The Battle of Cerignola. South-Eastern Italy : 26th April 1503.

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

Eight years after the battle of Fornovo the French and Spanish Monarchies were once again at each others throats as to who had control of what in Southern Italy.

Prior to the French King Charles leaving Italy he had installed Garrisons in towns within Apulia and Calabria. The King had also granted land to his Men-at-arms for services rendered. Spanish control of various towns was also agreed upon. 

However, the tentative Peace didn’t last long.There was a new young King on the throne of France  ( Louis the 12th ) itching to test his military muscle.

Milan was the French capital of northern Italy and it was from there that the French army marched south to retake Naples. Louis was intent on making Italy a French Dominion. Eventually the Army arrived at Capua just north of Naples, which refused to surrender. After the French artillery battered the walls, the town was stormed, vandalized and totally looted with the citizens raped and murdered.

The French General de’Aubigney received an envoy from Naples and warned him of worse to come if they did not surrender. King Federigo of Naples ( who was at the town of Ischia) gave himself up to the French. When Naples opened its gates, he was taken to France where he lived out a comfortable confinement until his death.

Italian Politics ( dominated by Cesare Borgia ) and Family Feuds had also bought the Spanish Kingdom of Aragon into the Italian arena. Somewhat irritated by French presumption, Frederick the 2nd, the Spanish Aragonese Monarch  decided to intervene militarily.

In 1501, a Spanish Army was shipped from Sicily to Reggio in the toe of Italy under the Spanish General Fernandez de Cordoba. His force consisted of 190 Men-at-Arms, 300 Light Horse ( Jinetes) and 4000 Infantry. This was followed by more reinforcements. The intention was to force the French from Southern Italy once and for all and cement their grip on the region.

The first objective was Tarentum. It was here that the eldest son of the King of Naples resided. When Tarentum wouldn’t surrender, the city was stormed and looted. The Neapolitan Prince Frederick was taken back to Aragon in Spain where, like his father in France he lived in comfortable confinement until his death.

Having made Tarantum a Spanish holding, Cordoba then made his base at the coastal town of Barletta. This made it easier for his army to be supplied by the Venician Navy ( Venice was supposed to be a neutral observer in all this but they didn’t like the idea of French Power on their doorstep! Or of French Pirates using the City as a base after raiding Spanish supply fleets! )

This situation in turn annoyed The French Monarch so Louis gave instructions to his new Viceroy in Naples, the young Duke of Nemours to destroy the Spanish force. 

In the first clash of arms outside Barletta , the Spanish light Cavalry lured the headstrong French Men-at-Arms into an ambush of Spanish Arquebusiers by feigning retreat. Giving the French force a beating, the Spanish then retired back into Barletta.

Having seen how the French reacted, and not having enough Heavy Cavalry to face the French Men-at-Arms, Cordoba trained his army in new tactics. Infantry firepower was centre stage combined with fieldworks, and the new artillery pieces being produced. These new formations were called a “ Coronelia”.  Blocks of Pikemen working in conjunction with groups of Arquebusiers armed with the new matchlock muskets.

The Arquebus was heavy, needing a rest to hold the barrel while it was fired. Although inaccurate and of limited range the lead ball could inflict terrible damage on an opponent, especially when fired in controlled volleys.

Note: The Arquebus was used by other armies but this was the first time it was used in large organised volleys with rotating lines of Infantry.

Having been trained in the new formations Cordoba marched his army from Barletta, westward to the small town of Cerignola which was situated on a hill. The town was surrounded by a ditch, which Cordoba had his men deepen in the area of the expected attack. 

The earth was used to make a parapet. Vine stakes were placed all along the front and the army was positioned behind it. The Light Cavalry  Jinetes. ( Pro: xi- neats) were sent out on raids in order to goad the French into attacking. On the afternoon of the 26th of April, their forays yielded results……….

THE SPANISH ARMY: 6,500 = 6.5pts x 10 = 65 points.

Mounted Men-At-Arms: 700 = 0.700 x 10 = 7pts = 2 stands @ 3pts + Prospero Colonna- 1 General @ 1point.

“Jinetes” Light Cavalry: 800 = 0.800pts x 10 = 8pts = 4 stands @ 2 points.

Arquebusier ( musket armed) Infantry: 2,000 = 2pts x 10 =  20pts = 10 stands of Muskets @ 2pts.

Landsknecht Infantry Pikemen: 1,000 = 1pt x 10 = 10pts = 3 stands @ 3pts = 9pts + Fabricio Zamudio @ 1pt.

600 Spanish Pikemen = 0.600 pts x 10 = 6pts = 2 stands @ 3pts = 6pts

400 Infantry Swordsmen ( Spanish: Roderleros): 0.400 x 10 = 4pts = 2 stands @  2 points.

18 cannon x 50 crew = 900 gunners = 0.900pts x 10 = 9pts = 8 guns @ 1pt + 1 General @ 1pt Pedro Navarro.

THE FRENCH ARMY: 8,750: 8.750pts x 10 = 88points r/u.

650 Men-At-Arms = 0.650pts x 10 = 7pts r/u = 2 stands of Heavy Cavalry @ 3pts + Louis d’Armagnac, Duke of Nemours  @ 1pt.

1,100 Light Stradiot Cavalry = 1.1pts x 10 = 11pts = 5 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts + Yves d,Alegro @ 1pt.

3.500 Swiss Pikemen = 3.5pts x 10 = 35 pts =

9 stands of Pikemen @ 3pts = 27pts.

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

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

+ 1 General Tabien de Chandieu @ 1pt.

3,200 French Infantry = 3.2 x 10 = 32pts =

8 stands of Pikemen @ 3pts = 24pts

4 stands of Infantry Crossbows @ 2pts = 8pts.

1 General, Gaspard de Coligny @ 1pt.

2 Guns x 50 crew = 100 gunners = 0.100pts x 10 = 1 stand of Light Artillery @ 1pt.

Note: No one is sure as to whether the French had any artillery present on the battlefield or not. I have allowed one cannon which is at the back of the French Infantry.

THE HISTORY:

This battle is recognised as a turning point in the development and use of firearms, and a major stepping stone in the erosion of Cavalry supremacy. Despite that, not much actual detail is known about the events of that day. Even the exact location of the site is unknown.

Apparently Cerignola is situated on an eminence west of the city of Barletta in the “heel” of Italy. The town was surrounded by a dry ditch. The whole town is surrounded by rolling countryside which to the north, opens out onto a plain which contains a Saltmarsh. ( These days sea salt is mined on an organised industrial scale). 

To the South and West it seems to be enclosed countryside which was prone to flooding in the wet season. I’ve included a ridge facing west. I’m assuming ( wrongly maybe ) that the rolling ground and bushes etc restricted the field of vision.

The French were moving in the standard formation of Advance Guard, Main Battle and Rearguard. When arraigned for battle the Heavy Cavalry Gendarmes ( Men-at Arms, the Nobility) of the Advance Guard would be in the position of Honour on the right.

When the French Army arrived there was some debate amongst the Senior Generals as to how best to attack. It was late afternoon and the weather was hot and dry. Some, including Nemours wanted to wait until the following day. 

However Seigneur de Chandieu, the Commander of the Swiss Infantry threatened to withdraw his men. Gradually, the discussion between the French Commanders became more and more heated ultimately exploding in accusations of Cowardice leveled at Nemours himself!!.

That settled the issue. Nemours in a state of anger and hubris mounted his Warhorse and made ready. When all was set the Duke signaled the advance. The Heavy Cavalry cantered forward, self assured that this time, they would sweep any Spanish away. 

 I have participated in a cavalry charge of sorts. A dozen horses in a line at full gallop. Even the horses get caught up in the excitement.

So, it seems the French Cavalry, both men and horses heavily armoured, kept rolling forward until they were bought to a juddering halt. In the first instance, by the trench in front of the Spanish position. Secondly, and for the first time, a massive cloud of lead shot punching holes in armour and bringing the glorious charge to bloody ruin. Instead of retreating, the French cavalry milled around trying to work their way to the right but the arquebus volleys kept bringing them down.

Nemours himself was killed when a musket ball hit him in the head. With the Commander dead and the failure of the Heavy Cavalry, the attack continued with the advance of first,  the Swiss of the Main Battle, then the French Infantry of the Rearguard.

Therefore there must have been topographical restrictions not only in front of the Spanish position but also at both ends forcing this frontal attack. Also, if the Cavalry had seen the trench they may have been able to halt the charge. 

The fact that they didn’t suggests to me that they were at “full throttle” before the trench was spotted. You need a lot of “ stopping distance” to slow a horse with an Adrenalin rush!!. Added to that is the “ letterbox effect” of the closed helmet visor reducing the field of vision ( and anger clouding judgement)

In my version I’ve included part of the saltmarsh at the northern end and difficult hill country to the south. Accounts that I have read seem to vary on how the battle progressed so I’ve used my own judgment on certain parts.

THE BATTLE.

Some special rules for refighting the battle;

* The French move first on the first Game-Turn.

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

* French stands cannot be fired upon until they are in the forward squares of the ridge.

* The Duke of Nemours must be in an adjacent square to a French Heavy Cavalry stand at all times. If a French Heavy Cavalry is removed, the Duke of Nemours is also removed.

* Any stand positioned in the Trench while engaged in Close Combat will have 2 points deducted from its Close Combat die.

* Spanish stands win any ties.

* Spanish musketeers get one extra point on their Firing die roll.

* the battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

VICTORY CONDITIONS;

By any stretch this is a tough call for the French Army and they can expect heavy casualties. Therefore, if the French can cause the loss of 10 stands from the Spanish army by the end of eight Game-Turns, the battle is classed as a draw.

CREDITS.

The figure illustrations were downloaded from Pete's Paperboys website [ The Renaissance range ]. i then had them printed out in A5.

I've enhanced the Heavy Cavalry blocks by putting the cocktail sticks into the block.

The 3ft [ 90cm ] x 2ft [60cm ] cloth is felt. The hills are made from the foamboard. The village is foamboard covered with illustrations printed from Pete's English Civil War book.

The Battle of Adwalton Moor: England: 30th June 1643.

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

 During 1643 and beyond, King Charles issued numerous Commissions for the raising of regiments of horse and foot. On paper the Royalists could raise some 60,000 men.

 In reality, the Royalists would be lucky to gather a third of that number,  the rest being scattered in garrisons all over the country. Regiments were no more than either company or troop strength.

However, at this time the Royalists were in the ascendancy. Parliamentary Generals could not work as a unified Command, with each County Association jealously guarding against amalgamation. The “ New Model Army” was still in the future.

Taking advantage of the confusion within the enemies ranks, Queen Henrietta, having recently returned from the Continent, left York with a large convoy of weapons and material destined for Oxford.

This convoy, also had 3,000 foot, 30 companies of horse and dragoons along with 6 cannon and two mortars. The whole being escorted by the Duke of Newcastle.

After arriving at Newark and making sure the Queen and the supplies were secure, the Earl set out with his force to find the local Parliamentary army and destroy it thereby securing the North of England for the King.

To that end, Newcastle set out toward Bradford. He didn’t know that the Parliamentary forces under Fairfax were heading toward his army also intent on battle.

At Adwalton Moor, the advance guards of both armies accidentally ran into each other and had their first clash on Wisket Hill, with the Royalists giving way. During this skirmish, the main Royalist army drew up to the South-east at Hunger Hill. As the Royalist skirmishers took up their positions with the main army, the Parliamentary forces advanced into the enclosed area to the North-west of the Royalist position. As the Royalist cannon belched out their welcome, battle was joined………

THE PARLIAMENTARY ARMY: 3,500 Infantry and 500 Cavalry.

4,000 = 4pts x 10 = 40pts.

C-in-C Ferdinando Fairfax Senior @1pt.

Thomas Fairfax  @ 1pt

John Gifford @ 1pt.

2 stands of Light Foot Artillery @ 1pt equals 2pts.

9 stands of  Muskets @ 2pts = 18pts.

3 stands of  Pikemen @ 3pts = 9ps.

3 stands of Clubmen @ 1pt =3 points.

2 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts = 4pts.

1 stand of Dragoons. @ 1pt.

Note: the Clubmen do not carry firearms relying instead on a wooden club or quarter-staff. I repainted some pikemen and glued a shortened cocktail stick to the illustrations.

THE ROYALIST ARMY: 10,000 = 10pts x 10 = 100 pts.

C-in-C William Cavendish, Earl of Newcastle @ 1pt.

Sir Henry Slingsby @ 1pt.

Colonel Kirton  @ 1pt.

5,000 Cavalry = 5pts x 10 = 50pts.

5.000 Infantry = 5pts x 10 = 50pts.

8 stands of Pikemen @ 3pts = 24pts.

10 stands of Muskets @ 2pts = 20pts

16 stands of Cavalry @ 3pts = 48pts.

2 stands of Dragoons @ 1pt equals 2points.

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

SPECIAL RULES.

* Both sides throw dice to determine who has the Initiative Point as per the basic rules.

* Royalist Musketeers deduct 1pt from all firing die rolls.

* All musketeers on both sides deduct 1pt from each die roll when firing on a target behind a hedge.

* When a stand moves into the trench it must stop moving. It can be moved at the start of the next Game-Turn.

* Cavalry cannot jump over hedgerow.

* The Cavalry and Pikemen can only move through the face of a square not a diagonal.

* The Musketeers, Mounted and Dismounted Dragoons can move in any direction.

* Infantry can push through Hedgerow but, can only be moved one square when doing so.

* Both sides cannot move any stands over, or through the squares containing the coal pits.

* There is no mention of cannon being moved during the battle so the cannon of both sides are static.

* If Cavalry attack any enemy Infantry stands positioned in the Trench, the Cavalry do not get the three points for attacking Infantry in the open.

* Any opposed Infantry in Close Combat across the hedge: use the rules regarding”Trench”.

VICTORY CONDITIONS:

* The Game is played for eight Game-Turns.

* The Royalists win if they can push all the Parliamentary stands from the enclosures toward Wisket Hill either before/ or by, the end of Game-Turn 8.

* The Parliamentary Army wins if it can hold its position in the enclosures for the Eight Game-Turns.

THE HISTORY:

When the Parliamentary troops initially encountered the Royalist advance guard on Wisket Hill, they managed to push them back across the Moor. It was said that the Royalist musket fire was “ a bit light”

I’m assuming that either the Royalists didn’t have enough powder, not trained enough with their weapons, or had a mixture of weapons. Possibly all three. The great Royal Arsenal of Hull fell to Parliamentary forces quite early in the war.

At this time Parliamentry infantry had better access to weapons so they could maintain two Muskets to every pikemen. The Royalists struggled to maintain their armies therefore the ratio was roughly 50/50

When Fairfax Senior saw the preponderance of Royalist Cavalry, this may have been the reason he ordered a rapid advance into the enclosures.

In modern times the battlefield is being slowly encroached upon by housing estates. The commentator at the time talked of a ditch that extended across the battlefield although there is no trace of it now.

The Royalist Cavalry had a real problem trying to break into, and move around the Parliamentarian position. The fighting was very intense

The actual history of the battle is very sparse and apparently has not received much attention. The historians are not sure even if this is the actual site of the battle. However in recent times, the battle and its effects on the War are being reappraised.

CREDITS:

Once again, the figures used were the Paper Soldiers of Peter Dennis ( Trademark Peter Dennis.) sold by Helion and Co.

The village of Adwalton is foamboard with illustrations stuck on. The hedgerow is pieces of panscrubber stuck on card.

The hills were made from foamboard with thin card overlay.

The flags were homemade from cocktail sticks and labels. The cannon were also scratchbuilt using card, plastic tubing from paint brushes and buttons.

Battle of Kernstown, Frederick County Virginia: March 23rd 1862

 This article is my personal interpretation of this battle. Any mistakes are my own. The numbers I’ve assigned to formations within each army are my own conclusions.

The artillery positions are my own” guesstimate “. Apart from Chew,s Battery I have little information of which battery went where.

In the early part of 1862, the Union General James Shields was tasked with restricting the movements of the Confederate Army in the Shenandoah Valley. The Valley was a major supply area for the Confederate army.

The Union General George B. McClellan had been busy pestering President Lincoln that he didn’t have enough troops in his Army of the Potomac to take on the Confederate army covering Richmond ( He already had twice as many men as the Confederates on that area).

To placate McClellan, Lincoln requested General Shields to send two of his three Divisions. When these troops assembled and moved out of Winchester, the local Southern inhabitants sent messages to the Confederate Army that the Union Corps were vacating the area.

The man tasked with defending The Valley, Major-General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, got his army marching North on receipt of the news. In advance of Jackson’s force was Colonel Turner Ashby with the 7th Virginia Cavalry accompanied by Chew,s Light Horse Artillery battery.

Moving toward Winchester, Ashby was surprised to run up against a sizable force of Union Cavalry. After a brief and intense skirmish, Ashby realised what he was up against and promptly retreated back to Kernstown. The results of  this encounter were passed to Jackson.

During this brief battle, the Union Commander Shields was badly wounded and command of the Division passed to Colonel Nathan Kimball of the 1st Brigade. As Ashby and his Cavalry were fighting a running battle with Sullivans Brigade leading back to Kernstown, Jackson’s main army reached the same place.

Kimball, realising he was facing Jackson’s army, decided to place his own Brigade on Pritchard’s Hill to the west of the main Valley Road. Sullivan was to the east, once again skirmishing with Ashby’s Cavalry. Ashby had been reinforced with six companies of infantry.

Tyler’s Division was the reserve. Kimball also had the services of a Brigade of Cavalry under Colonel Thornton F. Brodhead, but apart from patrolling the area this cavalry were not used.

Jackson decided to attack immediately, but very quickly realised  the Union troops were present in greater strength. Jackson decided to try and flank the Union position on Pritchards Hill by moving further west on to Sandy Ridge.

Kimball realised Jackson’s intentions and sent Tyler and his 3rd Brigade in the same direction. When one of Jackson’s Aides pointed out the Union strength, Jackson replied “we are in for it!”. 

With his small army strung out in a wide arc at the mercy of a strong Union presence he knew he’d have to move fast……

THE UNION ARMY:

1st Division 5th Corps; Army of the Potomac;

7,300 = 7.300pts x 6 = 43.8 or 44 points r/u.

Brigadier-General James Shields ( wounded ).

1st BRIGADE: Col Nathan Kimball @ 1pt.

14th Indiana Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

4th Ohio Infantry (400) 1 stand  @ 2pts.

8th Ohio Infantry (400) 2 stands @ 1pt = 2pts.

67th Ohio Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2 points.

84th  Pennsylvania Infantry (400) @ 2points.

2nd BRIGADE: Col Jeremiah Sullivan @ 1pt.

5th Ohio Infantry (300) 2 stands @ 1pt =2pts 

39th Illinois Infantry (300) 1 stand @ 1pt.

13th Indiana Infantry (300) 1 stand @ 2pts.

62nd Ohio Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

3rd BRIGADE: Col Erasmus Tyler @ 1pt.

7th Indiana Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

7th Ohio Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

29th Ohio Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

110th Pennsylvania Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

1st West Virginia Infantry (400) 1 stand @ 2pts.

THE UNION CAVALRY BRIGADE:

( Not used in this battle but included for completion.)

Colonel Thorton F. Brodhead @  1 point.

1st Michigan Cavalry (200) 1 stand @ 1pt.

1st Ohio Cavalry (200) 1 stand  @ 1pt.

Ringolds Pennsylvania Cavalry (200) 1 stand @ 1pt.

1st West Virginia Cavalry (200) 1 stand @ 1pt.

1st Maryland Potomac Home Cavalry ( 200) 1 stand @ 1pt.

ARTILLERY:

Battery H: 1st Ohio: 1 stand of  Horse Artillery @ 1pt.

Battery L: 1st Ohio: 1 stand of  Horse Artillery @ 1pt.

Battery E: 4th U.S. Heavy Foot Artillery: 1 stand @ 2points.

Battery A: West Virginia Light Foot Artillery: 1 stand @ 1pt.

Battery B: West Virginia Light Foot Artillery: 1 stand @ 1pt.

( 4 guns per battery x 5 = 20 guns x 50 gunners = 1000 gunners = 1pt x 6 = 6pts of guns.

CONFEDERATE FORCES.

VALLEY DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA: 4,150 = 4.150 pts x 6 = 24.9 or 25pts r/u.

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson @ 1point.

THE STONEWALL BRIGADE:

Brigadier-General Richard B. Garnet @ 1 point.

2nd Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

4th Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

5th Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

27th Virginia Infantry ( 250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

33rd Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

2nd BRIGADE: Colonel Jesse S. Burks @ 1pt.

21st Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

42nd Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

48th Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

1st Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1pt.

Hampden Virginia Light Foot Artillery (3 guns) 1 stand @ 1pt.

3rd BRIGADE: Colonel Samual V. Fulkerston @ 1pt.

23rd Virginia Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1 point.

37th Virginian Infantry (250): 1 stand @ 1 point.

ARTILLERY:

Rockbridge Light Foot Artillery (4 guns) = 1 stand @ 1pt.

Carpenter’s Virginia Light Foot Artillery (4 guns)= 1 stand @ 1pt.

West Augusta Light Foot Artillery (3 guns) = 1 stand @ 1pt.

Danville Light Foot Artillery ( 3 guns ) = 1 stand @ 1pt.

CAVALRY:

Commander Turner Ashby @ 1pt.

7th Virginia Cavalry (250) = 2 stands @ 1point.

Chews Light Horse Artillery (3 guns) = 1 stand @ 1 point.

Infantry Skirmishers = 1 stand @ 1 point.

Note: 20 guns x 50 gunners = 1,000 gunners = 1.000pts x 6 = 6 points of artillery.

 

BATTLENOTES:

* The Confederates move first on the first Game-Turn. From Game-Turn 2 onwards both sides throw a dice to see who moves first.

* The Confederates on the left flank will not advance beyond the wall.

* The Confederates retain the Initiative Point for the entire Game, which will end after Eight Game-Turns. However, the Union army wins any tied results.

*  At the end of eight Game-Turns:

  The Union army wins if it looses less stands than the Confederates, and/or pushes the Confederates at least one square away from the wall or gains the right flank by causing Ashby to retreat.

The Confederate army gets a draw if they have lost less stands than the Union army and/or still holds the wall at the end of the 8th Game-Turn.

* THE TREES.

These block line-of-sight. Stands cannot move onto any square containing a tree. Stands cannot be moved over or through any square containing a tree. Stands cannot fire through the trees.

* THE BRUSHLINE.

The Confederates behind “ The Brushline” were vaguely visible to Turnballs troops on Pritchards Hill, therefore:

Any Union stand firing through the brushline at Confederate stands must deduct 1 point from each Firing Die.

* THE RIVERS:

 Opequon Creek can only be crossed by the bridges. Hoge’s Run ( also known as Hogg’s Run and Hoke,s Run.) can be crossed by troops as normal. Troops can fire while standing in the Run. ( In the historical battle it doesn’t seem to have impaired movement etc.)

THE SNAKEFENCE: can only be crossed by Infantry.

HISTORICAL NOTES:

Jackson was caught out by the strength of the Union forces, at one stage uttering the words “ we are in for it!”.

However realising the position he was in he moved quickly. Initially starting the attack against Kimball he moved his brigades left in order to outflank the Union troops on Pritchards Hill.

Kimball ordered Tyler to move onto Sandy Ridge to forestall any flanking moves by the Confederates and to attack any of their positions in that area.

In fact the Confederates held their own, especially at the wall. The Confederates under Garnet and Folkerston reached this defensive point before the Union soldiers.

By the end of the day, the Confederates were starting to retreat through lack of ammunition . Garnet seeing what was happening with his brigade started pulling his men back. The battle became a confused affair for both sides as units and formations became entangled with each other.

Jackson was beside himself, angry with Garnets action. Moving to the west he asked a retreating infantryman why he was going. He said it’s because he had run out of ammunition. In asking why he didn’t use the bayonet the man kept going.

The Union troops fought hard, however it seems that Kimball was hesitant and  followed Jackson’s movements. When the Confederates started retreating, Kimball did not order a pursuit. The awarding of the Initiative Point staying with the Confederates is to reflect this.

The Confederates retreated through lack of ammunition so they might have won this battle. However I’ve allowed for a draw for the Confederates. As always with all the blogs, history is yours to do with as you wish.

CREDITS:

The majority of the figures used were Miniature Figurines and Peter Pig along with a few Essex Miniatures. The flags are Peter Pig.

The buildings are from Peter Pig. Most of the trees are from Guagemaster. Some are of unknown provenance. The roads and rivers are of thin card. The 10mm snake fence I cannot remember. The hills are a mixture of Brian from Essex Miniatures and homemade from cork tiles.

All the bridges are scratchbuilt. The “ brushline” is made from pan scrubbers and cardboard.

The tents are scratchbuilt. The hedge sections are from Pendraken Miniatures and the wall from Alternative Armies(?).

The round 40mm MDF bases are from Minibits and the square 40mm bases are cut from picture-framing cardboard.

The 3foot (90cm) x 2foot (60cm) cloth with the 2” (50mm) squares printed on was a custom mat from Deep Cut Studios.

Sometimes when playing these games, I get a moment when I have to check line of sight so I use this Army Painter Target Lock Laser Line to check it. A very handy tool to have….

The Battle of Downham Station; Norfolk; England February 5th 1871. [ Fictional ].

 This article is a work of historical fiction and is my personal interpretation of this era. Any mistakes are my own.

In the early hours of February 5th 1871,  a thick fog had formed covering the coastal waters of the east coast of middle England.  Steaming slowly through this gloom, on patrol, was the Armoured Corvette " PALLAS".

As the  Corvette steamed slowly through the calm waters, a Duty Lookout on the bridge spotted lights in the gloom. The Captain ordered a course change to intercept  those lights that were not expected. As the Pallas drew near, French Tricolours were spotted.

On being hailed a French voice replied in broken English that "echapper ....impoundment"!! .. The Captain and his Officers decided that the ships must have escaped impoundment by the Prussians. The Fleet sailed on. A signal was sent to the Coastguard station at Great Yarmouth.

The Harbourmaster at Kings Lynn watched the ships drop anchor as the sun rose and the fog lifted. Dockworkers and civilians watched in puzzlement as boats were launched into the water and troops were seen scaling down the sides of the ships.

As the boats came to the docks people thought they were French. The troops formed up on the dockside and gutteral voices issued commands. As people turned away, shots rang out  and these same soldiers held civilians. This broke the spell, people started shouting, screaming and running from the docks.

.

The Harbourmaster immediately ran for the Telegraph Office, hundreds of civilians were streaming away from Kings Lynn.

Meanwhile, senior Prussian officers were sending engineers and men to the railway yards to commandeer a train. Companies were sent forward to find horses. At the same time, troops of the Seebattalione were being sent toward the royal estate of Sandringham.

Within the hour,  Units of the Prussian 10th Armeekorp were on the train steaming toward Cambridge. Meanwhile there was shock and consternation at London and Windsor. At first, there was disbelief.! An Invasion! By Prussians!. As realization set in orders were swiftly transmitted. All available Militia and Military personnel were to head toward Kings Lynn by any means possible and engage the enemy.!!

Soon, the troops of the Windsor Garrison were packed into trains and Goods Waggons heading North. Meanwhile, The County Militia of Norfolk were scrambling in the same direction.

Eventually word spread along the Telegraph that the enemy were heading south toward Cambridge. It was decided that the enemy should be met at Downham Station…

BRITISH HOME DIVISION [ A scratch force ].

Acting C-in-C ; General Henry Abadie  @ 1 point.

General Evelyn Barker  @ 1 point.

General Edmond Wavery  @ 1 point.

1 stand of Grenadier Guards @ 4 points.

3 stands of Regular Line Infantry @ 3 points = 9 points.

1 stand of Regular Horse Artillery @ 1 point.

1 stand of Cavalry [ 6th Dragoons ] @ 2 points.

2 stands of Militia Horse Artillery @ 1 point = 2 points.

8 stands of Militia Infantry  @ 2 points  = 16 points.

[ personal weapons include the Beaumont-Adams revolver and the Snyder-Enfield Rifle.]

PRUSSIAN 10TH ARMEEKORPS.

Commanding: General Der Infantrie, Konstantin Bernhardt Von Voights-Rhetz @ 2 points.

19th INFANTRY  DIVISION;

Generaleutnant Emil Von Schwatzkoppen. @ 1 point.

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

1 stand of Dragoon Cavalry @ 2 points.

1 stand of Light Foot Artillery  @1 point.

20th INFANTRY DIVISION:

Generalmajor Alexander Von Kraatz-Koschau @ 1 point.

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

1 stand of Hanovarian Jaegers  @ 2 points.

1 stand of Dragoon Cavalry  @  2 points.

1 stand of Light Foot Artillery.  @  1 point.

CORPS ARTILLERY; Oberst Moritz Van Der Goltz.@ 1 point.

1 stand of infantry Artillery Guard  @ 1 point.

1 stand of Heavy Foot Artillery  @ 2 points.

1 stand of Horse Artillery  @ 1 point.

[ Catchment area for the 9th and 10th Armeekorps;  Province of Hanover, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, and Dutchy of Brunswick.]

SCENARIO RULES:

* The Prussians move first on the first Game-Turn and have the Initiative Point.

* From Game-Turns 2 to 8, each side throws a 12 sided die to see who Moves first and has the Initiative Point.

* Both sides are using Rifled Muskets and Artillery.

* The game is played for 8 Game-Turns, the Winner being the player who looses the lower number of stands.

THE BACKGROUND OF THE GAME:

In 2023 The Wargames Association of Reading ran their annual “ Warfare”event at Farnborough. Their theme was the 110th Anniversary of H.G. Wells. They requested games with a Victorian theme ( like “ The battle of Dorking”)

I worked out a Participation game with the Prussians and British, along with a  basic back story. I did some historical checking, to bind into the scenario.

However, at the last minute, my buddy got a call from the hospital for some long overdue surgery. Forward to 2024 and I received an invitation from The Newbury and Reading Wargames Association to put on Participation game at “ Colours”, their event at Newbury Racecourse.

This we did and it was a brilliant day, with lots of interest and people playing. We also managed to stage the same game at Warfare 2024, thanks to the club finding us a space.

I must admit, I really enjoyed setting up this scenario. In Medieval times The Hanseatic League had traded goods at Kings Lynn therefore I assumed the Prussian High Command would have information on the harbour area. Similarly the 10th Armeekorp had their Cantonment around Bremerhaven. That’s how I chose Kings Lynn for The Prussian raid-in-force.

THE TRAIN;

This was for the most part scratchbuilt, the “ Dajeeling ” engine body came from MPRO on Etsy, a Narrow Guage engine. I filled in the gaps in the body with plastic straws and cardboard.

I then filled in the bottom with picture framing cardboard. I then glued on a set of wheels from Peter Pig. The company does sets of wheels either Half round ( for armoured trains ) or full round for railway carriages.

 

I put some American Civil War railway figures ( Peter Pig 15mm) in the Engine before I put the roof on. 

The carriages were scratch built. I used the Peter Pig Flatcar and built the body using plasticard.

The railway line was purchased from Ironclad Miniatures. The station was a 15mm model kit from Kestrel and purchased online from Amazon.

Most of the buildings that make up Downham were from Total Battles Miniatures 15mm Black Powder range. Most were purchased as painted but two were painted by myself. Three of the larger houses were purchased from a Bring and Buy and repainted. The barn next to the station is from Peter Pig.

The scenery sections including the roads were made from picture-framing cardboard and Bluetack.  The hedgerow came from Pendraken Miniatures. The fences were scratchbuilt from matchsticks. The tents are scratchbuilt from cardboard.

All the figures came from Irregular Miniatures. The flags are from Pendraken Miniatures.

THE HISTORY;

During the 19th century, authors wrote novels by way of a warning to the Government of the day. Their concern centred around the paucity of Regular Troops within Great Britain. There were only 7,000 Regulars available. The vast majority of the troops were serving in British Dominions overseas. The Government relied on the Home Fleet to protect Britain.

Because of this situation every County was issued a License to raise Militia Battalions. There appears to be some standardization of uniform, the majority being either gray with red turnbacks, cuffs and trouser seams, or, Rifle green with red or black turnbacks cuffs and seams. They carried the standard rifle.

The Yoeman cavalry came from more well off Landowners and they paid for their own horses and equipment. Obviously there were very few of this group.

The Militia Artillery were well trained. Their uniform was based on the Royal Artillery uniform with County variations.

The Regular troops which were available wore the standard British Infantry uniform with shako. However the Home Service uniform was gradually being introduced. This was still a red jacket with grey trousers, however the Prussian helmet came in, dark blue with a brass spike and trousers tucked into boots.

The Grenadier Guards still wore the bearskin.

At that time, just after the Franco-Prussian War, the Kaiser was asked by a British journalist if he would invade Britain. The Kaiser replied he would not. However British Diplomacy depended on maintaining the Balance of Power in Europe. Supporting side A against B, then supporting side B when A got too strong.

 Prior to the Franco- Prussian War, Germany had been a patchwork quilt of small states which had been manipulated by either France or Britain according to political necessity. 

Under the Kaiser and, after a brief Civil War, Germany had become a unified  country in the heart of Europe. The Prussians had previously defeated Austria in seven weeks settling the issue as to who would be the dominant force within the old Holy Roman Empire. Germany had arrived on the world stage.

This situation turned the previous Political order, which had lasted some two hundred years, upside down. With the shock defeat of France, Britain now had a new powerful political adversary to deal with…..

( note: the picture above shows the 9th and 10th Armeekorp. The 9th has quite a few Essex Miniatures figures in it. I originally did the 10th then decided to add another” corps”….as you do!..).

Table Top Battles 2nd Edition; The Addendum. 2025.

When I wrote Table Top Battles, I was quite happy with the result. As I,ve been writing the blogs, I,ve been adding extra rules either for general use or specific to a particular battle.

 I also made a couple of mistakes in that the TURN RECORD SHEET and the ROSTER SHEET could not be downloaded. The Map of ITALY had a number of inaccuracies that happened during my first attempt.

 This ADDENDUM is a round up of all the extra instructions that have appeared in the blogs, plus a rectification of those glitches. This is a free download and print out.

I,d like to stress that this IS NOT THE COMPLETE RULEBOOK.

To get the print-out, go to the HOME PAGE. On the right hand side of the screen go to the box entitled" ABOUT ME". At the bottom of that column is the prompt for the print out.

Just click on that to get the file. Obviously, the quality of the print-out depends on the printer being used ( mine is not brilliant). However all the information will be in one place.