From Captain Hoehmann’s discussions with Major Lowe and Captain Barner.
After discussions with the priest we assembled our men and followed him across the moonlight countryside towards Ballyboggin. We had decided that the British would be likely to expect an attack from the south, so we would concentrate our attentions on the North with the light companies all assaulting that side with the rifles covering the east to ensure that no one left to the east to warn the rest of the British forces.
We arrived rather exhausted in position outside the village just before dawn and the priest took his leave to try and raise the locals in our support. The lights advanced cautiously but despite their best endeavours a sentry spotted them just before they crossed the final hedgerow before the village and fired raising the alarm.
It then appeared that the two closest houses in the village were held by the militia and they were well prepared to defend them against the advance of the first and second companies the third company meanwhile with further to cover attempted to flank these buildings to the west. The first two companies were now caught in disadvantageous combat with the militia and the rifles attempted to outflank the buildings on the east.
As they just came into position to outflank the buildings they were surprised by a charge of the dragoons on foot with drawn sabres and beat a hasty retreat to some nearby woods. The dragoons then unslung their muskets and proceeded to inflict more casualties on the first light company, which then withdrew behind a hedge. Meanwhile second company had suffered severe losses attempting to entry the village and had pulled back entirely from the action.
Meanwhile the third light company had advanced steadily but found the building ahead to have been occupied by militia following the alarm and therefore just traded fie with them while looking for an opportunity to enter the village.
It was at this point when all seemed bleak and Major Lowe was considering withdrawal that the British were confronted with a new attack from the south led by the priest. All the British forces were deployed to the north defending the village against our troops. So immediately two militia companies were ordered to save the wagons and moved to head off the villagers. Given the proximity of the wagons the militia charged rather than relying on musketry and this was their downfall. The villagers were mostly armed with scythes and pikes with a few assorted firearms so they were better suited to hand to hand combat. Led by the priest who did personally smite several militiamen with his cross the two companies of militia were routed.
Te departure of the militia company to defend the wagons allowed the third light company to outflank the militia company that had just driven off the second company and rout it. Meanwhile the rifles had position themselves to make better use of their weapons and were taking an increasing toll of the dragoons who then fell back into the nearest building.
So the British were left holding the two buildings at the eastern end of the village, but it was still likely to be a hard struggle to eliminate them. It was at this point that the villagers set light to the wagons in the west of the village, luckily for them the ammunition wagon was to the east so they unaffected by the blast when the fire spread to the ammunition. The wagon was just next to the two building held by the British and the explosion killed or badly maimed all the occupiers.
As a result the day was ours and although a lot of good men had died, the wagons were destroyed, we had secured the dragoons horses and the remaining militia had been put to flight with little chance of rallying. Some must have escaped to the east, but this can only dishearten the British forces.
Showing posts with label AWI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AWI. Show all posts
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Action at Ballyboggin - part 1
Captain Hoehmann awoke with a start as a large explosion shattered the dawn silence. Within moment he recalled the events of the previous night and considered the sound to be good news.
The previous night most officers were mustered in the general’s tent discussing the actions of the day and the prospects for the morrow, when the adjutant looked into the tent and asked the General if he could reveal some recent intelligence. The general immediately asked for a report.
The adjutant explained that a local priest had appeared at the piquet lines in some distress and was brought to him to be interrogated. The priest was from a village to the north called Ballyboggin and a British column had just stopped there for the night. In between the continual expressions of outrage he revealed that an enemy column of militia and regular dragoons had quartered themselves on the village and indulged in various unmentionable acts, of which the worst was the quartering of the dragoon’s horses in the church. He is willing to guide us to his village and he considers that this would be a holy act. As he calmed down he revealed that the enemy strength was around four companies of militia quartered in various houses and a squadron of dragoons in the church. There is also a wagon train, which the British are extremely worried about any nearby spark or flame, which must indicate ammunition wagons. The Priest was offering to lead them back to his village to inflict divine retribution.
The General then asked if the priest seemed genuine, and the adjutant said that such fury could not falsified. To the officers as a whole the general said that this was grave news as with these reinforcements would strengthen the main enemy body to an overwhelming extent and the presence of regular dragoons would cause problems given our lack of cavalry.
Captain Barner of the Rifles then stated that he was prepared to attempt a surprise attack if any other commander would support him. Major Lowe of the Light Battalion said he was prepared to try the endeavour. Before others could volunteer, the general thanked the two officers for their offer, as they were the most capable of conducting such an operation.
General Hoehmann then announced that Major Lowe with three light companies and Captain Barner’s rifles would attempt to defeat the enemy column in Ballyboggin in particular aiming at the destruction of the enemy dragoons and if possible the wagon train. The remaining company of light infantry would provide a camp guard that night. The whole force would muster at first light and be prepared to march to the support of the lights should this prove necessary. “Now bring in the priest” he commanded. The priest was brought in but he was not overawed by the gathering, he just blessed the gathering before confronting the General and asking if he would “cleanse the unbelievers from the temple” in Latin and then English. General Hoehmann affirmed that he would help and introduced Major Lowe and Captain Barner to the priest. He also asked what assistance the priest could provide.
He was quite happy to guide the troops across the hills to Ballyboggin as there was still enough moonlight left and he also thought he might be able to rouse the villagers to attack the British as well.
The assembly was then dismissed leaving the General, the Major and Captain discussing the details of the operation with the priest.
The previous night most officers were mustered in the general’s tent discussing the actions of the day and the prospects for the morrow, when the adjutant looked into the tent and asked the General if he could reveal some recent intelligence. The general immediately asked for a report.
The adjutant explained that a local priest had appeared at the piquet lines in some distress and was brought to him to be interrogated. The priest was from a village to the north called Ballyboggin and a British column had just stopped there for the night. In between the continual expressions of outrage he revealed that an enemy column of militia and regular dragoons had quartered themselves on the village and indulged in various unmentionable acts, of which the worst was the quartering of the dragoon’s horses in the church. He is willing to guide us to his village and he considers that this would be a holy act. As he calmed down he revealed that the enemy strength was around four companies of militia quartered in various houses and a squadron of dragoons in the church. There is also a wagon train, which the British are extremely worried about any nearby spark or flame, which must indicate ammunition wagons. The Priest was offering to lead them back to his village to inflict divine retribution.
The General then asked if the priest seemed genuine, and the adjutant said that such fury could not falsified. To the officers as a whole the general said that this was grave news as with these reinforcements would strengthen the main enemy body to an overwhelming extent and the presence of regular dragoons would cause problems given our lack of cavalry.
Captain Barner of the Rifles then stated that he was prepared to attempt a surprise attack if any other commander would support him. Major Lowe of the Light Battalion said he was prepared to try the endeavour. Before others could volunteer, the general thanked the two officers for their offer, as they were the most capable of conducting such an operation.
General Hoehmann then announced that Major Lowe with three light companies and Captain Barner’s rifles would attempt to defeat the enemy column in Ballyboggin in particular aiming at the destruction of the enemy dragoons and if possible the wagon train. The remaining company of light infantry would provide a camp guard that night. The whole force would muster at first light and be prepared to march to the support of the lights should this prove necessary. “Now bring in the priest” he commanded. The priest was brought in but he was not overawed by the gathering, he just blessed the gathering before confronting the General and asking if he would “cleanse the unbelievers from the temple” in Latin and then English. General Hoehmann affirmed that he would help and introduced Major Lowe and Captain Barner to the priest. He also asked what assistance the priest could provide.
He was quite happy to guide the troops across the hills to Ballyboggin as there was still enough moonlight left and he also thought he might be able to rouse the villagers to attack the British as well.
The assembly was then dismissed leaving the General, the Major and Captain discussing the details of the operation with the priest.
Friday, 21 March 2008
A troubled day
To Lady Olivia Omagh
I write this in haste as we withdraw to the next position to hold these invaders. We held a strong position at Greenford, but their numbers and discipline overcame us. In particular their rifles were deadly and many officers in Colonel O'Reilly's battalion were downed by their fire leaving the men leaderless. I was lucky in that their main thrust was on their left while my battalion occupied our left.
From my position our plan worked as intended as the enemy foot marched into our enfilade position and suffered horribly as a result, however these yellow coated French mercenaries are anything but yellow. They simply reformed their ranks and counter attacked my men assisted by a green coated battalion. We fought bravely but were driven from out positions. But I an proud to say that of all our infantry my battalion was the only one not to have run at some point in the battle
.I shall write as soon as I have further news.
Your loving husband
I write this in haste as we withdraw to the next position to hold these invaders. We held a strong position at Greenford, but their numbers and discipline overcame us. In particular their rifles were deadly and many officers in Colonel O'Reilly's battalion were downed by their fire leaving the men leaderless. I was lucky in that their main thrust was on their left while my battalion occupied our left.
From my position our plan worked as intended as the enemy foot marched into our enfilade position and suffered horribly as a result, however these yellow coated French mercenaries are anything but yellow. They simply reformed their ranks and counter attacked my men assisted by a green coated battalion. We fought bravely but were driven from out positions. But I an proud to say that of all our infantry my battalion was the only one not to have run at some point in the battle
.I shall write as soon as I have further news.
Your loving husband
The battle of Greenford
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
The rifles and light infantry moved ahead in fine style, however the line units had problems maintaining their facing as they crossed the ridge separating them from the enemy. The redcoats patiently waited in their positions with no sign of panic.
The rifles moved into an excellent flanking position and began long range fire at the enemy unit in the wood while awaiting their supporting light battalion.
Several expertly aimed shots downed the officers in the redcoat unit (O'Reilly's) causing it to waver and then break, However the rest of our forces were way behind and not in any position to exploit the success. The enemy artillery had to this time been pretty ineffectual until they seemed to get the range and caused significant casualties to the right hand light battalion. this caused it to fall back and reform beyond the stream. Another redcoat unit (O'Shaughnessy) wheeled to cover the gap on their right.
The light light battalion then moved forward and drove off the other redcoat unit (O'Shaughnessy) but left itself open to a counter attack (not pictured) by the cavalry and the other redcoat battalion (McShane). The fire of the lights and the rifles held off the cavalry, but the infantry kept going causing the lights to break and reform beyond the woods.
Our first rank of line infantry then stormed forward to try and exploit the enemies position, however they were not supported and this allowed the enemy infantry (Omaghs) in the wood and their artillery to inflict substantial casualties on the 1st/I battalion. Exactly what the plan was intended to avoid.
Meanwhile Brigadier Digby-Smythe had fallen back to try and rally the routing militia, leaving the remaining units without orders. The Omagh battalion were then attacked from two directions as the light battalion and 1st/I line took their revenge. They fought bravely and slowly gave ground though the woods. At the same time the other remaining redocat battalion (McShane's) was routed by an attack by 2nd/I Line
Meanwhile Brigadier Digby-Smythe gave orders for the artillery to withdraw while covering this with the cavalry. An orderly withdrawal was assisted by the rallying of the routed infantry.
This was also a solo play test of the command and control rules, which proved to cause a lot of the failure to coordinate various actions, which was fine for a solo game, but would be frustrating for a normal face to face game. I found various items needed adjustment and I'll post up the changes shortly
Overall the Frundsbergers los 6 strengths points compared to the British/Irish 8 points.
The rifles and light infantry moved ahead in fine style, however the line units had problems maintaining their facing as they crossed the ridge separating them from the enemy. The redcoats patiently waited in their positions with no sign of panic.
The rifles moved into an excellent flanking position and began long range fire at the enemy unit in the wood while awaiting their supporting light battalion.
Several expertly aimed shots downed the officers in the redcoat unit (O'Reilly's) causing it to waver and then break, However the rest of our forces were way behind and not in any position to exploit the success. The enemy artillery had to this time been pretty ineffectual until they seemed to get the range and caused significant casualties to the right hand light battalion. this caused it to fall back and reform beyond the stream. Another redcoat unit (O'Shaughnessy) wheeled to cover the gap on their right.
The light light battalion then moved forward and drove off the other redcoat unit (O'Shaughnessy) but left itself open to a counter attack (not pictured) by the cavalry and the other redcoat battalion (McShane). The fire of the lights and the rifles held off the cavalry, but the infantry kept going causing the lights to break and reform beyond the woods.
Our first rank of line infantry then stormed forward to try and exploit the enemies position, however they were not supported and this allowed the enemy infantry (Omaghs) in the wood and their artillery to inflict substantial casualties on the 1st/I battalion. Exactly what the plan was intended to avoid.
Meanwhile Brigadier Digby-Smythe had fallen back to try and rally the routing militia, leaving the remaining units without orders. The Omagh battalion were then attacked from two directions as the light battalion and 1st/I line took their revenge. They fought bravely and slowly gave ground though the woods. At the same time the other remaining redocat battalion (McShane's) was routed by an attack by 2nd/I Line
Meanwhile Brigadier Digby-Smythe gave orders for the artillery to withdraw while covering this with the cavalry. An orderly withdrawal was assisted by the rallying of the routed infantry.
This was also a solo play test of the command and control rules, which proved to cause a lot of the failure to coordinate various actions, which was fine for a solo game, but would be frustrating for a normal face to face game. I found various items needed adjustment and I'll post up the changes shortly
Overall the Frundsbergers los 6 strengths points compared to the British/Irish 8 points.
Pushing forwards
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
We awoke early, a number of Jaegers had been out in the night to scout the enemy positions. They reported that in addition to the forces covering the road there were other units in the woods to either side.
We formed up with the line battalions in two lines flanked on either side by the light battalion and on the extreme left the rifles were ready to flank the enemy position.
General Hoehmanns plan was quite simple, both flanks would pin the enemy to enable a drive though the main position, while the flanking move by the rifles should enable us to drive them towards the coast and thereby eliminate them and remove any risk to our drive on Kinsale.
We awoke early, a number of Jaegers had been out in the night to scout the enemy positions. They reported that in addition to the forces covering the road there were other units in the woods to either side.
We formed up with the line battalions in two lines flanked on either side by the light battalion and on the extreme left the rifles were ready to flank the enemy position.
General Hoehmanns plan was quite simple, both flanks would pin the enemy to enable a drive though the main position, while the flanking move by the rifles should enable us to drive them towards the coast and thereby eliminate them and remove any risk to our drive on Kinsale.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Resisting the Invaders
To Lady Olivia Omagh
I've had several frustrating days, Brigadier Digby-Smythe hasn't a clue about how to tackle the invasion. He has had us marching in all directions only to find the Frenchies marching in exactly the direction I predicted, towards Kinsale. Luckily I had forewarned the militia that this might happen and fortunately they have mustered in sufficient time and numbers to occupy an advantageous position, which should block the enemies advance.
I have great faith in my men, they have been steadfast, especially given their losses in the fighting at Haughy Point. I hope that the government will make provision for those crippled or widowed in both that and the forthcoming action. I just wish our financial position would make it possible to do something ourselves rather than depend on the whim of a Tory government.
Our troops are deployed where the road to Kinsale fords a river and then passes between woodland. We have deployed two regiments and a battery of the Kinsale Volunteer Bombardiers covering the ford, flanked by two regiments hidden in the woods to either side. We are backed up by a squadron of the Cork Yeomanry, so we are confident of resisting the French, but it will be difficult to defeat them in open ground.
I shall write as soon as I have further news.
Your loving husband
I've had several frustrating days, Brigadier Digby-Smythe hasn't a clue about how to tackle the invasion. He has had us marching in all directions only to find the Frenchies marching in exactly the direction I predicted, towards Kinsale. Luckily I had forewarned the militia that this might happen and fortunately they have mustered in sufficient time and numbers to occupy an advantageous position, which should block the enemies advance.
I have great faith in my men, they have been steadfast, especially given their losses in the fighting at Haughy Point. I hope that the government will make provision for those crippled or widowed in both that and the forthcoming action. I just wish our financial position would make it possible to do something ourselves rather than depend on the whim of a Tory government.
Our troops are deployed where the road to Kinsale fords a river and then passes between woodland. We have deployed two regiments and a battery of the Kinsale Volunteer Bombardiers covering the ford, flanked by two regiments hidden in the woods to either side. We are backed up by a squadron of the Cork Yeomanry, so we are confident of resisting the French, but it will be difficult to defeat them in open ground.
I shall write as soon as I have further news.
Your loving husband
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
On the march to Kinsale
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
We have started our advance on Kinsale. Our order of march is: firstly a few officers, who have managed to find mounts out in front scouting the ground; followed by a company of the light battalion; after a gap there is the Jaegers and my company from the light battalion; behind us is the 1st Regiment led by Colonel Stummel, then a collection of wagons we have collected carrying some supplies and finally the 2nd regiment following up and covering the rear. The other two light companies are covering the flanks of the advance.
Our first night was spent close to the coast and we could still communicate with the French fleet by signalling to a frigate lying close to the shore. The next day our road led inland away from the coast so we made our final signals to the fleet. Hopefully Admiral Dorschner will turn up at Kinsale once we have captured it. According to General Hoehmann we have been given sealed instructions on what action to take if this eventuallity should come to pass.
Late afternoon on the second day our scouts returned reporting the redcoats are occupying a position a few leagues hence blocking the road to our destination. They also reprot that there is no obvious detour so we will have to fight our way through. They do not appear to be as strong as us, but they are occupying a defile behind a ford, and they have both cavalry and artillery support.
Given the distance still to travel General Hoehmann has decided to wait until first light before moving out and attacking the British so we will camp in our current position for the night.
I have posted the picquets and wait for what the morrow brings..........
We have started our advance on Kinsale. Our order of march is: firstly a few officers, who have managed to find mounts out in front scouting the ground; followed by a company of the light battalion; after a gap there is the Jaegers and my company from the light battalion; behind us is the 1st Regiment led by Colonel Stummel, then a collection of wagons we have collected carrying some supplies and finally the 2nd regiment following up and covering the rear. The other two light companies are covering the flanks of the advance.
Our first night was spent close to the coast and we could still communicate with the French fleet by signalling to a frigate lying close to the shore. The next day our road led inland away from the coast so we made our final signals to the fleet. Hopefully Admiral Dorschner will turn up at Kinsale once we have captured it. According to General Hoehmann we have been given sealed instructions on what action to take if this eventuallity should come to pass.
Late afternoon on the second day our scouts returned reporting the redcoats are occupying a position a few leagues hence blocking the road to our destination. They also reprot that there is no obvious detour so we will have to fight our way through. They do not appear to be as strong as us, but they are occupying a defile behind a ford, and they have both cavalry and artillery support.
Given the distance still to travel General Hoehmann has decided to wait until first light before moving out and attacking the British so we will camp in our current position for the night.
I have posted the picquets and wait for what the morrow brings..........
Friday, 18 January 2008
Change of plan
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
We seem to have had a change of plan, the local harbour is too shallow to unload the majority of the ships of the expedition so only the Fundsbergers have been unloaded. Our objective is now to march eastward along the coast to take Kinsale, which has suitable harbour. This of course means that we have no artillery or cavalry to support us and our route will take us inland away from the support of the guns of the fleet.
I have discovered a bit more about our operation, apparently we should have directly attacked Kinsale, but the storm blew us to far to the west and it was thought that the British would have had warning of our approach and would be well prepared to defend Kinsale from any seaborne attack.
It's not too long a march, but we are sure the Omagh Fencibles will try and attack us, although all is quiet at the moment.
We seem to have had a change of plan, the local harbour is too shallow to unload the majority of the ships of the expedition so only the Fundsbergers have been unloaded. Our objective is now to march eastward along the coast to take Kinsale, which has suitable harbour. This of course means that we have no artillery or cavalry to support us and our route will take us inland away from the support of the guns of the fleet.
I have discovered a bit more about our operation, apparently we should have directly attacked Kinsale, but the storm blew us to far to the west and it was thought that the British would have had warning of our approach and would be well prepared to defend Kinsale from any seaborne attack.
It's not too long a march, but we are sure the Omagh Fencibles will try and attack us, although all is quiet at the moment.
Monday, 14 January 2008
But where are we?
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
This evening Surgeon extracted the bullet from my leg, luckily nothing vital was hit, but I was told to spend at least a week without putting any weight on it. Also the bruising on my upper chest means I can only take liquid sustenance at the moment.
To return to earlier today
After the battle our forces rapidly occupied the redoubt and pursued the redcoats beyond the port. My company and the rifles were left on the cliff to hold the position and secure any wounded redcoats. We collected up quite a number of the redcoats and as the only officer available I tried to interrogate them. At first most seemed to talk some sort of gibberish, nothing like English or even French or German, eventually we found one who could speak English. He revealed that we were in Ireland and that our opponents were the local militia called the Omagh Fencibles. This was quite a revelation to us as they had fought like regulars. This unit is under the command of Lord Omagh and most of the regiment had been positioned near the main beach expecting us to land there rather than attack the cliff which is called Haugheys Point.
Looking at the carnage my estimates of the militia losses were that they had lost 15% killed, and 15% seriously wounded and left behind, probably plus another 30% lightly wounded. The rifles had suffered as severely and Major Lowes's and my company had lost 5% killed, 5% seriously wounded and 10% lightly wounded.
Finally late afternoon Sargeant Schmidt returned from the port and reported that it has been secured. Even better he has brought a dog cart, which will enable me to travel more comfortably. Also he brought some of the local schnapps for the wounded. The rest of the day was spent moving the wounded down to the port.
(Note I am using my AWI campaign rules to track the strength, etc of the forces, for the next stage of the campaign I will need to produce a model of Captain Hoehmann on his dog cart)
This evening Surgeon extracted the bullet from my leg, luckily nothing vital was hit, but I was told to spend at least a week without putting any weight on it. Also the bruising on my upper chest means I can only take liquid sustenance at the moment.
To return to earlier today
After the battle our forces rapidly occupied the redoubt and pursued the redcoats beyond the port. My company and the rifles were left on the cliff to hold the position and secure any wounded redcoats. We collected up quite a number of the redcoats and as the only officer available I tried to interrogate them. At first most seemed to talk some sort of gibberish, nothing like English or even French or German, eventually we found one who could speak English. He revealed that we were in Ireland and that our opponents were the local militia called the Omagh Fencibles. This was quite a revelation to us as they had fought like regulars. This unit is under the command of Lord Omagh and most of the regiment had been positioned near the main beach expecting us to land there rather than attack the cliff which is called Haugheys Point.
Looking at the carnage my estimates of the militia losses were that they had lost 15% killed, and 15% seriously wounded and left behind, probably plus another 30% lightly wounded. The rifles had suffered as severely and Major Lowes's and my company had lost 5% killed, 5% seriously wounded and 10% lightly wounded.
Finally late afternoon Sargeant Schmidt returned from the port and reported that it has been secured. Even better he has brought a dog cart, which will enable me to travel more comfortably. Also he brought some of the local schnapps for the wounded. The rest of the day was spent moving the wounded down to the port.
(Note I am using my AWI campaign rules to track the strength, etc of the forces, for the next stage of the campaign I will need to produce a model of Captain Hoehmann on his dog cart)
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Take the cliff battery!
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
As I lie and recover, here are my memories of an eventful day based on my observations and those of my fellow officers.
The action started quietly at first light with the Captain Barner's Jaegers clambering down the ladders into the boats and then heading off to the beach. All was quiet as they landed and I was astonished at the speed that they climbed out of the cove. The enemy seemed unaware of our action with the exception of a continuing plume of smoke from the cliff top battery, according to the French sailors this was so they could fire red hot shot on us if we attempted to enter the harbour. The boats returned and collected Major Lowe's company who were much slower in boarding than the Jaegers and had difficulty climbing the path out of the cove. Shortly before this firing had started from the cliff though we were unable to see what was happening. Captain Schmidt's company was next and they seemed to take even longer boarding and I noticed that both they and Major Lowe's company had taken a slightly different track to that used by the Jaegers. I tried to memorise the route to take with my company and then called my men to attention and emphasised the importance of reaching the top of the cliff as quickly as possible to support our fellow Frundsbergers. My message was emphasised by the sound of cannon fire from the cliff. My troops literally jumped into the boats to the consternation of the sailors and as they rowed to shore assisted in rowing, which helped as the sailors were by now quite tired.
On landing the action above was still continuing so I led my men up the route I believed the Jaegers had followed and to my amazement we arrived on the clifftop just ahead of Captain Schmidt's company.
To recap on the action on the cliff this is a composite of Captain Barner's and Major Lowe's recollections.
On reaching the cliff top with the Jaegers, Captain Barner found all quiet and they headed towards the battery with all haste and felt they would be able to take it by surprise. However just as they were nearing it, three companies of red coats burst out of the woods charging towards them. The Jaegers took aim and felled a large number of the leading company. At this point the Jaegers reloaded with ball and patch rather than a quick load with a loose ball. In retrospect this was a bad decision as the redcoats keep on coming and delivered a volley felling a number of the Jaegers before they were reloaded. At this point the Jaegers were on their own, with no sign of support, so they fell back firing as they went with the redcoats pursuing them. Just in the nick of time, The 1st company arrived and took the leftmost redcoat company in flank with a heavy volley forcing them to recoil. At the same time the rightmost redcoat company had come to a standstill due to the sustained rifle fire. It then fell back to cheers from the Jaegers, however this elation was short lived as this retreat clear a line of fire and gun from the battery fired canister into the Jaegers. Captain Barner was hit, but luckily it was only a flesh wound and he rallied his remaining men.
Major Lowe's company was involved with the leftmost redcoats and an unscathed redcoat company was heading for the Jaegers as my company came up into line. I decided that the situation required an immediate attack on the centre redcoat company, before they overwhelmed the Jaegers, so I led my company forward without deploying. To my shock the redcoats performed a parade ground turn and delivered a crushing volley felling the men to either side of me and hitting me twice in the leg and chest, the latter luckily deflected by my gorget. The respire was all the Jaegers needed and they felled the redcoats at the same time my men delivered our volley. The redcoats then turned and ran.
On our right Major Lowe had charged the redcoats facing him and driven them from the field. The remaining redcoat company decided to retire with the others given its heavy losses and seeing Captain Schmidt's company arriving. Rather than directly assault the battery the remaining Jaegers started sniping at anyone who stuck their heads above the parapet and shortly after we saw the gunners running away from the battery.
Captain Schmidt's company took the battery and found that all the guns had been spiked and that the British had the equipment for firing red hot shot ready so our efforts were not in vain.
(Note this was a first test of some skirmish rules I am developing, in a similar way to some other rules, ordinary rank and file die after 1 wound, officers after 2 and personalities after 3, luckily for Captain Hoehmann he was deemed to be a personality before the battle started.
The move sequence was my card deck and the way the cards fell was that the redcoats never moved until all 3 of their companies had arrived and on the Frundsberg side they rolled very badly on the arrival dice. The net result was the Jaegers nearly had a home run on the redoubt)
As I lie and recover, here are my memories of an eventful day based on my observations and those of my fellow officers.
The action started quietly at first light with the Captain Barner's Jaegers clambering down the ladders into the boats and then heading off to the beach. All was quiet as they landed and I was astonished at the speed that they climbed out of the cove. The enemy seemed unaware of our action with the exception of a continuing plume of smoke from the cliff top battery, according to the French sailors this was so they could fire red hot shot on us if we attempted to enter the harbour. The boats returned and collected Major Lowe's company who were much slower in boarding than the Jaegers and had difficulty climbing the path out of the cove. Shortly before this firing had started from the cliff though we were unable to see what was happening. Captain Schmidt's company was next and they seemed to take even longer boarding and I noticed that both they and Major Lowe's company had taken a slightly different track to that used by the Jaegers. I tried to memorise the route to take with my company and then called my men to attention and emphasised the importance of reaching the top of the cliff as quickly as possible to support our fellow Frundsbergers. My message was emphasised by the sound of cannon fire from the cliff. My troops literally jumped into the boats to the consternation of the sailors and as they rowed to shore assisted in rowing, which helped as the sailors were by now quite tired.
On landing the action above was still continuing so I led my men up the route I believed the Jaegers had followed and to my amazement we arrived on the clifftop just ahead of Captain Schmidt's company.
To recap on the action on the cliff this is a composite of Captain Barner's and Major Lowe's recollections.
On reaching the cliff top with the Jaegers, Captain Barner found all quiet and they headed towards the battery with all haste and felt they would be able to take it by surprise. However just as they were nearing it, three companies of red coats burst out of the woods charging towards them. The Jaegers took aim and felled a large number of the leading company. At this point the Jaegers reloaded with ball and patch rather than a quick load with a loose ball. In retrospect this was a bad decision as the redcoats keep on coming and delivered a volley felling a number of the Jaegers before they were reloaded. At this point the Jaegers were on their own, with no sign of support, so they fell back firing as they went with the redcoats pursuing them. Just in the nick of time, The 1st company arrived and took the leftmost redcoat company in flank with a heavy volley forcing them to recoil. At the same time the rightmost redcoat company had come to a standstill due to the sustained rifle fire. It then fell back to cheers from the Jaegers, however this elation was short lived as this retreat clear a line of fire and gun from the battery fired canister into the Jaegers. Captain Barner was hit, but luckily it was only a flesh wound and he rallied his remaining men.
Major Lowe's company was involved with the leftmost redcoats and an unscathed redcoat company was heading for the Jaegers as my company came up into line. I decided that the situation required an immediate attack on the centre redcoat company, before they overwhelmed the Jaegers, so I led my company forward without deploying. To my shock the redcoats performed a parade ground turn and delivered a crushing volley felling the men to either side of me and hitting me twice in the leg and chest, the latter luckily deflected by my gorget. The respire was all the Jaegers needed and they felled the redcoats at the same time my men delivered our volley. The redcoats then turned and ran.
On our right Major Lowe had charged the redcoats facing him and driven them from the field. The remaining redcoat company decided to retire with the others given its heavy losses and seeing Captain Schmidt's company arriving. Rather than directly assault the battery the remaining Jaegers started sniping at anyone who stuck their heads above the parapet and shortly after we saw the gunners running away from the battery.
Captain Schmidt's company took the battery and found that all the guns had been spiked and that the British had the equipment for firing red hot shot ready so our efforts were not in vain.
(Note this was a first test of some skirmish rules I am developing, in a similar way to some other rules, ordinary rank and file die after 1 wound, officers after 2 and personalities after 3, luckily for Captain Hoehmann he was deemed to be a personality before the battle started.
The move sequence was my card deck and the way the cards fell was that the redcoats never moved until all 3 of their companies had arrived and on the Frundsberg side they rolled very badly on the arrival dice. The net result was the Jaegers nearly had a home run on the redoubt)
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Landfall
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann.
Unless you have experienced the violence of a storm at sea can you imagine our relief as the storm subsided and the sun emerged from behind its veil of clouds. Everyone's spirits lifted, and I was amazed to find that most of the ships in the convoy were still present, although widely scattered.
The French crew of our ship still will not explain where we are, but the sight of land in the distance is a welcome sight and I understand that it may be our destination. However there are still strong winds and the coast looks quite formidable.
A message has just been passed to our ship and the light battalion together with the jaegers have been instructed to land at a small cove and capture a coastal battery covering a harbour where the main body will land.
The swell is quite substantial and the troops are quite terrified at the thought of boarding the boats. Luckily Major Bergstein has arranged for an issue of schnapps, which should calm the men's nerves.
(note for the reader Captain Hoehmann of the Jaegers is a son of General Hoehmann and commands a company of the light battalion)
Unless you have experienced the violence of a storm at sea can you imagine our relief as the storm subsided and the sun emerged from behind its veil of clouds. Everyone's spirits lifted, and I was amazed to find that most of the ships in the convoy were still present, although widely scattered.
The French crew of our ship still will not explain where we are, but the sight of land in the distance is a welcome sight and I understand that it may be our destination. However there are still strong winds and the coast looks quite formidable.
A message has just been passed to our ship and the light battalion together with the jaegers have been instructed to land at a small cove and capture a coastal battery covering a harbour where the main body will land.
The swell is quite substantial and the troops are quite terrified at the thought of boarding the boats. Luckily Major Bergstein has arranged for an issue of schnapps, which should calm the men's nerves.
(note for the reader Captain Hoehmann of the Jaegers is a son of General Hoehmann and commands a company of the light battalion)
En-voyage
From the diaries of Captain Hoehmann
Another day at sea in this wretched weather, my men lie totally exhausted on the lower decks, as this Atlantic storm vents its spleen upon us. To venture on the main deck is to risk being swept overboard, only the sailors dare work there now, and only if absolutely necessary.
Where are we headed? Only the devil knows! General le Comte Beaujolais revealed nothing before boarding the ships, except exclaiming that the expedition would strike a blow for France and cripple the British attempts at world domination.
To the best of my knowledge our force comprises four regiments of French line infantry, two regiments of our Frundsberg line infantry plus our battalion of light infantry and a company of jaegers. There are also some dimounted cavalry and artillery travelling in the convoy. However the convoy is now widely scattered as the storm shows how puny our ships are.
Another day at sea in this wretched weather, my men lie totally exhausted on the lower decks, as this Atlantic storm vents its spleen upon us. To venture on the main deck is to risk being swept overboard, only the sailors dare work there now, and only if absolutely necessary.
Where are we headed? Only the devil knows! General le Comte Beaujolais revealed nothing before boarding the ships, except exclaiming that the expedition would strike a blow for France and cripple the British attempts at world domination.
To the best of my knowledge our force comprises four regiments of French line infantry, two regiments of our Frundsberg line infantry plus our battalion of light infantry and a company of jaegers. There are also some dimounted cavalry and artillery travelling in the convoy. However the convoy is now widely scattered as the storm shows how puny our ships are.
Thursday, 27 September 2007
AWI Frundsbergers ready for another expedition
Following their arrival back at St Malo following the abortive French led expedition to Lancashire the Frundsberg units have taken the opportunity to re-equip and reform themselves.
There are now three regiments in French service commandered by General Hoehmann
#1 Regiment Stummel
#2 Regiment Heimat
#3 Light Regiment Bergstein
Above shows the force parading in St Malo L - #1; R - #2; Rear - #3
Close up showing the difference in cuff colours between the 1st (red) and 2nd (blue) regiments
New flags were issued to both regiments and the old colour has been sent back to the Frei Stadt.
Who knows where the French will lead us next, they are keeping it very secret in case word gets to the British.
There are now three regiments in French service commandered by General Hoehmann
#1 Regiment Stummel
#2 Regiment Heimat
#3 Light Regiment Bergstein
Above shows the force parading in St Malo L - #1; R - #2; Rear - #3
Close up showing the difference in cuff colours between the 1st (red) and 2nd (blue) regiments
New flags were issued to both regiments and the old colour has been sent back to the Frei Stadt.
Who knows where the French will lead us next, they are keeping it very secret in case word gets to the British.
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Frundsberg involvement in the AWI
Unlike a number of other German states, the Frei Stadt contracted out a 2 battalions of line infantry and a battalion of light infantry to the French. The troops marched in easy stages to Cherbourg where they boarded ship. They assumed their destination was America, but 2 days into the voyage the sealed orders were opened and the force headed towards the Lancashire coast of England.
Arriving unseen off the coast the fleet anchored and seized the small port of Glasson Dock. This enabled the infantry and some light gins to land, but to unload the cavalry, heavier guns and supplies a major port had to be seized so the force set off to capture Lancaster.
The reality was that the British had spotted the fleets change of direction and an outward bound convoy of Brunswick infantry was diverted into Lancaster to reinforce the local British troops, just in time.
The French forces consisted of 2 battalions of foot, 1 battalion of grenadiers, 2 battalions of Frunsberg line and a battalion of Frunsberg lights and 1 battery of light guns
The British force had 2 battalions of foot, 1 battalion of Grenadiers, plus 2 battalions of Brunswick line and a battalion of Brunswick lights and 1 battery of light guns.
Deciding that the direct back road from Glasson to Lancaster would be blocked and that the main road from the South would be as well the French took a little back road across to Galgate and then to the east of the main road hoping to outflank the British position and storm Lancaster before they could respond.
The British also had a cunning plan, they decided that the direct back road was to obvious so they positioned themselves on the high ground to the east of the main road at Bailrigg intending to hit the French in flank as they passed.
Approaching Bailrigg by the back lane the French were surprised to find British troops already in position, but being partly on the Britsh flank they pressed on feeding their troops into the growing combat as they arrived.
By dusk both sides had fought themselves to a standstill and the French and Frunsberg forces deciding they could only face growing resistance withdrew to Glasson Dock and re-embarked on their ships.
This was fought in one evening at the Lancaster University Wargames club in 1974 roughly on the same position as the fictional battle. I was the umpire and up until the battle both sides movements were on maps.
Will
Arriving unseen off the coast the fleet anchored and seized the small port of Glasson Dock. This enabled the infantry and some light gins to land, but to unload the cavalry, heavier guns and supplies a major port had to be seized so the force set off to capture Lancaster.
The reality was that the British had spotted the fleets change of direction and an outward bound convoy of Brunswick infantry was diverted into Lancaster to reinforce the local British troops, just in time.
The French forces consisted of 2 battalions of foot, 1 battalion of grenadiers, 2 battalions of Frunsberg line and a battalion of Frunsberg lights and 1 battery of light guns
The British force had 2 battalions of foot, 1 battalion of Grenadiers, plus 2 battalions of Brunswick line and a battalion of Brunswick lights and 1 battery of light guns.
Deciding that the direct back road from Glasson to Lancaster would be blocked and that the main road from the South would be as well the French took a little back road across to Galgate and then to the east of the main road hoping to outflank the British position and storm Lancaster before they could respond.
The British also had a cunning plan, they decided that the direct back road was to obvious so they positioned themselves on the high ground to the east of the main road at Bailrigg intending to hit the French in flank as they passed.
Approaching Bailrigg by the back lane the French were surprised to find British troops already in position, but being partly on the Britsh flank they pressed on feeding their troops into the growing combat as they arrived.
By dusk both sides had fought themselves to a standstill and the French and Frunsberg forces deciding they could only face growing resistance withdrew to Glasson Dock and re-embarked on their ships.
This was fought in one evening at the Lancaster University Wargames club in 1974 roughly on the same position as the fictional battle. I was the umpire and up until the battle both sides movements were on maps.
Will
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