Cold Wars 2014 - The Battle of Lundy's Lane, July 12, 1814

S-218 - The Ware of 1812 in the North, Lundy's Lane, 25 Luly 1814.  Sat. 4:00 pm, put on by James Fox using his home rules.  "It can be said that the birth of the modern US army occurred not at Valley Forge in 1777-1778 but along the Niagrara in 1814."  It's the high mark of the 1814 Niagara Campaign and US General Jacob Brown is determined to get the best of the British Division and follow on the York or Kingston.

I had command of the Ripley's Brigade: the 1st, 21st and 23rd Infantry, and Ritchie's Battery (6 pounders) and Biddle's Battery (12 pounders).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial disposition of the armies.

 

The American Objective. The British gun batteries on the hill.

 

The American opening move - The 25th Infantry moved up through the woods to flank the British line.

 

 

 

 

The Glengarry Light Infantry.

 

 

Towson's 6 pounders open up.

 

The British left is being rolled up.  Things are looking good for the American attack.

 

On the British right, a very large battalion moves up to block the arrival of Ripley's Brigade.

 

Ripley's Brigade deploys at the end of Turn 3.

 

 

The Glengarry Light Infantry and the 89th Foot.

 

 

Biddle's 12 pounders.

 

The American advance on the left.

 

The American attack on the right starts to slow.

 

The American's attempt to charge the British guns.

 

Taking heavy casualties from point blank grapeshot.

 

The charge fails.  The Americans are sent back in disarray.

 

Ripley gives orders for his brigade to charge.  This was not a wise decision.

 

Ripley's Brigade charges.

 

Only the 21st Infantry closes.  The 1st and 23rd are repulsed by heavy musket fire.

 

The 1st Infantry and the Glengarry Lights fight to a draw.

 

 

The American 1st, 23rd and 22nd have been thrown back with heavy losses.  Morale checks to come.

 

On the American right, the British have reestablished their line and slowed the American advance.

 

The situation as the British Reserves are ready to take to the field.  The game was called as it was determined that the American's could no longer take the hill as over half of their regular infantry battalions were broken (the 1st, 22nd and 23rd fail morale) or close to breaking (the 1st, 9th and 11th have taken heavy losses).  The British have taken heavy losses as well.  The militia brigade has broken and two others are in bade shape.  Not to mention that LtGen Drummond and Brigadier Pearson have been killed in the battle.  However the arrival of the British reserves will close the hole in their center.  The Americans were forced to concede the field of battle. 

 

We were also out of time.  Very enjoyable game.

AWI Battle

American War of Independence Game fought using Black Powder.

 

Forces

British Forces	American Forces
1st Brigade	1st Brigade
Light Infantry	2 Continental Line
2 Grenadiers	1 Militia (skirm)
2nd Brigade	2nd Brigade
2 Line Infantry	3 Continental Line
Light Infantry	1 Riflemen
3rd Brigade	3rd Brigade
2 Line Infantry	2 Continental Line
Highlanders	Continental Marines
	1 Riflemen
Cavalry
2 Light Dragoons	Cavalry
	2 Dragoons
Artillery (2 guns)
	Artillery (2 guns)

Unit	Type	Weapons	H-to-H	Shooting	Mrl Sv	Stamina	Useful Rules
British Grenadiers	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	8	4	4+	4	First Fire, Crack, Steady
British Line	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	6	3	4+	3	First Fire, Crack, Steady
British Light	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	6	4	4+	3	First Fire, Crack, Steady
Highlanders	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	6	2	4+	2	Small, First Fire, Crack, Steady
British Dragoons	Cavalry	Sword & Pistol	5	-	4+	2
6-pounder	Artillery	Smoothbore	1	3\2\1	4+	2
Continental Infantry	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	6	3	4+	3	First Fire
Continental Marines	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	6	3	4+	3	First Fire, Crack, Steady
NH Line	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	5	2	4+	2	Small, First Fire
Militia	Infantry	Smoothbore Musket	3	2	4+	2	Small, First Fire
Rilfes	Infantry	Rifled Musket	3	3	4+	2	Small, First Fire
6-pounder	Artillery	Smoothbore	1	3\2\1	4+	2







 







First moves. Both armies have moved up from their initial deployments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

British are advancing on the attack.  The Continentals have moved up to defend along the road.



Overview after the first moves.

Initial contact in the center.

 

 Cavalry action on the flank. The cavalry fight proves indecisive, and remains that way throughout the battle.

 

 

 

 

General advance of the British line.

 

Charge to contact.

 

British Grenadiers clear the American guns.