The Battle of Hopton Heath, England 19th March 1643.

 This is my personal interpretation of this battle. Any mistakes are my own.

After the battle of Edgehill, King Charles 1st moved his army toward London, intending to take the City. However, Parliament called out the Trained Bands. These regiments consisted of recruits from the City Guilds like Stonemasons, Shoemakers, Silversmiths etc. In all, 24,000 Parliamentarian troops gathered at Turnham Green ready to contest the advance of the King’s Army, 15,000 strong.

At a Council of War. It was decided that, as London was now under the firm control of Parliament, the Royalists had to find a new base. The decision was made to march to Oxford where the King was welcomed by the population.This City was to become the central base of operations for the rest of the War.

For the rest of 1642 and early 1643 both sides started to raid in an attempt to control the area around their main bases. Lichfield in the Midlands of England was one of those places. The town sat on a supply route which the Royalists used to ship ammunition from the north of England to Oxford. Parliamentary forces held the town.

Therefore Prince Rupert of the Rhine, Nephew of King Charles 1st,  was dispatched to retake the Town. While besieging the place, Prince Rupert learned of a Parliamentry force heading south to break the siege. Sir William Brereton, having been ordered by Parliament, made his way south from his base at Nantwich in Cheshire. Brereton decided to move to Hopton Heath where he was joined by Sir John Gell who had arrived earlier.

Rupert decided to maintain the siege and send troops to stall the advancing enemy. Keeping the majority of the infantry in place, a Royalist force mainly of Cavalry and Dragoons supported by artillery under the command of Spencer Compton the Earl of Northampton was sent north-west toward Hopton Heath. An additional force under General Henry Hastings was ordered to support the Earl.

The Parliamentarian forces reached Hopton Heath first. They set up their camp and battle line anchoring their left flank in the grounds of Heathyard House on the higher part of the Heath. A day later, the Royalists arrived from the south east.The army deployed facing north toward the Paliamentry Army.

THE ROYALIST ARMY: 1,200 ( not inc Gunners). = 1.2pts x 20 = 24 points..

Spencer Compton Earl of Northampton  @  1 point.

General Henry Hastings  @  1 point.

100 Infantry = 0.100pts x 20 = 2 points = 2 stands of muskets @ 1 point.

Note: most of the Royalist Infantry had been left in place to continue the siege of Lichfield.

300 mounted Dragoons = 0.300 pts x 20 = 6 points = 3 stands of mounted Dragoons @ 2 points.

( dismounted Dragoons are worth 1 point and can be moved in any direction).

800 Horse = 0.800pts  x 20 = 16 points.= 7 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 14 points

( 2 points are allocated for the Generals )

ARTILLERY.

6 guns, each with 30 gunners = 180 gunners. = 0.180pts x 20 = 3.6 or 4 points rounded up.

1 stand of Heavy Artillery @ 2 pts ( Roaring Meg)

2 stands of Light Artillery @ 1 point = 2 points.

THE PARLIAMENTARY ARMY: 1,450 ( not inc gunners). = 1.450 pts x 20 = 29 pts.

Sir William Brereton  @ 1 point.

Sir John Gell  @1 point.

750 Infantry = 0.750 pts x 20 = 15 points = 

2 stands of Pike @ 3 points = 6 points.

4 stands of Muskets @ 2 points = 8 points.

( Sir William Brereton 1pt)

300 Dragoons = 0.300 pts x 20 = 6 points =

3 stands of mounted Dragoons at 2 points.

( dismounted Dragoons are worth 1 point and can move in any direction).

400 Horse = 0.400 pts x 20 = 8 points = 4 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points.

ARTILLERY;

11 guns each with 30 Gunners = 330 men = 0.330 pts x 20 = 6.6 pts or 7pts rounded up.

4 stands of Light Artillery @ 1pt = 4 points.

1 stand of Heavy Artillery @ 2 points.

( 1 General Sir John Gell @ 1 point).

Gaming Notes.

* The Royalist Army moves first on the 1st Game-Turn.

* From Game-Turn 2 until Game-Turn 8, both sides throw dice for priority of movement and firing.

* The Royalists keep the Initiative Point for the entire battle

* The Royalists win any ties.

* The Cavalry do not get the +3 for attacking infantry in the open as Hopton Heath itself is hilly and uneven terrain.

* Dismounted Dragoons can move in any direction.

* Cavalry and  Mounted Dragoons cannot move over or through the Rabbit Warren.

* The Parliamentry Artillery Pieces were captured by the Royalists after changing hands twice. Therefore, if involved in combat, the Parliamentry guns are taken by the Royalist player on ANY low score.

* Roaring Meg; 

This was a rather large piece of ordnance that the Royalists bought onto the field. Apparently when it did hit something it did some damage. Therefore these special rules apply;

1) The Gun cannot move. If the gun requires a “move-back” , deduct 2 points from the die roll when the Gun fires 2nd within the same Game-Turn

2)  The gun has a range of 5 squares and can only fire every 2nd Game-Turn.

HISTORY:

This wasn’t an overly important battle. But was hailed as a victory by the Royalists keen to trumpet a success after Turnham Green.

The Earl of Northampton lost his life in this battle. He was thrown from his horse leading one of the Royalist Cavalry charges. He was offered quarter by the Parliamentarians but refused and was killed.

At this time neither side had a set uniform and it was left to weathy individuals to raise troops. Therefore some regiments might be provided with a coat of a certain colour but many just had their civilian clothes.

Both sides made use of “ field signs” such as a piece of ribbon tied around the hat or the arm. The Royalist Earl of Newcastle had his WhiteCoats, so named because each man was given a coat of  undyed  wool.

To make identification easier in my games, I use Red  for Paliament( which later became the adopted colour for the Army), and Blue for the Royalists.

In regard to armour, well, as the war progressed, the use of body armour decreased. Pikemen were lucky if they acquired a breastplate. Some pikemen shortened their pikes to make them easy to carry. The musket gradually became lighter, doing away with the rest but still relied on the lighted match for firing. Infantry swords were used for cooking, the men relying on using their muskets as clubs even against Cavalry.

Cavalry were lucky if they had a leather jacket. Helmets were a luxury with most relying on a metal scull cap under their hats. Good horses were kept for the Cavalry where possible and Dragoons used ponies or lesser animals

There were no organised artillery Trains. Each side made use of any field pieces they could get from small galloper guns up to the Saker, which was, generally the largest field gun available. Roaring Meg was an exception.

THE GAME;

The playing area is a piece of felt cloth, 3 feet ( 90cm ) by 2 feet ( 60cm ) marked out in 2” ( 50mm ) squares.

The hill sections are 2” ( 50mm ) x 8” ( 200mm ) long, made of two sections of foamboard glued together and topped with green card. I made them so that they would pack easy in the box.

All the figures were from Peter Dennis’s Paperboys English Civil War book printed onto paper in A5 size.

The buildings and trees were made from the same book.

The Battle of Pea Ridge; March 6th-7th 1862.

 This article is my personal interpretation of the battle. Any mistakes are my own.

The situation in The Western Theatre for the Confederacy had not been going well. A Union Army under General Curtis had moved south from central  Missouri, pushing the Confederate forces further back in front of him. Sent by the Confederate President Jeff Davis, Major General Earl Van Dorn had high hopes of taking Saint Louis and restoring Missouri along with control of the Mississippi to the Confederacy.

However the situation had not gone according to plan. Van Dorn,s Army of the Trans-Mississippi numbered 16,000 troops. He was more than confident that he could overcome the Union Army of 11,500 opposed to him. However, partly through disorganisation and a fragmented command structure, events proved otherwise.

The Union troops under Curtis had pushed the Confederate force south west out of Missouri and over the border into Arkansas. Eventually, realising that his supply line was becoming tenuous, Curtis called a halt at Sugar Creek. A defence line was established, along the northern bank of  the Creek, facing south in expectation of a Confederate counter attack.

 Van Dorn did indeed want to attack, but not frontally, against the well positioned Union troops. From their position at Camp Stephen, south west of the Union position, Van Dorn wanted to outflank the Union army from the left.

Using a track known as The Bentonville Detour, Van Dorn hoped to circle his Confederate troops around the Union Army attacking it from the rear and cutting off the supply route. The Confederate forces still suffered from some lack of organisation , and disharmony amongst the Senior ranks. The men were already exhausted from their previous manoeuvres. Orders were issued that only light rations and limited ammunition were to be carried.

With Sterling Price’s Missouri State Guard leading the column, the army started its march. It took time for the army to cross Sugar Creek and a gap opened up at the rear of the column, between Pikes Brigade and the rest of the Army. Also, small Union detachments had felled trees along the Detour. 

Such was the delay that Van Dorn ordered McCulloch to take his three Brigades back along the Ford Road, east toward Elkhorn Tavern. Meanwhile Prices Division continued northeast around Big Mountain to meet up at the same place.

General Curtiss became aware of the Confederate movement when McCullochs troops were spotted moving east along the Ford Road toward the Union army. General Curtis was not prepared to sit still while the Confederate army maneuvered on his flank——————-.

UNION ARMY OF THE SOUTH-WEST.

11,500 = 11.5 points x 3 = 35pts r/u.

Brigadier General Samual R. Curtis.  Commanding   @ 2 points.

1st DIVISION,

General Peter Osterhouse  @  1 point.

2 stands of Line Infantry @ 2pts = 4 points.

1 stand of Skirmish Infantry   @  1 point.

1 stand of of Light Artillery  @ 1 point.

2nd DIVISION

General Alexander Asboth  @  1 point.

3 stands of Line Infantry  @ 1point  =  3 points.

2 stands of Regular Cavalry  @ 1 point = 2 points.

2 stands of Light Artillery  @ 1 point = 2 points.

1 stand of Heavy Artillery  @ 2 points.

3rd DIVISION

General Franz Sigel  @ 1pt,

General Jeff Davis  @  1pt.

2 stands of Infantry  @ 2pts = 4 points.

1 stand of Infantry Skirmishers.  @ 1pt.

1 stand of Regular Cavalry  @ 1pt.

1 stand of Light Artillery  @ 1pt.

4th DIVISION,

1 General  Eugene Carr   @ 1pt,

4 stands of Line Infantry  @ 1pt, = 4 points.

1 stand of  Regular Cavalry   @ 1pt.

1 stand of Light Artillery  @ 1pt.

THE CONFEDERATE ARMY of the TRANS-MISSISSIPPI;

16,000  = 16 points x 3 = 48 points.

RIGHT WING;

Divisional General Benjamin McCulloch  @ 1 point.

General Albert Pike  @ 1 point.

3 stands of Line Infantry  @ 2pts = 6 points.

2 stands of Regular Cavalry @  1pt = 2 points.

2 stands of American Native Cherokee Light Cavalry @ 1pt = 2pts.

Major-General Earl Van Dorn ( commanding ) @ 1point.

 General Louis Hébert @ 1pt.

4 stands of Line Infantry @ 2 points = 8pts

1 stand of dismounted Cavalrymen ( no horses) @ 1pt.

1 stand of Skirmish Infantry @ 1pt.

General James McIntosh @ 1pt.

4 stands of Regular Cavalry @ 2pts = 8pts.

3 stands of Light Artillery @ 1pt = 3pts.

LEFT WING;

Missouri State Guard;

Major-General Stirling-Price @ 1pt.

2 stands of Light Artillery @ 1pt = 2pts.

3 stands of Line Infantry @ 2pts = 6pts.

3 stands of Regular Cavalry @ 1pt = 3pts.

Playing Notes for the historical battle.

First Day:

* This Part will be played for 8 Game-Turns.

* No stands of either side may enter Freetown Wood, ( a fictional name I’ve used as a geographical location).

* Big Mountain and Little Mountain cannot be crossed by any stands.

* Sugar Creek can only be crossed by the bridges. Any stand entering the Creek will be lost.

* The fence around the field is only a boundary marker and does not impede movement for any stands.

* Only Hébert’s Brigade will move toward the Ford Road first on the first Game-Turn. The stands of Osterhouse’s Brigade cannot move until they have line of sight to any Confederate stands on Ford Road.

* From Game-Turn 2. On the Confederate side, Hebert’s and McIntosh’s Brigades move into the Ford Road. On the Union side, Osterhouse and Asboth’s Brigades can move.

* From Game-Turn 3, Hebert’s, McIntosh’s and Pikes Brigades can move up the Ford Road. On the Union side, Osterhouse, Asboth and Davis’s Brigades can move.

* From Game-Turn 4, All stands of both sides can move.

* If any Stands from McCullochs division have to “ move-back”, they must do so on the Ford Road. Any stands that cannot move back are removed from play.

* The Union side retains the Initiative Point for the entire battle of  eight Game-Turns.

* The Union side also wins any tied results.

* At the end of  eight Game-Turns, the side with the lowest number of stands lost, is the winner. If the result is tied, the battle goes on for another eight Game-Turns.

Note: The stands start the battle from their finishing position from the previous battle.

* Any stands on Pea Ridge being fired on by Union Artillery will suffer a 2 point reduction to their die roll if they return fire within the same Game Turn. 

* Union Artillery add 1 point to their die roll when firing on any target on Pea Ridge.

This is because Pea Ridge had a layer of rocky shale on the surface. Every time a cannon round hit the Ridge, shale was thrown up like shrapnel, causing Confederate units to retreat.

Playing the Game;

This is a tough battle for the Confederates. They have the numbers but not the space to deploy. I have tried to reflect the lack of mobility and cohesion within the army by reducing the space for movement. 

This battle was a bit tricky to re-enact as it was not a set-piece but a running battle consisting of a series of  moving  skirmishes.

 

The Battle of Breitenfield, Saxony 1631

 This article is my own interpretation of events in this era. Any mistakes are my own. Once again I’ve used the Peter Dennis Paperboys I used in the Edgehill scenario.

The conflict that became known as The Thirty Years War in Europe started in 1618. The social and economic situation was complicated, not only amongst the Germanic Principalities, but also between members of the Hapsburg family, however the central basic reason was confessional politics. 

The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and his Council came up  with a Law that the people of a State within the Empire must follow the religion of the leader. 

Naturally, most of the major leaders were Catholic, and there was a concerted effort to remove Protestants from positions of power and ruin them financially.

After one heated meeting between the Emperors representatives and Protestant delegates, three Catholic Ministers were thrown out of a high window! This incident became known as the Defenestration of Prague. Luckily the three men survived by landing on a dung heap!.

The Protestant Leaders raised military forces and there were battles, but their efforts were disorganised and the Catholic Imperial  military were more than capable of defeating them. The Battle of the White Mountain is one example.

Another major stumbling block was money. Very often forces of militia and mercenaries were raised, then defrauded of their pay. This led to banditry and looting which became worse as the War progressed.

Then, in 1631 the Protestants found a Champion. King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who landed at Pomerania. King Gustavus wasn’t there just to help the Protestant cause. The King was concerned about the Emperor’s plans to wrest control of the Baltic from the Swedish Kingdom. While the Protestant Princes dithered, Magdeburg was sacked by the Catholic Imperial army led by General Ferdinand.

King Gustav marched his army to Leipzig. Offering John Georg better terms, the Saxon Monarch was persuaded to join the Protestant side. The Catholic Army, now led by Count Tilly ( Ferdinand having been sacked by the Emperor ) marched into Saxony intent on destroying the Swedish army along with its Saxon allies.

The two opposing armies faced each other across an undulating plain North- East of Leipzig near a village that was to give the battle its name.

THE SWEDISH ARMY; 23,000 = 23 points x 2 = 46 points.

15,000 Infantry = 15 points x 2 = 30 points.

8 stands of Muskets @ 2 points = 16 points.

4 stands of Pike. @. 3 points = 12 points.

1 General ( Gustav Horn ). @ 2 points.

8,000 Cavalry = 8 points x 2 =16 points.

6 stands of Cavalry. @ 2 points. = 12 points.

1 General ( Sir Johann Baner ) @ 2 points.

1 General ( King Gustavus ). @. 2 point.

THE SAXON ARMY: 12,000 = 12 points x 2 = 24 Points.

7,000 Infantry = 7 points x 2 = 14 points.

2 stands of Pikemen @ 3 points = 6 points.

4 stands of muskets. @ 2 points. = 8 points.

5,000 Cavalry. = 5 points x 2 = 10 points.

4 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points. = 8 points.

1 stand of Dragoon Cavalry @ 1 point.

1 General ( John George )  @ 1 point.

COMBINED ARTILLERY: 70 Guns + 1,400 Gunners.=

1.4 x 2 = 2.8 or 3 points r/u = 3 stands of Light Artillery @ 1pt = 3 points.

THE IMPERIAL ARMY: 37,000 = 37 points x 2 = 74 Points.

28,000 Infantry = 28 points x 2 = 56 points.

10 stands of Pikemen @ 3 points = 30 points.

12 stands of muskets  @ 2 points = 24 points.

1 General ( Count Ergon 8th of Furstenburg )  @  1 point.

1 General  (  Johann Tserclaes Count of Tilly )  @  1 point.

9,000 Cavalry = 9 points x 2 = 18 points.

6 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 12 points.

5 stands of Dragoon Cavalry  @ 1 point =5 points

1 General ( Gottfried Heinrich Graf zu Pappenheim ) @ 1 point.

ARTILLERY:

46 Guns with 920 Gunners = 0.920 pts x 2 = 2pts r/u.=

2 stands of Light Artillery @ 1 point = 2 points.

BATTLE NOTES;

* All the Infantry, Cavalry, Imperial and Saxon  Artillery stands must move through the face of a square not a diagonal.

*  Dragoon Cavalry of 1 point and the Swedish Artillery of 1 point can move in any direction.

* The Swedish Army retains the Initiative Point for the duration of the battle. This does not include the Saxons. This is because the Saxon Army were mostly Militia.

* The Imperial Army moves first on the first Game-Turn. From Game-Turn 2 until Game-Turn 8, the Swedish Army moves first. ( including the Saxons ).

* The Swedish Army fires first on every Game-Turn.

* The Swedish Army gets 1 extra point on every Firing and Combat die. ( NOT THE SAXONS).

Note: The Swedish army at this time, was a well trained force with superior fire and movement tactics against the Imperial Army which were still using old doctrine.

* At the start of the 3rd Game-Turn, a 6 sided die is rolled for the Saxon army. On a roll of 1,2 or 3 the entire Saxon Wing is removed from the board.!  This test takes place at the start of every Game-Turn, after Game-Turn 3 while the Saxons are on the board.

* The Swedish army wins any tied results.

* ARTILLERY:

*  The artillery of the Swedish Army can move and fire.  The Artillery of the Imperial and Saxon Army must remain static.

Note:  I’ve played this game using normal procedures and the Swedish army becomes overwhelmed without their abilities and training being reflected.

* At the end of the 8th Game-Turn, the side with the higher number of stands lost,  looses the battle. The Saxons that run off are NOT included in that total.

THE SET-UP.

The blocks of figures, the trees and the villages were made up using the illustrations from the English Civil War book by Peter Dennis and printed by Helion and Co. The prints were reproduced in A5. See the previous blog on “ The Paperboys of Peter Dennis”——.

The road was made from thin card obtained from Amazon. The cloth is a 3 foot x 2 foot ( 90cm x 60cm) piece of felt cloth marked in 2 inch ( 50mm ) squares.

The windmills were scratchbuilt using foam board, thin cardboard and matchsticks. I used a piece of paintbrush tubing and a dressmakers pin to attach the sails.

The flags were made from sticky labels and cocktail sticks, then hand painted also using a 0.5 marker pen.

The 5th Century in Britannia: Part 9, Arthur’s battle of Cat Coit Celidan; Battle of the River Croquet, June 488AD.

 This article is my personal interpretation of the events at that time. Any mistakes are my own.

During the Winter Solstice of 487AD, Arthur, with Merlin in attendance meets with the Kings at Caerleon. They are;

Tutagaul, King of Alclud.

Einon,  King of Gwynedd.

Cadell,  King of Powys.

Geraint Llyngesic,  King of Dumnonia.

Iddon Ap Ynyr,  King of Gwent.

At this time, the Seaxons were not staging any major incursions into Briton territory apart from sporadic raiding. Reluctantly, the Round Table Council have come to the conclusion that they cannot dislodge the Seaxons from the South and East coast, with more arriving every month. Arthur tells the Council that he cannot go on the offensive, lacking the troops to do so.

The decision is made to stay on the defensive with the border along the river Trent and Ouse being patrolled. King Geraint confirmed that his fleet would continue to cover the West Coast in order to deter Irish raiders.

As 488AD commences, the new recruits and Veterans are bought together at Caerleon for formation training. The Commitatus numbers 4,800 men. Arthur is still the Pendragon. By now the Suebians under Rogatainus are an established part of the Army

THE BRITON ARMY; 4,800 = 4.8pts  x 10 = 48 points.

Arthur,s Bucellarii = 400 = 0.4 pts x 10 = 4 pts. 1 stand of Heavy Cavalry @ 4 pts.

Light Cavalry Regulars = 400 = 0.4 pts x 10 = 2 stands of Regular Light Cav @ 2 pts = 4pts.

Line Infantry Veterans = 1,200 = 1.2 pts x 10 = 12 points = 4 stands of Regular Infantry @ 3pts = 12pts.

Auxiliary Infantry ( the Suebians ) = 1,200 = 1.2 pts x 10 = 12 points = 6 stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2pts = 12 points.

Regular Lt Infantry Archers = 800 = 0.8 pts x 10 =  8 points = 8 stands of Archers @ 1 point = 8pts.

Arthur @ 3 points.

Owain  @ 2 points.

Rogatainus @ 2 points.

Cadwy @ 1 point.

As the Army trains, raiding and counter-raids continue across the frontier.  Merlin is also using his powers of perception and network of spies to ascertain movements of the enemy. Merlin has quietly warned Arthur that Medreut with Cadwallons help, is fomenting discord among the Kings to the detriment of Arthur’s position as Pendragon.

As April turns into May of 488AD the relative calm at Caerleon is shattered by the unexpected arrival of Tutagaul accompanied by 300 of his Bucellarii and a troop of horse warriors from Gwynedd.

In a hastily assembled Council, Tutagaul relates the events in Alclud. Tutagaul has been deposed in a coup led by a noble named as Caw, assisted by his son Hueil. Both have gained the support of Drest 2nd, a high King of the Picts. Also supporting Caw is Loarn Mac Eric, the High King of the Dal-Riata ( the Scots-Irish ). Loarn has sent Briacat, Grandson of Hengist and son of Pascent!.

The conclusion is reached that Caw will not invade Gwynedd. Einon has a powerful army lately reinforced by troops loyal to Tutagaul. The “ Caledonian “ Army could head south-east to attack the territory of the Votadinii, a Briton tribe on the eastern side of Alclud. The possibility is that the Caledonians could ally with the Seaxons of Lindsey.

Arthur’s mind is set. He is aware that his army is not strong enough for a major offensive, but he cannot let the Caledonians rampage south or link up with the Seaxons. Five days later, the army is marching north to Luguvallium ( Carlisle ). Along the way Arthur has requested troops from Einon, who sends 1,000 Gwynedd Militia backed up with 1,000 troops of Tutagaul,s.

From Luguvallium, the army marches east to Onnum ( an old cavalry fort ). This position is between Lindsey to the south, and any army approaching from the north. Scouts are sent north along Dere Street and The Devils Causeway. It is not long before they come back on lathered horses. The Caledonian Army is a days march away, camped on the north bank of the Coccuueda ( river Croquet ) and spread out east to west across the Causeway road.

The next day Arthur orders a short march and encampment with the troops sleeping under arms. The following morning the army, in full panopoly appears at the river. Greeting them with a huge roar is an 8,000 strong Caledonian army of Picts, Scots-Irish, and bolstered by 2,000 Saxons. Once again, Arthur is facing an enemy army across a small river in desolate country, quietly praying that his men will prevail.———-.

THE ALLIED CALEDONIAN ARMY; 8,000 = 8pts x 10 = 80 points.

Chieftain;  Caw @ 2 points.

THE PICTS 2,300 = 2.3 pts x 10 = 23pts.

9 stands of Pict warriors    @ 2 points = 18 points.

2 stands of archers/crossbows @ 1pt = 2 points.

2 stands of Light Cavalry @ 1pt = 2 points.

1 Warleader, ( Hueil )  @ 1 point.

THE DAL RIATA ( Scots-Irish ); 3,500 = 3.5pts x 10 = 35 points.

12 stands of warriors  @ 2 pts = 24 points.

4 stands of Light Chariots  @ 2 pts = 8 points.

2 stands of Light Archers  @ 1pt = 2 points.

1 Warleader ( Briacat )  @ 1 point.

THE SAXONS; 2,000 = 2pts x 10 = 20 points.

9 stands of warriors  @ 2 points = 18 points.

1 stand of Light Archers  @ 1 point

1 Warleader ( Aelfhere )  @ 1 point.

GWYNEDD MILITIA: 1,000 = 1 point x 10 = 10 points.

4 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2pts = 8 points.

2 stands of Light Infantry Archers @ 1pt = 2points.

ALCLUD MILITIA; 1,000 = 1 point x 10 = 10 points.

Tutagaul  @ 1 point.

2 stands of Light Cavalry @ 1pt = 2 points.

1 stand of Light Archers  @ 1 point.

3 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2pts = 6 points.

As the two armies face each other,the archers of both sides pepper each other with missiles. The Briton army wins the missile exchange. It is to much for the Picts, and Caw, seeing his warriors starting to surge signals his warriors to attack. As the Picts charge the Dal and the Saxons follow. The Chariots of the Scot- Irish try to skirmish and, although the river is shallow the chariots are either immobilised by missiles or forced away from the battle. 

Arthur’s infantry have the advantage of ground on their side of the river and after a long fight the Caledonians and Saxons start to tire. Finally the Caledonian army starts to break and Arthur unleashes his Cavalry.————-.

GAMING THE BATTLE.

* The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

* The Britons retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* The Caledonian Army moves first on the first Game-Turn. Game-Turns 2 to 8 are diced for as given in the rules.

* The river Coquet does not impede movement. The river is very shallow in June. Stands may also fire and engage in Close Combat with no restrictions while positioned in the river.

* The Britons win any tied results.

HISTORICAL NOTE;

When Nennius wrote of Arthur’s seventh battle he said;

  “ Septimum in Silva Celidonis quae Bryttanicae cacoit celidan nominatur “.

This translates as; “ The seventh in the wood of celandine which is called the cacoit of Brittanicae celidan”.

All the established Historians put the battle north of Carlisle in the Caledonian Forest. I’m not so sure.

Celandine is a plant that looks like a giant buttercup. This plant grows in abundance on the eastern side of Britain because of the soil.

The word “Cat Coit” is given as Cacoit and I looked around the Ordinance Survey Map of Roman Britain, to see if I could find any similarity with Cacoit, and found the river Coquet. In a document called “ The Ravenna Cosmology” circa 700AD, the river is called the Coccuueda.

In a paper by the Bernician Studies Group published in 2021, the river was also called the Cocwudu. The river rises in the Cheviot Hills and flows eastward toward the east coast. As it does so the land becomes more open.

The Roman Road of Dere Street crossed the Coquet from Corbridge on Hadrians Wall, all the way north to the Antonine Wall. Dere Street ran through hill country. The Devils Causeway is further east, running from Corbridge, north- east, up to the Roman port of Certisnassa ( Berwick- upon- Tweed ). There was a further road running east to west connecting the two main roads. North of the Coquet the land gradually rises up toward Rothbury Forest and the start of the Cheviot Hills.

Why would the Caledonians fight here. My reasoning is;

* The Picts were concentrated on the eastern side of Caledonian and had the use of Roman roads which went through Briton territory.

* The Scots-Irish could not move by sea southward because of the Briton fleet guarding the west coast. They would move across country via Loch Lomond.

* The Caledonians would not want to move directly into Briton territory down the west side of Brittania.

* The ground within the Votadini territory was more open with settlements ripe for raiding.

* The possibility of joining up with Germanic groups to create a larger force to invade the Briton Provinces.

POSTSCRIPT;

Caw and Hueil are both historical characters. Pascent and Briacat are not verified although I have found their names given in historical listings.

During the last part of the battle Hueil was captured. Many of the Picts and Scots Irish were killed during the pursuit. Arthur carried on this action for two days before calling a halt. Caw and Briacat had managed to escape along with a number of Saxons. Arthur did not want the army to fragment because of the continual threat of Seaxon incursions.

On his return to Caerleon, Arthur encamps his army at Deva ( Chester ) where he meets up with King Einon. The King requests that Hueil be handed to him for royal execution. This is because Einon is of the Votodinii and wants revenge for the death of his kin.

Arthur was hoping to use Hueil as a bargaining chip with Caw, but realised that he needs to keep the peace with the Briton Kings knowing that treachery is ever-present. Einon has Hueil taken to Ruthin ( Castel coch yng Ngwern-for ) which is regarded as a mystical place. Tutagaul, in a ritual execution has Hueil put to death.

Note: There is a stone marker in Ruthin marking the place where Hueil was executed.

Arthur continues his march to Caerleon knowing he has only gained a breathing space for the Briton Kingdoms. Merlin has foretold of the storm coming once again.

Having made it back to Alclud, Caw calls all his supporters together. Realising that Arthur has not razed his territories, Caw uses the situation to point out how weak the Briton army has become. It can win battles but cannot win Wars! Now is the time to plan an attack on Arthur’s stronghold in league with the Seaxons and swears revenge for his son!

THE SET-UP;

The figures used are mostly from Hat Industries, using the Goth and Roman Medium Infantry sets. The Picts are from Red Box. The chariots are converted from Hat British Chariots..The Roman Light cavalry are from Hat and the Native Light Cavalry are from Hats Gothic Cavalry.

Arthur and some of the Roman light archers and the Bucellarii are from Newline designs, Nearly all the standards are homemade except for Arthur’s standard and the Bucellari shields which are from Little Big Man Decals. The shields are from Magister Militum.

The hills are a mixture of those made by Brian of Essex Miniatures and home made ones from cork tiles. The trees are made by various manufactures, Guagemaster being one of them. The road and river were cut from thin card. The battle was laid out on a 3 foot ( 90 cm ) x 2 foot (60 cm ) board of 2” ( 50cm ) squares.

Added Rules ( Instructions) for Science Fiction Gaming.

Below are some extra rules to add to to those listed in the Table Top Battles 2nd Edition.

VEHICLE STATS                  DEFENSE POINTS.                                  

Deployed Towed Artillery;                3pts.                         

Deployed Towed Heavy Artillery;    3pts.                         

Limbered Towed Artillery;                4pts.                  

Light Armoured Personnel Carrier.   4pts.

Heavy Armoured Personnel Carrier.  5pts.

Vehicle-Mounted Small-Arms;        ————.                  

VEHICLE STATS:                     ATTACK POINTS,

Deployed Towed Artillery             5pts.

Deployed Towed Heavy Artillery: 6pts.

Vehicle-Mounted Small-Arms:       3pts.

* RULE CHANGE: Small Arms and Rifles have no effect on Vehicles of 4 DEFENSE POINTS OR ABOVE.

*During a Game-Turn, both sides will roll a 12 sided die to see who fires first, prior to the Firing Phase.

MACHINE GUNS AND  MINIE GUN AGAINST INFANTRY:   If the target infantry stand is caught in the open by Machine gun fire, the target infantry stand is automatically removed on any lower score.

 NOTE: Players will still throw a 12 sided to decide who moves first, gains the Initiative Point and decides Combats.

* The side with the Initiative Point also decides any tied results. 

* Vehicles do not have to “ move-back” as a result of Firing. If not moving back,  a vehicle will have 2 Points deducted from any Firing die roll on return fire within the same Game-Turn.

* vehicles cannot move over or through a square containing another vehicle, wether they be friendly or otherwise.

* Vehicles CAN move through /over a square containing friendly Infantry but cannot actually stop within the square containing the friendly infantry.

* Vehicles and Artillery As Targets : If within 2 squares the target will be destroyed on any lower score, HOWEVER, if the TARGET STAND SCORES HIGHER, IT IS THE FIRING STAND THAT IS DESTROYED.   Infantry targets are classed as a miss, should the Infantry score higher and still have the option to “move-back”.

* If two opposed Vehicles/guns are in adjacent squares during the combat phase and neither wishes to “avoid”, then both vehicles/guns are destroyed in a collision. When the situation is a vehicle versus enemy infantry, then if the infantry fail to avoid, the infantry stand is removed from play.

* Opposed forces will have their Morale calculated by adding the combined Defense and Attack Points of each stand into a grand total. This total is divided by 2 and the end result is the Morale of the Force. This is reduced as stands are destroyed.

* Destroyed vehicle stands are left on the playing area and Both Sides CANNOT move vehicles or figures over or through that square, or diagonally between that square and any obstacle.

* Destroyed vehicles do block line of sight for Firing.

* The Infantry within an APC can leave the APC when the APC stops moving. The Infantry are positioned alongside the APC on that Game-Turn. The infantry can fire. When infantry are adjacent to an APC they can mount up and the APC can move.

* If an APC is hit, it’s points total,plus the points total of the stand or stands it was carrying are removed from the morale total of that army.

BASING FIGURES: 

This is just a suggestion. On my stands I have used this system. 5 figures for Regular armed “Riflemen”. 4 figures for a “Heavy Weapons” group and 3 figures for a Command Group which includes a “Heavy Weapon”. I’ll use 6 figures for a Militia group.

The Kra’vak, I’ve based as 5 “rifles” and 4 to a Heavy Weapons Team. There is no Command. These Aliens just come together for an attack or Campaign!.

This picture shows the “ Orbital Knights Vehicles” from ETSY which are six to a pack. Two I have converted to tanks. The other four are APC,s which each carry two squads. The figures are from Ground Zero Games Kra’vak range.

This picture shows the small “Blower” APC,s. Each one carries  a squad of figures. Each “Company” is of two squads of Rifles. 1 Heavy Weapon squad and one Command Squad that also has a heavy weapon.( This is part of the force that is listed as a Mercenary Company by Brigade Models).

* Towed Artillery can limber up and move OR move and unlimber. The Towed Artillery cannot perform both functions in the same Game-Turn.

* Towed Artillery cannot fire while limbered, and cannot fire in the same turn as unlimbering.

* Towed Artillery do not use the “Move-Back rule but do deduct 2points if firing back within the same Game-Turn.

This picture shows the same artillery piece limbered and unlimbered. ( artillery crew from Brigade Miniatures, Gun and Tractor from Alternative Armies Bradly Fighting Vehicles.)

The above instructions have come about since playing the game shown in the previous blog.

I used the basic rules given in the Table Top Battles 2nd edition and I thought to add a little more detail.

The map of the imaginary world of Esper is in the rulebook.

Battle of Abukkin 2260AD. Swabia. Esper. [ Sci~Fi ]

 Extract from the diary of  Lieutenant George Smith;

Well, the day started ok. Orders came from The Colonel. Arrange for one battery of Artillery to travel out to Abukkin for some practise firing. The local Heta [ the Town Council ] had given permission for the firing.

Captain Rawlinson decided to take a Security Detail with him, four platoons with four Blower APC,s. a small Detail as trouble wasn,t expected. Captain Rawlinson had the camp set up and the firing line established. Just as the fire order was about to be given, the men were stunned to see strange vehicles approaching their position.

At first, the men were wondering what was happening. The Esperans were known not to have any sort of advanced armoured vehicles. As soon as the "Alien" vehicles opened fire, that decided the issue. Captain Rawlinson didnt know what or where they came from, but they were firing on his position so "they" were the enemy. He ordered the guns to target the vehicles. The infantry piled into the Blowers.

The Artillery tried to return fire but our men took heavy casualties. We have managed to get some drone photographs.

The Artillery engaged the Alien vehicles at long range but failed to stop them. The blowers moved out but the weaponry was not powerful enough to penetrate the armour. The survivors made it back to Fort Wellington in the remaining vehicles. The “ Aliens” did not pursue the survivors. The people of Abukkin scattered into the woods.

An enquiry has been ordered to find out why the Orbital Guardships never gave any warning of incoming hostiles!. In the meantime we now have to find out who these attackers were and where these hostiles have gone!———.

PLAYING NOTES:

HUMAN DETACHMENT;

4 stands of  Towed Artillery: Defence 3/ Attack 5  total 8 x 4 = 32.

2 stands of  Lorry Transports: Defense 3 / Attack 3 = 6 x 2 = 12.

4 stands of Blower Armoured Personnel Carriers: Defense 4 / Attack 5 = 9 x 4 = 36.

2 stands of Infantry with Flak Armour and Heavy Weapons: Defense 3 / Attack 4.= 2 x 7 = 14.

2 stands of Infantry with Flak Armour and Rifles:  Defense 3 / Attack 3 = 2 x 6 = 12.

TOTAL: 106 = Morale total = 53.

ALIEN FORCE;

2 stands of Tanks: Defense 5 / Attack 5. = 2 x 10 = 20.

4 Armoured Personnel Carriers ( each carrying two stands) Defense 5 / Attack 4 = 4 x 9 =36.

6 stands of Infantry with Rifle: Defense 3 /Attack 3 = 6 x 6 = 36 points.

2 stands of Infantry with Heavy Weapons: Defense 3 / Attack 4 = 2 x 7 = 14 points

TOTAL: 106 points = Morale total = 53.

THE BATTLE,

* The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

* The side losing the battle will have either have lost more stands than the opposition and/or suffered a collapse in Morale.

* The river can only be crossed via the bridge.

* The battle is played out on a 3 foot x 2 foot ( 90 cm x 60cm ) table.

CREDITS:

The figures and vehicles are all 6mm. The Human Infantry, Blower APC,s and Artillery Crew are from Brigade Models (listed as “ A Mercenary Company” ). The Human Vehicles are from Alternative Armies Bradley Fighting Vehicles range.

The Alien Infantry are from the Kra’vak range from Ground Zero Games. The vehicles are entitled “ Orbital Knight Vehicles” which were obtained from the Etsy website online. Two of the vehicles have scratch built turrets made from buttons, plasticard, and plastic tubing.

The bases are 40mm x 40mm and cut from 1mm picture framing cardboard. The trees are by various manufacturers.. The hills are a mix of those made by Brian of Essex Miniatures and some scratch built from cork tiles. The village buildings are scratch built from picture framing cardboard as is the bridge. The roads and river are made of thin card. The fields are made from pan scrubbers.

The above is a section of the map of Esper. The “x” marks Abukkin. Circled is Destioa, the town where Fort Wellington has been established.

Battle of Rocoux. Austrian Netherlands. 11th October 1746.

 This is my personal interpretation of this battle. Any mistakes are my own.

Following on from the battle of Fontenoy, Marshal De Saxe and his Generals made short work of taking over various fortresses within the Austrian Netherlands. The French army was aided in this by the garrisons giving up as soon as the French army appeared.The Netherlands ( modern Belgium) is situated on France,s northern border and considered by Saxe as a good campaign area.

However all was not well within the French Government. The war had been an enormous financial burden on the French Treasury. Louis the 15th and his Ministers were desperate for peace but not from a weak position. Peace talks were already taking place at Breda.

Meanwhile, Marshal Saxe had capped a successful campaign by taking Namur, and thought that the fighting was done for the present, but he was wrong. The Empress of Austria, Maria Theresa, did not want to loose yet more territory to the Franco-Prussian alliance.

Prince Charles of Lorraine was Brother-in- Law to the Empress and commanded the Pragmatic army. The Netherlands were not to be given up. Late September found the Allied army marching south down the western side of the Meuse from the United Provinces ( Holland ) toward Liege.

De Saxe could not believe that the Allied army wanted yet another battle, but when the Allied army crossed the Jeker ( the Jaar) Maurice was determined to win. The Allied column reached Liège, then faced right to bring the army into position facing the direction of the French encampment to the west. 

The Dutch were positioned on the left nearest to Liege with their right flank in Rocoux. Next to them were the British and Hessians. Further right were the Hanoverians covering the village of Varoux. Finally, anchoring the right flank were the Austrians, positioned on higher ground with broken ground to their front.

De Saxe could not not believe what he was seeing. The Allied line was thin and positioned with a major river behind them. However, if battle was what they wanted that was what they would get. 

Because Prince Charles was present, the  British Duke of Cumberland stepped back from the command of the Army. Command of the British contingent and Deputy command of the army was taken up by Sir John Ligonier. A no-nonsense Officer with increasing stature amongst his peers.

Marshal Saxe was determined to stamp his authority on the battle. To that end he sent one of his “ Brigades” under General Clermont through Liège to outflank the allied position. Exactly how this was accomplished is not known. The gates may have been opened by pro-French sympathisers within the city. Once through the city, Clermont,s division attacked the left flank of the Dutch, forcing the Prince of Waldeck to realine his forces

General Clermont-Gallerande on the French left, was told to demonstrate against the Austrians but not to attack. The main effort was to be against the Dutch, British and Hanoverians.—————-

THE FRENCH ARMY: 102,000 = 102 points.

THE “ BRIGADE” OF GENERAL CLERMONT..28,000 = 28 pts.

1 General ( Clermont ).                 @ 2 pts.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry.       @ 4pts.

6 stands of Line Infantry @ 3pts = 18 pts

2 stands of Light Infantry @ 2 pts = 4pts.

THE “BRIGADE” OF MARSHAL SAXE. 26,000 = 26pts.

1 General ( and C-in-C ) Maurice De Saxe @ 3pts.

3 stands of Line Infantry @ 3pts = 9pts.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry.   @ 4pts.

2 stands of Heavy Artillery @ 2pts = 4pts

3 stands of Cavalry. @ 2 pts = 6 pts.

THE “ BRIGADE” OF GENERAL CONTADES. 24,000 = 24 pts

1 General ( Contades )  @ 2 pts.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry.   @ 4 pts.

4 stands of Line Infantry. @ 3pts = 12 pts.

2 stands of Light Artillery. @ 1pt = 2pts

2 stands of Cavalry. @ 2pts. = 4pts.

THE “ BRIGADE” OF GENERAL CLERMONT- GALLERANDE. 24,000 =24pts.

1 General ( Gallerande ).  @ 2 pts.

1 stand of Grenadiers. @ 4 pts.

4 stands of Line Infantry @ 3 pts. = 12 pts.

2 stands of Cavalry. @  2pts = 4 pts.

2 stands of Light Artillery  @ 1 pt. = 2 pts.

THE PRAGMATIC ARMY: 89,000 = 89 pts.

THE DUTCH “BRIGADE” OF THE PRINCE OF WALDECK: 26,000 = 26 pts.

1 General ( Waldeck )  @ 1 pt.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry. @ 4pts.

5 stands of Line Infantry  @ 3pts =. 15 pts.

2 stands of Light Artillery. @ 1 pt. = 2 pts.

2 stands of Cavalry. @ 2pts.= 4pts.

THE BRITISH “ BRIGADE” of SIR JOHN LIGONIER. 19,000 = 19pts.

1 General (. Ligonier ). @ 2 pts.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry  @. 2pts.

3 stands of 2nd class Line Infantry. @. 2pts.= 6pts.

2 stands of 2nd class Hessian Line Infantry. @ 2pts = 4 pts.

1 stand of Cavalry @ 2pts.

1 stand of Light Artillery @ 1pt.

THE HANOVARIAN “ BRIGADE” OF GENERAL VON ZASTROW. 17,000 = 17pts.

1 General  (Zastrow ) @ 1pt.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry. @ 4 pts.

3 stands of Line Infantry. @ 3pts = 9pts.

1 stand of Cavalry @ 2 pts.

1 stand of Light Artillery @ 1 pt.

Note: At this time British troops were auxiliary to the Hanoverians on the continent. A number of histories combine the two as “ The British Army”.  However King George was Elector of Hanover and in The Kings eyes it was Hanover first.

 The situation is not helped by the fact that the British and Hanovarian Infantry uniform was very similar. The British fielded approximately 16,000 on most occasions with the bulk of the army being Hanovarian with some from Hesse..

THE AUSTRIAN “ BRIGADE” OF PRINCE CHARLES OF LORRAINE: 27;000 = 27pts.

1 General and C-in-C  ( Prince Charles ). @ 1 pt.

1 stand of Grenadier Infantry. @ 4pts.

4 stands of Line Infantry @ 3 pts. = 12pts

2 stands of Light Artillery @ 1 pt = 2 pts.

4 stands of Cavalry. @. 2pts. =. 8pts

THE BATTLE;

* The French retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* The rivers Jeker and Meuse can only be crossed via the bridges or the pontoon bridges. Any stand being forced into one of the rivers is lost.

* The French army is moved first on the first Game-Turn,  BUT NOT Clermont,s Brigade within Liège. Clermont,s Brigade can be moved as normal from the second  to the eighth Game-Turn.

* Although the French retain the Initiative point for the entire battle, both sides still have dice thrown to determine which side moves first, fires first and wins any tied results.

* If any stands suffer a “ move back” as a result of firing or combat, and cannot be moved back, that stand is removed from play.

* There are two patches of Broken Ground in front of the Austrian position. Stands cannot be moved into those particular squares.

* The game is played for Eight Game-Turns. The French win if they can cause more casualties than they suffer in points. If the points are equal, the French  also win if they can take the villages of Rocoux and Varoux.

HISTORICAL NOTES:

Maurice De Saxe ( Maurice of Saxony ) was one of the pre-eminent Commanders of his time. Unfortunately there was nobody on the Allied side to match him. The Austrian commander Prince Charles did have combat experience is did Waldeck and Zastrow, but they were all basically pedestrian, as was the Duke of Cumberland.

 Sir John Ligonier was a rare Officer who could take in the “big picture”. There is no evidence for it, but seeing the situation the Allied army was in, I am sure it was Ligonier who had the pontoon bridges constructed and arranged for the army baggage to be sent over the Meuse. 

The battle was a victory for the French but did not cause the complete destruction of the Allied Army as Saxe had planned. On the morning of the battle, there was fog and drizzle, which delayed the French attack. Eventually as the Allied centre gave way. De Saxe sent orders to Clermont-Gallerande to attack the Austrian position.

This was meant to impede any Austrian support to the centre. But Gallerande waited two hours before commencing the advance, allowing the Austrians to cover the retreat of the army over the Meuse.

There were political consequences to this battle. Maurice was a Saxon and although he had the full backing of Louis the 15th (XV ) none the less, the French Officer Corp resented taking orders from an outsider. In the wider Political world, major Alliances were starting to fray.

At the eventual Peace talks France was forced to hand back all its conquests. Through British connivence Austria was forced to underwrite Prussia’s conquest of Silesia. Although the War of the Austrian Succession had a few more years to run, both the French ( allied to Prussia) and Austria ( allied to Britain) felt that they had been hoodwinked.

Thus the stage was set for the next great conflict as France and Austria, enemies for at least the previous 300 years themselves became allies. The “ Diplomatic Revolution “ as it was later termed was to set Europe on its head and pre-empt the Seven Years War.

CREDITS:

The figures are mostly Miniature Figurines, with Peter Pig and some Essex Miniatures. The flags are hand painted on masking tape. The bases are 1mm picture-framing cardboard.

The two-storey buildings were bought from Total Battle Miniatures. The two villages were scratchbuilt from the picture framing cardboard, as were the pontoon bridges. The hill was made by Brian at Essex Miniatures ( recently resprayed.).

The trees were made by various manufacturers. The roads and river were cut from thin card, the field sections are cut from pan scrubbers as is the broken ground.

My Mums ancestors, the Lane Family, were part of the group that helped King Charles 2nd escape after the battle of Worcester in 1651. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd has passed away today. May Her Majesty Rest In Peace.

Battle of Edgehill October 23rd 1642.

This article is my interpretation of this battle. Any mistakes are my own.

In the five years prior to the battle, political and confessional confrontation had been building between the Monarchy and Parliament. Having already lost the Bishops War with Scotland, Charles 1st became increasingly frustrated by Parliament constantly bringing in Laws to curtail Monarchical power

Charles 1st believed in the Divine Right of Kings, and with that in mind he decided to exercise that right. On the 4th of January 1642, Charles marched into the House of Commons with a company of armed Infantry. He had a warrant for the arrest of five M.P,s.

These men knew of the impending intervention, and had managed to slip away. In the five days after this event the citizens of London became hostile to the King. Charles left the Capital and made his way to York where he set up his Headquarters.

In the next nine months both sides collected supporters and troops. Parliament had a head start by securing the Trained Bands of London and the Arsenal at the City of Hull. Portsmouth had also been seized giving Parliament control of the Navy. Meanwhile, Charles had sent his Wife, the Queen Henrietta to France to raise troops and weapons.

All these actions culminated in two armies facing each other at Edgehill----------

The Battle;

My previous Blog detailed the assembly of the Paperboy paper figures of Peter Dennis to foamboard blocks. It is these figures I am using in this reconstruction.

Optional Rule;

Normally, under the TABLE TOP BATTLES rule system, only one stand is allowed in a square. Using the blocks, TWO INFANTRY OR ONE INFANTRY AND ONE GENERAL,   OR, ONE CAVALRY AND ONE GENERAL stand are allowed within a square. Cavalry and Artillery remain at one per square.

Only the front INFANTRY stand can fire or fight in combat. However, if there is a Pike block in the same square behind the front Infantry, the Pike can also be included in the Combat.

*If a " moveback " is required after Firing or Combat, both stands must be moved back. The rear Stand still counts as " Support ".

THE ROYALIST ARMY;  15,000 = 15 points x 4 = 60 pts.

11,000 Infantry = 11 points x 4 = 44 pts.

22 points of Pike = 7 stands @ 3pts + General Wilmot @ 1 point.

22 points of Muskets = 11 stands @ 2 points.

3,000 Cavalry = 3pts x 4 =12 points.

5 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points + King Charles @ 1 point + Prince Rupert @ 1 point.

1,000 Dragoons = 1 point x 4 = 4 points.

3 stands of Dragoons @1 point + Lord Byron @ 1 point.

THE ARTILLERY;

20 Guns each with 12 gunners = 240 men. = 0.240 x 4 = 0.960 r/u = 1 point = 1 gun model.

THE PARLIAMENTARIAN ARMY.; 15,000 = 15 points x 4 = 60 points.

12,000 Infantry = 12 points x 4 = 48 points;

21 points of Pike = 7 stands @ 3 points.

27 points of Muskets = 12 stands @ 2 points +Earl of Essex @ 1pt + Sir John Meldrum @ 1 point + Sir William Balfour.@ 1 point.

2,000 Cavalry = 2 points x 4 = 8 points;

4 stands of Cavalry @ 1 point.

2 stands of Regular Cavalry @ 2 points

1,000 Dragoons = 1 point x 4 = 4 points.

3 stands of Dragoons @ 1 point + Sir James Ramsey @ 1 point.

ARTILLERY;

30 Guns each with 12 gunners = 360 men = 0.360 pts x 4 = 1.440pts r/d = 1 point = 1 Gun model.

Historical Notes;

* The Royalist Army was initially positioned on Edgehill. When the Parliamentary Army under Essex maintained its position near Kineton the King ordered the advance downhill onto flatter ground. Therefore, the Royalists move first on the first Game-Turn. Game-Turns two to eight will be diced for as per normal.

* The Royalists keep the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* The Artillery cannot move from their respective positions. In the battle, the Artillery had little effect.

* If any stand retreats up Edgehill it is lost from play.

 

* I’ve included the roads for completion. In this scenario the roads do not give the plus one move advantage.

* In the battle the Cavalry of both sides fought their own battle. Therefore, Cavalry cannot attack Infantry and vice versa.

* If the King is killed or captured, the battle immediately finishes as a win for Parliament. If a Parliamentary Cavalry or Dragoon stand attacks the King and forces a “ move-back”, the King is captured! ( The Kings Life Guard had gone off to fight in the front rank on the right, so the King only had a small group of Courtiers with him. A troop of Parliamentary Cavalry attacked the Kings party during the battle, and managed to grab the Royal Standard. However Sir Edmund Verny cut off the hand of the Parliamentary assailant during the defence of the King and regained the Standard,! ).

CREDITS:

* As previously stated, I used photo copied illustrations from Peter Dennis’s book of the English Civil War ( currently available from www.helion.co.uk ).

* The hills were made from Foamboard. The trees were photocopied from the book and glued to Foamboard. The white areas on the tree illustrations were painted with Powder Blue paint from Miniature Paints.

* The hedgerow sections are made from pieces of pan scrubber glued to thick cardboard.

* The waggons were made from cocktail sticks and cardboard with buttons as wheels.

* The village models were made from Foamboard and cardboard. Sections of photocopied buildings from the book were glued to the Foamboard and painted in places with Miniature Paints Olive Green.

* I’ve included some photos of the battle which I played Solo. As a slight change, I played this battle on a dining table, on a 3 foot x 2 foot ( 90cm x 60cm ) piece of felt cloth with a 2 inch square grid drawn onto it.