Concord: Homeward Bound

Battle at Elm Brook
photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon

Matt and I finished off our 1775 Concord trilogy on Sunday bringing the mini-campaign to a close.  To keep his AWI painting inspiration humming along, Matt proposed a refight of Bunker Hill in the near future.  Bunker Hill will likely see the largest forces yet deployed in our running Rebels and Patriots battles.  I can hardly wait!

The last leg in the Concord triathlon sees the British column attempting its return to Boston.  On the column's way back from its expeditionary mission from Concord, a surprise awaits to thwart British progress.  For lots of game photos and an enjoyable battle report, please visit Matt's reporting on this battle at Ambush at Brooks' Farm.  

The scenario is laid out below:

Concord: Homeward Bound

Briefing
Following the losses at Barrett’s Farm and the debacle at South Bridge, the British expeditionary force packs up for its long march back to Boston. Having stoked the revolution with their actions at Concord, militia are gathering to give the British one final send off.

Knowing the countryside well and aware of the British line of march to Boston, the rebels choose an advantageous place to ambush the long column. That place? The Job Brooks’ House where the North Great Road crosses Elm Brook. After crossing Elm Brook, the road climbs a small bluff and passes through a wooded area.

The Map:
The map shows the Job Brooks’ House and the North Road crossing Elm Brook. It is mid-morning with plenty of time to see a conclusion to this skirmish.  Once again, Matt transformed my rough sketch map from this,

Sketch map

to this.

Battle at Elm Brook
photo courtesy wargamesinthedungeon

The British force reaches the west end of the table on the road in road column. The British must choose march order beforehand.

The Colonials have one unit entering the table on turn 1 at (6). All other colonial units must dice to see where they enter the table. Colonial units may delay entry as long as they wish. For each Rebel unit’s entry delayed, the Rebels may add +1DRM to Entry Die Roll for each British unit that has crossed Elm Brook. If a (3) is rolled, the Rebel player may choose which side of the table upon which to enter.

Special
No turn limit.
River is an obstacle.
Brush along riverbank is difficult.
Fences, woods, brush and bridge provide cover.

OB
British:
2 x Grenadiers: Shock (6pts each) Not VET from all of the casualties suffered.
2 x Light Infantry: VET (7pts each)
2 x British LI skirmishers: VET, Good Shooters (5pts each)

total = 36 points

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

total = 36 points

Notice that total company points have been increased from the recommended 24 points to 36 points to allow for a larger game.  There were no issues with increasing force size and the game played smoothly.

Objectives

American:
+2 Honor for each British unit destroyed.
+1 Honor for each British unit at half strength.

British:
+2 Honor for each full strength British unit exited off east side of table.
+1 Honor for each half strength British unit exited off east side of table.