5 Oct 2009 Scenario 37: Night Attack - 2

This game was played solo using 40mm 19thC Fictional armies and Hearts of Tin rules.

After Blue's successful raid (see scenario 35) a full scale invasion was launched. General Turner was tasked with holding them at Long Ridge. Near dawn on the 5th of October, alert sentries reported the sound of moving troops and the army was turned out. The Buffs occupied Sutherton with the Tigers and 'A' Battery on their right. The York Volunteers occupied Norville with the Fencibles to their left and the 41st Foot in reserve. As the morning mist lifted the enemy could be seen approaching, dragoons and the Oberhilse field force to the south east, volunteers and regulars to the south west.

Realizing the futility of opposing a division with a single regiment of lancers, Larsen's Horse were called back and the brigade concentrated behind the center while the 41st foot and Fencibles were hastened to form a defensive line to the east of Sutherton.

Across the field, General Ross regarded the mess of woods and villages in front of the Dragoon brigade and ordered them to the opposite flank. General Tabor, in command, was a capable officer but never one to hurry and the battle was well joined before he completed the move. General Zinn, however, had the bit between his teeth and without giving the artillery time to fire more than a token shot, rushed his brigade forward. A series of fierce fire fights resulted in the Red infantry being slowly forced back over the course of the day, all the way to Norville.

In the center, the Oberhilse regulars rushed forward to attack Sutherton, supported by volunteer artillery and the Frontier Horse. Between the rapid and accurate fire of 'A' battery and the steady Red infantry, the supporting forces were shaken and thrown back to be followed by the bluecoats despite their initial success in seizing the outskirts of town. This was not without a cost however, and the remains of the 1st Brigade were unable to hold back the Volunteer brigade when it renewed the attack. By now the Dragoons had come up and they swept up the hill to be met by the lancers. After a bloody but indecisive melee, the remaining lancers fell back as the supporting Bodyguard charged in, shattering the dragoon brigade and driving them back. Before they could capitalize on their success though, the advancing volunteers unleashed a devastating volley into their flank and General Turner was forced to order a retreat