The previous post ended with the game still in the balance. Von Stalheim's Hessians had proved difficult to drive out of Nelson's Farm, but the brigades of Adams and Cleveland had made some progress on the wings. All now depended on how quickly the British brigades could get forward and bring their firepower to bear.
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| The struggle for Church Ridge |
Adams, on the rebel right was faced by the grenadiers from Bedford's brigade, who occupied Church Ridge. The grenadiers had fired on one of Adams' line battalions as it deployed prior to advancing on the ridge. That volley had no effect, but as the range shortened the fire became more effective and proved too much for the rebels , who broke and had to retreat to the cover of the woods to rally. Behind them was a unit of militia. They took the fight to the grenadiers, giving as good as they got, but, when Bedford's riflemen moved onto the militia's flank and began to fire on them, they too fell back into the woods. Adams' other line battalion had by now been driven back by flanking fire from the Hessians holding Nelson's Farm. This left Adams' final unit of militia in the front line, doggedly holding its position lining the edge of Green Wood.
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| Church Ridge, Green Wood with Nelson's Farm beyond |
On the opposite flank, Cleveland was slowly getting the upper hand against the Mayerbach Musketeers and had hopes the the militia , which had moved into Palmer's Copse, would fire onto the Hessians' flank and help to drive them off. Unknown to Cleveland, Courtney had ordered his Highland battalion into Palmer's Copse to clear it of any enemy forces and then advance to fire on the rebel cavalry. The militia were totally unaware of the advancing highlanders as they moved to fire on the Mayerbach. Once at the edge of the woods they formed up and prepared to fire, however, an alert officer in one of Courtney's battalions spotted the rebels and ordered his men to fire. Caught by surprise the militia fell back in disorder, only to be threatened by the advancing highlanders. They fell back further, out of the woods, alerting the dragoons about the enemy force advancing towards them. The commander of the dragoons could see only one option, fall back across the river. As the order was given a volley was fired by the highlanders which sent the hapless militia streaming back over the river. The dragoons followed in good order. Cleveland's line battalion, supported by a battalion of militia and the artillery continued their struggle with Mayerbach. Courtney had advanced his artillery to support the Hessians, but two telling volleys from the rebels drove back Mayerbach. There was no respite for Cleveland's men as Courtney's British infantry now stepped forward and delivered such a heavy volume of fire that the rebel line melted away, the survivors streaming back over the Colne.
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| Palmer's Copse, Prospect Ridge and nearer the camera, East Ridge |
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| The highlanders drive off the rebel light dragoons |
In the centre Bush had made yet another attempt to capture Nelson's Farm. Once again his battalions crossed the Colne and advanced to the fence surrounding the farm. This time, Bush's artillery moved over the bridge to support the infantry and fired on the farm. The close range salvos proved too much for Lossfeld who fell back from the farm and onto East Ridge. Pushing forward, Bush's men almost reached the farm, but two close range volleys from the jaeger forced them to retreat. When Courtney's men fired into the flank of a supporting battalion that too fell back. Taking the initiative, Von Stalheim ordered the jaeger to move forward to the fence and continue firing on Bush's infantry. This proved a costly mistake as they came under fire from Bush's artillery and had to retreat to rally. Nelson's Farm was thus unoccupied, both brigades needing time to recover before renewing their battle.
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| Bush's aetillery at last dislodge Lossfeld from Nelson's Farm |
Adams had now rallied his battered battalions and renewed the advance. Pausing at the edge of Green Wood, they fired on Bedford's grenadiers, who still occupied Church Ridge. Their fire forced the grenadiers to retreat and sensing an opportunity the rebel line advanced. This optimism was swiftly dashed as Bedford's light dragoons charged the leading battalion. Not having sufficient time to fire a volley, the rebel infantry were soon fighting for their lives. All order was lost and soon the remnants of the battalion were milling about in Green Wood, safe from the slashing sabres. Looking about him, the commander of the dragoons could see the rebel line readying for a volley. With no supports he decided the best course of action would be to fall back over Church Ridge. By advancing, Adams' men had come in range of Bedford's infantry battalions and artillery. One by one they were driven back by fire. In no time, all Adams' infantry were in , or behind, Green Wood with officers struggling to rally their battered units.
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| The British light dragoons deliver a deadly charge |
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| The battered remnants of Adams' brigade |
As the reports came in Deadwood realised that his force was now too weak to capture the supply train. Most of the units had lost 50% of their strength, a good number 75% or more. His artillery were low on ammunition and could do little to prevent the Loyalist forces re-occupying Nelson's Farm. The day was lost.
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| Courtney's men drive back Bush's last attack on Nelson's Farm |
A very enjoyable scenario from Steve. His rules for crossing the river and activating units worked well.
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