French Indian War Campaign - Game 17

The French Indian War campaign continues apace with the Battle of Trois Rivieres, where we have a French force under the command of Montcalm take up a defensive position as the pursuing British commanded by Wolfe continue to apply pressure.

Tabletop randomly generated and setup. The French have built defensive earthworks and are positioned with the St. Lawrence River protecting their right flank.

French forces in their defensive positions

British forces take up position under the command of Wolfe.

The original orders of battle (see Jonathan's Palouse Wargaming Journal) has Wolfe with 3 Regiments and Montcalm with two Regiments. Each campaign Regiment is represented by 3 units on the tabletop. In addition both sides have an artillery piece.

British
6 units of Regulars
2 units of Light Infantry
1 unit of Grenadiers
1 artillery unit
Commanded by Wolfe (A4D4)

French
5 units of Regulars
1 unit of Grenadiers
1 artillery unit
Commanded by Montcalm (A4D4)

The British plan was to attack frontally and push a third of their units around to attack on the French left flank. The French have been able to throw up some earthworks which will provide cover for their centre units.

Part one of the British plan sees a detachment of units move around on the flank.

French defenders become aware of the threat to their flank with the appearance of British Light Infantry.

French artillery open fire at the British line.

British light infantry advance through the trees

The British right flank start to move around and Montcalm orders his Grenadiers forward to counter the threat.

The British centre starts to move forward, but are struggling to hold their lines with some units falling behind.

After seeing off the light infantry, the attack on flank begins in earnest.

Having reorganised their lines the British finally begin their centre attack.

The French are able to concentrate their defences against the flank attack. Seeing off all bar the Grenadiers position in the woods.

The British centre attack has cleared the woods and is ready to move on the earthworks. Casualties are starting to mount on both sides as the Battle of Trois Rivieres enters a critical stage.

The French throw their last reserve unit into the fray.

The French prepare as the British line moves up. The limited space between the woods means their own troops block their artillery's line of sight.

In a fierce final assault the French just hold on and the British retire.

A marginal win to the French and Montcalm who were able to just hold on. Critically for the British they struggled to coordinate their attacks and the positioning of their artillery meant its line of sight was blocked when the centre finally advanced.

From a campaign perspective casualties were high on both sides. The French losing one Regiment and the British lost two Regiments.