Field fortifications

In September of this year, one dozen scenarios were designed and tested for a mid-17^th century map-less campaign. Scenarios are randomly selected with objectives set for both defender and attacker. The role of attacker/defender rotates with each scenario played. 

Designed for the Northern War of 1655 – 1660, the system was later expanded to include the conflict between Spain and the United Provinces, allowing riverine warfare and the implementation of field fortifications. This topic is well covered in episode 10, “Shovelling to Victory” in Defragged’s History of the Eighty Years’ War (YouTube). Well worth the watch.

Field fortifications or earthen works took little time construct and took different shapes to conform with terrain limitations and the size of its garrison. There are a few scenarios which include their use and this past weekend, construction began with a mock-up of three common designs. These are frequently seen in the drawings/etchings in episode 10. 

Triplex wood will serve for the bases and Milliput will be used for the ground and earthen embankments. This is an ideal medium, as it adds some weight to the piece and does not shrink as it cures. The bastions are separate to allow their replacement when destroyed. 

Photos will be added as the project progresses. 

Three different forms featuring bastions.

The three core shapes and 12 bastions were transferred to a sheet of 1.2mm triplex. After trimming and sanding, the pieces were covered with Milliput.

Past projects, such as camps and forts, placed the walls first followed by the ground work. The posed problems due to limited space or accidental damage to walls not yet fully cured.

This time, the ground would be done first, then later the walls or embankments. Thinking further about the process, I may vary each fortification; simple earth embankments for the triangular piece, earthen walls with an interior reinforced with timber and stonework for the last piece.