Prestonpans 1745

[pierre the shy]

This week I put together some card bases using MS paint and figures from the Junior General site that didn't come out too badly for a test run of the V&B Jacobite wing scale rules.

I chose Prestonpans as both Falkirk and Colloden have a lot more units involved.

Last night we fought two games - the first one, using the historical deployment was pretty much a re-run of the actual battle with the Highland infantry sweeping over the Government forces like a tsunami (sorry Paul  )

After a cuppa and Easter eggs    to restore the ol' sugar levels we played another game using free deployment which worked a lot better for the Government forces. The dragoons just kept on having a bad day  but the infantry, having stationary bonus's, came within 1 point of breaking at least one of the Highland commands.   

Overall the system worked well, and with better and more variety of troops becoming available after Prestonpans on both sides it appears that I/we will be pursuing this project further and committing to figures rather than card bases (though i have some other things to do first). 

[FierceKitty]

Dragoons are human sacrifices, aren't they? Always get wiped out after bravely securing an advanced position which turns out to have no effect on the battle, or trying to nibble a bit at the enemy flank (and losing more than they inflict).

[paulr]

The first game was not a lot of fun

The second was more interesting but having to charge with Dragoons that stood a 50% chance of routing before contact was "interesting" to say the least

Definitely a period that shows promise and plays differently than Napoleonics or AWI using Volley & Bayonet

The highlight of the evening was watching the three Jacobite commanders, who all have Scottish heritage, arguing before the game had even begun

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Sounds a lot of fun!

[Ithoriel]

The highlight of the evening was watching the three Jacobite commanders, who all have Scottish heritage, arguing before the game had even begun

That's taking historical accuracy a little far!

Glad the games went well, even if pre-battle planning may not have!

[pierre the shy]

After our Prestonpans games a couple of weeks ago we had a bit of chat and decided to try a second scenario with better Government Infantry to see if they can handle the "highland charge".

So tonight its off to Falkirk to see what happens - historically it was fought late in the afternoon in the middle of a rainstorm which greatly aided the Jacobite attack.

For our game its been agreed that the weather will be fine (though conversely its actually raining steadily here in Welliington today for the first time in weeks  ) and we are using the historic setup.

I have the Government artillery stands if they are required as well 

Going to be a webel and take command of the Jacobite second line as my family are connected to the Gordons and Ogilvies who had a brigade present at Falkirk   

Hope Roy's got some good single malt hidden away somewhere - might need one (or two....) 

[d_Guy]

Will be interested to hear (and if possible?) see the results! Good luck!
When you consider that the government forces almost broke the highland charge at Killiecrankie with fire power, the odds may be against you at Falkirk. Particularly without the element of surprise (as at Prestonpans) or the rain to diminish the Government 2nd and following volleys.
Was it before or after Falkirk that the government changed thier bayonet doctrine to lunging to protect the man on left? If after - if you close - you win!  An Gordanach!

[d_Guy]

Sorry, protecting the man on the right!   

[Leman]

Have you seen the old 1960s BBC production of Culloden? It was done as if a TV crew and reporters were at the scene. I always remember the reporter saying, "This is grapeshot; and this is what it does." It also showed the British infantry protecting the man on the right.

[Hwiccee]

The change in bayonet drill is usually attribute to Cumberland and so it would be after Falkirk. But Duffy in his new book says there is no evidence that Cumberland actually changed anything with the drill. So either they never did the 'protect the man on the right' ting or they had always done this, he doesn't know. The key thing was Cumberland got the men to stand and use whatever drill they used, rather than just run.

[Leman]

I got the impression it was because the charging highlanders' left sides were partially protected by the targe, but the right was vulnerable with the arm raised holding the sword.

[Hwiccee]

Yes that was certainly the theory and presumably it would work. But Duffy says it was either used or not used at ALL the battles and not just Culloden. Duffy points to the redcoats standing firm and the highlanders throwing away their targes to being important at Culloden. Duffy's new 'Fight for the Throne' book is very good.

[cameronian]

I'm with Duffy, I never really bought the 'ignore the hairy arsed highlander to your front, expose your left and thrust to your right' myth, not credible, more an afterthought to 'big up' a victory over a half starved, undermanned, exhausted, demoralised enemy, attacking over too big a distance, over rough ground, in the face of volley fire and canister. Where the distance was shorter they charged home and broke the line ... unfortunately there was a second line.

[Leman]

Yes your probably right. Had I been a lowland Scot I'd have gone for the hairy arsed, uncivilised northerner to my front, especially if he was daft enough to chuck his targe away.

[FierceKitty]

Yes that was certainly the theory and presumably it would work. But Duffy says it was either used or not used at ALL the battles and not just Culloden. Duffy points to the redcoats standing firm and the highlanders throwing away their targes to being important at Culloden. Duffy's new 'Fight for the Throne' book is very good.

Everything Duffy writes is good, I find.