First game in the new wargames room

After setting up the wargame room, finishing the unpacking, and reorganizing everything, I was finally ready for a game. The question was: which period to choose? In the end, I decided on a French and Indian War game using some old plastic Spencer Smith figures. When I unpacked them, I realised it had been many years since they last saw action on the tabletop. The tabletop was prepared for the Battle of the Monongahela River, fought on July 9, 1755, using a scenario from C.F. Wesencraft’s book "Seven Steps to Freedom".

Old Spencer-Smith miniatures finally in the tabletop again after many years.

Background

The battle was an early encounter in the French and Indian War (1754–1763). General Braddock commanded a British force of around 1,300 regulars and militia and led an expedition to seize Fort Duquesne from the French. However, his troops were about to be ambush by a smaller force of approximately 900 French and allied Native American warriors led by Captain de Beaujeu.

Tabletop Setup

The Monongahela River borders one side of the battlefield, with British units beginning to arrive on Turn 2, crossing at the ford. The French, however, have the advantage of arriving first, entering from the opposite end of the tabletop on Turn 1 and without the obstacle of a river crossing. The majority of the battlefield is covered in woods, with a road (or track) cutting diagonally across the terrain. 

The British must move along the road until attacked or they spot an enemy unit.

The French arrive on turn 1 (blue arrow) while the British force arrives on turn 2 (red arrow)

Order of Battle

French

• 2 Line Infantry units
• 4 Warrior units

British

• 5 Line Infantry units
• 3 Militia units
• 2 Gun units

The Game

The French swiftly advance along the road and across the open ground before moving into the woods on either side of the road. Meanwhile, the British progress is delayed by the challenge of crossing the river. As the British units move along the road, their leading unit comes under fire and is soon routed by a charge from one of the warrior units.

French units advance quickly along the road and the open ground before positioning themselves either side of the road ready for an ambush. 

Led British units come under fire and one unit is routed by a charging warrior unit.

As additional British units arrived, rough battle lines began to take shape, with British artillery positioned in the centre to provide supporting fire. On the right flank, the British line infantry managed to repel the Warrior units threatening their position with a series of well-aimed volleys. Meanwhile, on the left flank, British militia units started advancing along the river.

French line infantry join the battle.

General Braddock is lost as the British try to regroup.

Along the road, the British struggled to maintain their line as both French line infantry units moved into position, adding their weight to the battle. The situation worsened when General Braddock was lost, caught in the rout of a unit he was leading. Despite this setback, the remaining British forces, supported by their artillery, managed to retire in good order and form a defensive line. While the French had yet to lose any units, several were significantly weakened by the engagement and unable to continue their attacks. Nevertheless, their smaller force had successfully ambushed and halted the advance of the larger British force.

French line infantry advance and threaten the British centre.

A ground level view of the battle.

The British finally form a defensive line and avoid a full rout.

Summary

The game was undoubtedly a French victory, with support from their allied Native American warriors. The British force was left incapable of advancing and additionally had lost their commander. 

Historically, the British suffered heavy losses, with nearly 1,000 men, including many officers, killed or wounded, and their artillery abandoned. During the battle, Captain de Beaujeu was killed, while General Braddock was mortally wounded and succumbed to his injuries a few days later.