March, march, Germantown!
Push the Redcoats back!
Fire your guns and fix your bayonets,
And keep them on the track!
We continued our small campaign focused on the Battle of Germantown, covering rounds 1 to 10. This time, we focused on Washington's northern offensive. In my opinion, this was the moment a crucial breakthrough could have occurred; however, it ultimately did not. This setback meant the war had to continue longer. We used the Black Powder rules.
UMPIRING: Michael Schneider
1. Forces.
General (8)1 x Line Infantry1 x Light Infantry1 x Skirmishers1 x Medium gun
General (8)5 x Line Infantry2 x Medium Gun
3 x Line Infantry
General (8)3 x Continental Infantry1 x Medium Gun
General (8)3 x Continental Infantry1 x Medium Gun
General (8)3 x Militia
General (8)2 x Militia
General (8)2 x Militia
4th Militia Brigade
General (8)
2 x Militia
1 x Dragoons2 x Medium Gun
2. The game.
Understanding how this battle unfolded, I chose not to repeat Washington's mistakes. This time, I focused on breaking through the British defences. I concentrated all my Continental troops on the right flank while positioning the Militia in the centre and on the left. Andy, positioned on my flank, was tasked with feigning an attack through the buildings. This manoeuvre was meant to draw some British forces away, letting me push forward with my main troops and reach the opposite edge of the table as quickly as possible. My primary concern was the British vanguard on the hill and the eventual arrival of the enemy’s main force. I feared they might consolidate along the table edge, with the vanguard falling back to join the main body and forming a unified defensive line. Fortunately, that did not happen.
Only one British battalion withdrew, while the other, along with a piece of artillery and Skirmishers, focused on delaying actions. This time, I decided to use my dragoons better. They struck the British flank; however, the enemy withstood the assault, turned to face the attacking cavalry, and then advancing Continental infantry hit their flank. Despite this, the British survived and retreated toward their main force; only the Skirmishers were destroyed. To complicate matters further, they also withdrew their artillery. Meanwhile, British reinforcements arrived.
Some British units concentrated on the buildings, aligning well with my overall strategy. One of Andy's brigades advanced to engage them, resulting in a confrontation between two British battalions and two Militia brigades. In my plan, the Militia were not meant to break through; their primary role was to tie down the British forces, which would facilitate a breakthrough for the Continental troops. In these engagements, the British proved to be significantly more effective. Despite losses on both sides, they held their ground. The outcome of the clash would ultimately be determined on our right flank.
After forcing the British vanguard to retreat, the main British force arrived. Fortunately, they did not choose to concentrate most of their strength along the edge; instead, they advanced and established their "thin red line" against the buildings in the centre of the village. This let me strike the British positions with both of my Continental brigades.
My tactic was straightforward: I focused fire on a single unit and then launched a melee attack with my strongest force. This approach ensured I always maintained a numerical advantage, allowing me to create a significant gap in their right flank. As a result, the British had to address this critical situation.
Alasdair faced a critical decision and called up two battalions from his reserve pool. Additionally, I brought forward two of my own cannons. They didn't engage in combat—the infantry proved much more effective—but they followed closely behind my advancing units.
Returning to the main point: I launched an assault against fresh British units and destroyed them, enabling me to break through by turn 9. Alongside Washington, approximately four battalions of Continental infantry, one battalion of Militia, and four cannons broke through. This will provide excellent support for my forces in the final decisive battle.
It was a costly victory for the Americans, but it was worth it. I hope it will decisively affect the final battle of our campaign. Before that occurs, however, we will concentrate on the eastern flank in the next battle—and perhaps we can achieve similar success. We shall see.
3. Links.
SESWC:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/631841809210352
FLICKR:
SONG ABOUT THE GAME:
