While historically he battle was very one sided we set up the scenario and the victory conditions to make conditional victory a possibility for either side.
The Hessians are greatly outnumbered and head to head battle will not go well for them. Their objective is to preserve their force in the face of overwhelming odd by retreating at least two Battalions across the Assunpink and exit the board.
The Americans are tasked with preventing their escape and routing/capturing at least two Hessian Battalions.
The American OoB:
General Washington-Commander in Chief
Green's Division- General Green
Stephen's Brigade
Stirling's Brigade
Mercer's Brigade
Fermoy's Brigade
Sullivan's Division-General Sullivan
St Claire's Brigade
Glover's Brigade
Sargeant's Brigade
Hamilton's Artillery-Captain Hamilton
3 Gun Sections
Hessian OoB;
Colonel Rall-Commander in Chief
Rall's Grenadiers
Von Losberg Regiment
Von Knyphausen Regiment
2 Lt Artillery sections
Dragoons detachment
Jagers
Reference for OoB:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_battle_of_the_Battle_of_Trenton
I also used another blog to help with troop positions:
http://altefritz.blogspot.com/2015/01/trenton-as-wargame.html?m=1
Initial Deployments |
American;s Advance on Trenton |
Others Special rules.
Heavy Snow-All movement is cut in half. Infantry 6" Cavalry 9" and Commanders 27" Commanders still have a 12" command radius.
First Fire/Wet Powder-American infantry all get first fire, but they must make a wet powder check. the first time they are in range and attempt to fire roll a D6, on a result of 4-6 fire as normal with the bonus. On a 1-3 they cannot fire that turn and lose the first fire bonus.
Jagers/Split Unit- The Jagers start as two sections guarding the roads. The fire and melee value is halved until they reunite.
Deployment:
Hessians;
Hessian Grenadiers are formed within 12" of center of town
Jagers form two units guarding the roads
All other units will form within 6" of the center of town when they activate
Americans;
Artillery and Fermoy's Brigade form to North
Greens and Sullivan's Division are along the roads approaching Trenton
Sargeant's Brigade is detached north of the river on the far side of town and function as marauders.
American Artillery and Fermoy's Brigade deployed |
The scenario played well and was done in under three hours.
The Hessians all formed on turn two with the exception of the two infantry units which did not arrive until turn three.
The Americans formed lines and confronted the Jagers driving them back. The Grenadiers maintained good order taking up position behind stone walls and facing Hamilton and Fermoy allowing the other Hessians to form.
Grenadiers deploy to slow the American advance |
The Hessian guns dragoons and helped to delay the American advance. The Jagers were overcome and routed though just as the Hessian infantry began to form.
Hessian guns manned and deploy to face the onslaught |
Jagers Break in the face of the advance |
Sargeant's Brigade advances to secure the bridge, but eventually breaks under fire |
Unfortunately, there were just too many Americans and they were able to disorder the Hessian units at key times preventing them from taking advantage of the opening and allowing the Americans to get in close. In addition, Rall missed critical order test leaving a unit in critically exposed in march column which the Americans took advantage.
Hamilton's guns pour into the Grenadiers |
After Mounting a stalwart defense the Grenadiers finally break |
The best part was being able to play it out on the actual anniversary of the battle.
Great AAR, and scenario. I will try this myself soon!
ReplyDeleteI have the unit label with stats in excel if someone needs them.
ReplyDeleteNice game report and scenario design.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your input on TMP
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