Debacle at Concord Bridge : Despatch

General Gage

Our forces as requested have searched the area around Concord, I can report a very successful engagement with the Rebels and a number of hidden weapons have been located and destroyed in the area around Barrett’s Farm. We also encountered a small skirmish force close to a Bridge having taught them a lesson we chose to retire in good order. We did suffer some minor casualties but there was no great significance in this combat. It does appear Sir the Rebels mean business but their discipline isn’t up to much. I will now conduct our column safely back to Boston and will await further orders. I think it is safe to say the rebellion has been crushed and the local trouble makers wont be any more trouble.

Yours sincerely 

Lt Colonel Francis Smith

Well that is how it was supposed to work out, for our second battle in our “mini campaign” (who knows where this may end up). Jonathan had created a small battle to the south of Concord around the South Bridge. Here the Rebels had quickly built a ‘hasty’ entrenchment to prevent the British column moving further south. The British flushed from their success at Barretts Farm decided to sweep the Colonials from the field. We are again playing with Rebels and Patriots. A more detailed description can be found on Jonathans blog here :  https://palousewargamingjournal.blogspot.com/

South Bridge Concord all quite at the moment

The British column advances, mainly veteran Redcoats a combined light infantry unit and Veteran Grenadiers, they immediately cross the bridge 

But the local Militia have built a crude defence on nearby high ground and prepare to make a fight of it, looks like they have been hiding another cannon and this is the main objective of the British.

British skirmishers spread out and wade through the shallow stream

The Americans also have some skirmishers

...but they are quickly chased away, a false sense of invincibility and confidence takes hold of the British commander

A simple matter now “drive them away boys they won’t stand” the British redcoats duly march forward

On their flank some more skirmishers and some unfortunately Loyalist troops who feel the first ferocious fire from the Rebels.

.and then the Colonials open up fully !!!!

The Loyalists are the first to turn and run, the British skirmishers return fire

The British lights caught by the farm also exchange fire

One of the few successes the British chase off the rebel skirmishers

The grenadiers, however, having failed to advance despite being veterans have been decimated by cannon fire and volleys from the hill forcing them back

The British combined lights are the first to break

Quickly followed by the grenadiers !

The ignominy of it, the Americans let out a cheer and advance from the shelter of their defence

The British, bloody noses and reputation in tatters flee back across the bridge

The field is left in the hands of the Rebels

Full of confidence numerous despatch riders are sent out to local districts. The damned British have been beaten and taught a lesson .......the smoke hasn’t cleared from the battlefield but a plot is already hatching to ambush the British on their way back to Boston !

Now you know the truth, a real drubbing for the Redcoats, a couple of unlucky failed activations and I fear some poorly over ambitious tactics. The British should have avoided the hill altogether and focussed on mooing up the rebels by the farm where they would have easily won a victory....but where is the fun in that. Never had so much fun being thoroughly beaten. Enjoying these games......encouraging me to paint more and looking forward to the next. Hopefully we might see some larger games in the future.

Matt 😀 KBO