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.