Monday 26 April 2021

ECW The Battle of Chewton Mendip - Part 2 of 3: Turns 1 to 6

It was my intention to wrap up this AAR in one post, but a combination of available time to play it through and it being rather more involved than I anticipated, I have decided to get part 2 onto the blog rather than wait any longer. So - onto the battle: 

Turn 1

The presence of Waller's dragoons lining hedgerows did not deter the Royalists from seeking to engage the Parliamentarian horse at the earliest possible moment. They were supremely confident of driving them from the field. 

Prince Maurice with his lifeguard leading paid a heavy price for that optimism losing 25% of their number to Waller's dragoons firing into their flank from the hedgerows. Maurice had his horse shot from beneath him removing him from the proceedings for one turn.

The Veteran/Elite troopers shrugged off their losses and continued towards the Forlorn Hope.

Continued -

Sunday 18 April 2021

ECW The Battle of Chewton Mendip - Part 1 of 3: Introduction

The Battle of Chewton Mendip is the second battle in my project playing historical encounters from the Campaign Scenarios book - 'The 1643 Campaign for the South-West' by Robert Giglio. Principally written for 'Forlorn Hope' rules it can be used for any.

This is part 2 of a 2-part battle, the first being Glastonbury. There is an option in the scenario to treat both as a mini campaign with casualties carried over from Glastonbury. I decided to replay the action as a stand-alone battle using historical orders of battle.

After Glastonbury, the pursuing Royalist cavalry the same day met the Parliamentarians about a mile before the village of Chewton Mendip "the enemy faced about againe with theire horse" in Chewton Mendip Heath.

The Battle of Chewton Mendip
12th June 1643
Table Size 3'9" x 3'
Rules - Forlorn Hope


Continued -

Sunday 11 April 2021

Ancients Rules

Due to popular request I have added my Ancients rules as a label on the crossbar at the top of the page. As they are modified or added to I will update that page.

If you are not satisfied with the current crop of rules, hopefully you will find something of use or even give you ideas of your own.

David Brown, the General de Brigade rules writer, has commented on the 'Gods Own Scale Podcast'  blog post that he is currently working on a Big Battles Ancient ruleset. One definitely to watch out for and I can certainly feel another purchase coming on!

Thursday 8 April 2021

Britannia Campaign: Map Moves Turn 3

 With the 16th Legion's victory over the Trinovantes now complete, we move onto the next map turn -

TURN 3

The 16th Legion posts a garrison and prepares itself for its onward march.

The 9th and 20th Legions move to the area around what will become Londinium with a cohort from the latter forming a garrison in Kent.

Vespasian's 2nd Legion advances into Dorset and Somerset where it meets the Durotriges tribe who prove none too friendly! Yet another British tribe to be enlightened to the Roman way!

Being in the south west an iron age hillfort is a must. Before I can play out this next game I just have to model one!

Tuesday 6 April 2021

Britannia Campaign: 16th Legion v Trinovantes Part 4 of 4 - Turns 10 to Conclusion

 Turn 10

The 9th Cohort pressed on charged a unit of chariots who counter-charged. The outnumbered chariots were easily defeated with 3 more crew killed for no Roman loss. The last remaining chariots routed. 

Continued -

Saturday 3 April 2021

Britannia Campaign: 16th Legion v Trinovantes Part 3 of 4 - Turns 6 to 9

Turn 6

The Roman Legate is anxious to press forward and deal with the warbands in front of him given the concerning messages he is receiving from his left wing. He has been frustratingly delayed by the activities of Trinovantes skirmishers, chariots and light horse. Here the 9th Cohort has been charged by the chariots (middle of photo). They defeated them in the subsequent melee and have pushed them back.

In response to bad news from the Tribune in command of the Roman left, the large 1st Cohort has been ordered to that flank (middle left).
Continued -