Prestonpans x 2

As work goes on to prepare the rules for publication (don't hold your breath -  possibly just before Christmas) I ran a couple of solo games of Prestonpans over the weekend, with rule tweaks between each outing. 

Units mostly represent a battalion of infantry of about 500 men, so some Jacobite units were combined to make up the numbers. The Dragoon units were split up, and each unit represents about 150 mounted troopers. The artillery guard is a single base. Best of luck guys.

Game 1

This game I played using tactics based on what happened on the day. Game 2 will be a bit more gamer-y.

The view from behind the Jacobite lines. The clans are moving into charge range, except for the centre, which has the Prince attached to keep him out of danger.

In a change to published procedures, the Government forces launched a cavalry charge on their left. The Clans counter charge, but the cavalry hold their nerve, and refuse to become Intimidated. The odds of this happening are quite low.

The outcome is a surprise, as the Kilties turn and flee.

At the other end of the line, Lord George Murray's men overrun the gun line and disconcert the cavalry, who manage to hold their ground, however.

The artillery guard are heading for an early bath.

The cavalry are having a good day, and see off one of the Clans, forcing them to retire. This is no doubt due to the presence of General Cope, who has galloped up and bolstered morale.

The game has moved on, and some pictures are missing. On the left, the clans have broken the end infantry unit, and swept round the supporting cavalry in pursuit. The centre is being ploughed in, the Kilities on the right are turning in to roll up the line. Off picture at the top, the Prince surveys the coming victory from the safety of the reserve line.

The Clans do for the cavalry, smashing in the Government right. The Crown forces have a solitary infantry battalion left, plus a couple of gunners. Comprehensive win for the Jacobites.

Game 2

For the second game I corrected some errors in the rules and reminded myself of how things are supposed to work. Tactically the starting positions were identical, but this time I managed the approach more carefully.

I brought all the Clans into line, including the reserve, with the intention of attacking simultaneously.

Worried about his right, General Cope galloped across to take charge.

Under his watchful eye, they refuse to be Intimidated, and counter charged.

Alas the military prowess of the Highlanders is too much for them, and they are driven back. General Cope is killed in the melee. The cavalry will flee from the table.

The infantry next along the line hold firm, and deliver a thunderous volley.

Swept up in the excitement of it all, Prince Charles leads his men in through the smoke, but they are held.

After all the charges have been resolved the Government centre has held, but the flanks are in full retreat. The Government men have (mostly) refused to be Intimidated.

The Clansmen storm through the gun line and throw back the Dragoons, despite Colonel Gardiner's presence.

The Prince's Clansmen are broken and flee. The Prince survives uninjured but joins the rout. This will do his reputation and cause no good at all. To help shore up this flank the remaining squadrons of Dragoons on this flank about face to deal with the Highlanders that have broken through.

They bravely charge the victorious Jacobites in the rear, breaking them.

In the centre the unengaged Government infantry battalion Advances to Contact the flank of the Highlanders in melee and breaks them.

The remaining Dragoons on the Government left charge to prevent the flank being rolled up.

The Jacobites salvage their left, as the Clansmen who defeated the artillery guard return to the fray with devastating effect.

Things are going better for them on the other flank too, as the cavalry charge fails to break their opponents.

The Government infantry turn to face the Highlanders rampaging in from their right flank.

They are severely bested in combat and turn and run.

That's it. The Government forces are reduced to one infantry battalion, with everything else leaving for an urgent appointment elsewhere.

Phew! A closer game than the first, which could have gone either way, right down to the last minute. The Government forces are set up to fail, as they are of inferior quality, but even so they clung on where I didn't expect them to refusing to be Intimidated, broadly speaking. The absence of the "Bonnie Prince" at the end of the battle may have serious repercussions for their cause.

I have the makings of a proper scenario briefing for this battle now. I may replay it with the troops confidence values being broadly comparable, to see what happens and confirm that the game is being won by the Jacobites for the reasons I think it is.