Debacle at Concord's South Bridge

The colonials drive off the Redcoats 
Photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon

No, the title of the scenario was not originally Debacle at Concord's South Bridge but a revision seemed fitting after yesterday's outing.

For the second action in the continuing Rebels and Patriots mini-campaign set during the early stage of the war, Concord's South Bridge is the scene.  The scenario as laid out was:

Concord – Action at the South Bridge

American Briefing

As reports of the action at Barrett's Farm filters out into the countryside, local militia and minutemen answer the calls to arms.  Marching on Concord from the southwest, these militiamen encounter a British scouting party sent from Concord across the South Bridge.  Having driven off this small party, the Americans draw up their forces centered on a small hill overlooking the bridge.  Included in this collection of rebels is a section of light artillery.  Placing the artillery behind hurriedly prepared breastworks, the Americans settle in to await the attack they figure is coming.  The major of this ad hoc group is determined to make a stand upon this ground.

    

British Briefing
After scattering the colonials at Barrett’s Farm, the British gather their dead and wounded and return to Concord where the main, expeditionary force is stationed. There was no interference from the rebels on the two mile march back to Concord over the North Bridge. Good thing. Following these exertions, the British are battered and fatigued.

Having returned to Concord, the major is congratulated on the success at Barrett’s Farm but cautioned on the casualty count suffered in overcoming the rebels. After sending the wounded off for care and making arrangements for the dead, you are informed that another patrol, mostly of skirmishers has encountered organized resistance near the South Bridge. This patrol has been driven back to the east bank of the river, fatigued. The skirmishers report that the rebels have a section of guns overlooking the South Bridge and its position threatens the security of Concord, itself. A fresh unit of combined grenadiers and another of light skirmishers are allocated to your mission as replacements since both of your units saw heavy action at Barrett’s Farm and suffered heavy casualties.

As the British patrol reaches the South Bridge, the situation becomes clear. Rebel artillery and a militia unit are deployed upon the crest of the hill with supporting skirmishers deployed to the front. How best to tackle the enemy positions and drive these damned rebels from the field?

The Map:
The area shows the farm and hill on the west side of the South Bridge. Since it is April, the fields have been plowed but no crops are up. It is about midday with plenty of time to see a conclusion to this skirmish.

Action at South Bridge Sketch Map

Matt transformed my sketch map above into this:

Action at South Bridge battlefield
Photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon

Quite an amazing transformation, don't you agree?

The British force reaches the South Bridge in whatever formation ordered. They may spread out along the eastern board edge.

The Colonials have one artillery section and one militia deployed on the high ground to the west of the South Bridge. Both of these units are situated behind hastily prepared breastworks. One unit of minutemen and the riflemen are deployed on the board as shown (Rebel’s choice). One more militia and one more minutemen unit come on the board on turn 1.

SPECIAL:
River is an obstacle.
Trees and brush along riverbank are difficult.
Fences, woods, and bridge provide cover.
Hasty breastworks on the hill provide hard cover.

Orders of Battle:
British:
1 x Grenadiers: Shock, VET (8pts)
1 x Light Infantry: VET (7pts)
2 x British LI skirmishers: VET, Good Shooters (5pts each)
1 x Loyalist militia skirmishers: GREEN (1pts each)

total = 26 points

Americans:
1 x Light Artillery: (4pts)
2 x Colonial militia: (4pts each)
2 x Minutemen skirmishers: Good shooters (4pts each)
1 x Riflemen skirmishers: Sharpshooters (6pts)

total = 26 points

OBJECTIVES:
Both:
+2 Honor if your company suffered fewer than 33% casualties.
+1 Honor if your company caused at least 33% casualties to the enemy.
+2 Honor for holding one end of the South Bridge.

American:
+3 Honor for driving the British back to the east side of the river.

British:
+3 Honor for driving the Rebels from the field.
+2 Honor for capturing the gun.

So, how did the battle play out?  Well, with "Debacle" in the title, the outcome is not likely good for someone.  Let's see who folds.

Photos are annotated so viewing as a slideshow is a good way to view the action.

That was another fun game but not the outcome for which Matt expected.  Matt experienced several crucial bad rolls which either prevented his troops from activating or broke his units while testing morale.  Two back-to-back rolls of snake eyes is no good when testing morale.  After a bit of post-game armchair generaling, talk turned to the next installment.

Next time, we may increase the points allocation to around 30 points each to produce a larger game.  In some situations the recommended 24 points is too little.

Thanks again to Matt for hosting another fine game.  Until next time.