Another great day of gaming today playing AWI Sharp Practice. This time we dusted off the French troops and sent them on a raid to attack some Hessian and Royalist Provincial troops….and maybe burn a few buildings while they were at it. To accomplish the mission the French commander sent out four companies of musketeers, including two companies from Lauzon’s Legion, one company of Grenadiers, a light gun, and some local rebel militia to show them the way.
In the small garrison, two companies of Hessians and two companies of Provincial regulars, plus a light gun, went about their business, unaware that the French were about to launch a raid. However, just in case the situation got too hot, the local British forces had called on three companies of Militia and some Light Dragoons forward in support (they would be delayed until the troops rolled equal to 14pts).
The first few turns of our game went very well for the French, as the French commander deployed a maneuverable deployment point and immediately sent out the American Militia (who led the way), shortly followed by the first two companies of French Regulars. In a short period, the French and Americans fired two well-aimed volleys, catching the Hessians in a close column, causing several causalities and a handful of shock. Everything was going well for the French raid.
However, during this time the British commander managed to call up his reserves and the Light Dragoons were soon on the battlefield and galloping fast into the fight. Within three turns they hit the first two units of French infantry, capturing the French commander and two very fine silk standards. Though the French troops were thrown back in disorder, they did not give up and soon the French light gun opened up on the victorious Dragoons, which through the Dragoon into disorder, however, this did not break them until the French Grenadier delivered a volley into their flank. The Dragoon fell back in disorder.
At the same time as the Dragoons were forced back another two units of French troops stormed from their deployment point (here comes Lauzon’s Legion). The Lauzon Legion boys charged forward catching both the Hessian infantry and the Hessian light gun by surprise. The Hessians ran and the Legion pushed forward, allowing the American Militia skirmishers an opportunity to try and burn the barn (they were so close and rolled 11pts, 1 pt short from setting it on fire.
But by this time the English commander has brought forward and deployed his Loyalist Militia, who in turn delivered a good volley against the victorious French, stopping their charge forward and forcing the Rebel skirmishers back from the barn. In the next turn, the Dragoons rallied and charged yet again into the advancing French and in doing so over running yet another French company, this time the French Grenadiers.
All was not going well for the French, they were down to the last point of their morale……then they saw a chance to try a snatch victory from defeat, the Lauzon Legion about faced and charged the British Provincials in the rear. The Provincials put up a tough fight but were defeated, losing ten killed including their commanding officer……but the French commander was also hit (but not fatal). It was down to the Morale rolls for both commanders……both commanders rolled and both side’s morale dropped to zero. A draw I hear you cry, alias no, the victory was given to the British commander, as the French did not achieve their mission.
Well done to Dave and Tim for a great game and also to Terry for commanding the French.
