Queenston Heights Redux - Openning Moves

We decided to conduct a modified repeat of Battle of Queenston Heights by switching sides and starting the battle from around noon time with a full compliment of troops. In this state the Americans are situated on the heights and the British/Canadian force is holding Queenston with a no man zone between.

The American are first to place their three fully manned brigades on the heights including their eight inch mortar. The Americans have occupied the Redan with N.Y. Volunteer gunners and are un-spiking the 18 pounder, which takes five turns. They must take into account that Norton's Indians are somewhere in the woods on the heights.

The British/Canadian force holding Queenston consists of the Queenston and Fort George Brigades. They are placed anywhere north of no mans land. The Chippewa Brigade has a chance of entering the field any time after 1330 depended upon a successful dice throw that becomes increasingly easier as time progresses.

The goal is for the American and British/Canadian forces to hold the heights and Queenston respectively as a primary objective (3 pts.) and to take the enemies position as a secondary objective (3 pts.). Thirdly, the side with 10% fewer casualties than that of their opponent earns 1 pt.

The following photos represent the end state after four turns.

In the left foreground the Queenston Brigade appears to be moving to outflank the Americans from the east. In the center the guns of Capts Crowther and Holcroft have just unlimbered to engage. In the distance the 41st and Lincoln Flank companies are engaging the N.Y Seventh brigade.

The Light Artillery infantry skirmishers have pushed back Norton's Natives while the rest of the regular Brigade moves through the woods. In the distance a 6 pdr unlimbers to support the left flank of the U.S. 7th Brigade.

In the south, the American 6th brigade of N.Y. Volunteers holds a line across the Chippewa road in anticipation of the British/Canadian brigade's arrival.

In the distance center Fort Gray's 18 pdr unsuccessfully supports American forces. On the left N.Y. gunners are busily unspiking the Redan 18 pdr while on the right the 8 inch mortar crew are licking their wounds after losing three gunners to the Vrooman's Point 24 pdr.

A close up view of the Light Artillery infantry skirmishers pushing back Norton's Natives while the rest of the Regular Brigade moves through the woods.

A close up view of Crowther and Holcroft's guns on the plateau with the U.S. 7th Brigade in the distance.

The Queenston Lincoln gunners are unspiking the 9 pdr while on the right the Redan gunners wait in anticipation of hopefully regaining their 18 pdr.

A close up of the N.Y. gunners busily unspiking the Redan 18 pdr.

 The Vrooman's Point 24 pdr crew are basking in glory after inflicting a lucky shot on the American 8 inch mortar crew.

A close up of the  8 inch mortar crew licking their wounds after losing three gunners.

A view from the heights at the U.S. 7th brigade engaging the 41st and Militia Flank companies. The 7th Brigade is no doubt basking in its glory after having destroyed the 1st York Rifles.

 

So far it seems that the American's are largely conducting defensive operations except for the Regular Brigade, which is advancing through the woods. Both British brigades are mounting offensive and manoeuver operations.

 

Session Two will start at 1240 game time on the 21st of November 2013 real time.

Battle of Queenston Heights - Final Session

After several weeks we managed to get together to finish the battle of Queenston Heights. The following photos represents the end state of the battle, which was won by the British/Canadian Force.

 

To the left by the stone wall is aftermath of an American militia attempt to charge the Lincoln 9 pdr garrison gun. On the center right Capt. Crowther's 5.5" howitzer prepares to bombard American artillery as the retreat up the heights. Ahead of the howitzer, Capt. Runchey's militia advance.

 

 

As the Americans began their withdrawal up the heights, General Brock orders an assault supported by Holcroft's artillery battery to the left and Capt. Crowther's Lincoln 3pdr to their right.

The American artillery train withdraws up the Queenston eights road while being screened by the Light Artillery infantry and a N.Y. militia battalion. Maj Gen Van Rensselaer looks on from above the Redan battery. Note that the Americans have abandoned their beachhead and their boats.



This is view from the American heights looking down towards the menacing spectacle of the 41st supported by militia flank companies advancing towards them.

To make matters worse for the American Cayuga natives are advancing through the woods to pounce on the American flank.

 

 

LCol Clarke's Chippewa Brigade has closed in on the American rear to complete the encirclement. No doubt worried about the Cayugas, being surrounded and now cut off from the escape route back to the States, Major-General Van Rensselaer wisely surrenders to avoid further unnecessary effusion of blood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queenston Heights - Session Eight - 10 October 2013

The following is a snapshot of the end state of our eighth gaming session that ended at 1400 hours Queenston time.

Generals Brock and Shaeffe look on as the 41st and to their right Lincoln Flank Companies engage the N.Y. volunteers who are sheltering behind the stone wall.

Meanwhile back at Vrooman's point the Lincoln 24 pounder gun after having inflicted casualties on an American militia battalion on the beach heading into Queenston has switched to targeting the boats.

A view from the north end of Queenston looking towards the American line with Holcroft's battery on the left.

Both Crowther's Lincoln Artillery three pounder and the Provincial Light Dragoons have suffered casualties from American artillery on the Heights. The dragoons have been forced to retreat.

The Cayuga natives are at the base of the heights near St Davids in a westerly/long route away from the American guns, are rushing to reinforce their Mohawk brethren. Little do they know that Norton's Mohawks have been defeated and dispersed.

Reinforcements from Chippewa (41st line & grenadier Coy, 2nd Lincoln Flank Coys and 1st Kent 5th coy of rifles) under LCol Clarke are manoeuvering to engage American militia of Brigadier-General Wadworth's Seventh brigade

A view of the Kent rifles towards the distant 18th U.S. Militia Regiment.

While Wadsworth and the 18th take cover behind the split rail fence the 19th regiment can be seen advancing to their support. It looks like a significant battle will take place to secure the heights.

While LCol Clarkes force maneuvers to engage the U.S. Seventh brigade the Fort Gray 18 pounder fires at long range from across the Niagara River in support of their American comrades. However, so far the 18 pounder round shot misses Clarkes force.

While American the U.S. guns (2 x 6pdr & 1 8" mortar) fire at the Canadian/British line, the 20th U.S. militia battalion advances up the Queenston slope.

 

The Redan 18 pdr remains spiked and unattended while the American artillery battery fires at the enemy.

 

 

The N.Y. Volunteers of BGen Millers Sixth Brigade take cover behind the stone wall in the face of horrendous artillery fire from Holcroft's battery.

At the opposite side of the stone wall, Holcroft's Battery protects the British left flank. 

 

The battle has developed into a two front engagement; Shaeffe's brigade is engaged with the Brigadier-General Millers U.S. Sixth Militia brigade and Fenwick's Regular Brigade consisting mostly of artillery;  and on the Heights,  a second front is developing between Brigadier-General Wadswoth's Seventh Militia Brigade and LCol Clarkes small Chippewa Brigade.

 



Queenston Heights - Session Seven - 3 October 2013

Another short game as we spent some considerable time discussing the rules as it relate to very small units, their ability to skirmish, whether or not the double six rule and how to rationalize combat from buildings. These were very worthwhile discussions and hopefully our host will resolve the issues by the next session. The following represent the end state at the conclusion of the 1310 hrs. turn.

Holcroft's 5" howitzer has recovered from its Retreat to a Faltered state while the 6 pdr. continues to cause more American casualties.

The 1st Lincoln 3 pdr. team rushes to secure the British right flank.

Between Holcroft's 6 pdr and the 41st they have driven off the New York gunners and a rifle unit.

The N.Y. Volunteers try to hold their position despite loosing their gunners and the fire of the 41st.

The American hold onto the southern portion of Queenston is made somewhat easier by the retreat of the remnants of the Queenston Group.

The U.S. regular Brigade has recovered from its retreat and is now in Hold status as it reorganizes.

Norton's Mohawks continue to suffer casualties from Fort Gray's 18 pdr. and American militia. As it is below 50% it must conduct a morale check every turn.

Queenston Heights - Session Six - 26 September 2013

 

Another short evening as we only completed six turns. The following represents the end state at 1210 hours.

 

In the left foreground Captain Crowther of the 1st Lincoln Artillery are leading Cayuga natives to the fighting in Queenston.

Captain Holcroft's howitzer and gun are causing canister casualties to N.Y. militia gunners manning the former Canadian 9 pounder gun. General Brock is directing more troops to the action.

The 41st center companies move to the right of Holcroft's guns while the Provincial Light Dragoons move to secure Brock's right flank.

An American mortar and six pounder prepare to engage the British/Canadians in and around Queenston from the lower heights. A militia battalion of BGen Wadsworth's Seventh Brigade is supporting the guns.

The 18th regiment of BGen Wadsworth's Seventh Brigade continues to engage Norton's Mohawks with supporting artillery fire from Fort Gray, which causes more native casualties. As the Mohawks are below 50% they must conduct a morale check every turn, which causes them to falter frquently.

In the foreground MGen Van Rensselaer observes the action and is reasonably satisfied as his army has secured the beachhead, the heights and half the buildings of Queenston. The impetus favours the American Army but can they exploit this advantage before the full weight of British and Canadian reinforcements is effected.

Battle of Queenston Heights - Session Five - 10 September 2013

 

Tonight's game was a short one due to late shift work. Our host forgot to take sequential photos so, what is shown is the situation at the end of the session.

 

The 18th U.S. Militia Regiment of  the Seventh Brigade join the LA infantry in the fire fight against Norton's Mohawks.

It looks like BGen Wadsworth Seventh Brigade, closely followed by 19th N.Y. Militia Regiment is coming to the aid of the 18th Militia Regiment in the attack against the Mohawks.

The American 8 Inch Mortar is slowly making its way up the heights at half speed while a 6 pdr is about to move out towards the action in Queenston.

Wisely, what is left of the 2nd Artillery Infantry is repatriated to the American shore to avoid Brigade Morale impacts while Lt Towson's 2nd Artillery gunners embark.

Major-General Van Rensselaer directs the battle in Queenston.

Left to right, the 20th and 17th American militia occupy two buildings and are engaged with Canadian Flank Coy militia in the church.

American gunners now man the Canadian 9 pdr and are about to unleash some canister on the FALTERED 41st Light Company, while the 16th U.S. Militia Regt is in support. This could get ugly!

Hopkins's Rifles are engaging Canadian militia defending a wooden house.

Captain Holcroft's Battery of 6 pdr and 5.5 inch howitzer cross the bridge at the north end of Queenston. General Brock appears to be directing Capt. Holcroft to join the battle.

The 41st center companies are marching southward from Vrooman's Point.

Capt. Crowther's Lincoln Artillery moves off the road to allow the Provincial Light Dragoons and various U.C. Militia units and Cayuga Natives to march past on their way to Queenston.

It appears that the battle is reaching another turning point in Queenston. Will the American use of the 9 pdr wreck havoc upon the 41st L.C?  Will Holcroft's Battery join the battle in time to steady the British/Canadian line? Stay tuned.