Swiss force. The picture shows two French battalions and a battery on one of a pair of hills while in the foreground Jim's Russian cavalry and Austrian infantry advance in the attack.

As two Polish battalions advance in support (left rear), the Russian cavalry is poised to attack the flank of the French on the hill while an Austrian and a Hungarian battalion, supported by an Austrian battery, attack their front.

On the other flank, two French infantry battalions in the village and two French cavalry regiments (right) oppose the advance of the small Russian brigade. In the left background four Swiss infantry battalions advance to counter the Russians as well.

After Jim's Russian dragoon regiment rode over and routed a French infantry battalion off the hill and threatened the artillery battery from the rear, Jay returns Jim's salute of joy with one of derision of his own. In the ensuing pursuit, Jim's dragoons sabered his gunners and occupied the hill.

Towards the end of the action, the Russian dragoons occupy the hill but are threatened by several French and Polish units. More Austrians strive to get forward to relieve the dragoons but just couldn't make it. On the far right, a Polish battalion engages a Russian grenadier battalion supported by the remnants of an Austrian battalion and a battery of Austrian 12-lbrs. The Swiss were speedily sent scurrying to the rear.

At the battle's end, the French had held up the Austo-Russian advance enough to allow Napoleon to concentrate his army at Leipzig. But they withdrew during the night as overwhelming reinforcement from the Allied Army of Bohemia began to arrive.

Fun appeared to be had by all in attendance, from FoG tournament participants to historical gamers to 40K gamers to a rather loud and enthusiastic D&D group.

Thanks, Tim for a small but enjoyable local convention!

Uncharted Seas

2011-09-09T17:59:00.014-05:00

Uncharted Seas

I decided to try the Uncharted Seas game system, created by Spartan Games, after playing an introductory game at Bayou Wars in June 2011. I looked into buy the rules and 2 fleets to get started. I figured if I liked the game I could expand into other fleets or con some of the other gamers in my area to buy some.

First I had to decide what 2 fleets with which to start. I searched several websites that offered some or all of the starter fleets and individual models. I found that Amazon.com had the best price for the rule book and then picked the Iron Dwarves and Orc Raiders starter fleets to begin.

Within a week all the items had arrived. The starter fleets were a nice surprise. In each box were not only the 10 ship models but also a deck of race/fleet cards, punch out turn and fire gauges, stats card for each type of ship and a sheet of cut out tokens (numbers for crew casualties, damage points, etc.). You can also download the turn gauges and stat card from the website. The rules are printed on glossy paper, well put together and come with a laminated quick play sheet and critical hits sheet (these sheets can also be downloaded from the web site). The rule book is just over 100 pages, but the core rules are in a 20 page section (a good portion of this section are pictures, examples of play and diagrams) with the rest being add-on rules and background on each of the races.

I started painting on the Iron Dwarves since these ships need no assembly. I picked a cruiser and a frigate to try out my paint scheme. I gave each a quick scrub to get rid of any oils or release agents and tried to paint a wash on the decks. The acrylic paint puddled and would not stick so I cleaned it off and set up to use a spray primer.

First I painted a brown wash on the decks to get into the spaces between the deck boards. Then some black around the guns ports, on the top of the smokestacks and other openings. My final preliminary step was to paint a base coat of grey on all the plated surfaces (armor and stacks).

I then used lighter shades of brown and dry brushed the deck areas. This emphasized the deck boards and left the spaces between the original dark brown. My dry brush technique was not always up to the task and in a few places I got too much paint on the ship. Overall the look works well. Later I went back and used a darker brown to paint the hatches and some gratings.

I next painted over the grey areas with Testor’s “steel” color. I left some random spots of the grey showing to give a bit of contrast. For the cannon barrels I painted a coat of brass and then went back and covered that with bronze (for some reason my bronze paint didn’t want to cover the black with one coat). I dry brushed bronze on some of the steel plated areas to give it a tarnished look.

I painted some recognition stripes on the turrets on the 2 frigate squadrons. I thought about doing the same to the cruisers but decided not to at this time. The ships were fairly easy to paint but my technique leaves something to be desired. But for gaming purposes they will site my needs.

After painting the Orc starter fleet. Bill and I played a game on Labor Day to try out the rules. They are based on a "activation" type turn where a part of the fleet moves and fires before any other part (known as squadrons) moves. Sides alternate squadrons.

Some of the things we noted while playing were:
1) Need markers to show what squadrons have activated
2) Since range bands are 8 inches a dowel rod with different colored bands would be helpful
3) When the ships get close together a different type of turn gauge (thinner than the ones provided) would be easier to use.

By the way the Orcs (sailed by Bill) defeated the Dwarves (played by me).

Battle of Hesselbach, July 30, 1761/2011

2011-08-16T12:51:00.000-05:00

Several Saturdays ago, the Jackson Gamers met for another 28mm Seven Years War battle using Bill Protz's La Bataille de l'Ancien Regime (or BAR) rules. This report is rather late as Col Campbell as been rather dilatory in editing pictures and writing commentary.

Inspired by the report of the Battle of Waldeck from Msrs. Protz (Campaigns in Germania blog) and Purky (Der Alte Fritz journal, Waldeck Part 1 and Part 2), this battle was set as a follow-up to the victory by His Britannian Majesty's Army in Germania.

The General Situation for the Electorische Armee Thueringen was: After the victory at Sägerwerkdorf in late May (see earlier posts on this blog), the Allied forces regrouped and resupplied themselves while consolidating their positions around the Sägerwerktal. As soon as supplies had been brought up and the rest of the army had closed with the advanced guard, General von Stuppe laid his plans for a resumption of the offensive against the Reichsarmee. He was originally planning for an advance south into the Franconian plains to threaten the enemy bases in and around Nürnberg. But then came word of the Gallian offensive against the main Electoral army and the great victory by the Electoral army at Waldeck. With the Gallians in retreat, Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick has sent word that he desires the main Gallian base at Frankfurt am Main threatened in order to draw Gallian reinforcements away from his front. General von Stuppe now has modified his plans and his army is marching southwest through the Saale River valley towards Schweinfurt. He has received word that the Reichsarmee has gotten wind of his movements and is marching rapidly to the west to intercept the Allies before they can reach Schweinfurt.

Photo by John M, the Nomadic Old School Gamer

The battlefield of Hesselbach looking from the northeast down the road towards Hesselbach. The Electoral forces will enter from the foreground while the Imperials will enter along the left side of the table.

The General Situation for theReichsarmeeabteilung Obere-Sachsen: After the defeat of the light troops at Sägerwerkdorf back in late May, Feldzeugmeister (FZM) von Alderheim has been reorganizing and regrouping his army in the vicinity of Bamberg, drawing on the great depots at Nürnberg further to the south. He had received intelligence from spies and deserters that the Allied army is preparing to march south to threaten Nürnberg so he is well positioned to defend against such an advance. But now he has received word from Lieutenant General Chevert that the main Gallian army was recently defeated by the main Electoral army near Waldeck. Msr. Chevert is still north of Frankfurt am Main, his main base but feels uneasy about the presence of the Carpanian/Britannian detachment under General von Stuppe located to the north of Bamberg. Msr. Chevert feels that this force may be used to threaten Frankfurt from the east. He is requesting that FZM von Alderheim assertain the enemy’s movements and, if necessary, bring his army eastward to cover the approaches into Frankfurt. FZM von Alderheim’s scouts and spies have now confirmed that the Allied army is marching towords Schweinfurt. He quickly gets his army on the road to interpose himself between the enemy and Schweinfurt.

Photo by Col Campbell

The battlefield of Hesselbach, looking from the southwest, with Hesslebach in the center. The road used by the Electoral forces enters from the far side (northeast corner). [The denkmal (monument) is patterned after those used by Msrs. Protz and Purky.]

Both sides had 9 battalions of infantry, 4 squadrons of cavalry, 4 guns, and light troops. Let the action begin!

Photo by Col Campbell

The Electoral army, led by the Carpanian Dragoon Regiment Hapnich, advances down the road towards Hesselbach. A small Britannian battalion has been marching across the fields and is approaching the Hesselbach stream. The Electoral light troops are deploying in the right background to guard the flank of the column against any interference by the Reichsarmee forces.

Photo by Col Campbell

As the Carpanian dragoons, followed closely by the Britannian 1^st King’s Dragoon Guards, enter Hesselbach, the Reichsarmee suddenly makes its appearance on the flank. Four squadrons of Courland and Sachsen-Wachsenstein cavalry on on the Imperial left, four battalions of infantry and several guns make up the center, and the light troops are on the far right flank.

Photo by John M.

Another view of the massive Imperial center as it crests the hill and sees the Electoral forces strung out on the road. The red-coated horse on the left are the two Courland dragoon squadrons and the two blue-coated Sachsen-Wachsenstein heavy cavalry squadrons are next to them. A mixed force of Sachsen-Wachsenstein and Kreis Obere-Sachsen infantry make up the rest of the Imperial center.

Photo by John M.

On the Imperial right flank, the Courland Tamnii Narod Grenzer Battalion and a detachment of Gallian picquets, supported by a battalion gun, face off against the Electoral troops. But they look like they are still in closed order, maybe because some Britannian light dragoons aren’t too far away.

Photo by Col Campbell

The 1^st Squadron of Carpanian dragoons and the Sachsen-Wachsenstein heavy horse squadron, closely supported by their horse grenadiers, collide at the exit of Hesselbach.

Photo by Col Campbell

Meanwhile, the 3^rd Squadron of Carpanian dragoons are attacked by two squadrons of Courland dragoons and a fierce melee develops. Carpanian infantry is deploying to the left as the Imperial troops advance in line against them. In the rear are the Courland grenadiers and musketeers, hastily marching to the west to cut the Electoral forces off from the road to Schweinfurt.

Photo by Col Campbell

A larger view of the battle. The Britannian column is trying to march around behind Hesselbach to get to the Schweinfurt road ahead of the Imperials. The Britannian 1^st King’s Dragoon Guards prepare to move into the melee in support of the Carpanian dragoons. In the background, more Carpanian infantry hurry forward, led by Campbell’s Highlanders. The light troops of both sides square off against one another.

Photo by John M.

The Britannian column commander, Sean Pitts, watches as his command marches towardsthe Schweinfurt Road (to the picture’s left). In the foreground, the Imperial infantry maneuver around the cavalry melee between the Courland dragoons (red coats) and the Carpanian dragoons, while the Britannian 1^st King’s Dragoon Guards can be seen riding up to support their Carpanian allies.

Photo by Col Campbell

The Imperial flanking column led by Count Alexandrovski and consisting of a Courland grenadier battalion, a Courland musketeer battalion, and a Gallo-Sachsen-Wachsenstein grenadier battalion, plus a couple of battalion guns, march furiously west towards the Schweinfurt road.

Photo by Col Campbell

Although reinforced by the remnants of the 2^nd Squadron, the 1^st Squadron of Carpanian dragoons couldn’t prevail over the Sachsen-Wachsenstein heavy horse and horse grenadiers. They flee, pursued closely by the Sachsens. The Britannian column splits the woods, hoping to encircle and gun down the brazen Sachsen horse.

Photo by Col Campbell

In the center, the Britannian and Carpanian dragoons have defeated the Courland dragoons, but choose not to pursue into the face of the steady Imperial infantry. An Imperial battalion has already entered Hesselbach and that will be a severe problem for the Electoral forces.

Photo by John M.

Another view, from the Imperial side, of the aftermath of the cavalry melee in the center showing the Courland dragoon squadrons (or what is left of them) hastily withdrawing around their supporting infantry.

Photo by John M.

Evidently the grenzers close order formation was the wrong one to use. Electoral artillery fire and musket fire from the Regiment Eisenmühlen have sent them reeling, leaving Colonel Laaeshazy, the battalion gun, and the Gallian picquet detachment all alone against the superior Electoral forces.

Photo by Col Campbell

The head of the Imperial flanking column crosses the Schweinfurt road to the west of Hesselbach, beating the Electoral forces.

Photo by Col Campbell

While Bland’s Britannian light dragoons clash with a Gallian company of picquets in the background and the Courland grenzer battalion recovers from its previous losses, the Infantry Battalion Eisenmühlen and the Carpanian jagers and Freikorps push forward, eager to take the abandoned Imperial gun. Colonel Ignace Alleshazy, the Courland light troops commander, sits nonplused on his horse, watching the Electoral advance.

Photo by Col Campbell

After being flung back once already, the Bland’s light draoons, reinforced by the York light dragoons, clash again with the Gallian picquets. In the background, the Eisenmühlers, supported by the jagers, have wheeled into line against the resurgent Imperials.

Photo by John M.

Another view of the fight between the Gallian picquets and the Britannian light dragoon squadrons. The Courland grenzers stand ready to support their Gallian allies.

Photo by Col Campbell

The center of the Electoral line, with the remnants of a Carpanian musketeer battalion and part of the Carpanian grenadier battalion deployed to support the guns against the advancing Imperials. In the village, a second Imperial battalion is entering to join the one already there. Meanwhile Britannian infantry, Campbell’s Highlanders, and the rest of the Carpanian grenadiers deploy to attack the village.

Photo by John M.

A view from the Imperial side as an additional Imperial battalion enters Hesselbach and the Gallian and Sachsen-Wachsenstein grenadiers occupy the church and churchyard. The Britannian flanking column can be seen in the background.

Photo by Col Campbell

As the Sachsen horse withdraws successfully from the Britannian trap, the Courland grenadiers deploy into a battleline while the Courland musketeers march past to their rear, extending the line. The Sachsen and Gallian grenadiers are occupying the churchyard on the far left of the picture, while the Gallian Regiment Beaujolais closes in support.

Photo by John M.

Another view from the Imperial side of the churchyard occupation as well as the Courland/Gallian flanking column deploying against the advancing Britannians. You get a better idea of the disparity of forces on the west side of hesselbach.

Photo by John M.

Still another view of the western end of the battlefield as the Courland/Gallian column depolyes and the Sachsen-Wachsenstein cavalry withdraw, soon to take up a post of the far left flank of the Imperial army.

Photo by John M.

In the center Phil, the Carpanian commander, looks rather dismal as his troops slowly wither away from the accurate Imperial artillery and musket fire. The Electoral cavalry directly in front of him will soon leave the battlefield while his fusilier battalion mills around in confusion near the cavalry.

So, who won this encounter? I ruled that the Imperial forces accomplished their mission of stopping the Electoral advance towards Schweinfurt. In doing so, they helped protect the deep right flank of the Gallians, relieving them of any worry, for the moment, about the security of their base at Frankfurt. With this repulse, the Electoral forces have withdrawn back into the Sägerwerktal to resupply and refit their forces.

Battle for German Flat

2011-07-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

The main battle report is on the Jackson Gamers web site. You can read more about the battle and the two sides victory conditions there. Pictures have also been posted on the Nomadic Old School Gamer's blog (see link to right). The pictures presented here were taken by Jim (AKA Col Campbell). As usual, please click on the picture for a larger image.

We used the Konig Krieg (1st edition) rules for this game.

The British advanced guard and the 1st Brigade move forward down the rough trail towards the sleepy hamlet of German Flat. With the rangers and light dragoons to the front, Col Campbell felt fairly safe keeping his 1st Brigade in march column.

Is the sleepy hamlet of German Flat occupied by the French? Only time will tell.

With war whoops echoing in their ears, the British rangers and light dragoons deploy to face a French allied Indian warband.

As the lead battalions of the 1st Brigade cross the stream, French light infantry make themselves known on the right flank, surprising the other ranger battalion.

While the 42nd Highlanders deploy into the woods in the left background to face off against the French light forces, the other three battalions of the 1st Brigade and the four battalions of the 2nd Brigade began their deployment march to attack German Flat. The aqua colored stone(s) you will be seeing designate which commands have already moved or fired during the turn.

Later in the action, the French light cavalry attempted to attack a British grenadier battalion in the rear. In turn, the remnants of the British light dragoons rode to their rescue to attack the French in their rear. But neither cavalry unit could muster enough courage to complete their attacks, allowing the British grenadiers to about face to oppose the threat. The French cavalry rode away before the British grenadiers could give them a volley.

A look up the trail, showing the 1st and 2nd Brigades already deployed/deploying in the background across the stream and the long line of provincial infantry marching up the trail. One provincial battalion is deployed to the left of the trail to provide additional protection against the French allied Indians in the woods. The other flank of this column is protected by the Highlanders and the grenadiers.

Two French allied Indian warbands attempt to disrupt the deployment of the British infantry. But two battalions are already turned to meet them, doing devastating execution with their controlled volleys, while the two brigade support guns have turned to fire at the Indians as well. The Indians didn't like being on the receiving end of the artillery fire and quickly melted into the woods, ending the threat on the British left flank.

A larger view of the developing British attack against German Flat. You can now see the "French" troops deployed in their defensive positions. Because the gamemaster had only British and Hanoverian troops, the Hanoverians had to play the part of the French. Being in red coats didn't help them much at all.

On the British right flank, the 42nd Highlanders try to close with a battalion of French light infantry. But the Frenchies weren't about to cross bayonets with the "Ladies from Hell" and quickly faded back into the woods. Another French light battalion is trying to come to the aid of the first but couldn't get close enough to support their comrades.

The British attack against German Flat proceeds apace. Two French grenadier battalions crossed the wall and came out to "play." One was destroyed by the green-flagged British battalion (in the center) while the other trades volleys with the yellow-flagged British battalion to the right of the gun. The battalions in march column all belong to the 2nd British Brigade. The French inside the hamlet are attempting to redeploy to counter the British moves.

More French crossed the wall to try to stymie the British attack. The single stand in the left background is all that remains of one of the French battalions after receiving concentrated volleys from the green-flagged British battalion and one of the British guns. The yellow-flagged British battalion against the wall got there by exploiting their destruction of another French battalion.

With the British 1st and 2nd Brigades closing on the hamlet from one side, the 4th (Provincial) Brigade deploying in the center, and the 42nd Highlanders and British grenadiers moving against the other side, the French in the hamlet decided that they had delayed the "Rosbifs" long enough and quickly decamped to the rear to join the main French army which had just completed the destruction of Fort William Henry and were moving back north to Fort Carillon (AKA Fort Ticonderoga).

Battle of Cronkite Gap - Britannian Report

2011-07-04T19:10:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, July 2, the Jackson Gamers met at the abode of Lord Sterling (Jay's) for a Seven Years War battle using his 15mm British and French armies. We used the Quick Tricorne rules that Jay had modified (link). Some pictures have already been posted on John Murdaugh's Nomadic Old School Gamer blog (see link to right). Here we have the report from the British commander, Lord Orlando (Col Campbell himself).

Evening of 2^nd July, 1761 (2011)
Village of Huntley in the Cronkite Gap, Germania
To: General Lord Sterling, Horse Guards, Londinium, Britannia
My dear General,
Today the forces that you have entrusted to our command, representing His Britannian Majesty’s Army in Germania, successfully repelled a Gallian incursion through the Cronkite Gap into the heart of His Majesty’s realm of Hannüber. Although the Gallians severely pressed our forces, we were triumphant as evening fell, successfully defending the villages of Huntley and Brinkley and the farmstead of Chancellor. The Gallians did seize the village of Brinkley for a short time, our gallant Britannian infantry quickly retook the village and successfully held it at day’s end.
Our cavalry did take severely losses, especially the brigades commanded by Generalleutnant von Schneider of the Hannuber army. The infantry of Major General Reding-Nekkid’s and Major General Bully-Beef's brigades were severely handled as well as they defended Brinkley and the center of the line with great ferocity. The rest of the army handled itself in the fine tradition of His Majesty’s forces, defeating the best the Gallians could through at them.

The army remains garrisoned in the Cronkite Gap awaiting reinforcements and supplies before venturing south against the main Gallian base at Franfurter.
I have commissioned a talented young artist to render some quick watercolors of the high points of the battle and I enclose them for your enjoyment.
I remain, your most obedient servant,
Lieutenant General Lord Orlando

The village of Brinkley before its occupation by a battalion of Britannian infantry. Lord Sterling had obtained a bag of small wooden buildings some time ago and built the two towns and the farmstead from them. The towns were sized to hold a battalion of infantry and a gun stand while the farmstead could hold just a battalion of infantry.

Generalleutnant (GL) von Schneider of the Hannüber Army and his three cavalry brigades (32 squadrons) on the right flank of the Britannian Army.

Major General (MG) Young of the Britannian Army with his left flank wing of three brigades of cavalry (36 squadrons), two battalions of Highlanders, two battalions of Hannüber light infantry, and a brigade of four Hannüber guns. The villages of Huntley (foreground) and Brinkley (middleground) and the farmstead of Chancellor (background) were occupied by battalions of the Britannian Army to serve as anchors against the Gallian storm. General Lord Sterling of the Horse Guards was the host of the engagement.

The Gallian commanders, Marechal de Camp (MdC) Pitts (right wing commander), Lieutenant General (LG) le Comte de Florida (Gallian army commander), and Feldmarshalleutnant (FML) von Sansing (left wing commander), with the Gallian Army in its battle array.

The village of Huntley, ably defended by a brigade of four guns and a battalion of Britannian infantry. It was under little pressure during the entire battle. Lieutenant General Lord Orlando (Col Campbell himself) commanded the Britannian center with four Britannian brigades, each with a four gun artillery brigade, and a Hanüber infantry brigade with its artillery, plus a heavy reserve artillery brigade.

GL von Schneider’s right wing cavalry is decisively engaged with FML von Sansing’s Gallian cavalry. FML von Sansing had three cavalry brigades (36 squadrons), but only two infantry brigades, one line and one light. The right flank of the first Britannian line (Major General Barleycorn’s 1^st Britannian Brigade) is already deployed while the second line (Generalmajor Stahl’s Hannüber Brigade) is still in march column to allow it easy maneuver should it be needed by GL von Schneider.

The center of the battlefield with the Britannian first line infantry (Major Generals Redding-Nekkid in center and Bully-Beef on left) deployed against the main Gallian attack. The village of Brinkley is to the left facing a massive Gallian attack force that included the Gallian Guards. Major General Nonesuch’s Britannian Brigade is still deployed in march column on the left half of the second line. In the left background, MdC Pitts’ Gallian right wing is advancing upon the farmstead of Chancellor.

The Gallian Guards attack the Britannian garrison of Brinkley (a Britannian battalion and a brigade of 4 guns). The first Gallian attacks were repelled after some fierce fighting that saw a Gallian Guards battalion withdraw due to severe losses. MG Bully-Beef’s brigade stood strong against the main Gallian attack.

Later in the battle on the Britannian right flank with FL von Schneider’s cavalry having taken severe losses. The right flank second line brigade, Hannübers under Generalmajor Stahl, are deploying to reinforce what is left of the Britannian and Hannüber cavalry.

A final picture of the battlefield showing the village of Huntley (right) not threatened, the severe depletion of the center of the Britannian first line with battalions of the second line deploying forward, and the severe fighting around the village of Brinkley (left). In the background, the Britanno-Hannüber cavalry of MG Young is successfully opposing the Gallian cavalry of MdC Pitts.

Although still being pressured by the Gallians, the Britannian garrison of Brinkley is still holding. This was the second Britannian battalion to man the defenses of Brinkley, the first having been thrown out in earlier fighting.

After a Highland battalion was severely pummeled by Gallian artillery while successfully defending the farmstead of Chancellor against attacks by Grenadiers de Gallia, they were withdrawn and a battalion of Hannüber jagers then manned the walls. The Britanno-Hannüber cavalry and the Gallian cavalry continue their fight as darkness starts to fall.

Major General Barleycorn’s 1^st Britannian Brigade was under very little pressure from the Gallian left wing infantry as it successfully defending the village of Huntley all day.

Additional pictures were taken by Lord Sterling and FML von Sansing and will hopefully be posted soon.

EDIT: And now a report is available on the Jackson Gamers web site.

Battle of Sawmill Village - Part 2

2011-05-30T10:06:00.000-05:00

After a restful Sunday, broken only by the incredible finishes in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600, I am restored and ready to tackle Blogger again with Part 2 of the battle report.

The Carpanian jagers have deployed to the northeast of the village facing south. Who are they facing?

Only about half of the Imperial advanced guard – a small squadron of Saxe-Gotha light dragoons lead the battalion of Saxe-Gotha infantry, while three Gallian picquet companies support the Gothas.

The next turn of the action on the far eastern flank between the Carpanian jagers and the Gallian picquet detachment, supported by the Saxe-Gotha light dragoons and infantry battalion. Both sides have a light gun in support.

Back at the sawmill, the Pandurs are being shot to pieces by the volleys of the Britannian and Carpanian infantry. Oberst Alleshazy tries to reinforce his veteran light troops with the only force at hand, part of a small battalion of Kreis Obere-Sachsen militia.

A good view of the middle of the battlefield shows how far the Electoral cavalry penetrated. Along the way, they scattered a company of Kreis Obere-Sachsen militia and what remained of the Pandurs they had originally charged.

Behind the sawmill owner’s house, the Britannian light dragoons are reorganizing after their pursuit of the Pandur company. In response, the Imperial battalion deploys against them from one side while the Courland Cossacks ride close from the other (being "maneuvered" by the hands of Jim). In the foreground the

Hesse-Bomburgers and Hesse-Coburgers advance into the open center.

The battalion of Hesse-Bomburg infantry (red coats) and a battalion of Hesse-Coburg infantry (blue coats), led by the advanced guard battalion commander, Generalmajor Baron von Habenbier, continue their march into the center. They won’t let the few bodies of their dead provincial rangers get in the way!

The Kreis Obere-Sachsen militia company that was scattered by the Electoral light cavalry ended up behind the Cossacks on the far left flank. They actually were able to rally and formed a line to try and oppose the Britannian advance. But the Britannians got the first shot and smashed the militia, sending them fleeing yet again. It wasn’t a good day to be a Kreis Obere-Sachsen militiaman!

The Saxe-Gotha and Gallian troops advance in almost parade ground fashion against the Carpanian jagers, unfortunately ignoring their hard pressed Pandurs and militia around the sawmill, well out of sight to the right of the picture.

While the Courland Cossacks (lower part of picture) attack the Britannian light dragoons, the other company of the Obere-Sachsen militia attempt to bar the way of the Britannian 60^th Foot, all the while under fire from the Carpanian Freikorps around the sawmill. Two survivors of the first militia company to encounter the Britannians are fleeing for their lives.

With the Cossacks and Light Dragoons engaged in the background, the Imperial infantry battalion redeploys to face the threat coming down the center of the valley from the Hesse-Coburgers. In the foreground, the Obere-Sachsen infantry deploy against the Hesse-Bomburgers, while the Saxe-Gothas peep out of the village at the exposed Hessian flank.

The Hesse-Bomburgers and Hesse-Coburgers close on the Imperial and Kreis Obere Sachsen troops deployed between the village and the mill owner’s home. But the reserve Saxe-Gotha battalion in the village is closely eyeing the open left flank of the Hesse-Bomburgers. In the background, the Carpanian jagers and the Gallian picquets exchange fire.

The Cossacks push the Britannian light dragoons back after a fierce melee.

Another view of the attack in the center by the two Hessian battalions against the Imperial and Obere-Sachsen troops.

On the eastern flank, the Gallian picquet detachment closes on the Carpanian jagers.

The last of the Obere-Sachsen militia turn to flee after being charged by the Britannian 60^th Foot. All that cold steel and the steely-eyed visages of the Britannians was just too much for the poorly trained militia. On the far left, the Britannian 15^th Foot moves to the crest of the ridge, ready to fire into the Cossacks after they finish butchering the light dragoons.

While the Saxe-Gothans pile into the flank of the Hesse-Bomburgers, the Britannian light infantry and rangers dash across the field to add their weight to the ensuing melee. In the lower right, the Imperial light gun prepares to fire into the Hesse-Bomburgers who are still facing the Obere-Sachsen infantry.

A close-up of the confused fighting in the center between the Hesse-Bomburgers and Britannian lights and rangers and the Saxe-Gothas.

After defeating the Britannian light dragoons, the Courland Cossacks try to ride away from the advancing Britannian 15^th Foot. But they can’t get far enough away and a Britannian volley empties enough saddles to cause a morale check. The Cossacks fail and flee even further from the Britannians. On the right, the bodies pile up in the fierce fighting in the center.

The aftermath of the confused fighting in the center. On the left, the Britannian 60^th Foot and the Carpanian Freikorps have shot the Imperial battalion to pieces, sending the survivors fleeing for their lives. In the center, less than half of the Obere-Sachsen battalion remains while in front of them, the surviving Hesse-Bomburgers and Britannian lights reorganize after defeating the Saxe-Gotha charge.

The Britannian 15^th Foot and a light gun consolidate their defensive position along the Sawmill stream. In the far background, the remnants of the Hesse-Coburgers withdraw in disarray after the fight in the center.

The final action of the day sees the Gallian picquets charging the Carpanian jagers

who are being supported by the swiftly advancing Carpanian militia.

So, who won the battle? It was clearly a victory for the Electoral forces. They had two infantry battalions and one ranger company badly damaged and lost the light dragoon squadron. But the Imperials lost the Pandur battalion, the Kreis Obere-Sachsen militia battalion, and the Imperial battalion and had the Kreis Obere-Sachsen infantry battalion, the Saxe-Gotha infantry battalion, and the Cossacks badly damaged. It was not a good day in the annals of the Reichsarmeeabteilung Obere-Sachsen.

With the Saegerwerktal (Sawmill Valley) securely held, the Electorishe Armee Thueringen has a good jumping off point for an offensive against the Reichsarmeeabteilung Obere-Sachsen as part of a hopefully general advance by the Electoral forces against the Imperial and Gallian forces later this summer.

Battle of Sawmill Village - Part 1

2011-05-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

Many imagi-nation and old school gamers have used Charles Grant's Sawmill battle over the years. One of the more recent was Stokes Schwartz on his Grand Duchy of Stollen blog. I had a game scheduled for last Saturday (May 21) which was originally to be another playtest of my Bayou Wars convention game (see previous post for battle report). But the initial playtest went so well that I needed something else to do that involved tricornes and muskets. While flipping through my copy of Grant's Scenarios for Wargames, I ran across the "Chance Encounter" battle on page 99. And I had an "AHA!!" moment. Did I have enought individually based troops to do such a scenario? Well, almost. I had to use some cavalry that were mounted two to a base, but all the infantry were individually mounted. And so we have Kampf der Saegerwerkdorf (or the Battle of Sawmill Village), using Bill Protz's Batailles de l'Ancien Regime rules.

Photographs were taken by Ed S. and Jim P. Please click on them to view a larger image.

The Saegerwerk Tal (Sawmill Valley), with the sawmill to the left (gray stone building), the owner's house, and then Saegerwerkdorf. The Electoral force would enter along the road behind the hill (upper left) while the Imperial forces would enter from the lower right.

Generalmajor Baron von Habenbier of the Carpanian army was chosen to command a detachment of light troops, light cavalry, and regular infantry from the Electorische Armee Thueringen. His mission was to advance into the Saegerwektal and capture the saegerwerk and Saegerwerkdorf. His command would enter in column and couldn't deploy until his lead elements sighted any enemy forces. Then he could issue his orders to his subordinate commanders. His force consisted of (in order of march):

Oberst-leutnant Freiherr Hans von Stuppe (Travis M.) -- Britannian Ranger/Light Infantry battalion, Freikorps Warsteiner, and a converged Britannian light dragoon squadron.

Oberst von Valkenhayn (Jay S.) -- Carpanian Jaeger Korps Staffelduenkel, Carpanian militia battalion, and a light gun.

Leftenant Colonel Stevens (Charles C.) -- Britannian 15th Foot and 60th Foot and a light gun.

Generalmajor von Habenbier (Bill H.) -- Hesse-Bomburg infantry battalion and Hesse-Coburg infantry battalion.

The Electoral force was 5 mounted officers, 196 infantry, 16 light cavalry, and 2 light guns.

Another view of the Saegerwerktal.

Major-General Count Sergei Alexandrovski of the Courland army was chosen to lead the Reichsarmeeabteilung Obere-Sachsen forces into the Saegerwerktal. His mission and instructions were similar to that of the Electoral forces. His force consisted of (in order of march):

Oberst Ignace Alleshazy (Jim P.) -- Courland Pandur Battalion Tamnii Narod, Courland Cossack Pulk Timofievich, and a Kreis Obere-Sachsen militia battalion.

Oberst-leutnant von Markberg (Sean P.)-- Imperial infantry battalion, Kreis Obere-Sachsen infantry battalion, and one light gun.

Major-General Alexandrovski (Ed S.) -- Saxe-Gotha infantry battalion and Saxe-Gotha light dragoon squadron.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles, Sieur de Beaujolais -- Gallian detachment of picquets and one light gun.

The Imperial force was 5 mounted officers, 185 infantry, 22 light cavalry, and 2 guns.

Another view of the Saegerwerktal. The Imperial troops advanced from the road in the foreground while the Electoral troops advanced from the road in the background with the dark arrow.

The initial elements of the Electoral column with two companies of Britannian rangers and light infantry followed by a company of Carpanian Freikorps, and a converged squadron of Britannian light dragoons advance toward the saegerwerk.

The initial elements of the Imperial column with the Courland Timofievich Cossacks leading three companies of Courland Pandur Battalion Tamnii Narod also advance toward the saegerwerk.

Once the enemy forces sighted each other (at the end of the second turn), the commanders could issue their deployment orders.

Generalmajor von Habenbier instructed Oberst-leutnant von Stuppe to take and hold the saegerwerk; Oberst von Valkenhayn to cross the bridge and occupy Saegerwerkdorf and the hills beyond it; Leftenant Colonel Stevens to march around the west side of the woods and advance towards Saegerwerkdorf; while he would suport von Stuppe with the column reserve and advance as needed.

Major-General Alexandrovski instructed Oberst Alleshazy to continue to advance toward the saegerwerk and deploy as he saw fit; to Oberst-leutnant von Markberg to follow and support Alleshazy; to Lieutenant Colonel Beaujolais to deploy through Saegerwerkdorf and attack the enemy left flank; while he would also deploy through the village and attack the enemy left flank.

Oberst Alleshazy’s Courland Cossacks and Pandurs lead the Imperial advance toward

Sägerwerkdorf and the sägerwerk.

As the lead infantry from both columns deploy towards the sawmill, the Electoral force continues its advance, led by the Carpanian Jager Korps Staffeldünkel and a light gun. On the far right, the Britannian light dragoons have ridden around the hill to provide support for their light infantry.

The Electoral advanced guard was quickly in possession of the sawmill with some “imported” Britannian light infantry and rangers, supported by a company of Carpanian freikorps. Oberts-leutnant von Stuppe, in his yellow hussar uniform, can be seen encouraging his troops forward. In the background, Oberst von Valkenhayn’s Carpanian jagers and militia advance around the north side of the village.

Von Stuppe’s Britannian light dragoons lead Leftenant Colonel Stevens’ Britannian battalions

around the woods to the west of the sawmill.

A closer view of von Valkenhayn’s jagers as they advance along the road leading towards the village.

The Britannian rangers and light infantry, supported by the Carpanian freikorps, occupy the sawmill grounds. In front of them, the Courland Cossacks ride behind the ridge, hoping to catch the Britannians from the outer flank at a future, more opportune time. The Pandurs and the Kreis Obere-Sachsen militia advance around the sawmill owner’s house as they approach the sawmill.

More Imperial troops flow into the valley. In the distance, the Kreis Obere-Sachsen infantry battalion begins to enter the Sawmill village while the Imperial infantry battalion marches down the road behind them. In the foreground the Saxe-Gotha light dragoons ride ahead of the column commander while the Saxe-Gotha infantry battalion follows the command group.

Another view of von Markberg’s Obere-Sachsen infantry entering the village, followed by the Imperial infantry battalion.

This is where, I believe, the Imperial battle plan began to break down. Von Markberg was supposed to follow my force as I advanced to take the saegerwerk. But he began to put the Obere-Sachseners into the village. This bottled up the two commands following him. As we will see in later images, they both initially moved around the east side of the village. Now, back to the action.

The Pandurs of Oberst Alleshazy deploy to contest control of the sawmill with the Britannian and Carpanian light troops. In the near background, the Britannian light dragoons are riding around behind their light troops, evidently in a hurry to get somewhere quickly. In the far background, Oberst von Valkenhayn’s Carpanian jagers and militia continue their trek down the road toward the Sawmill village.

The Pandurs engage the Britannian and Carpanian forces around the sawmill.

One Pandur company has already been shot up fairly badly.

And here we can see why the Britannian light dragoons were in such a hurry. The wily Carpanian von Stuppe slyly withdrew his ranger company that was between the sawmill and the stream, exposing the opposing Pandur company to a charge by the light dragoons. The other Britannian light/ranger company has withdrawn into the shelter of the woods, being opposed by two other Pandur companies. In the right rear, the Electoral reserve, a battalion of Hesse-Bomburg infantry (red coats) and a battalion of Hesse-Coburg infantry (blue coats), enter the Sawmill valley. In the left background, the Britannian 15^th and 60^th Foot continue their advance along the far side of the woods.

Another view of the action around the sawmill between the Courland Pandurs, reinforced by a company of Obere-Sachsen militia, and the Britannian and Carpanian light troops and light dragoons.

But can the Pandur company stand against this surprise charge from the Britannian light cavalry? Unfortunately they were caught in open order and the cavalry advanced too quickly to allow the Pandurs to scatter. A few of the Pandurs were killed in the initial melee, but the rest quickly fled to the rear, pursued by the light cavalry.

The long column of Britannian infantry advance against the Courland Cossacks and quickly come into very close musket range. The ensuing Britannian volley will surely be devastating.

The Britannian infantry fire their muskets, but luckily only one Cossack falls. The rest will quickly ride away. They aren’t foolish enough to tangle with steady Britannian infantry with bayonets fixed!

END OF PART 1. Actually Blogger is being sooooo slooooow today that I am getting frustrated and feel that I should stop now before I do something terrible to my computer! More will be posted later, maybe on Monday as tomorrow (Sunday) I'll be watching the Indianapolis 500 followed by the Coca-Cola 600.

Battle of Fort du Fromage

2011-04-18T18:48:00.000-05:00

In preparation for our upcoming Gulf-South regional convention (Bayou Wars), Col Campbell ran his Gallian (French) and Indian War game this past Saturday. Eight of us met to do battle amongst the forests of the New World.

The Gallians had, several years earlier, built a small fort to guard the route through the Fondue Pass. Set astride Cheddar Creek, the Fort du Fromage was later abandoned and fell into ruin. But further incursions by Britannia's 'Murican colonists sparked the Gallian Governor-General of Canadie to send an expedition to refurbish the fort. Commanded by le Compte de Argent, it consisted of his regiment (the Regiment Beaujolais, with two companies of fusiliers, a company of grenadiers, a detachment of picquets, and a battalion gun), a battalion of two companies of Compagnies Gallien de la Marine, a battalion of three companies of Canadien militia and a battalion gun, and a double warband of Allied Huron Indians.

Getting wind of this expedition, the Britannian commander deputized Colonel Murdaugh to lead his regiment (the 5th Foot of two center companies, and company of grenadiers, and a battalion gun), a battalion of infantry (a company of the 15th Foot, a company of the 60th Foot, and a battalion gun, plus an attached company of provincial light infantry), a battalion of two companies of Rangers and light infantry, and a battalion of three companies of provincial militia to oppose the Gallians.

We used The Sword in the Forest variant of the venerable The Sword and the Flame rules. With the exception of the companies of the 15th and 60th Foot (owned by Doc Ord), all figures are owned and painted by Col Campbell. Unless otherwise indicated, all pictures were taken by Col Campbell. Please click or double-click on each picture for a larger image.

The area of the Pass of Fondue, with the ruins of the Fort du Fromage in the center, bisected by Cheddar Creek. The Gallians entered on the right edge (north) and the Britannians entered on the left edge (south). The two hills (near and far) delineate the Pass of Fondue. The woods were considered rough terrain as were both wooded hills and the ground inside the ruins of the fort.

The composite Britannian battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sansing advances steadily, with two companies of regular infantry (15th in lead, followed by 60th), a battalion gun, and a small company of provincial light infantry.

The Gallian Regiment Beaujolais, commanded by le Compte de Argent, advances towards the ruins of the Fort du Fromage. The picquet detachment is on the right while the two fusilier companies and the battalion gun advance through the gap in the woods. The grenadiers are slowly moving into the woods on the left.

Two of the three Canadien militia companies and the battalion gun of the battalion commanded by Major Phillippe Jeune advance towards the western Hill of Fondue. Major Fondue is encouraging his men from the rear by waving his hat!

A broad view of the center of the pass with the ruins of the Fort du Fromage being contested by the Regiment Beaujolais (left) and the 5th Foot (right) who are supported by the 15th/60th Foot (foreground).

On the east end of the pass, the combined Ranger and Allied Indian company of Major Pitts (the younger) face off against the two Gallian allied Indian warbands of Chief Schneider, an Alsatian-Huron warrior of great renown.

Photo by Big John

The Britannian 5th Foot advances into the ruins of the Fort du Fromage. The grenadiers quickly occupy the remaining building of the old fort but find nothing except abandoned animal nests for loot. In the background are elements of the Regiment Beaujolais and the Compagnies Gallien.

On the east side of the fort's ruins, Major Pitts' other Ranger/Light Infantry company protects the right flank of the 5th Britannian Foot as they oppose the advance of Major Jacques Argile's Compagnies Gallien.

Back on the west side of the pass, Major Jeune's Canadien militia face off against Col Campbell's 'Murican provincial militia on the west Fondue Hill and along the low ground to the right. The opponents on the hill traded volleys for several turns.

Photo by Big John

The command of Lieutenant Colonel Sansing also advances against the western Fondue Hill with the provincial light infantry and the company of the 15th Foot in the lead, supported by the company of the 60th Foot. The grenadiers of the Regiment Beaujolais are lining the woods in the right rear of the picture.

Chief Schneider's Indians suddenly charge the Rangers and Allied Indians of Major Pitts. Although one of Chief Schneider's warbands failed to close, the other did and a hard-fought melee ensued. Clubbed muskets and tomahawks mashed and slashed among the combatants.

Major Argile's Compagnies Gallien trade volleys with the 5th Foot and Major Pitts' Rangers/Light Infantry, while in the center of the fort the other half of the 5th Foot slowly closes with part of de Argent's Regiment Beaujolais.

In the center of the picture, Chief Schneider's Indians celebrate their victory over the vaunted Rangers of Major Pitts, who have with drawn in confusion (foreground). In the background, the other warband huddles in the protection of the eastern Fondue Hill. The next turn, Chief Schneider's Indians were awarded the first movement card, charged the confused Rangers before they could rally, and drove them from the field.

Photo by Big John

Chief Schneider's victorious warriors realign themselves for further action against the Britannians.

Photo by Big John

Chief Schneider hopes to engage the other part of Major Pitts' command of Rangers and Light Infantry who are covering the right flank of the 5th Foot.

In the ruins of the fort, the Britannian 5th Foot continues to trade volleys with elements of the Regiment Beaujolais and the Compagnies Gallien.

Photo by Big John

In the far background, one of Major Jeune's Candien militia companies tried to charge, failed to close, and had to withdraw. Just to the left of the western Fondue Hill, another of Major Jeune's companies, supported by a battalion gun, trade volleys with one of Col Campbell's provincial militia companies. On the right the Britannians mass to assault the western Fondue Hill.

The combined Britannian assault of Col Campbell's provincial militia and Lieutenant Colonel Sansing's provincial light infantry succeeds in driving Major Jeune's Canadien militia off the hill, leaving only Major Jeune himself, forlornly waving his hat at his departing troops. Sansing's provincial light infantry now turns their attention to the grenadiers of the Regiment Beaujolais.

Photo by Big John

The 5th Foot succeeds in holding their own in the fort's ruins against the Regiment Beaujolais. On the far left are what remain of one of the two fusilier companies of the Regiment Beaujolais, as well as their battalion gun with its crew lying dead around it. The 5th Foot's battalion gun, as well as the company of the 60th Foot (out of picture to left) were the dealers of death and destruction in this area of the battlefield.

One of the final actions of the day involved Lieutenant Colonel Sansing's provincial light infantry trading volleys with what was left of the Regiment Beaujolais grenadier company.

As darkness fell, le Compte de Argent decided that he was too weak to continue the action and his Gallian regulars, Canadien militia, and Huron Indians melted into the woods, leaving the bloodied Britannains in charge of the ruined Fort du Fromage and the Pass of Fondue.

All in all, the game went well and appeared to be fairly well balanced. Some better dice rolls on the part of le Compte de Argent might have resulted in a victory for the Gallians.

Additional pictures may be found on Big John's Nomadic Old School Gamer blog (link is to the upper right, under "Member Links").

Here there be pirates !

2011-03-29T20:23:00.011-05:00

On March 19th we played a pirate wargame, using The Sword in the Caribbean rules. We had 6 players who played the following crews or units:

Pirates
Capt. "Red" Sonya's crew - played by Jim
Capt. "Smilin' Jack" Hawkins - played by Jay

Spanish
Capt. Don Diego de la Vega - played by Russ

English
Capt. Bartholomew "Black Bart" Bligh - played by Phil
Capt. Lord Pavel Young - played by John
Royal Marine garrison - played by Sean

Each company or crew was made up of 2 12-15 man "bands" or units. Each unit had secret instructions that defined their mission.

Here we are setting up the terrain. You see Jay (taking the picture), game master Ed, pirate captain Jim and captain Phil.

The picture were taken by Jim and John. Click on a picture to see a bigger version.

The village market.

Another view of the village, from the direction most of the pirates will approach.

The native village

That's all for now. I'm shutting down my computer because a thunder storm is approaching and dropping pea to marble sized hail at my house right now.

I'm back tonight to finish the battle report!

Here we see the British marines patrolling the island.

This unit was painted by Jim. Their mission
was to defend the village and water supply
and make sure the new governor survived.

This is the other part of the British marine company.

Some of Phil "Black Bart" Bligh's sailors
gather at the edge of the village to defend
it from marauders. The 2 crews in town
both had the mission to defend the food
and supplies in the market.

Russ' Spanish militia advance on the village.

The scenario said that the Spanish had just
handed over the island to the British but the
Spanish garrison commander didn't like this.

Before he set sail to return to Spain he had
made it his mission to kill the new British governor.

The pirate crew of 'Red' Sonya enters the board.
Their mission was to get to the chapel, and find
the treasure. They were required to capture one
of the priests and 'question' him to find the valuable
artifact.

The rules have a special section on how torture prisoners to get information. Quite a few of the results have the prisoner dying.
'Smilin' Jack' Hawkins' crew attacks the Royal marines.

The pirates' mission was to find water and supplies
but after being fired on by the British they did
what pirates do .

After the first part of the melee one British unit
has retreated. The other unit has gotten behind
the pirates and will continue the fight.

In the end the pirates had to pull back. One unit
failed morale and headed for their ship without supplies.

Spanish commander Russ

Pirate Jay

Game master Ed

Russ' Spanish push toward the village, avoiding
the fresh water pond guarded by the alligator.

We decided that if anyone got to close the alligator would attack and we would use the TSATF Darkest Africa rules to figure out the results.

Everyone avoided the alligator. Isn't she a beauty!!!

The Spanish make it to the village and are met
by Phil's and John's crews.

Both units in John's crew are in the foreground.
The Spanish are advancing in open order line against Phil.

Part of pirate 'Red Sonya's' (Jim) crew sneaks toward the mission. They try and keep a hill between them and the British marines and avoid the alligator.

The fight at the village takes on a new dimension
as both sides use their 'granadoes' (early hand grenades).

The granadoes were used just prior to melee and
could produce surprising results.

At the end of the game 'Red' Sonya's crew captured
a priest and found "The Cross of Coronado" a gold relic
of great value. They hadn't gotten it off the board but
had done much better than 'Smilin' Jack' or the Spanish.

The English had held the village even though 1/2 of John's crew routed off the board (into the jungle) and Phil's crew and taken a lot of casualties from the fighting with the Spanish.

Thanks to Jim for supplying some of the figures (pirates, Spanish and Marines) and to Jim and John for the pictures.

Battle in the Korean Straits

2011-03-10T20:57:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, February 19, we met to pit the might of the Russian Baltic Fleet against the Japanese Navy in the Straits of Korea (near the island of Tsu-Shima). After sailing half-way around the world, would the Russians be able to best their opponents who were fighting in their own backyard? Here's the tale. It has been a long time in preparation but I think you will consider it worth the wait. As usual, please click on the pictures for a larger image.

Photo by Jim

The Russian 2nd and 3rd Pacific Squadrons (as the Baltic reinforcements were called) steam in columns abreast with the Cruiser Division in the lead, followed by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battle Divisions (right to left), and then two smaller cruisers.

1st Cruiser Division: Oleg (division flag), Aurora, Dmitri Donskoi, and Vladimir Monomakh

Russian 1st Battle Division: Knyaz Suvorov (fleet and division flag), Imperator Alexandr III, Borodino, and Oryol

Russian 2nd Battle Division: Oslybya (division flag), Sisoi Veliki, Navarin, Admiral Nakhimov

Russian 3rd Battle Division: Imperator Nikolai I (flag), General-Admiral Graf Apraxin, Admiral Senyavin, and Admiral Ushakov

Attached Cruisers: Izumrud and Jemchug

This was the same formation in which the Russians began the Battle of Tsu-Shima.

Photo by Jim

The Japanese Battle Squadron also assumed the same formation that it used to begin the Battle of Tsu-Shima, with three columns of cruisers leading the two heavier columns (battleships and armored cruisers on left and armored cruisers on right).

Japanese 1st Battle Division: Mikasa (fleet and division flag), Shikashima, Fuji, Asahi, Nisshin, and Kasuga

Japanese 2nd Battle Division: Izumo (division flag), Azuma, Tokiwa, Yakumo, Asama, Iwate

Japanese 3rd Battle Division: Kasagi (division flag), Chitose, Otowa, Niitaka

Japanese 5th Battle Division: Itsukushima (division flag), Chinyen, Matsushima, and Hashidate

Japanese 6th Battle Division: Suma (division flag), Chiyoda, Akitsushima, and Izumi

The Russians had 5 modern battleships, 2 older battleships, 1 obsolete battleship, 3 coastal defense ships, 1 modern and 2 obsolete armored cruisers, and 4 protected cruisers.

The Japanese had 4 modern battlships, 1 obsolete battleship (ex-Chinese), 8 modern armored cruisers, and 11 protected cruisers (about half modern and half obsolete).

Photo by Ed

The opening moves saw the Russians steam straight ahead, probably to burst through the Japanese ships, inflict as much damage as they could, and sail to Vladivostok. The Japanese began to maneuver to open their broadsides, with their three cruiser divisions turning to starboard and the heavier ships behind them to port.

Photo by Ed

As the Japanese cruisers continue on their sweep around the Russians, the lead Russian cruiser division gets into close range. Volleys are being exchanged and damages begin to mount.

Photo by Ed

The three Russian battle divisions continued their steady advance, with the 1st and 2nd divisions steaming straight ahead, while the 3rd Division and its attached cruisers slowly swing to port to meet the advancing Japanese cruisers.

Photo by Jim

Those ships that had targets open fire, some concentrating their fires and others firing at their opposite numbers. In the background, the Russian cruiser Oleg is on fire.

Photo by Jim

The several Japanese cruiser divisions find a lucrative target, the Russian 3rd Battle Division, composed of one obsolete battleship (Imperator Nikolai I), which is turning out of the line due to severely reduced speed, and the three coastal defense ships - General-Admiral Graf Aprazin, Admiral Senyavin, and Admiral Ushakov. The Apraxin and Ushakov have been set afire by the Japanese shells.

Photo by Ed

But the Japanese aren't immune to fires as the ex-Chinese battleship Chinyen begins to burn. However, the efficient crew quickly puts out the fire.

Photo by Ed

The Russian 1st Cruiser Division (foreground) is hit hard by Japanese shells. The cruiser Oleg (division flag) takes a number of hits that start two fires. The Japanese cruisers in the middle ground are also hit but the Russians only start one fire.

Photo by Ed

The Japanese 1st Battle Division (background) and 2nd Battle Division (foreground) maneuver against the Russian battleships (out of picture to left). The Japanese armored cruisers are taking some hits but the range is still too long.

Photo by Jim

Meanwhile over on the far left of the battle area, Japanese protected cruiser Akitshushima can't take any more hits and sinks in a cloud of steam. Two of her consorts are badly damaged and are turning away from the heavier Russian ships.


Photo by Ed

In the center, the Russian cruiser Oleg succumbs to Japanese shells and sinks in a cloud of fire and steam, taking the division commander to a watery grave. Fires still burn on a Japanese cruiser in the background.

Photo by Jim

The Japanese cruiser Otowa, newly launched and having just joined the fleet, can't stand the heavy Russian shellfire and also sinks.

Photo by Ed

Jim (left, Russian 3rd Division commander) and Jay (right, Japanese protected cruiser divisions commander) adjudicate shellfire on each other's ships. The battle between Jim's older battleship and coast defense ships and Jay's older protected cruisers was fast and furious all game long. The two friends have been gaming against each other since college days in the early 1970s!

Photo by Jim

All of a sudden, world history on this timeline is changed! After the Oleg was sunk last turn, the cruiser Aurora takes the lead in the Russian 1st Cruiser Division column. But even this never-to-be historic ship can't withstand the concentrated Japanese gunfire and he sinks in flame and steam. Will the Russian Revolution ever start without the brave sailors from the Aurora leading the way? Of course it will!

Photo by Ed

In the foreground, the Japanese armored cruiser Azuma has her rudder jammed by a lucky Russian shell hit and turns out of the battleline. In the middle ground, the 1st and 2nd Russian Battle Divisions and the remnants of the 1st Cruiser Division attempt to maneuver around the Japanese 1st Battle Division (back ground).

Photo by Jim

With the ex-Chinese battleship Chinyen taking fire in the foreground, the old Japanese cruiser Hashidate falls prey to the guns of the Russian 2nd Battle Division (off picture to right, see below).

Photo by Jim

While the battleships of the Russian 2nd Battle Division target Japanese cruisers to their left, the next Russian cruiser in line, the obsolete Dmitri Donskoi, is hit too many times. Burning and belching steam, he plunges to Davey Jones' locker. In the background, two of the new Russian battleships are being hit by fire from the Japanese battleships.

Photo by Ed

In the foreground, the Japanese 1st Battle Division maneuvers to stay between the Russian battleships and their far away refuge in Vladivostok.

Photo by Jim

One of those new Russian battleships, the Borodino, is targeted by several Japanese battleships whose shells start a raging fire. With the bridge hit and funnels badly damaged, he still limps towards the Japanese battleships.

Photo by Jim

Suddenly, the Japanese armored cruisers of the 2nd Battle Division become targets with fires started on three cruisers by Russian shells. But their well-trained crews quickly extinguish the blazes and they continue to maintain a heavy fire against the Russian ships.

Photo by Jim

The Russian flagship, the battleship Knyaz Suvurov, is hit and begins to burn fiercely. Fortunately the crew responds heroically to the threats and manages to extinguish the fires in short order.

Photo by Jim

Two Japanese battleships (Mikasa in lead and Fuji), although hit hard and ablaze, close on the beleagured Russian 2nd Battle Division. Even things look bleak for these four Russian sinks, none of them were sunk.

So who won this recreation of the Battle of Tsu-Shima?

The Japanese started with 4 modern battleships, 1 obsolete ex-Chinese battleship, 8 modern armored cruisers, and 11 protected cruisers (a mix of modern and obsolete). They lost all 11 protected cruisers either sunk or rendered combat ineffective and the ex-Chinese battleship and 1 armored cruiser were forced to withdraw because of damage. The Russians scored 65 points from this.

The Russians started with 5 modern battleships, 2 older battleships, 1 obsolete battleship and 3 obsolete coast defense ships, 1 modern and 2 obsolete armored cruisers, and 4 modern protected cruisers. They lost 1 modern battleship and all 3 coast defense ships, 2 obsolete armored cruisers, and 2 modern protected cruisers. The game master decided that two battleships (1 modern and 1 obsolete) wouldn't last the night against the Japanese destroyers. The Japanese scored 80 points from this.

While the Japanese won a tactical victory, strategically the action was a draw. The Russians were able to get 3 modern battleships, 2 older battleships, 1 modern armored cruiser, and 2 modern protected cruisers (half their ships) through the Japanese lines and to dubious safety in Vladivostok. The big question is whether the Russians will stick their noses out of Vladivostok to engage the successful Japanese. Only time (and another game) will tell!

The Dreyfus Affaire

2011-03-09T21:32:00.002-06:00

This past Saturday we played two games of my Liftwood and Steam rules, a fast-play VSF ruleset (based on A Sky Full of Ships) I've put together to use with my Aeronef miniatures. The game was based on Steve Blease's Dreyfus Affaire Aeronef scenario, and proved quite fun. In short, the French had to escort the prison transport Triumphant off the table, while the British had to rescue a prisoner from the transport and destroy all witnesses, including the French warships. We had enough time for four players to play two games, at about an hour and a half per game; like I said, it's intended to be a fast-play ruleset.

As always, click on the images to see larger copies of them.

The British battleship Agincourt and the gunships Vulcan, Avenger and Sidon wait for the French transport and her two escorts.

Unknown to the British, several 'nef destined for French Guiana were accompanying the Triumphant as a training exercise. In the distance, the Agincourt comes into view.

To the southwest, more British vessels (the cruisers Exeter and Lahore, and gunships Tiger, Dauntless and Amphion) move in as well.

The Sidon spirals to the water below.

To the west, the Dauntless goes down as several French destroyers move to attack.

The Agincourt turns to the east to intercept the Triumphant as the British and French escorts pass each other in line.

The French destroyers Aquilon and Vaubon are devastated by the Agincourt's concentrated fire, while the cruisers Linois and Jeanne la Pucelle destroy the Avenger.

The Exeter and Lahore move into line as they approach the island, with the French destroyers harassing their flank. A torpedo destroyer soon will get a line on the Exeter, inflicting severe damage before later being destroyed.

The Exeter suffered rudder damage in the rocket attack, forcing her into a turn to starboard. Fortunately her captain wanted to turn that way regardless, and the crew was able to repair the damaged rudder quickly. Here, she moves in on the fleeing Triumphant as French cruisers do for the Vulcan and move to take on the Agincourt.

The Agincourt sends the Jeanne la Pucelle in pieces to the waters below.

The Linois finally breaks the Exeter. The Triumphant flees past her toward safety.

The Linois comes apart under the withering fire of the Agincourt and Lahore. With no ships to defend her, the Triumphant's captain quiets her engines and strikes her colors, not knowing what awaits.

After a quick lunch we replayed the scenario, mixing up the players a bit. This time, things were a little more... explosive.

The Exeter, Lahore, Dauntless, Tiger and Amphion come in on the east side, while...

The Agincourt, Vulcan, Avenger and Sidon move in from the west.

The French divide their forces: the Jeanne la Pucelle moves against the Agincourt while the Linois escorts the Triumphant away from the battleship (but toward the enemy cruisers).

Torpedoes (unreliable but devastating one-shot weapons in these rules) from the French destroyers obliterate the gunboat Dauntless and heavily damage the Exeter.

The Exeter comes apart under more fire, but she and the Lahore do in a French destroyer in exchange.

A barrage of torpedoes from the last of the torpedo destroyers does for the gunboat Sidon.

More ships of both sides are knocked from the sky. The Triumphant takes fire from the gunships as well, damaging her to the point that she strikes her colors. Now the French must destroy or run off all the British ships to prevent her capture.

In the end, the French fail again. The British recover the spy and then destroy the transport, leaving no witnesses of the rescue.

Shoot-Out in Adamsville

2011-01-17T16:17:00.000-06:00

A group of the Jackson Gamers met at Jay's abode on Saturday for a Wild West game, run by John Switzer. We all had a fun time, even though most of us couldn't seem to hit the broadside of a barn at close range. Plus we must have purchased some of our weapons from Bongolesia as they were jamming with unpleasant frequency (and then falling apart as we tried to un-jam them!). We were using The Rules with No-Name. All the figures and most of the buildings were provided by John with a few of the buildings being provided by Jay.

Clicking on the pictures will reveal a larger image for your viewing pleasure.

The Game Master ponders the set-up of Adamsville.

Situation: The sleepy village of Adamsville is soon to be awoken from its slumber by blazing guns. Strongarm Jack's brother Darryl is locked in Sheriff Pusser's jail. With a newly recruited gang, Jack is out to rescue his brother and to rob the bank before the Army escorted stagecoach can arrive to take the money to Fort Hamilton. Sheriff Pusser and his deputies are scattered around town, having heard that Jack might make an appearance. Some Pinkertons are in the bank protecting the Army payroll. And to top everything off, Jack has a price on his head, $1000 dead or alive. Every two-bit cowpoke will be gunning for him.

The stage is set, the lights are on, the cameras are rolling. ACTION!!!

Main Street of Adamsville. A couple of buildings were switched around after this picture was taken.

The Forces of Law and Order:

Sheriff and Deputies were played by Phil Young (Sheriff Pusser), Sean Pitts (Deputy Two-Gun Tom Thompson), and Ed Sansing (Deputy "Gentleman" Jim Edwards).

The Pinkertons outside the bank: Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Smith, Mr. Peters, Mr. James.

The Pinkertons were played by Bill Hamilton (Mr. Mitchell, a "man in black")

The Outlaws:

Taco Smith, Bill Green, Strongarm Jack, Big-Eyed Bill, and ZZ Bottom

Strongarm Jack was played by Jay Stribling.

Pecos Kid, Dandy Don, Seamus Campbell, and "Red" Green

Seamus Campbell was played by Jim Pitts

Handy, Indian Joe, Buck, and Red

Indian Joe from Buffalo was played by Dan Wentland (a new gamer).

Deputy "Gentleman" Jim Edwards patrols the boardwalk by the Edwards Hotel, in which he has a majority interest.

New faces start to drift into Adamsville. Several are seen at the stable across the street from the Edwarrds Hotel. Deputy Mike crosses to ask them their business in Adamsville. They don't like the tone of his questions and bullets start to fly.

Dandy Don, Handy, and Red Green are clustered around Deputy Mike, while Big-Eyed Bill keeps his eyes on the crowd across the street by the hotel. Deputy "Curley Red" Fife runs out into the street as he frantically searches his long-johns for his bullet. Sheriff Pusser is standing in the door of the jail (dark green building) taking an aimed shot at the outlaws who just gunned down his deputy.

Another view of the above scene.

Pecos Kid and Seamus Campbell mosey along behind the Main Street buildings, headed towards the bank. But a deputy (Pops) has come out of the back door of the bank having heard shots. They all start shooting at each other. A cowpoke in hiding guns down Seamus, but Dandy Don comes along later and shoots both the deputy and the cowboy.

Indian Joe and Buck saunter down the alley towards the front of the bank. The only thing they can see is Cowboy Pat, dead in the street, shot by an unseen assassin. Where are the Pinkertons? The are hiding, cowardly, in the bank.

On Main Street, Strongarm Jack (black coat in alley) faces off against Deputy Two-Gun Tom Thompson while Deputy "Bow-Legs" Bill Hanes tries to sneak up behind him. But outlaw Bill Green, coming out of the alley sees him. In the background, Sheriff Pusser is still taking his aimed shot on the outlaws across the street.

While Green protects his boss' back against Deputy Hanes, Strongarm and Two-Gun face off with pistols blazing. In the background, outlaw Buck is coming out of the alley but his attention is riveted on the bank across the street.

Strongarm and Two-Gun trade shots, with Strongarm falling down severely wounded. He is later shot repeatedly by the cowardly Pinkertons and killed. Green and Deputy Hanes shoot at each other with Green getting the worse of the exchange of lead.

Another view of the above scene. Indian Joe has moved up beside Buck and they both shoot at the cowardly Pinkertons in te bank across the street (out of picture to left).

Strongarm Jack lies dead in the mouth of the alley. Buck rounds the corner and back-shoots Deputy Two-Gun Tom, putting him down (with a jammed pistol - red bead). Indian Joe continues to shoot at the cowardly Pinkertons in the bank.

Indian Joe and Buck cross the street towards the bank (brown building) but Buck is gunned down by the Pinkertons and Cowboy Sloan (yellow hat in upper left of picture). Deputy Hanes and Bill Green continue their close range duel in the background. Hanes was armed with a shotgun but apparently had grabbed birdshot instead of buckshot and was only inflicting grazes. Cowboy Sloan later helped Hanes in finally severely wounding Bill Green.

Taco Smith (foreground) finally got some action by chasing down and killing Deputy Fife (who lost his nerve and fled from the shooting). Then Taco saw Deputy "Gentleman" Jim Edwards shooting at ZZ Bottom (out of picture to right, behind hotel). Taco shot at Edwards, but ZZ came out the better in their exchange, killing Edwards with a fatal gut-shot. There were a number of fatal gut-shots in this game, mainly inflicted by the outlaws on the deputies!


One of the Pinkertons, Mr. Peters, finally screws up enough courage and comes out of the bank to trade shots with Indian Joe, severely wounding him in the right arm. But both men are now out of ammunition (yellow beads).

So, who won?

Well, the Pinkertons held the bank until the Army escorted stage arrived and carried the money away to Fort Hamilton.

Although Strongarm Jack was killed and Seamus Campbell severely wounded, ZZ Bottom rescued Brother Darryl from "durance vile" after Sheriff Pusser was shot and knocked out in the doorway of the jail. With the sheriff and most of his deputies out of action, the outlaws ransacked the town and rode away with Brother Darryl at their head.

And now for some period pictures of some of the players:

Deputy "Gentleman" Jim Edwards

The Pinkertons

Strongarm Jack and his men

Seamus Campbell and his men

Indian Joe from Buffalo and his me

The pictures were taken by Jim Pitts and Ed Sansing. The dialogue is solely the product of Jim Pitts, including the comments about the "cowardly" Pinkertons who stayed in the bank, under cover, the entire game.

Battle of the Sea of Japan

2010-12-07T16:52:00.002-06:00

Our first 1:2400 pre-dreadnought game (see previous post) saw the Russian Pacific Squadron be partially successful in evacuating the threatened Port Arthur and sailing to Vladivostok. There they joined the Vladivostok based Independent Cruiser Squadron. After making repairs to the damage suffered by the battleships in the Yellow Sea action, the Russian squadron, now under the command of Vice Admiral Skirdlov sailed forth to do battle with the Japanese. Knowing that the Baltic Fleet was sending reinforcements, Skirdlov hoped to catch the Japanese separated and defeat them in detail making the task of the Baltic reinforcements that much easier.

Russian Pacific Squadron:

1st Sub-Division, Battle Division (VAdm Skirdlov [Electric Ed]): battleships Tsesarevich (flag), Retvizan, and Pobieda
2nd Sub-Division, Battle Division (RAdm Vitgeft [Sean Campbell]): battleships Peresviet (flag) and Sevastopol, armored cruiser Bayan
Independent Cruiser Squadron (RAdm Baron Shtakelberg [Col Campbell]): armored cruisers Rossiya (flag), Gromoboi, and Rurik, protected cruiser Bogatyr

The Japanese fleet had suffered severe damage to its armored cruiser component (1 sunk and 5 badly damaged, out of 9 total) so their repair work was concentrated on getting the four battleships back into combat condition. Admiral Togo kept his battleships and Vice Admiral Kamimura's remaining armored cruisers together, leaving his protected cruisers to patrol the shipping lanes and the various choke points around the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan.

Japanese Battle Squadron

1st Division (Adm Togo [Jay, Lord Sterling]): battleships Mikasa (flag), Fuji, Skikashima, and Asahi
2nd Division (VAdm Kamimura [Kansas Bill]): armored cruisers Izumo (flag), Azuma, Tokiwa, and Iwate

The Russian and Japanese squadrons sighted each other through the mid-morning sea mists and begin to close into fighting range. Please click on each picture for (hopefully) a larger image.

Photo by Col Campbell

The Russian 1^st Battle Sub-Division comes under fire with all Japanese shells falling on the IRN Tsesarevich, the squadron flagship. The lead battleship of the 2^nd Battle Sub-Division is just entering the picture.

[For a description of the shell splash markers, see Splash Markers posting on ColCampbell's Shipyard blog.]

Photo by Col Campbell

The Japanese 2^nd Battle Division, all armored cruisers, comes under return fire from the Russian battleships, two of whom concentrate in the IJN Izumo, the division flagship.

Photo by Col Campbell

The IJN Izumo is soon set on fire and suffers a bridge hit, forcing her to continue straight ahead for two turns. But the efficient Japanese damage control parties soon have the fires under control.

Photo by Electric Ed

The Russian battleline continues to slowly close with the Japanese; the 1^st Sub-Division in the foreground and the 2^nd Sub-Division in the background. Note single size of the "splashes". Firing is at long range and being done by only the main guns.

Photo by Col Campbell

Meanwhile, the Russian 2^nd Battle Sub-Division turns to port into a line abreast formation. But the Japanese battleships concentrate all their fire on IRN Peresviet, sub-division flagship. Asked after the battle why he made such an unusual maneuver, RAdm Vitgeft said that he was attempting to get around behind the Japanese battleships. The large and small splash markers mean that the range has fallen enough that the secondary batteries can now engage.

Photo by Col Campbell

But soon the IRN Peresviet is set on fire and begins to sink. RAdm Vitgeft transfers to the IRN Sevastopol to continue the fight. Unfortunately, he waited too long and the Japanese battleships sailed away from him.

Photo by Col Campbell

In the distance, the IRN Pobieda receives fire from a Japanese battleship and an armored cruiser and is set afire. In the foreground the IRN Rossiya, flagship of the Vladivostok Independent Cruiser Division receives fire from three (!!) Japanese battleships and is also set afire.

Photo by Electric Ed

The IRN Pobieda suffers 2 fire hits from the Japanese in one turn. The rules state that when the critical hit die is a 1 and is from a Japanese hit, then both a regular fire and a "raging fire" are started. He had been targeted by two different Japanese ships, which both started fires.

Photo by Col Campbell

With the IRN Pobieda aflame and slowly sinking, the Japanese armored cruisers and battleships turn their gunfire against his division mates, IRN Retvizan and IRN Tsesarevich.

Photo by Col Campbell

But the Japanese return to the IRN Pobieda and start more fires, fully engulfing him and soon forcing him from the line. His division mates also receive their share of Japanese fire.

Photo by Col Campbell

But the Japanese ships aren’t totally immune. The armored cruiser IJN Izumo has turned away from the fight with very heavy damage, drawing long-range fire from the IRN Bayan, which is steaming as fast as he can to overtake the Japanese fleet. The IJN Izumo eventually surrenders due to IRN Bayan's shellfire. The other Japanese three armored cruisers and the four battleships are all under fire from the remaining Russian battleships and cruisers.

Photo by Col Campbell

The IRN Pobieda has turned away from the fight. The fires are too much for him and he sinks, the second Russian ship to be sunk.

Photo by Col Campbell

But not the last. The IRN Rossiya has been set ablaze by shellfire from the Japanese battleships. He has turned away and is endeavoring to reach Vladivostok. But the fires also prove too much for his crew and he sinks, taking many of them to a watery grave.

Photo by Col Campbell

With the IRN Rossiya out of the fight, RAdm Baron Shtakelberg transfers to his next cruiser, IRN Gromoboi, who immediately draws the Japanese battleship fire and is set ablaze. He won’t last long either.

Photo by Col Campbell

Finally the Russian battleships score some telling hits, setting two of the Japanese armored cruisers (background) afire and forcing them to turn away from the fight. But it is too little, too late, as the Japanese battleships (foreground) turn to close the range even though they continue to draw fire from the remaining Russian ships.

Photo by Jim Pitts

A closer look at the Japanese armored cruisers, as the IJN Azuma and Tokiwa have turned away and the IJN Iwate attempts to cover their retreat.

Photo by Col Campbell

As darkness begins to fall, the IRN Tsesarevich is targeted by the IJN Iwate (#8) and the IRN Retvizan by the IJN Mikasa (#1).

So, who won. I think it is fairly obvious with the sinking of two battleships and two armored cruisers that the Russian Pacific Squadron were the losers. Although they forced the surrender of the Japanese armored cruiser Izumo, they couldn't board her. She was later recovered by the Japanese fleet (and her captain committed seppuku). The Russians retreated back to Vladivostok while the Japanese continued their blockade of the Russian port. Can the Baltic Fleet's reinforcements, now called the 2nd Pacific Squadron, turn the tables on the victorious Japanese? Tune in later next year for what may be the final climactic battle.

Note: All ships are from Panzerschiffe Miniatures. The flame markers are from Litko Game Accessories.

Battle of the Yellow Sea

2010-11-11T14:17:00.004-06:00

A small group of the Jackson Gamers met Saturday last (Nov. 6) at Fondren Presbyterian Church to play a recreation of the August 1904 Battle of the Yellow Sea. We used Jim Pitts' 1:2400 scale Panzerschiffe models of the Russian and Japanese ships involved in the battle.

Jay Stribling and Ed Sansing commanded the Russian 1st Pacific Squadron as it attempted to break out from Port Arthur and sail to Vladivostok. John Murdaugh, Sean Pitts, and a late arriving Travis Melton commanded the Japanese Battle Squadron. We used a pre-dreadnought modification to Travis' Seas of Steel rules.

As usual, click or double click on the pictures for a larger image.

The Russian 1st Pacific Squadron steams moderately towards the Straits of Korea. The six battleships are in the lead, followed by three protected cruisers. A protected cruiser leads the eleven destroyers in the foreground. Jay commanded the battleships and Ed commanded the cruisers and destroyers.

In the background is the Japanese 3rd Division of two armored cruisers and three protected cruisers, commanded by Sean.

The Japanese 1st Division, four battleships and two armored cruisers, was commanded by John. They steam towards the approaching Russians.

As the Japanese battleline changes course, eight Japanese destroyers and four torpedo boats increase speed to get into the fight.

The Russian battleships (foreground) and the Japanese cruisers (background) begin to exchange salvos.

Russian and Japanese destroyers begin to tangle with each other while the Russian battleline sedately continues on its course. Off to the left (out of the picture), John splits his Japanese 1st Division, sending three battleships to the right and one battleship and two armored cruisers to the left to attempt to pincer the Russian line.

Under heavy fire from the Russian quick-firing guns, a division of Japanese destroyers attempts to launch their torpedoes. But the fish miss their target. The destroyers are later completely wiped out.

Here is another shot of the Russian battleline with Jay's battleships in the lead and Ed's cruisers in trail. The lead battleship in John's right column (the Mikasa) is approaching from the right.

With his three battleships in echelon, John closes with and exchanges fire with the Russian battleships. John's other three ships are off the picture to the left, heading to cut the Russians off from the Straits of Korea.

This is a high oblique view of the battle. Sean's Japanese cruisers are to the upper left with the furtherest two leaving due to severe damage. Jay's and Ed's battleships and cruisers hold their line ahead formation in the center while John's battleships and armored cruisers close in two separated three ship groups. The destroyer action is already over with one division of Japanese destroyers unsuccessfully attacking the Russian battleships. Two divisions of Russian destroyers are just departing the picture on the right, heading towards the Japanese 5th Division which is approaching from the right. These five older (and obsolescent) ships were commanded by Travis.

From a different angle, Travis' Japanese division can be seen approaching from the bottom of the picture. He commanded four older Japanese protected cruisers and a captured Chinese "battleship" (the Chenyen). They were able to sink the threatening Russian destroyers but didn't contribute much to the rest of the battle.

In the foreground, a Japanese battleship gets down to wakizashi (knife) range as it passes through the Russian batteline. In the background, John's other column of Japanese battleships attempts to do the same to Ed's Russian cruisers. But the Mikasa misjudges the closing speeds and rams a Russian cruiser. Oops!

Here's a closer view of the collision between the Mikasa and the Diana. The Russian cruiser suffers much more damage than the Japanese battleship, but both are out of the action for a while.

As one of Sean's Japanese cruisers cuts across the tail of the column of Russian cruisers, John's other two Japanese battleships turn hard aport and engage the Russian cruisers more closely. In the background, Jay's battleships continue their stately promenade this time with two Japanese armored cruisers to port and a battleship to starboard. Jay's sixth battleship is lagging somewhat behind, having suffered funnel damage which slowed its speed. Several of Sean's cruisers are engaging it.

Suddenly a plume of black smoke erupts from the Japanese armored cruiser Kasuga. The rear main magazine has taken a hit! It is not enough to blow up the magazine but the rear main gun turret is put out of action.

Getting first move on the next turn, Jay's Russian battleships make a turn to port across the front of the Japanese armored cruisers. With no room to maneuver, both cruisers slam into the Russian battleships. The result is further heavy damage to the Japanese cruisers and light damage to the heavier Russian battleships.

Meanwhile to the rear, two of John's Japanese battleships engage Jay's trail Russian battleship and Ed's lead Russian protected cruiser. The range is pointblank and neither side seems to be missing much.

Under fire from John's Mikasa and one of Sean's cruisers, the trail Russian cruiser (Pallada) is set on fire. The Russian crew works furiously to put the fire out. Will they be successful?

No they won't. When the Mikasa crosses the stern of the Pallada, its shells strike deep into the vitals of the Russian protected cruiser and he blows up!

But Jay returns the favor and smashes the Japanese armored cruiser Kasuga, convulsing her with explosions that send her to Davey Jones' locker!

After examining the situation and considering the lateness of the hour, the game master (Jim Pitts) computes battle damages. Both sides have inflicted the same number of points in battle damage to the other, but Jim rules that the Japanese tactics of splitting their main battleline into two elements was unsuccessful against the Russian tactic of staying in a single line ahead. He adjudges that five of the six Russian battleships will be able to make it to Vladisvostok. The sixth battleship and one of the two surviving Russian cruisers are too surrounded by the Japanese and will probably either succumb to Japanese guns or be forced back to Port Arthur. The other Russian cruiser is positioned to break away to the south and likely seek internment in a neutral port. The Russians are awarded both a tactical and a strategic victory.

The Rest of the Baltic Fleet

2010-11-08T13:45:00.001-06:00

Please see ColCampbell's Shipyard for the final installment in the Russo-Japanese War fleet preparations.

2nd Battle Division, 2nd Pacific Squadron

We had a good game on Saturday. Pictures and commentary will be posted later this week.

Battle at Hofmanns Farmstead

2010-11-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

Please see John Murdaugh's blog, Nomadic Old School Gamer (link to right), for pictures and a report of the game we had at Jay's on Saturday. We used John's self-cast, individually mounted 40mm 18th Century figures in an "old school" environment. We had a lot of fun. We'll do this again on Saturday, November 20th.

Jim

The 1904 Russo-Japanese War Fleets

2010-10-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

I've been working diligently painting and basing 1:2400 scale ships for my November 6 naval game. You can see pictures of all the combatants at my ColCampbell's Shipyard blog's October postings.

Japanese battleships

Russian battleships

Please stop by for a look and then join us at Fondren Presbyterian Church (map link) on Saturday, November 6, for the action.

Russian Pacific Squadron

2010-10-02T16:14:00.002-05:00

Pictures of the 14 battleships and cruisers of the Russian Pacific Squadron have been posted to Col Campbell's Shipyard blog. Please stop by for a look.

1st Battle Division