Blocher's Knoll Turns One through Three

I was able to get in three turns this morning. Events proceeded quickly. Dole and Gordon launched a joint attack on the knoll. The rebel artillery hammered the lone Union battery atop the knoll, but not before it punished one of Gordon's regiments. Gordon's left iis hit hard by the artillery

Dole's Georgians drive in von Gilsa's skirmish line

On Dole's right, he engages Ames's men coming up in support

Early's artillery does significant damage to the artillery atop the knoll and the Rebs outgun the Yankees on the west

Turn two- The Confederates press their attack all along the line. Gordon is able to drive back a regiment in skirmish order, but Dole is humilieated when two of his regiments are stopped cold by another unit in skirmish order. The steep terrain surely played a part in this defeat. Dole's other two regiments charge Ames's men in a field but are only partially successful.

Atop the summit, the rebel guns continue to punish what's left of the Union battery there. A 10 is rolled. Von Gilsa has to check the leader casualty table. Another 10 is rolled and he is killed outright. Barlow will have to take provisional command of von Gilsa's brigade. Coster's regiments rush down the road to defend the right flank. Will histhree regiments be able to hold back Hays and Hoke?

On the other flank, Kryzanowski's brigade advances to turn Dole's right. A volley is fired at a battery of artillery that is advancing with the infantry. Yet another 10 is rolled and the battery loses one of its two stands. General Schurz has to roll. The result is that his horse is shot from under him. He will be on foot for turn three.

Turn three- Dole is desperate to seize the objective. He urges the men forwar. They destroy the 68th New York and continue on into the 17th Conneticut, driving them back as well. It is a costly victory, however, as General Dole is killed in the process.

General Gordon, usually a very reliable officer, is struggling this day. His North Carolinians are unable to get beyond the base of the knoll. Casualties mount with little to show for them. Coster contributes one of his regiments to aid in keeping Gordon stuck at the stream.

Both Hays and Hoke come on to the field. Hays marches directly down the road. Hoke moves cross country being delayed by the many fence lines that criss cross his path.

So far, it has been a disappointing start for the rebels. Union resistance on the knoll has been determined. The loss of General Dole will make organizing a defense on the right very difficult. It will be up to Gordon to turn things around by gaining controll of the knoll and getting some of his guns up there to slow down Schurz's attack.

Regimental Fire and Fury, Blocher's Knoll

It has been a long while since I have done a Regimental Fire and Fury game. I have some great scenario books that are so helpful in setting up historical battles. The one that caught my eye was on the small side compared to the others. It is a recreation of Barlow's defense to the North of Gettysburg on day one. He rather impetuously chose a knoll that appeared to be ideal for defense. The problem was that it was too far forward making it quite vulnerable. Historically, Barlow paid dearly for his poor judgement. Regardless, it looks like it could be a fun way to get back to this rules system that I enjoy so much. This is the book that I have used to get started.

This is General Barlow with von Gilsa's brigade. His artillery is well sited, but it is also highly visible to the rebel batteries down below.

Ames is in direct support

The Union leftt is defended by men from Schurz's corps with another brigade in column ready to go where needed.

The Confederates hope to rout these units from the field and get through Gettysburg in order to capture Cemetery hill. On the right is a brigade from Rodes' division and some artillery.

Early has three brigades and a battalion of artillery at his disposal. Gordon's brigade will lead the attack supported by Hoke and Hays.

All is ready. I hope to get a few turns in tomorrow. I am a little rusty on the rules, so I'll need to do a quick review. I will post again after I get several turns done.

French Reinforcements and Happy Easter

First and foremost, I want to wish everyone a joyous Easter and a blessed Passover. As much as I enjoy my hobby, my faith is what makes the greatest difference in my life.

During the break I have been able to paint up some French reinforcements for my jacobite collection. I now have four new battalions in the white/light gray uniforms and a cavalry regiment of two squadrons, also in the white/light gray. So I now have nine infantry battalions (4 Irish, 4 French, 1 Scotish), two artillery batteries and two cavalry regiments. So many new "what if..." options are now available to me.

Anniversary of the Battle of Culloden

On this day in 1746 the battle of Culloden was fought in the highlands of Scotland. It was the conclusion of the Jacobite Rebellion and the end of the clan way of life. It was a crushing defeat. My Jacobite collection has grown to over 1500 figures to date. I have added four more regiments of French regulars to enhance my ability to do "what if" scenarios. I will post some pictures in the next couple of days. This has been the most engaging and fulfilling project I have ever embarked upon. It is only fitting that, on this day, I pay tribute to those that fought on both sides of the conflict.

Figures Added to the Victrix Gallery

Over the last few years I have submitted pictures of some of my figures for consideration of being added to the Victrix gallery. I have been fortunate to have several of my submissions accepted. The gallery is filled with beuatifully painted figures. I am honored to have some of mine considered to be worthy of being featured.