French and Indian War - Game 3 Setup

This week, I will be playing out the third and final game in my French and Indian War mini-campaign, which I began a few weeks ago. Details about the campaign and its progress can be found in my previous posts.

British units crossing the bridge.

The campaign had began with promise for General William Colchester, commander of the British forces in the region. With a surprise advance, his troops with naval support had secured the vital river crossing near the settlement of St. Paul, enabling British forces to march along the coast toward Fort Robert.

However, French General Lucien Duvall had used the available time wisely. Fort Robert had long fallen into disrepair, so the general had organised his men and oversaw the repairs and building of additional fortifications. When the British assault came, the French were ready and the attack which was repulsed. General Colchester was forced to withdraw.

Faced by this unexpected setback, General Colchester regrouped his battered forces. His original plan to march on Fort Orleans and lay siege to it was no longer feasible. Instead, he turned his attention inland, aiming to seize a strategic river crossing downstream from Fort Orleans, one that could serve as a foothold for future operations.

The campaign map show progress so far.

The game will be using scenario 5 (Bridgehead) from the book One-Hour Wargames (OHW) by Neil Thomas. During the game units from both armies will arrive on various game turns. The British from the south and the French from various points which are decided by the dice.

A close up of the campaign map.

The tabletop setup. French units will arrive in three groups at points A, B, or C depending upon a dice roll. The British units will arrive at point D.

Order of Battle...

British Forces:

• 6 x Regular Infantry Units
• 4 x Militia Units
• 2 x Artillery Units

French Forces:

• 6 x Regular Units
• 2 x Militia Units
• 4 x Indian Warrior Units

For the game I am using a modified version of the One-Hour Wargames horse and musket rules. Each side is has a trusted captain and a general, both of whom provide special re-roll abilities. The trusted captain is assigned to a single unit for the entire game and allows that unit to re-roll any combat dice. However, if a 1 is rolled on the re-roll, the captain is wounded in the action and takes no further part in the battle. The general is free to move between units and can force the opposing player to re-roll their combat dice if they are attacking a unit he has attached himself to. If a 6 is rolled on this re-roll, then the general suffers a mishap and must retire from the field.

Victory Conditions...

By the end of turn 15, the British can claim victory if there are no French units within 12 inches of the crossing. If there are any French forces are within that distance, then the victory goes to the French.

The game begins with two British units across the ford.

Everything is now ready for the deciding game of this mini-campaign.