Battle of Fort Washington, 1776

Battle of Fort Washington Map
Courtesy wargamesinthedungeon

Matt hosted another remote game in our long-running series of battles fighting our way through the AWI in chronological order using Rebels & Patriots (R&P).  We are approaching the end of 1776 with the Battle of Fort Washington.

For a summary of the historical action and Matt's battle report, please visit, Battle for Fort Washington, 1776.  Matt's account focuses on the British/German perspective with lots of close up photos of his beautiful terrain and figures.  My account focuses on the American point of view through the lenses of two webcams.

Over these games, we (well, at least I) have reached the conclusion that attacking is a very difficult sport in R&P.  I think at least 3:2 odds are needed and often times 2:1 is more reasonable for the attacker to make progress.  Given the tendency for the Americans to be on the defensive, the British are often under pressure and under the gun (literally) to press on regardless of casualties.

Fort Washington is no exception to the general rule of finding the Americans fighting behind defensive works while the might of the King descends upon them.  

Let's see how the Americans fare in this one.

Rebel skirmishers watch as the Hessians cross the river.

From the heights of Fort Washington, the defenders wait.

Jagers give fire.
Rebel skirmishers abandon their cover and run for the hill.

Rebel skirmishers give the Hessian musketeers a shot,
 disordering them

but the Rebel break and run at the first fire against them.

OK.  I admit that this is a very bad start to the battle.  Hopefully, the Americans can stiffen their resolve and put up a descent fight.  We do not want to embarrass ourselves.  

The Hessians press on but Rebel skirmishers are slowing
 their progress with fire from the woods and swale.

Hessians are taking fearful casualties as they climb the hill.

Hessians charge into the woods

and are repulsed.
The Hessian attack is running out of steam (and men).

Where are the British?
The British have landed!

Americans pull back from the barricades on the road
 to prevent an outflanking maneuver
 if the Americans fail to hold Laurel Hill.

The Hessian attack has ground to a halt.

The British grenadiers storm the works protecting
 the Rebels on Laurel Hill. The defenders break.
General Magaw takes up position on the heights. 

The American militia let loose a withering fire
and the grenadiers are cut down where they stand.

The British attack is called off and
the Americans make good their escape.

Another hard-fought victory for the Americans! Hoorah!

One of the key moments in battle was the friendly-fire incident not reported by British High Command.  As the British stormed up Laurel Hill, the British skirmishers mistook the British light infantry as the enemy and gave them a hard volley.  Many of the light infantrymen fell (I recall two or three casualties suffered) and the mishap shook the confidence of this formation for the remainder of the battle.

Another excellent outing and an enjoyable session.  Next time, perhaps, Trenton, where the Americans will find themselves on the attack?

Thanks again, Matt, for presenting and sharing another of your wargaming spectacles.