After far too long the weekend saw us return to our AWI campaign. We are now in July 1777 and the small battle of Fort Ann. During the early part of the Saratoga campaign the British had forced the Americans out of fort Ticonderoga, but the pursuit was slightly disorganised. As a column of the 9th Foot marched towards Fort Ann under the command of General John Hill the Americans under Pierse Long sought to catch them in ambush.
The location of Fort Ann
The ‘official’ map of the battlefield, historically the Americans sent the Albany Militia across the river to get behind the British whilst the New Hampshire troops moved to block the road.
A small encounter perfect for Rebels and Patriots. The whole area is wooded and will be difficult to move through and provide cover unless units are on the road.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdaI0Cy25r7V_Dz2YLo9zPA_HggKTYGonBSAGAR7uoHV24CNCtnu8lTWa__1CVXA7wgzU0Xidc76pZNOCUALNqvLDlX92kKi0VzquEU6fCSSAAnzgqTFO-TzJutzWb6l9mXL3etL7ciaCKS87J48iOANCp2sM28FuH7m6QeqxkJJyaBkObX90iMGzOCQ/s320/IMG_3924.HEIC)
The 9th Regiment of Foot marching along the road, they have some Native American warriors in support but they may not arrive in time ?
The Albany Militia get behind the column
But the British quickly form into line and give them a volley. Unfortunately the militia prove much tougher than expected
Some of the Albany militia are attacking from across the creek. These woodsmen are better than the average shots !
The British are facing enemy all around
With the regular New Hampshire continentals arriving in force to block the road
The British who are classed as veterans try to face in all directions
They have some success pushing the woodsmen back from the river out of range
But despite heavy volleys the Albany militia won’t break, the British had hoped to finish them off quickly and then face the larger force
Gradually the British are being whittled down their superior morale keeps them in the battle but eventually they will break
After three failed activations the native contingent finally arrives through the woods but is it too late
The British force is dwindling quickly and are in danger of being overrun
From bad to worse the Americans roll a double six activation and get another FREE unit yet more Albany militia arrive just when I thought they had been finished off
After another couple of frustrating failed activations the natives finally get into the action, whilst they are poor at shooting they are ferocious fighters. They catch the unit which includes the American officer, they sweep through the whole unit. Long is killed and the rest of the unit flees back to the fort.
The Americans take a collective morale check but pass, the British are continuing to fight the newly arrived militia
ThenNative contingent activates again next turn and despite being shot at charge into the second unit of New Hampshire boys who are similarly scalped and despatched, suddenly the battle has turned, by virtue of the majority of the British regulars still being on the table they are now close to pulling of a memorable victory.
The last New Hampshire regiment are also forced to pull back by musket fire form on the hill , all that remains is for the natives to do their stuff, they activate !!!!!! Arghhhh a double 1 blunder failing their charge they choose instead to flee the field. By now both sides are pretty exhausted and with the loss of the natives the British sue for a draw which is granted. Technically the British are slightly ahead but all of their units are well below half strength. So a draw seemed a fair result.
A really fun return to the AWI and shows how well the rules work at this skirmish scale. The forces were unbalanced but technically the same points, but rather than an attack defend as some of our previous battles both sides were straight into the combat. The British struggled to get rid of the militia and the natives arrived a bit late, given this and the fact that the Americans manage to get reinforcements the British did pretty well.
And to finish some more sunny shots of the Lake District
Thanks as always , hopefully some more Naples photos next time
What a great game! I thought the English were going to be routed, but somehow held on for the draw, fabulous stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael they looked doomed for the first half then gradually pulled it back to a very close run thing 👍
DeleteI thought the British had edged it slightly there, but the rout of the native contingent looked like it tipped the scales back again. A great return to the AWI and inspiring stuff as usual Matt.
ReplyDeleteHaha so did I Lawrence as the Americans fled towards the natives I thought it was all over what a time to roll a double 1 !
DeleteMatt, that was a fun and hotly contested battle. I thought the Americans were going to come out victorious this time. It was not to be. I was more than happy to accept a draw!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon they certainly had the lead for much of the battle but a close run battle is always fun 👍
DeleteWhat a great game, a real see-saw battle and I think the draw is fair, really enjoyed it. Lovely scenery shots too, really beautiful part of the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donnie I am fortunate indeed to live up here 🤔
DeleteA splendid little encounter there Matt, topped off by some super landscape photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks David 👍
DeleteGreat to see you and Jon get back into the AWI campaign after a significant break, Matt - and that is a nice little action, too - one I could easily reprise on my 3 x 3 table - thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would take the win if I were you, I am sure the Brits are well behind in the win/loss count at this stage!
Some nice figures too, I recognise a lot of Perry plastic amongst the Patriot forces :)
The Lake District looks as attractive as ever, too. Have fun at Claymore - wish I could join you, but......!
Thanks Keith luckily I’m not keeping a tally on the battles, but I suspect you are right and the British are behind somewhat. Yes my AWI a mix of Perry, Foundry plastics and metals. Just the very occasional front rank figure.
DeleteA grand looking game as usual there Matt and splendid outdoors shots too. Have fun at Claymore you will no doubt return with a bag full of bargains and spot purchases😉
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil 👍
DeleteA superb encounter and tough going for the Brits
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil surrounded from the start but the veteran rating certainly helped hold them together
DeleteVery nice. All these AWI posts recently across the net are reminding me of how I abandoned my AWI project for a long time now. And it's such a pretty war. 😁
ReplyDeleteA very pretty war….clearly a project you need to revisit sometime ?
DeleteFantastic looking game!
ReplyDeleteI'm working on some AWI minis now and have a great inspiration :)
Thanks Michal look forward to seeing your paintwork on AWI figures
DeleteA super looking game. Nice one Matt.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray 👍
DeleteGreat little scenario there Matt and a close run thing, with a draw a very reasonable outcome. Plenty of replay value there for sure. Nice to see some photos of the Lake District as we've finally had some dcent weather! Enjoy Claymore and hope to see some photos of the games too:).
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve 👍
DeleteDamn militia. Have fun at claymore
ReplyDeleteThey were almost unbreakable in this battle ! And then had reinforcements as well !
DeleteCracking stuff Matt…
ReplyDeleteAnd a surprisingly close thing in the end…
I do enjoy the ‘Rampant’ system games… I have in fact just returned from a very fine game of Wars of the Roses using Lion Rampant… 😁
I came second 🤣
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly as you know I am a fan too 👍
DeleteNice ARR itching to get my 10mm stuff on the table, another scenario I will be 'borrowing' Matt. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stu, obviously we have used R&P for all our battles and they work well most of the time
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