The Scenario
After setting up the table, the Confederates seemed closer to the Union than ideal - Rifled Musket range was reduced from 24" to 18".
The Union Lines
Hays and Gibbon's troops were deployed historically, making full use of the stone wall defences running south of the Bryan House. But with only 3 brigades to the Confederate 7, they were looking at a a long, hard day...
Doubleday's troops were deployed en potence to the Taneytown road in March Columns, so that Amos as Union Commander could rapidly deploy them as he chose. - they would get 4' of movement if they doubled along the road.
The Confederate had 2 rounds of pre-game bombardment. Targeting the Union guns, they caused significant damage.
The Confederates Form Up
Above, Bob's Command: Pettigrew's division in front, Trimble's behind.
Below, John's Command: Picketts Division.
John has encroached across the post and rail fence marking the divisional boundaries - not a good start!
The Confederate Advance
The Union redeploys
Amos identified the Confederate drive on his right hand objective on Cemetery Hill by Ziegler's Grove as the biggest threat, and duly sent Doubleday north.
Where he was able to deploy in the nick of time to contest the objective!
The Northern Flank: Ziegler's Grove & Cemetery Hill
Bob aimed two of his three Brigades at the objective on Cemetery Hill and Ziegler's Grove. The latter was the site of fierce fighting with successive waves of attacks and counter attacks!
As was the objective on Cemetery Hill:
After many rounds of fierce firefights and deadly assaults, both features were taken by the Rebs, and Hay's troops were forced off the ridge:
Centre - 'The Angle'
Its the New York Fire Zouaves against the 1st Louisiana Zouaves, whilst Wheat's Tigers charge the Angle itself:
The Rebs are over the wall!
A Union counter attack goes in:
But now its Gibbon's brave defenders who are steadily forced back...
The Southern Flank
John took his time with a lengthy approach march right around the Union left flank - possibly why Amos decided to commit his reserves on his right flank. But eventually they were in place to assault:
The view from the Union left flank. With the artillery weakened in the preliminary bombardment, there was just not enough infantry to hold the whole line:
Outcome
The final tally was Confederates 7, Union 1. But the score line does not reflect the tenacious and skilled defence the Union put up against the odds. Conversely, John and Bob worked really well together to put in a coordinated set of attacks which impacted in successive blows all along the Union line. With hindsight, the Union lost the battle as soon as their artillery was attrited in the opening Reb bombardment. Next time I will give the Union more batteries or factor in the long range artillery support coming down from Little Round Top.
However, an Epic and fun day's gaming in great company!
