Monday 24 December 2018

Action in the Plattville Valley : ACW July 1863

What better way to finish the year than my own homage to my childhood inspiration. For most of you this scenario needs no introduction. For those of you unaware this is the ACW scenario from Donald Featherstone’s first and seminal book Wargames. I like many spent lots of my formative years looking at the black and white photos in the book in which the Action in Plattville Valley was a big part. No internet, no magazines no other books hard to imagine now. Anyway here is a single photo from the book.......we played with my modified Bolt Action rules which have held up now over a number of games, although I need to write down some of the details.

The final photo form the book, confederates holding on just at this stage to Plattville Church
Here is my set for the battle, slightly shrunk to fit a 6x4 table. I set up roughly at about turn 3 from the scenario with the remainder of the forces arriving on the table.
Union Forces immediately start to cross Bull Creek with the rest of their battleline stretching along Rabbit Rdige and Mole Hill
Rebel forces under the nominal command of Jubal Early advance through the Wheatfield and towards Green Ridge
I felt I need to keep close to the book so Union Forces moved its artillery onto Mole Hill, in the distance infantry advance through the Ploughed field
Plattville Church again keeping with tradition a battery is set up in the small cemetery 
Rebel centre moving quickly to capture Green Ridge
Union Cannon open up towards the church but have little effect
The bulk of the Union centre moves to cross Bull Creek slowing their advance but they would dearly like to capture Green Ridge
The 10th Iowa are pinned down trying to cross the bridge
The confederates take up a defensive position at the edge of the village 
At least two of the Rebel Regiments have captured Green Ridge
It will now be a challenge to chase them off
But with determination the 2nd Illinois push through the trees
Meanwhile at the church the rebel cannon has been knocked out opening the way for the Union right flank
Overview at this point
Now all that remains is for the 2nd Illinois to charge downhill give them the bayonet and swing round the rear of Green Ridge
My life in gaming ! at the moment seems to consist of such catastrophes, despite the advantage the Union forces lose the contest and flee back through the woods !
Finally the Iowa Regiment on the bridge are brought back under orders but they have lost a lot of men being trapped in the open and are a spent force 
Around Plattville Church as night falls the Union forces whilst making progress have not been able to make break through they had spent too much time trying to deal with the single cannon in the cemetery 

At this point the game ended, the Rebels had a clear if not overwhelming victory, they hold Green Ridge and the village whilst the Church is unoccupied by either side. The Union has lost all its artillery and whilst they have several units still on the field they don’t have enough to make a difference. A very enjoyable re-enactment. Our last game before Christmas but we might try to get one more in before new year 😀

23 comments:

  1. Super game, Matt, in both visuals and results. I like your approach of pulling a classic Featherstone scenario out for a replay. Featherstone has nothing on you. With all of your material, perhaps, time to consider your own seminal wargaming tome? I would buy one!

    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thanks Jonathan you are too kind, the scenario played well considering the age but then why wouldn’t it. Very balanced, have a great Christmas 🙂

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  2. Another great battle, I had this book, or read it many years ago

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    1. Cheers M. I have my original copy but also picked up a second copy in a charity shop a few years ago, mainly so I could replace the dust sheet which was destroyed by overuse in about 1972 !

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  3. Brilliant, you certainly have the knack for taking cracking photos. A fine nostalgic piece, sad I know but I occasionally read through this action.

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    1. It was great re-reading the scenario to plan out this game, I actually quite like the older generation of books as they have a ‘real’ feel no photo shopping in 1960’s

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  4. Nicely done sir...

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thanks Aly I feel the new year may see the battle of Trimsos 🤔

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  5. super post, Featherstone, 6' x 4' table and lovely visuals. I will come back to this several times over the next few days, I am sure.

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    1. Thanks Norm...do have a great Christmas 😀

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  6. Great looking game, sounds like fun in spite of the result, have a great Christmas!
    Best Iain

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  7. Looks great ! Have a nice Christmas!

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  8. Perfect Christmas Morning read. I think you have done a great job of reproducing the battle with modern items. thanks for sharing it.

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    1. Thanks for looking I am privileged you are looking at my blog on Christmas Day 🙂

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  9. Pure nostalgia. Not for me, but obviously suits others. Decent looking tabletop as ever! Happy Christmas Matt 🎅

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  10. Thanks Dave.......all said and done a good balanced scenario 🙂

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  11. I really like the ACW stuff. Nice post and a fun game. 😀
    Merry Christmas and happy New Years.

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    1. Thanks Stew a few more units and games to come in 2019 🙂

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  12. Superb, simply superb. Seems like a few of us have been having December ACW games and blogging them......something in the air?

    Chapeau, sir, chapeau!

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    1. Thanks Maurice for your kind support, every month is a good month for ACW in my view 🙂

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