Barren Victory, Scenario 1 “The First Day” – Session 3

Well if you are following the battle thus far, you are getting a treat.  The fighting has been concentrated in the area of Lee and Gordon’s Mill for the most part.  Elements of Crittenden’s 21st Corps have beaten back the lone assault by Hindman’s H/P Brigade. 

Thomas and the 14th Corps have pulled out of the area around Jay’s Mill and are falling back to Roseville Road with orders to link up with the Union Reserve Corps. 

On the Confederate side, Hood, who initially had no orders, accepted orders from Bragg and is currently marching North on the Roseville Road with orders to cut off Thomas and his 14th Corps. 

Forrest was able to gain initiative for F-Cav and is now riding full speed towards Missionary Ridge with orders to intercept Thomas as well.  The Confederates are hoping to catch the Union 14th Corps from two sides and crush them in a vise.

And now we continue with session 3 -

USA 10:00 am -

Granger’s Reserve Corps rolls for initiative and issues orders to advance West away from its defensive position at Missionary Ridge in an attempt to block F-Cav from flanking Thomas who has been marching North on the Roseville Road. 

One Division of Crittenden’s 21st Corps is still fighting it out with Hindmen’s remaining two brigades near the bridge at Lee’s Mill.  They have managed to severely cripple the rebels and are attempting to finish them off.  But at a cost;  1/21 Division is wrecked with one brigade routed and another pushed back out of the fight.

Meanwhile, along the Roseville Road, Wilder’s “Mounted Infantry” have attacked Hoods Division, interrupting their march to cut off Thomas.  This is more of a delaying tactic and although Wilder gets pushed back from the initial defensive fire of Hood’s 1st Corps, the tactic works; Buying time for Thomas to prepare for F-Cav coming in from the East.

WILDER IS PUSHED BACK BUT DELAYS HOOD’S 1ST CORPS

CSA 10:00 am -

Seizing a great opportunity, and in his typical aggressive, dashing style, Forrest overruns the Union Reserve Headquarters.  This triggers an emergency corps retreat for the Reserve Corps.  Those familiar with CWBS game rules know that this is not a great situation for the Union.  Not only does the HQ have to move back 6-12 movement points, but all the other units in the Corps must conduct straggler checks and move back far enough to stay in command radius.  Fortunately for the Union, the terrain is so hilly and wooded in this area, that 6 movement points may only be a hex or two.  Regardless the retreating HQ is now considered without orders and defending in place.  This manouver seriously hampers the Union strategy in this corner of the map.  Having read of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s real-life exploits, it’s cool to see it happen in a game.

Stewart’s Division of Buckner’s Corps rolls for initiative and after attempting to gain initiative every turn in the game, finally succeeds.  Seeing an opportunity at Lee and Gordon’s Mill after one Division of 21st Corps pulls out of the fight with H/P Brigade, Stewart issues the following order to his Division:

Order #5 [10:00 am] Initiative, Stewart

“Move S/B Division to Lafayette Road and attack the 21st Corps at Lee’s Mill”

With that order S/B Division move out and begin to move toward Lafayette Road as the sounds of battle start getting louder and louder as they approach Lee’s Mill.  Little do they know at this point, that they have the very rare opportunity to assault the rear of a Union Division.  With the remnants of a Brigade of Hindman’s Division in front of them and the Chickamauga to their left, the 21st Corps will face a very real chance of getting decimated.

USA 10:30 am -

After having their HQ overrun by “that devil” Forrest, the Union Reserve Corps is forced to retreat, taking with it a few of it’s brigades in order to remain in command radius.  Fortunately for the Reserve Corps, Wilder was able to delay Hood’s Corps on the Rosseville Road near Snodgrass Hill.  This buys enough time for Thomas’ 14th Corps to close in on Forrest.  It looks like Forrest’s gamble may prove to be fatal.  In an attempt to put the 14th Corps in a vice, Forrest himself ends up in a vice.

14TH CORPS CLOSES IN ON FORREST, TRAPPING HIM IN A VICE

CSA 10:30 am -

Near Missionary Ridge, Forrest is engaging the Union Reserve Corps in hopes of capitalizing on the bold move to overrun thier HQ.  Forrest is hoping to keep the massive Corps at bay long enough for Hood to arrive from the South on the Roseville Road.  Forrest is getting concerned at this point, because Hood should have arrived by now.  What could be holding him up?  As a precaution, Forrest leaves a battery of artillery behind, covering the approach from the Roseville Road.  This decision would prove to be most fortunate because Forrest’s worst fears are becoming a reality.  Hood has not arrived and Thomas is marching an entire Division on his left flank.  Now Forrest is caught between the vice of two Union Divisions.  The guns are able to push back the initial probing units of Thomas’ Corps, buying Forrest (and Hood) a little much needed time.

Over at Lee’s Mill, the remaining shambles of Hindman’s Division are barely hanging on.  As luck would have it, they can’t seem to get a Corps Attack Stoppage even though they need a 9+ roll to keep fighting.  On they battle.

Just as all seems lost for Hindman, Stewart’s Division of Buckner’s Corps (S/B) assualts the Union 21st from the rear.  Two artillery batteries are caught limbered and flanked, giving S/B all kinds of wonderful mods on their attack rolls.  Despite this, the dice are not friendly and S/B is not able to inflict much damage.  They are still in outstanding position for the next round of combat though.

STEWART’S S/B DIVISION ASSUAUTING THE REAR OF 21ST CORPS’ LINE

Look for Session 4, 11:00 am coming soon…

Barren Victory, Scenario 1 “The First Day” – Session 2

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!

After Action Report – CWBS Barren Victory, Scenario 1

After Action Report – Barren VictoryThe Gamers, Inc.Civil War Brigade Series, Game #4Scenario 1: The First Day (0730 to 0830)

It’s September 19th, 1863. The game starts at 7:30 am. The setting is in the area of the Chickimauga Creek in Georgia. Braxton Bragg has laid a trap for Rosecrans and his army in hopes of crushing the Union forces and cutting off Rosecrans from Chattanooga. The terrain is heavily wooded, so range and visibility are limited. Control of the roads and bridges that cross the Chickimauga are critical for continued military operations in the area.

Two divisions of Thomas’ 14th Corps are avancing toward Jay’s Mill along the Brotherton Road, expecting to encounter a lone brigade of Confederates, but instead ran directly into an entire division of Forrest’s cavalry. The 1st and 3rd Divisions of Thomas’ 14th Corps have orders to attack and destroy Confederate forces around Jay’s Mill. Forrest’s F Cavalry Division has orders to defent Jay’s Mill and more importantly, Reed’s bridge to the East. Forrest is supported by two divisions of the Reserve Corps with orders to support the defense of Jay’s Mill.

Meanwhile, at Lee and Gordon’s Mill, The Confederate P Corps commmanded by Polk are without orders accross the Chickimauga from Crittenden and the Union 21st Corps. The 21st Corps has orders to defend the bridge accross the Chickimauga and the roads behind it to allow the rest of the Union army to arrive.

USA 0730 – Thomas begins moving the 1st and 3rd Divisions of 14th Corps East towards Jay’s Mill. Braird’s 1st Division splits away and moves South East to try and get around to the South side of Jay’s Mill, thinking that there may be an opportunity to flank the Rebels. The Union Reserve Corps are without orders but after a successfull attempt at gaining initiative, the entire corps begins to move Northwest along the Rosseville Road. CSA 0730 – Hindman’s Division of Polk’s P Corps, as well as several batteries of artillery begin hammering away at various brigades of the 21st Corps. The fighting is relitively light, resulting in a few casualties and one brigade moving back disorganized.

CSA H/P DIVISION DOES SOME DAMAGE AT LEE & GORDON’S MILL

USA 0800 - The Union Reserve Corps continue their march toward Missionary ridge, apparently to set up a defensive perimeter around the map edge on the Rosseville road. This scenario awards 7 victory points for this entry area, making it a nice objective to hold. 

UNION RESERVE CORPS TAKES UP DEFENSIVE POSITIONS AT MISSIONARY RIDGE

CSA 0800 - Seeing an opportunity to cross the bridge at Lee & Gordon’s Mill, H/P Division (Hindman) rolls for and gets initiative. He issues orders to his division to cross the bridge and attack the right flank of 21st corps to secure Lee’s Mill and the roads leading through it. The plan works well, and H/P is able to cross and gain the flank of 1/21; Routing one brigade and pushing another back, skaken.

 

HINDMAN’S H/P DIVISION CROSSES THE BRIDGE AND FLANKS 1/21

 

USA 0830 – Braird’s 1/14 Division moves to the South East in an attempt to flank the left of F-Cav’s line at Jay’s Mill. Unfortunately for Briard’s division, L/Reserve is on the march to take up the slack on the left side of the confederate line. Back at Lee and Gordon’s Mill, the 21st Corps begins to fall back and close up the gaps in the line. Crittenden now faces a tough decision. Should he try to mount a counter attack to push the rebels back across the bridge? Or, should he try to hold his ground and wait for reinforcements?

 

BRAIRD’S 3/14 DIVISION RUNS INTO 2 BRIGADES OF L/RES

 

CSA 0830 – Two brigades of Liddell’s Reserve Corps have extended thier lines and taken up defensive positions on the left flank or F-Cav in an effort to keep elements of the Union 14th Corps from gaining a flank attack on Jay’s Mill. While F-Cav has fixed the main assault divisions of Thomas’ 14th Corps, Armstrong’s A/F Cav moves behind the Confederate line and swings around the exposed left flank of 2 of Thomas’ brigades from the 3 Division, 14th Corps. Both brigades withstand the attack well, and are able to pull back and regroup without much damage. It seems that the rebels like this game of “fixing and flanking” the enemy. The attacking 14th corps are finding themselves on the defensive more than they are on the attack.

 

TWO BRIGADES OF A/F CAV SWING AROUND THE UNION LEFT FLANK

 

USA 0900 – Coming up next!