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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

A Bridge to Victory

Photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon
In the final installment of the three game mini-campaign following the exploits of obtaining 'Old Molly', the Americans have the difficult task of bridging a river under the face of enemy fire.  Seemed unlikely when I first saw the scenario.  Seemed more of a possibility as the game wore on.  Seemed unlikely again after the Americans faced a near catastrophic turn of events.

While the Americans could come on anywhere on their side of the board, the British would arrive at random locations on their side of the board.  Bridging sites were not confined to the obvious locations but the Americans could build a bridge or bridges anywhere along the river. 
Battle map.  Photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon
Given the terrain, as the American, I figured the best protected place to bridge would be at the road at the top of the table.  At this site, my flank could not be turned and the wheatfield would offer cover to my troops as they protected the bridging party.

For another perspective (and better photos!), please visit Matt's battle account at AWI Campaign: Old Molly Part 3.

Let's see how this action played out.  Play-by-Play embedded within photos.



















Photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon
For the third game in this trilogy, the outcome was in the balance until the very end.  As the American commander, I saw no path to victory at the start.  How could I build a bridge in the face of enemy fire?  I figured the scenario would be a rear-guard action with the Americans trying to delay the British until the bridge could be built.  Imagine my surprise to discover that the bridging sites were contested by enemy troops as Jessop arrived!

Hat's off to Matt for another close and exciting game.  The battle swayed to and fro and victory was up for grabs until the very end. Well done!

Another mini-campaign is under consideration.

28 comments:

  1. Poor Archie! Great end to the game Jonathan!

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    1. Poor Archie, Indeed! Matt could not believe his commander's misfortune. Glad you enjoyed the battle report, Ray!

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  2. Lovely narrative and a river crossing scenario done well.

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    1. Thank you, Norm! Matt does a terrific job and his efforts are much appreciated.

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  3. Thoroughly enjoyable little series of games looking forward to more in the new year 👍

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  4. Very entertaining report Jonathan. It's nice your able to play some games under the circumstances we are in.

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks! Now that I have discovered remote gaming, I would continue even under normal circumstances.

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  5. That was a fun scenario to watch play out, but I have to say, I'm deeply envious of the game board - that river is ace.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Markus! As for being envious of Matt's setup, join the crowd! Matt's terrain is superb and a real joy to behold. Makes me reluctant to even play on mine with guests. Yes, his river is ace!

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  6. Lovely looking game ,you got the cat out of the bag at the end there!
    Best Iain

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    1. The game is a visual treat! Yes, the outcome hung in the balance until the final tally.

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  7. A thoroughly enjoyable trilogy, and as others have said the terrain and figures look great.

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  8. Great end to the series, even if the Redcoats did not win.

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    1. I thought it a fine conclusion too and very happy to see the pluckiness of the colonials.

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  9. A great little trilogy and you must be #very happy with the three to zip result for the Americans! I did think Matt was going to pluck victory in the third instalment but it was not to be. This is a real lesson in the idea that less is more in terms of small scale actions with a limited number of troops. Look forward to your next virtual encounters

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    1. Hi Keith. Yes, pleased with results of the Americans' performance but all three battles were very hotly contested. Each action could have easily tipped in Britain’s favor.

      The size of these actions seems well-suited for remote play since the number of units is manageable and I can see the entire table throughout the game. The simplicity of R&P helps to facilitate remote play. As I have said many times over the course of the games, Matt has done an outstanding job making this all possible for me, 4,500 miles away.

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  10. Great to have your viewpoint on the game Jonathan. Certainly the Americans looked doomed in terms of inishing the bridge, but it's not over until the fat lady sings as they say. R&P has given another great virtual game for you:)

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    1. In this fight, the Americans won a battle in the morning, lost it in the afternoon, and then won it back in the evening. The battle was an emotional rollercoaster.

      Matt's British regulars had a hard time overcoming adversity early on but when they unleashed their first, well-placed volley, the Americans scattered like cockroaches fleeing the light!

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  11. Always nice to cross a river...Beautiful game!

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  12. Very nice report and fine table as always. I'm excited to read about a new campaign. Cheers.

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  13. Great looking game again.
    I think I said "This war will be over by Christmas" the last time you won.

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