The Prestonpans Fullcourt Press

Richard seemingly praying for victory

The Tuesday remote group game saw only two players taking up arms while Graham set out a recreation of the Battle of Prestonpans for a play test of his rules.  Richard would command the Government Army while I took command of the Highlanders under Bonnie Prince Charles.  While the historical battle may have concluded in about 30 minutes, this refight lasted considerably longer.

On to battle! 

The Highlander advance begins

Government artillery fires once and the gunners flee!

Cavalry on the British left charge.
they are met by Highlanders.

The cavalry is repulsed with great casualties
as the Highlanders march on.

Platoon fire erupts along the line.
Casualties among the Highlanders are withering.

Two Highland charges go in.

One gets stuck in and the second is repulsed
as the Highlanders rout.

Highlanders charge the disordered cavalry
 and drive them off.

A second Highland regiment breaks and runs 
while the Highlanders in the distance
are caught in the rear.
Fighting fore and aft, the cavalry are driven off.

Government forces figure the best defense
is an offense.  They advance.

Highlanders charge the Government left
 with two regiments.  2-to-1!

Two Government regiments are put to flight
 as a third Highland charge goes in.

They, too, break, as the British are in flight.

In hot pursuit, the British are cut down as they run.
The British Army has collapsed!

When the Government forces let loose their first fire, Charles' army was staggered as the platoon-fire volleys were devastating.  Note: I hate being on the receiving end of platoon fire!  Really, I thought the battle lost at this point.  With nothing to lose, the Highlanders went in with reckless abandon to press the British all along the line in attempts to turn a flank.  This aggression paid off as the defenders wavered and then broke under the weight and ferocity of the many attacks.  Both flanks were turned and the British army collapsed in a sudden succession of routs.  A glorious victory had been won by the Rebels!  Hoorah!