Shenandoah Valley Campaign : Battle of McDowell

We played the second battle in our Shenandoah Campaign last weekend the Battle of McDowell. Jackson was pushing his forces forward to attempt to outflank the Union army and cut them off. The battle developed piecemeal when Milroy rather than holding the Union defensive position decided to chase off what he thought were Confederate skirmishers taking up position on Stilington Hill. In fact they turned out to be Scott’s Brigade. Both sides then fed more troops into the battle until lack of ammunition and darkness forced Jackson to pull back. Due to the difficult terrain Jackson didn’t deploy any artillery in case it was lost in the battle. The Union artillery located on high ground over the river was generally ineffective due to the relative heights involved.

One of the many maps of the battle available

Converted onto the table top. We played on a 8x5 table. The Union troops are all deployed on the battlefield at the start except for the small detachment of Cavalry who will arrive turn 3. McLean’s small Brigade are already across the river heading for the high ground. The Confederates only have Scott’s brigade at the start but they are already holding the main high. The other 3 confederate brigades will arrive on turns 2, 4 and 6 but requiring a dice roll to activate them.  Rules in play are our home brewed Bolt Action. The only extra detail was the Union artillery would be at a minus 1 due to the height differential. The Union objective is to take the hill, the confederates must stop them and if possible push at least one unit across the river ? Onto the action….

The village of McDowell with Lee’s Brigade marching towards the battle

Confederates now holding the high ground overlooking the river

McLean’s bridage is pushed across the river and start to push up the hill. Both sides open up volleys of musket fire

The confederates have the advantage of the high ground giving them cover, but in the distance they are being outflanked !

No hanging about the Union General pushes forward, although the initial assault has been held back

Union troops from McLean and Milroy’s brigade assault up the hill forcing hand to hand combat

Thankfully Confederate reserves start to arrive Connor’s Brigade and they turn to prevent the hill being outflanked

And then Taliaferro’s Veterans arrive down the road, things are now in the balance.

On top of the Hill the battle is fierce hand to hand fighting

The confederates have held the out flanking move along the Turnpike

More Union troops thrown into the combat but they can’t break through

The Union Lyon cavalry have made their way to the confederate left flank in the trees.

The second assault has been thrown back but the Union forces are regrouping

Union artillery continue to fire on the hill but with limited impact

A third assault goes in, and the extra numbers are starting to tell the confederate line is breaking down, the Confederates have one more brigade of reserves to arrive. Anything but a 1 or 2 and they will have enough forces to hold the position 

You guessed it !

This gives the Federals the advantage for one more turn and the confederates suddenly start to break 

Facing Union forces from two directions the defence is getting very shaky

Outnumbered the final confederates on the hill are overwhelmed

The final position, the Union troops have taken their objective and destroyed at least two confederate brigades. We closed the battle here the reserves arrived one turn too late. Despite the fierce fighting only one Union brigade has been knocked out. A great battle in the balance for quite a while, but the Union forces played really well regrouping at a critical point before pushing the attack.

After two battles the Federals have a clear lead.

Those interested in cycling will know that the world championships are being held in Scotland, this was too good an opportunity to miss so I headed up-to Glasgow to watch the Elite men’s road race. Huge crowds and a very enjoyable day out.

Tadej Pogacar in the early chase group

Matheu Van der Poel on his finally winning lap. Seeing the race close up makes you realise how strong these guys are, super impressive !

That’s it for now, another holiday post next and a weekend gaming Vietnam

Matt