This is a tough loss for the French and their war effort as their hold on the Great Lakes is greatly hampered. While still holding onto forts Niagara and Oswego, British forces are tightening the noose with Braddock advancing from the west while Loudoun can threaten from the east. The loss of the fort advances the Political Track one place to the right and back to '0'. Recall that only a short time ago, the Political Track was pegged at '5' in French favor. For the French, the Year 1757 cannot come to a close quick enough.
September 1757 Continued
French roll on the Command Table and receive two activations. Contrecoeur and remnants from the Presque Isle garrison make a path back to the relative safety of Fort Niagara while Rigaud, one regiment of irregulars, and a militia regiment travel to Montreal. All Native warbands disband as winter approaches.
September 1757 maneuvers |
To avoid taxing limited resources, one regiment of British Regulars marches from Fort Carillon to Fort William-Henry. For attrition, one militia of British militia disbands.
Winter 2 1757
Johnson moves to take up command of Fort Edwards but is yet to reach the comfort of the fort. Winter attrition is harsh. The British lose two regiments of militia (Fort Edwards and Albany) while the French militia in Montreal disbands.
1757 Strategic Phase
Reinforcements |
For the French only one militia is recruited and Montcalm arrive. Both take up residence in Quebec.
May 1758
The British begin the 1758 campaigning season by rolling on the Command Table. The British receive three activations. One regiment of Regulars marches off into the wilderness from Fort Carillon. Loudoun sets off from Fort Stanwix to rendezvous with the Regulars marching north. Finally, Amherst with one regiment of Regulars and two regiments of militia march to attack Fort Oswego. Fort Oswego once again finds itself under the gun. If Fort Oswego falls, Fort Niagara will become even more isolated.
British maneuvers May 1758 |
OB:
British: Amherst (A3D1), 1 x 5-6 Regular, 2 x 3-5 Militia
French: Drucour (A0D1), 1 x 5-6 Regular
Would it be tempting fate to say that the British have the groundwork behind them to move into the ascendancy this year?
ReplyDeleteNot tempting fate, I think. The British have transports delivering more troops later in May. We may witness an even larger swing in fortune.
DeleteThis is a great campaign- I really enjoy following your blog/reports.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying the campaign!
DeleteCool. Looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteFun, indeed!
DeleteI am impressed that the French were able to come so close to a win earlier in this campaign. They will have a very hard time from here on, I imagine!
ReplyDeleteThe French made a very good showing early on which they must do to have a chance at winning the war. They cannot win a war of attrition. It will be very difficult from here on.
DeleteIt looks like you are nearing a culminating point. DO the French have enough left to pull through ?
ReplyDeleteThe French may soon be on the ropes. When you see the British reinforcements for May, the situation will look gloom.
DeleteNext part of fun!
ReplyDeletebest regards and have a nice day Jonathan!
Good day to you too, Michal!
DeleteSurely the French have blown their best chance?
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
I must agree!
DeleteWell it is beginning to look as though Canada will be doomed to eating roast beef and Yorkshire puddings rather than fois gras and roast duck.
ReplyDeleteYou may be correct!
Delete