26 May 2009. Scenario 25. Chance Encounter 1

This game was played solo using 40mm fictional armies and Hearts of Tin.

A foggy grey morning on the banks of the St Croix finds the advance guards of the opposing armies groping their way towards the bridge at Victoriaville to secure crossings for the upcoming campaign season. The Frontier Horse are obviously better scouts that Larsen’s Lancers and have found their way to the outskirts of town by the time the mist lifts to reveal the enemy just marching onto the field.

Seizing the initiative, General Ross ordered the Frontier Horse and 1st Dragoons to cross over and hold back the approaching enemy. The 1st foot was ordered to follow and seize Victoriaville. The 2nd infantry deployed to hold the center and support Battery B which unlimbered and opened fire on the dense red masses across the river. In the rear, the 3rd Infantry and Grey Volunteers were ordered to cross over the old bridge to seize Stone Farm.

Across the river, General Turner, finding himself humbugged, sent the Lancers and the Director General’s Bodyguards forward to see off the Blue cavalry and ordered the Buffs and Tigers to deploy, drive off the enemy infantry and seize the Old Bridge. He ordered the Victoria Rifles and FTC Horse Artillery Rocket Battery to drive off the enemy artillery and the Fencibles to support the cavalry.

At first everything seemed to be going Blue’s way, they seized both objectives on the 1st turn and the Frontier Horse not only repulsed the lancers but followed up, driving them back and pursuing into the Bodyguard who are forced back as well. The day was not over though and the Bodyguard rallied in time to meet the Dragoons. After a fierce melee, the Bodyguard was forced to retire behind the Fencible's square but Blue’s cavalry brigade had also suffered 50% losses and had to pull back. In the center, the rockets found the range and a hail of rifle and rocket fire devastated Battery B. By the old bridge, while the 3rd infantry and the Tigers hammered each other with close range musket volleys, the Buffs came forward and smashed into the Volunteers driving them pell mell back across the bridge. Two thirds of Blue’s Brigades were now shaken and General Ross decided to pull back and regroup. (ie he failed his General Morale Test)