Auldearn, 1645

[d_Guy]

I continue to entertain myself with multiple slow motion re-plays of the Battle of Auldearn. My love affair with the For King and Parliament rules continues unabated.

Below are a few pics and links to more pictures and details of each scenario.
A view of Auldearn from the west:


The Gardiner Gambit: The classic interpretation in which Montrose brilliantly draws General Hurry's Covenanters toward the weak Royalist center while preparing a concealed hammer blow against Hurry's exposed right flank. The trap was almost ruined by MacColla leading his men forward in the early stages of the battle.

MacColla has his forces far forward on Garlic Hill as General Hurry pulls his army to the center to attack them:

https://inredcoatragsattired.com/2018/07/19/playing-the-gardiner-gambit/


A Gordon, A Gordon: The Gardiner Gambit but with MacColla restrained from going too far forward and the hammer blow of the Gordon horse and supporting foot on the Conenanter right flank perfectly timed.

The Gordon horse prepare to take Hurry in the flank:

https://inredcoatragsattired.com/2018/07/25/a-gordon-a-gordon/

A Shot in the Dark: Currently the most popular view of the battle in which Montrose was caught completely surprised by Hurry's night march and MacColla staves off defeat with a desperate defense while Montrose marshals the rest of army.

Part of the Covenanter army deploys in the morning mist:

https://inredcoatragsattired.com/2018/08/03/playing-a-shot-in-the-dark/

A Set Piece Battle: Some sources suggest that Montrose was in full battle array as Hurry approached and something very much like a set-piece battle occurred.

MacKenzie bowmen annoy the Strathavan Gordons across the low ground:

https://inredcoatragsattired.com/2018/08/25/playing-the-set-piece-battle/

[paulr]

 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Top work

[Steve J]

Great work D'Guy on all of these scenarios. I've learnt a lot about a period that I only have a passing knowledge of. Keep up the good work!

[Leman]

Great looking battle and battlefield.

[Ithoriel]

Looks very good indeed.

[Westmarcher]

Interesting to read about the different outcomes which, so far, favour the Covenanters, Bill. Looking forward to see what the result of the sixth run through will be.   

[paulr]

Definitely a really interesting read so far, my train trip to work is too short for me to read them all in one trip
More to read on the way home tonight

[FierceKitty]

Really Garlic Hill? Wonderful name.

[paulr]

Really enjoyed reading the other versions on the train ride home

Pierre the Shy has warned me we will be playing these once he has a suitable number of Scots painted

[d_Guy]

Thanks for all the comments folks.

Paul, tell Pierre to hurry up with his painting.  .
I really want see the outcomes you get.

Steve, I probably won't play the last scenario again, can't figure out how to get the Covenanters to win (short of stacking the deck  ).

Kitty, it is Garlic Hill on even the earliest OS maps but can't guarantee that's what the locals called at the time. There is apparently an indigenous wild garlic that is fairly pungent even from a distance so maybe it has always been called that. 

[Norm]

Very nice Bill, some evocative shots there.

[mollinary]

Excellent stuff, Bill, your perseverance  is admirable. Once again your blog is a fascinating combination of insight and analysis.

[Terry37]

Bill, Truly exceptional! Great looking table, and figures and fun looking games. You do a truly awesome set up!!!

Terry

[sunjester]

That's a really nice looking set up!