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Tuesday, March 2, 2021

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.

38 comments:

  1. Good to see you're keeping the gaming going at pace Jonathan!
    Cheers,
    Aaron

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  2. Nice map and gorgeous terrain!

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  3. A really nice looking game, which I saw detailed on Matt’s blog last night. A bit if a nail biter and having regard for all three scenarios, I asked Matt whether he thought the rules had the relationship between Grenadiers and Militia right, but I notice in your lists that the Militia are Vets, so perhaps that answers the question.

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    1. Matt sets a fine table, no doubt about it. Vet status for the militia really only affects activations and morale tests. Even with Vet status, my unit’s had a devil of a time passing activation rolls 8n this battle.

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  4. Nice to see the scenario details having already read Matt's AAR. I won't say more incase it spoils anything for those that haven't read it yet!

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    1. Everything looks good on paper and in theory! The real test is in battle.

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  6. Nice table, must get some SYW done soon.

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    1. Nice table, for sure. Now, back to SYW for you although I really enjoyed your foray into ACW at Elk Tavern.

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  7. Lovely images of a great looking AWI game, Jonathan. Inspiring stuff.

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  8. looking good Jon, but I am fearful of a historical outcom...or even worse! Dare I visit Matts blog to read what happens next.....?

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    1. Of course, go read Matt’s account of the action. Pour yourself a stiff one before you sit down for a read.

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  9. Nice to see the scenario details. I read Matt’s ARR.
    reminds me of the actual Concord and Lexington with the British just trying to make it home. 😀

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    1. The three scenarios in this trilogy were historically based so you should have been reminded of the actual Concord and Lexington expedition.

      In this case, the British did not make it home!

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  10. I have enjoyed following these games, great scenarios. I look forward to the Bunker Hill bash.

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    1. Phil, very pleased to see that you are enjoying both the games and scenarios!

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  11. It's a wonder the AWI wasn't over within a year with results like this. I feel particularly sorry for Matt with the reinforcements turning on their heels after just one volley. Another lovely-looking game.

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    1. It is a wonder. Matt’s newly painted 17th turning and running at the first crack of musketry was an experience not to be missed!

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  12. It has been an enjoyable group of game reports, and Matt's the tabletop and figures just look excellent.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the series! Matt’s tables are a feast for the eyes, no doubt.

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  13. Read the AAR on Matt's page as well. Good to see gaming picking up (particularly taking advantage of what remote can bring). Hard to translate an action like the march back to Boston to the tabletop: the situation facing the Brits in this scenario--a river crossing, outnumbered, against blocking enemy, in terrain, potentially attacking from 360 degrees--would be a non-starter in most systems.

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    1. Remote gaming for me has been most robust during these times. I have never gamed so much in my life.

      As for the scenario, it is not as one-sided as you suspect. The points were equal with the Americans having one unit more than the British but the British of a higher caliber. Random entry is no friend to the attacker since there can be no coordination of forces and the Americans are prone to failing activation rolls. As seen in this battle, the Americans lost two units early on in quick succession thus being outnumbered almost from the beginning.

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    2. I should have added that the game report indicated that the game system allowed for it to be something other than the one sided affair that it could have been in many others.

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  14. Enjoyed the reports on your series very much. The terrain is exceptional beautiful, the battles entertaining and the troops outstanding. Its all the reasons why I play with toy soldiers rather then cardboard counters.

    I especially liked the various names and locations. Someone did a lot of research and reading about the section of the road between Concord and Lexington. Elm brook and Brooks house? I almost familiar with both these areas. If you read the accounts of Lt. William Sutherland on 19April during the retreat he was on Brooks hill looking down at Elm brook and the Lincoln woods. Looking up at him from the Elm brook area was Captain Loammi Baldwin from Woburn. An unusual occurrence when you can find two first person accounts from participants who see each other.

    Should you get out to the east coast here in New England give me a call I would be glad to give you a tour of the battlefield.

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    1. Thanks, Mark! Great to see that you have been following the series and have enjoyed them. Matt sets a wonderful looking table doesn't he?

      I am the one responsible for the historical research for this trilogy of Concord battles. Very pleased to see someone appreciates it! If I make it out to New England, I will let you know. I have not visited Boston in about 15 years.

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  15. Lovely looking game and great to see you getting some more gaming in!
    Best Iain

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    1. Matt sure does a fine job and a real treat to game on even if only remotely! I have been averaging at least two games per week since October so this is heady stuff for me.

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  16. The terrain is looking superb. I will certainly enjoy the report.

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    1. Matt is a master at setting a handsome table. He has a Breed's Hill scenario in work and the terrain is fabulous.

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