Rear Guard action

It has been a while since I last posted, so I thought I would tell you about my latest game. The scenario was lifted from Table Top Teasers(http://steve-the-wargamer-teasers.blogspot.com/)
entitled Rear Guard, which I found on the web and is a fantastic resource for scenarios for those that can remember the originals in such wonderful publications as Battle for Wargamers.

The Jacobites were tasked with holding off the enemy advance until nightfall (12 turns) as well as getting the straggling supplies to safety, the Williamites were to advance and take the bridge as well as capturing the supplies if at all possible.

Jacobite infantry on the hill with their brigadier cowering amongst the rocks in percieved safety

We used Under the Lilly Banners rules and it was a couple of turns before the Williamites managed to get everything on the board, the cavalry managed to get on first turn and began to move towards the Jacobite right flank causing some confusion in the ranks as the cavalry and the French infantry behind the hill to start off to refuse the right flank.

The Jacobite Line across the hill and protecting the wagons on the road

Meanwhile the Williamite infantry advanced on the Jacobite left with Kirke's and Hanmer's regiments taking casualties from the Jacobite guns on the hill causing them to stagger until their cavalry decided it was time to charge the guns resulting in the gunners running away.

Williamite cavalry advance by squadron supported by Danish and Dutch infantry

Meanwhile the supply wagons had worked their way behind the hill and across the bridge bringing much needed supplies to the main Jacobite army.

Supplies cross the bridge with Jacobite cavalry forming up in the background

The Jacobite cavalry waited in the rear, moving to left and right having obviously only undergone basic manoeuvre training prior to the battle and ended up in line awaiting the Williamite breakthrough on their left flank.

Jacobite cavalry waiting, and waiting, and waiting

In the end, by turn 12 (nightfall) the Jacobites had succeeded in holding off the Williamite vanguard and got their supplies off the table with the loss of two guns and a regiment of infantry who were broken in melee by a combined Dutch and Danish brigade.

Turn 12 came all too quickly and signified nightfall at which point the two armies would make camp and await the dawn. The Jacobites at this point were to withdraw under cover of darkness to join their main army on the other side of the river having done their job and delayed the enemy as ordered. Mind you, the French started to retire before nightfall as they wanted to ensure they got the best seats in the local hostelry.

All in all a fun game with plenty of laughs, beers and discussion. The rules worked well with a specific scenario and I, along with many others, are awaiting the imminent publication of Beneath the Lilly Banners.

The Williamite artillery