Battle of Lachlan's Cross Turns 7-9

Turn 7- The first cards drawn were favorable to the British. However, the activation rolls proved to be bitterly disappointing. Legonier's cavlary refused to advance and lascelle's men were unable to capitalize on the opportunity to destroy Murray's battered brigade. Despite being wounded, Murray was able to withdraw half of his brigade across the river. He was unable, however, to extricate Stewart of Apin's men who were left to thier fate.

Along the river bank, the French continued to exchange volleys with Cholomondeley's men, the French getting the best of it. French guns continued to fire away but didn't have much to show for it.

Olgilvy, on his initiative, was able to pour enough fire into Cholmondeley's 14th Foot to cause them to break and flee the field. This left his flank wide open.

As the turn ended, to the great relief of General Cholmondeley, Wolf's British brigade moved forward along with the Dutch brigade. Wolf's men, however, rolled poorly and were not able to deploy very well, two of their regiments still packed into marching columns.

Turn 8- Legonier's cavalry move slowly towards the ford, but the Dutch are unable to advance.

The Jacobite ADC, new to command, performs poorly in trying to move the Ecossais into a more useful position.

Drummond's card comes up and he is quick to seize upon the opportunity before him. Attaching himself to Clan Barksdale, he leads two of his regiments across the stream and into Wolf's still deploying line. Though disordered by crossing the stream and suffering casualties from musketry, they drive back the one British in line. This disorders the rest of Wolf's units. Remarkably, Lord Drummond is unscathed.

The French regulars continue to exchange volleys along the river bank. Cholmondeley's 25th Foot is close to breaking.

Lascelle's men prove to be more active this turn. His artillery is able to take up a firing position overlooking the stream. It is able to inflict a casualty on Fitzjames's splendid horsemen. Volleys from Lascelles' infantry finish of Stewart of Apin's regiment.

A regiment of lowlanders is able to take up a position along a hedgerow, bolstering the Jacobite center. Pressure is mounting against the Government left flank.

Turn 9- Fortune smiled upon the Jacobites as Drummond's card came up first. He was able to reorganize his two clans and press his attack forward. He drove back yet another of Wolf's regiments and drove even deeper into the British left flank before having to halt, but is wounded in the effort.

Next comes Olgilvy's card. He orders the second battalion of his namesake's regiment to roll up Cholmondeley's exposed flank. Fortune turns its back to him, though, as he rolls a "12" and the door closes to what could have been the decisive blow of the battle.

On the other end of the line, Legonier's card comes up early, giving him the chance to catch one of Lord Murray's regiments before it can get across the ford and to relative safety. Unfortunately, his activation roll for both units is poor, and his charge falls short.

The Royal Ecossais, desperately needed to reinforce the firing line along the river, are once again ill-served by their bumbling ADC. The mill about behind the Jacobite line cursing under their breaths.

Murray, despite being wounded, is able to roll well enough to get his last regiment across the stream to safety.

The relentless firefight along the stream continues and losses are sustained at an alarming rate. The bridge is choked with bodies. Lascelle's veteran 3rd Foot is clearly losing its fight against Regiment Rooth. Regiment Berwick is on the verge of collapse.

Wolf and Cholmondeley are clearly at a breaking point. One can only imagine their relief as Mordaunt's brigade of five regiments arrives immediately to their rear. In addition, the Dutch finally begine to move into supporting positions in the Government center. Will this be enough to tip the scales in favor of the British?