Wednesday 4 January 2012

"Battle of Raymond" part 4


Battle of Raymond – end game


The battle took a lull in the action. Not one unit would move or fired. This was, in large part due to the inactivity by the Americans. While the British commander was content to continue to have his units stand in place. “My dear major, why would I need to reposition? I will not run around like a wet hen, by God!”

And in truth, he did not need to. However he did order the 100th Foot to support the guns on the Right (the colonel apparently misinterpreted the order and caused some confusion in the ranks with confusing formation calls to the ranks-- I rolled a one for command (but with being well-trained troops over came this impediment only to have me roll double ones for movement, and with a fence or two in the way, this caused much confusion) and thus more poor to no movement. Not worried, the British General harumphed, noted to his aide to reprimand the poor colonel and turned back to see the American forces not move.

This lack of movement was due to the poor quality of the American regiments on the right flank. Any of the American regulars in the early war round felt shako [my Sixteenth, Seventeeth and Twenty-Eighth Infantry regiments] I give this lack of quality to reflect the American army early war historical efforts. Unfair to be sure but makes remembering who is what, much easier.
16th Inf Regt (early war uniform)  The square marker with small ball-bearings for 'cannon balls' is used to note disorder to a unit.  It shows '4' which is disordered indeed.  The marker can be readily seen but is discrete enough to not ruin 'the look' of the table

While the American regular army regiments tried to redress or to advance, the NY Militia who did advance too far was ordered to the rear and, well, willing accepted the order moved rapidly to safely. (bloody double sixes again!!)

Meanwhile in the American center, The Twenty-First and Twenty-Third Infantry regiments finally arrived, however with the defeated Kentucky militia now looting the baggage of the regulars (!) had the Twenty-Third ordered to stop this action. The Twenty-First was held in reserve (as it was not moving anyway!) The rifles, now reformed, were ordered to the left flank to hold the position. The American artillery continued what was to prove only desultory fire upon the British line which was protected by the stone wall.
the Twenty-Third Inf Regt moving to protect the baggage train
a view behind the American position with the artillery deployed (lower right) and the Rifles redeploying to the left.  In the distance, the British right flank.


Position of the 8th Foot having driven away the American attack.  The Canadian Fencible skirmishers on the left of the line

The last American attack was alone made by the Twenty-Eighth Infantry which finally crossed the muddy and tangled stream to emerge from the far woods only to be met with devastating fire from the 8th Foot who wheeled smartly to meet this threat. “My God men, well done!”, exclaimed it's colonel (3 sixes from only 6 dice!) The Twenty-Eighth thus melted back into the woods and the now totally disordered unit routed back to safety.
"Look me Lord, another unsupported Jonathan attack!"

The American General, with few good resources remaining, concluded the day was done. The British commander however did not choose to counter attack as the same terrain restrictions which hampered the Americans would face him. "Call it a day and back to our brandy, what!"
British artillery park