Battle of Lachlan's Cross Turns 13-16

Turn 13- The Jacobites aggressively seek to regain the initiative with a series of counter attacks on both flanks. Drummond hurls three of his regiments against Wolf's teetering line, shattering it.

Mordaunt is able to move up his artillery in an attempt to slow Drummond's attack.

On the left, Macdonald charges Legonier with the Lifeguards, successfully driving the scarlet riders back across the stream. Fitzjames's Horse pushes back a Dutch regiment.

In the center, Brockhorst's Dutch Regiment continues to be pummeled by French musketry and artillery and is close to breaking.

Lascelles is able to get two of his regiments across the stream and to apply pressue on Murray's depleted regiments.

As the turn concludes, Olgilvy organizes his men to defend the right flank along the stream.

Turn 14- This turn is a frustrating one for the Government forces. Both Mordaunt and Wolf roll poorly on their initiatives and accomplish very little. This allows the Jacobites to regroup. Drummmond pulls back his clans to avoid losses from the superior firepower of the British regiments.

Wolf's line is marked by the bodies of his men. His brigade, as well as Cholmondleley's, is no longer able to stay in the fight.

Brockhorst's regiment finally breaks after receiving yet another blast of musketry.

Fitzjames's elite regiment bravely attempts to charge yet another Dutch regiment but is only able to achieve a drawn result.

The lone bright spot for the forces of the Crown are Lascelles' regiments that continue thier relentless advance.

The Dutch and Murray both take brigade morale tests and pass. Turn 15- Fitzjames extricates his men from the mele, but is not able to get out of musket range.

Lascelles' men fire upon Murray's columns but with little affect. Legonier takes a defensive posture on the other side of the stream. He is content to sit out the rest of the battle there.

Mordaunt finally cajols his men forward to attack the ridge in what he hopes will be the decisive blow. Drummond's men are spent and attempt to get out of range of the British muskets.

Turn 16- Both sides are clearly exhausted. It is up to Mordaunt's relatively fresh brigade to secure the victory. The Black Watch attempt to charge the Royal Ecossais, but come up short. Another regiment moves up and issues a volley. On the other side of the road, Mordaunt moves up yet another regiment that is able to fire a devestaing volley into Drummond's disorganized columns. One unit is forced to flee; the rest will follow them upon Drummond failing his brigade moral test at the end of the turn.

The Dutch, reduced to half strength, withdraw back across the stream to avoid further loss.

The stage is set for the climax of the battle. Lascelles and Mordaunt will attempt to capture the ridge and shatter the Jacobite line.