Wargaming the American Revolutionary War

Finally got round to playing an AWI wargame. It was a simple scenario, a British brigade was instructed to occupy/liberate a small town in New Jersey. A Royal Navy battery was in attendance, with instructions to open up a barrage on any 'key position' before the general advance. A dice determined four shots per gun, they would then cease firing. Although Rebel numbers, formed into two Continental, one partisan, and one militia brigade, gave them a numerical strength, their morale levels were considerably lower. The Naval battery inflicted some casualties on a prominent farmhouse but still failed to clear this location, This continued to be an irritation during this action. The British now advanced, opposition fire was initially light, but it did get heavier. The British kept their first volley in reserve, and relied on several bayonet charges. They were successful, the first line, largely broke. The second line, mainly Continentals, exchanged volleys with the Redcoats, with fairly equal losses. Wisely, the British Centre did not persist in its advance, seeking to rely on their Left wing to steadily advance. The Right Wing was largely inactive, the exchange of light field guns being ineffectual. But it was the charge of some Loyalist cavalry that shocked the game, the Continental light troops broke, and were severely chopped up by the slashing sabres. This gap in the Rebel lines allowed the cavalry to enter the town's main street, and this game concluded.
MGB

Wargaming the American Revolution (Game Report)

A group of SKG3 members gathered in Devon recently to fight a wargame set in South Carolina, during the American Revolution. To inspire us all to raise and paint up our collections, players are allowed to raise armies without restriction on points or numbers that are fielded, as long as time and effort has been made to paint and base them in an attractive manner. To put it another way, there are no point or numerically balanced armies in history. This system has certainly inspired us all to clear those lead figures, if only to field something new each time we play a game.
    I took up the dubious position of raising the Rebel Americans, to be commanded by a family member, Chris. Opposing us was a largely elite force of Crown light troops under George, and a diverse contribution of German mercenaries and native Indians under Lucas. There was a possibility that Lucas would arrive late from work, and we included this into the game, giving George the expectation of reinforcements.
   Our House rules played extremely well and although it ended in a tactical draw all agreed it had been a spirited action. Here are a few photos from the game which was played over two evenings. While the Rebels were able to inflict heavier casualties it was the splendid showing of the 63rd Foot which took the glory, their volleys driving off larger numbers, and while they broke on occasions it was special to see them rally and once more enter the fray. MGB