War of 1812 - Aldridge's Barn Raid

The Yankees are building a new naval vessel on the lake and much needed fittings are being brought up by wagon, from the South. Unfortunately one of these wagons has suffered a broken axle and needs to be repaired. Even more unfortunately, damned Brits appear to have found out about this and the location of the fittings! Damn spies! The ships fittings have been unloaded into a barn of a farm, while the cart is being repaired.

The British objective is to burn the barn containing the ship’s fittings (a Task of 11). It is assumed that all attacking units are equipped with lighting implements and spirits. The aim of the US forces is to stop them and secure the Barn, and drive off the British.

 

The British managed to get their moveable deployment point advanced quite far, much to the disappointment of the American players. From there the Indians deployed behind the house, looking to sprint across the road to torch the barn.

However, the Americans arrived in force…

and their column quickly advanced along the road, cutting off the Indians from the barn.

The British started to form line under harassing fire from the American light infantry, with their column rapidly advancing towards the British. However, they were now taking casualties from the Indians.

The British, opened fire with a devastating volley and along with the Indian harassing fire caused the head of the American column to break.

The British, now having formed line were having the better of the firefight with the American lights although casualties were still being taken.

The remainder of the American column pulled back and formed line but the Indian blood was up and they continued their harassing fire into the flank.

The last of the American column was holding out, just, but was up against the British line and some scouts. Things were looking desperate, with the American militia arriving to attempt to drive off the pesky Indians.

However, the British line now wheeled and with a final volley routed the last on the American light infantry from the field, breaking their morale.

A fairly decisive game with the skirmish troops having the better fight. It was agreed that the American column had advanced too far, resulting in the Indians being able to fire into their flank. Although, it is likely that the Indians would still have moved to get behind them.