The Battle for Figgins Farm 1863 @ Battlefields and Warriors

Tipping my hat to Norm’s Battlefield and Warriors blog he published a few weeks ago an ACW scenario the details of which can be found here https://battlefieldswarriors.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-fight-for-figgins-farm-1863.html I thought I would give the scenario a run out using my ACW collection and house rules.

Here is the scenario set up, two small advanced cavalry patrols are already on the table contesting the Farm. Both sides have two brigades which will enter at random locations. I used Norm’s updated option for  this following his test game which is slightly adapted from above. My rules based on bolt action required some minor amendments and as we have a time limited period to fight the battle I dropped the requirement for casualties to trigger brigade entry instead the first brigade of each side would enter turn one the second brigade on turn three. To be honest hits had already been caused at this stage anyway.

My setup translated from the scenario map, table is 6x4

Confederate cavalry commander Hollis already at the farm

Union Cavalry approaching the position from Crow Wood

The Union 1st brigade comes on in the centre of the battlefield allowing it to spread around the wheat field

Confederate 1st brigade similarly arrives in the centre they run forward towards the turnpike

Unfortunately a random event caused the Union raw recruits to immediately flee , not a good start 

Things are better in the centre where the cannon opens up effective fire against the advancing Rebels

Confederates have now formed up into line

The 2nd Brigades both arrive turn three, Union troops in the centre but the Rebels behind Figgin’s Farm itself

The Union general is now bringing superior number to bare on the Farm which is now being held by the dismounted Cavalry

Another random event causes the leading Union regiment to charge into the Farm under lots of circumstances this could have been disastrous but they are able after two turns to force their way into the building 

Once in though they are assaulted themselves and forced back out of the building

Although the Union army has numerical superiority they have that this stage gained many VP’s and the rebels are again in control of the Farm, at this point of the battle artillery on both sides is ineffective, but the Union generals push forward their reserves.

Finally the Union reserves are able to charge the cannon head on and on the left flank the Rebels have been forced back

Although the Rebels have the farm house they are now under pressure

We ended the game here a couple of Turns before the 12 turn game limit we had set. It was a tough fight but thenUnion forces are ahead with several Rebel units having been eliminated.

An interesting scenario, we felt the Union had the advantage from the start making their cavalry veterans made them really tough to chase away. I was also lucky to place the weakest Union  troops on the left where they had little combat. Nice as always to get the ACW collection on the table.

The weather has remained exceptional in the Uk so some more cycling on Friday 👍

Thanks for looking, KBO 

Matt