Wednesday 18 July 2012

French Indian War

I've just completed a fine FIW game this evening. It was fought by a British force under Major General Woods against a determined French General, De Bois. Both sides were a mix of regulars, provincials and native troops. The British boasted a couple of artillery units and a single unit of Light Horse. Both of these elements had high impact giving the British greater firepower and mobility. Initially it was going quite well for the French who advanced confidently to the river which bisected the game board. The British were arrayed to perform a pincer on the flanks with a holding force in the centre. As the British deployed into line the French were already delivering volleys from their regulars and some harassing fire from the Huron units. This began to wane as the British artillery managed to cause serious damage on the more exposed units and superior regular firepower ripped through the loosely arrayed skirmishers. The decisive break came on the British right flank where the Light Cavalry managed to move round behind some units of Canadian militia subsequently charging them in the rear and routing a unit. This was quickly followed by another which fell to regular musketry. The left flank resistance then crumbled with concerted fire from a mix of regulars, Highlanders and Rangers. This left the strong French centre but the situation looked increasingly hopeless for De Bois as the British flanks started to move in and the artillery focused on this sector. Game over and the French withdrew back through the woods to re-group and fight another day. Another enjoyable game using my 18th modified version of the Napoleonic rules. I liked the mix of unit types and it was interesting to see how these fared against each other.