Alt-Battle of Cerro Gordo, 1847 BatRep

The second battle of Cerro Gordo in the Mexican-American War was fought at Terry's at the end of June.  Given the American victory in our earlier clash (Cerro Gordo BatRep), Terry provided an alternative scenario.  This time, the Mexicans under Santa Anna caught wind of the American outflanking maneuver and repositioned his forces to thwart the plan.

While Terry commanded the Americans, John and I commanded the Mexicans.  Mexican forces were split with John taking the right and center.  I took command of Velasquez and the cavalry on the left.  Since the Mexican right consisted of a force solely of militia, the Mexican plan was to hold the right in support of the center as the Mexicans quickly brought the battle to the American left before they could be reinforced.  At start, the Mexican guns on the heights were sorely exposed and were much closer to the enemy than their own lines.  The guns needed support and quickly! 

The game was fought using the Mexican-American War variant of Regimental Fire and Fury using Terry's 25mm Scruby collection.  On to the action...

Mexican Deployment

U.S. Deployment with Mexican guns exposed on the hill

Mexican infantry prepare for action

Mexicans advance into the valley to support the guns
and take the fight to the Americans

Mexican left and center advance while the right, whose
ranks are filled with militia, hold

Mexicans continue the advance on the American right.

Contact!  Mexican cavalry charge the guns.
The guns limber and move away suffering no damage. 

Mexican advance continues cautiously

With the Mexican guns still unsupported,

the Americans charge the guns

Mexican gunners are overwhelmed.
Guns suffer damage and withdraw.

Hussars cover the left

while Vasquez leads an assault against the
Americans holding the ridge.

The Mexican assault is checked

and then disaster strikes!
Vasquez's command fails its Maneuver roll and routs!
There goes any hope of success on the Mexican left.

The repulse on the left triggers Vegas to advance in the center

while on the Mexican left cavalry clash.

U.S. dragoons drive off Mexican cuirassier and then
destroy a second Mexican cavalry unit.

With Velaquez in retreat, Mexican cavalry go in against
the Americans.  Even supported, the Mexican cavalry
make no progress and recall.

In the center, Vegas prepares for an assault against the hilltop

as the hussars force the American rifles into square.

Mexican charge goes in and then back from whence they came.

With the Mexican left and center in tatters, Santa Anna withdraws the remnants of his army from the field.  What can the Mexicans do to win a battle against the Americans?
That question remains unanswered! 

Another enjoyable outing with RFF using the Mexican-American variant.  I wonder which battle Terry will offer next?