Wednesday 18 December 2019

ECW Campaign and a surprise book

I am planning to complete my English Civil War campaign this Christmas holiday. The campaign has moved into its final year 1646. The last battle fought was at Oakham Hall in April 1646, where Parliamentarian forces were able to defeat a Royalist force trying to wrestle the East Midlands from their control.
Current campaign map
In June 1646 Parliament was able to recruit an army to march on Lincolnshire. They were met by a Royalist force at Dunnington. Terrain cards were shuffled and drawn to determine the tabletop layout.

Terrain cards representing the layout of a 6x4 foot tabletop
Campaign cards were also drawn. Parliament's year began well with their continued application of Excise taxes which will enable them field one additional infantry unit each game in 1646. For this battle Royalist forces will field an Elite pike unit, while Parliamentarian are lead by an experience commander.

Campaign cards

The order of battle was determined by dice as usual.

Parliament:

  • 5 x Infantry Units (includes +1 for additional unit)
  • 4 x Cavalry Units
  • 2 x Dragoon/Commanded Shot Units
  • 1 x Artillery Unit
Royalist:
  • 6 x Infantry Units (includes Elite Pike)
  • 3 x Cavalry Units
  • 2 x Dragoon/Commanded Shot Units
Finally, this week a copy of "Scenarios for Wargamers" by C.S.Grant arrived in the post courtesy of Jonathan of Palouse Wargaming Journal. My many thanks to Jonathan for this surprise opportunity to obtain this book, a book I had been keeping a look out for.


Surprise reading material


15 comments:

  1. A Classic! Picked this up in the 80's and it changed how I played games. Its very battered but still in use.

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    1. I am looking forward to more time to read next week.

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  2. A nice surprise indeed - looking forward to the next ECW battle.

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  3. Looking forward to your next battle, Peter!

    The book was in excellent condition when it departed the USA. Glad to see it arrived in a similar condition. Enjoy!

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    1. I shall certainly enjoy. Just flicking through the scenarios I have already identified already a scenario I would like to play. Many thanks.

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  4. Hopefully Parliament will exploit its cavalry advantage while delaying the foot battle at the same time nibbling away at the Royalist foot with their artillery. Looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

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    1. I have hopes the Parliament force can obtain their second victory this year, 1646, and keep the campaign alive until the end of 1646.

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  5. An excellent book and hats off to Jonathan for parting with it. I'm too attached to my copy to ever let it go!

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    1. I bought a second copy especially to send to Peter. I would not part with mine either!

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  6. A classic book. Looking forward to how the next game plays out.

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  7. Glad you got a copy; mine is staying put right here! :-)

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    1. Thank you I am sure it will become a cherished book in my collection.

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  8. It's a wonderful book.

    Do you have the Programmed Wargames Scenarios one?

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    1. I am not sure if I still have by copy. It may have got lost when moving to NZ and back to Melbourne. This holiday period I am checking a few boxes stored away to see if it is there. Fingers crossed.

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