French and Indian War Part Three

We wrapped up the battle we had begun on Monday.  This time, to make the game more enjoyable for everyone, we removed the Tiffen cards and placed several companies of reinforcements for both sides on the table.  Once the kids arrived we jumped right into it.

The action in the fort was filled with hand-to-hand combat.  British regulars and highlanders were able to scale the formidable walls, but they met with fierce resistance once inside.  The highlanders' grenadier company lost 50% of its strength in the bitter fighting.  Despite staggering casualties, at game's end it seemed that the British had the edge.

The fort at the beginning of the game

The fight within the fort

Highlanders joining the attack

Vicious battle to secure the gate

On the other end of the table, the British received five companies of the 45th Foot.  The French and Indians added several bands of militia and Indians.  This certainly favored the British players.  We were able to get through several turns over the course of the morning, but the redcoats made little headway in their attempt to capture the blockhouse and village.  They seemed to be more intent on slugging it out with the French than going around them to achieve their objectives.  Despite severe losses, the French clearly held both of their objectives.

The French are able to hold back the 45th and supporting militia units at the road, but at a heavy price.

The deciding factor in the game came down to who could eliminate more of their opponent's forces.  The British held a very slight edge in this department and that was the difference in the game.  The King's soldiers eked out a victory by the slimmest of margins.