Welcome back to the After Action Report for Scenario 1, “The First Day” of The Gamer’s Civil War Brigade Series game Barren Victory. I didn’t really elaborate much in the first installment, but this AAR is taken from a face-to-face (FtF) game that I am currently playing with a buddy of mine, Terry. This is his second time playing CWBS; In fact the second time he has played a war game of any sort. He is several years younger than I am, and didn’t even know they existed. I’m excited about introducing him to the hobby, but even more excited about seeing the younger generation taking an interest in history; Specifically the American Civil War.
And now to continue on with our little battle…
Near the Chickamauga River on September 19th, 1963
USA 0900 –
After some minor skirmishing, Thomas and his 14th Corps decide that the rebels are holding too strong a position. Thomas was not expecting a full division of cavalry and 2 divisions of the Reserve Corps to be waiting at Jay’s Mill. Thomas attempts and gains initiative, issuing new orders to his Corps and they begin to pull out toward the East. Thomas has decided to pull back and join the Reserve Corps at Missionary Ridge.
14TH CORPS BEGINS TO WITHDRAW TOWARD THE EAST
Back at Lee & Gordon’s Mill, the 1st and 3rd Brigades of 21 Corps have survived the flank attack by Hindman’s H/P Brigade. They have regrouped and and are mounting a counter attack in an attempt to push Hindman back across the bridge or possibly even crush them all together.
1/21 and 3/21 TRY TO PUSH BACK THE H/P BRIGADE
CSA 0900 –
Hindman’s H/P Division are putting up a stiff fight at Lee and Gordon’s Mill, but at a cost. Manigault’s (M/P/H) and Anderson’s (A/P/H) Brigades suffer heavy losses and are wrecked.
2 OF HINDMAN’S BRIGADES ARE WRECKED BUT H/P FIGHTS ON
Meanwhile, Bragg attempts to get some of his other troops moving and into the action. All of Bragg’s Division and Corps commanders attempt to gain initiative, but fail. Fortunately for the Confederates, Bragg got on his horse early in the day and road to Hood’s HQ’s to deliver and order for the 1st Corps in person. Bragg’s order is accepted by Hood and the 1st Corps begins to move. Here is how the order reads:
Order #1 [0900] Bragg to Hood
“Advance 1st Corps to Roseville Road. Cut off and attempt to flank the Union 14th Corps near the McDonald House”
1st Corps collects their gear, unstacks arms and begins marching toward Roseville road. Despite the anxiety of the almost certain combat that awaits them, after listening the the growing roar of combat coming from the South near Lee and Gordon’s Mills, they are happy to be on the move. However, much to their surprise, they are moving North away from the sounds of battle. Is Bragg retreating? Are the Yanks rolling up our left flank and coming our way?
After reaching Roseville road, the Confederate 1st Corps has to stop and form up for battle because Wilder’s Brigade has taken up position with an artillery battery just East of the Roseville Road. Wilder’s Brigade is very formidable. They are armed with Spencer rifles and they are much more adept at infantry tactics than most Cavalry units.
HOOD’S 1st CORPS RUNS INTO WILDER’S MOUNTED BRIGADE
USA 0930 -Back at Lee and Gordon’s Mill, the Union 3rd Division of the 21st Corps attempts and gains initiative to change it’s orders to defend the roads East of the Chickamauga. This leaves only the 1st and 2nd Divisions to repulse the attack of the now crippled Confederate H/P Division. The fighting continues on that front. M/H/P is routed and forced to retreat back 3 hexes. With the river to the West and the map edge behind them, M/H/P is forced off the map edge. The remaining strength points of the division are marked off as stragglers and they are placed in the Dead Pool; Out of the action for now.
Granger’s Reserve Corps begin moving away from Missionary Ridge and start moving West, back towards the Roseville Road. It appears that they are looking to intercept Hood’s Division en route.
CSA 0930 -At Jay’s Mill, Forrest’s F-Cav attempts and gains initiative. Much to the releaf of Forrest, he is now able to mount up and move out. After seeing Thomas’ 14th Corps suddenly pull out, the agressive Forrest is anxious to get back into the fray. Here is how the order reads:
Order #5 [0930] Forrest to F-Cav (initiative)
” Move F-Cav East to the Bacon House and attempt to prevent 14th Corps from falling back to Missionary Ridge”
Forrest’s cavalry troups mount up and begin to chase after Thomas’ 14th Corps.
Coming Up Next… 10:00 am!
