woensdag 16 juli 2014

Battle of Boonville, June 17, 1861

Classed as a skirmish, this conflict in Missouri pre-dates the Battle of Bull Run. Forces were small, about one brigade each but ideally suited to test a few new features.

The Federal forces, the 1st and 2nd Missouri and 2nd US Infantry, were under the command of Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon in in support one battery of the 2nd US Artillery. Their objective was to capture the capitol, Jefferson City.

Governor Jackson and General Price surmised, the burning or bridges and rail lines would not stall the Federal advance, fled Jefferson City. Hoping to gather units of the Missouri State Guard located between Lexington and Boonville, Governor Jackson decided to make a stand at Boonville.

Some sources give the strength of the Missouri State Guard at near equal to the Federal forces, but add, most of the volunteers came directly from their farms armed with implements’, shotguns and flintlock muskets.

The map
General Lyon’s force leave St. Louis to march on Jefferson City. Abandoning Jefferson City, units of the Missouri State Guard assemble on a ridge outside of Boonville. 



For this test game, both sides had equal number of infantry elements, but Federal troops did have the advantage of artillery. Of the Federal forces, both Missouri Volunteer regiments are “trained” and the 2nd US are classed for this test as “veteran”.

The mobilized Missouri State Guard units, are classed as “militia” as these were quickly organized for the defence of Boonville, all have reduced shooting and combat factors.

Photo One
Federal forces have just passed the Adam’s House. The 2nd US on the right deploy their skirmishers forward while the left flank move briskly toward the rebel held ridge. 




Emboldened by what they perceive as hesitation, the rebels edge forward but do not leave the slope.


Photo two

Both Federal wings march forward while the skirmishers move further to envelope the rebel line. Bound four, the rebel line were showing signs of wavering as Federal volleys were beginning tell and to add further discomfort, the Federal battery eliminated a unit of volunteers.

Rebels were now demoralised. 




Battle of Boonville, test two

Photo three

This time, the rebels formed at the military crest of the ridge so as not to offer Federal artillery any targets. No changes were made to the Federal deployment.

Two bounds passed as the Federal line advanced toward the ridge, only the telltale sunlight reflecting off field glasses attested to the presence of rebels. 




Photo four

“Do or Die”. With yells and cheers up and down the line the rebels moved forward to bring their volley fire into effective range. The surprise resulted in a few Federal units recoiling from the effort.

In response (bound 3), the Federal line redressed their ranks, moved closer to let loose their own volley with a similar effect. Only the battery proved successful in eliminating a unit. 




“The Boonville races”

Photo five.

Bound 3, the rebels were in a dilemma. The brigade, now demoralized and units were scattered along the ridge, what could be done with a pip score of two? Who holds their ground and which flee? 




Missouri State Guard
Militia were not part of the original draft but are now added so early period conflicts could be played. These have a reduced shooting distance (2BW) and have combat factors identical as Auxilia (+3).

Skirmishers
Veteran troops could move and deploy one element of skirmishers for the cost of an extra pip, while trained troops remain in place while skirmishers move forward for the same cost.

Cheers,  

4 opmerkingen:

Archduke Piccolo zei

I'm impressed with this project and what you have done with the figures. Considering the fairly monochrome armies, you have embued them with colour and chacracter. I'll be looking out for bigger battles with these troops!

Timurilank zei

Archduke,

Strange as it may seem, my primary goal was to upgrade the old DBA-HX variant; the armies were secondary.

The more I researched, I found the best way to test the revised rule set was to use actual battles as scenarios.

What follows as play tests are the major engagements of the Western theater from July to December 1861.

Starting with Boonville and ending with Mount Zion Church will give me enough examples for storming fortifications, river flotilla action and good references for the problems of command and control.

The Western theater is not as well known, but does offer many gems.

Glad you like it.
Cheers,
Robert

John Hovey zei

I'm eager to follow your progress. I've been eager to play DBACW.
Later
John
LZBravo.com - Gaming Blog

Timurilank zei

Hi John,

Welcome to the project.

I have a number of interesting test cases based on actual battles.

With each test I seem to add more to my list of building projects. Aside from the river flotilla and forts, I can now add breastworks.

Cheers,