Post by Spine on Apr 13, 2021 11:54:57 GMT
Here is a link to some of the pictures I took throughout the battle I will try and improve this and make a proper album soon.
flic.kr/p/2kVkvsf
A quick secondary note the reason day three is not included is a untimely trip to family, and the fact I wanted them to try this game as well. My girlfriend and I played this about 4 hours and this was our first proper scenario, however it is also a bit cramed fitting a 6x4 table on to a 4 1/2x 2 3/4 table. Last but not least can someone inform me how do I get test lab permissions?
Battle of the First Day
On the morning of July first 1863, Confederate Henry Heth’s division of A.P. Hill’s 3rd Corps marched on the Chambersburg Pike. He deploys his division for battle upon sight of suspected Pennsylvania militia trying to resist a second raid of the town. However as the militia were apparently reinforced by damned Yankee cavalry within the hour and Pender’s division had already begun to deploy on Heth’s right flank. As the yankee forces made a fighting withdraw towards the town and the Confederate Infantry crossed over the crest of McPhearson’s ridge they saw the well known black hats of the Iron Brigade of 1st Corps on the Seminary Ridge. However unbeknownst to the Union Ewell’s 2nd Corps was marching towards Gettysburg from the north after receiving orders to concentrate at the town some time earlier. Now Lee agreed to fully commit to the major action, the battle of Gettysburg had well and truly begun.
General Howard of 11th Corps marching through the town had spotted the confederate columns marching from the north and deployed his corps along the partially finished railroad moving thorough Gettysburg and sent out skirmishers to harass the Confederate forces in order to delay them from beginning any attack on Gettysburg or the heights to the south. General Hill began attacking the 1st Corps head on engaging them in ferocious combat to their front, as his last division under Anderson reached the battlefield and formed up on the left of Heth’s Division. 11th Corps skirmishers fighting to restore lost honor from Chancallersville and an apparent lack of urgency or poor communication or both led to the Confederate 3rd Corps not advancing till around 1430 hours. By then Robinson’s Division of first Corps had been routed exposing 1st Corps Flank to Anderson’s Division, forcing General Reynolds to withdraw to the base of Cemetery Ridge by 1545. By now Ewell had kicked his Corps into high gear and begun to engage the 11th Corps still weak from losses from Chancellorsville north of town, routing Steinwehr’s Division and Leaving the rest cut off in Gettysburg. By 1800 Howard Made his breakout attempt against Rhodes’ division which had cut him off, despite Early engaging him on the north side of town he sallied out and pushed Rhodes back leaving him between the Iron Brigade, and the Remnants of 11th Corps. Unfortunately for the Union their rearguard quickly fell apart as the confederates had ordered an assault on the town for 1845, which overwhelmed the token resistance that they encountered and by nightfall the seemingly triumphant 11 corps was attacked in its rear and pushed southeast after considerable losses. 2nd Corps’ attack had decimated the 11th corps which was left with less than 50% of their forces as effective combat units, and taken Gettysburg, Cemetery Hill, and Culp’s hill. This gave them good ground to try and receive and hopefully destroy the Army of the Potomics ability to resist a push on Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
First Night’s Actions
Over the Night both Sides deployed reinforcements, and prepared for the next days battle. The Union prepared for a renewed defence of the left and Center as they were planning to mass for an attack on the rebel left in the form of a strong right hook using 12th Corps as a flanking force, and 5th Corps which would take 3 or 4 Hours to get into position to assault Culp’s hill and if possible seize Cemetery Ridge behind it. They would have the Remnants of 11th Corps to support them and 1st Corps to demonstrate in order to force the Confederates to refuse their line rather than turn to face the flank attack. In addition 2nd and 3rd Corps were placed on the left with the 3rd corps under Sickles being located on the Wheat Field and in the rough terrain south of it along the plum run, soon to be known as Devil's Den. Meanwhile 2nd Corps made their line along the forest and the plum run. Last but not least General Meade gives Buford orders to report to Pleasanton expecting that Pleasanton would be able to flank or harass the rebels the next day. The Confederates placed their battery on the Fairfield Road with the objective of preventing the Union from venturing towards the weak Confederate center, and to keep them pinned to the woods and hills as much as possible. They Deployed Longstreet's 1st Corps with Hood and Mclaws forming the far right of the Confederate line. The Confederate Plan for day 2 was to Clear the wheat field and rough ground south of it, then clear the woods of the round tops while marching south of them with Hood’s Texans who were to secure Big Round top and fall upon the union left from the rear securing Little Round Top.
Battle of the Second Day
General Meade had decided early July second to engage the confederate left by taking Brenner hill would give him the best chance at retaking the heights south of town and dramatically unhinging the Rebel flank, while straightening his own line in order to have more ample reserves. 5th Corps was ordered to form up for battle once it reached the fork and march to the sound of the guns firing to the north. At the same time Longstreet began organizing his attack on the federal left although Sickles quickly prepared to withdraw from the wheat field and reinforce the line along the Plum Run. Longstreet's orders to the Confederate Right Wing were as follows; Hood was to go to the right south of the Federal Positions and either support McLaws attack or secure the Big Round Top, McLaws was to secure the rough terrain where the Federals had made their forward position and march on Big Round Top, A.P. Hill was to use his corps to clear the wheat field and fight towards Little Round Top. However due to mismanagement, and late breakfast for the troops only General Hood had begun the execution of his maneuver at the designated start time. However to his horror the Federals had managed to get a large battery of guns onto the round tops and were setting them up. The holdup had given time for SIckles to withdraw his cannon although his infantry were slow to withdraw as Rebel skirmishers engaged them vigorously, convincing them that the main attack was on its way. In the North 12th Corps had advanced to its position on Brenner’s Hill and the 5th Corps was nearly in position. Ewell seeing what was happening gave orders to Early to Refuse his Line to prevent him from being outflanked. General Longstreet's attack began in earnest Hood’s Division was forced to stop due to Cannon Fire from Big Round Top while McLaws had a Deadly Fight in Devil’s Den before forcing Sickle’s boys back. And a large firefight embroiled the wheat field and a decisive charge broke the Union forces who withdrew in disarray. Now with the forward Positions on 3rd Corps cleared the task of clearing the path to the round tops began. General Reynolds, having recognized the danger the force arrayed against him posed, gave orders to all divisional commanders to ensure that they are able and ready to conduct a fighting withdrawal to the heights to prevent destruction of their divisions to ensure that the union would retain the hilltops. Over the next 4 hours 2 confederate Corps threw themselves against the Plum Run and into Union fire and by the end 2 Divisions were routed, and a foothold had been secured, however try as hard as they could Hood was unable to get up the hill and seize the guns as Canister raked the Texans by the scores. Hood Himself lost his hat trying to motivate his men forward. At the same time McLaws and A.P. Hill had a steady advance pushing Reynolds closer and closer to the Round Tops. By the end of the day they had to retire near the Plum Run while the Federals formed a Line on and between the round tops.
As the Confederate right hook was breaking across the Plum Run the Union’s right hook began to manifest as the 5th corps reached its starting point at 1300 and the attack began 45 Minutes later. At 1345 3 Union Corps made their attack on the Confederate 2nd Corps. Early's Division was ordered into Depth to repel the concentrated assault while Johnson Formed up between Early and Rhodes to receive the impending attack. The 5th and 12th Corps Pushed Early back with moderate casualties, the 5th Pinning him and 12 rolling up his flank forcing Early to withdraw his division to Cemetery Ridge.During this the remnants of the 11th engaged with Johnson's front and kept his focus and soon charged them as the 5th Corps hit Johnson’s flank leading to a route past Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg, all the way to the Fairfield road.12th Corps tried to push the advantage but their attack failed due to the difficult terrain and Early forming a solid picket line allowing him to conduct a strong counter attack with 3 Brigades against the lead element of Slocum’s advance. By nightfall the Rebels had lost all but their pickets on Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Ridge was facing hostile forces on 2 sides.
Second Nights Actions
Pickett arrives and Reinforces the Rebel Right. Confederates Stablize their new positions and prepare for the next days great battle. The Federals moved most of their Artillery on the Crests of the round tops and reinforced the Defensive positions in their center and Culp’s Hill. In addition Kilpatrick’s Cav. arrives to aid the Union Left.
To be continued?
flic.kr/p/2kVkvsf
A quick secondary note the reason day three is not included is a untimely trip to family, and the fact I wanted them to try this game as well. My girlfriend and I played this about 4 hours and this was our first proper scenario, however it is also a bit cramed fitting a 6x4 table on to a 4 1/2x 2 3/4 table. Last but not least can someone inform me how do I get test lab permissions?
Battle of the First Day
On the morning of July first 1863, Confederate Henry Heth’s division of A.P. Hill’s 3rd Corps marched on the Chambersburg Pike. He deploys his division for battle upon sight of suspected Pennsylvania militia trying to resist a second raid of the town. However as the militia were apparently reinforced by damned Yankee cavalry within the hour and Pender’s division had already begun to deploy on Heth’s right flank. As the yankee forces made a fighting withdraw towards the town and the Confederate Infantry crossed over the crest of McPhearson’s ridge they saw the well known black hats of the Iron Brigade of 1st Corps on the Seminary Ridge. However unbeknownst to the Union Ewell’s 2nd Corps was marching towards Gettysburg from the north after receiving orders to concentrate at the town some time earlier. Now Lee agreed to fully commit to the major action, the battle of Gettysburg had well and truly begun.
General Howard of 11th Corps marching through the town had spotted the confederate columns marching from the north and deployed his corps along the partially finished railroad moving thorough Gettysburg and sent out skirmishers to harass the Confederate forces in order to delay them from beginning any attack on Gettysburg or the heights to the south. General Hill began attacking the 1st Corps head on engaging them in ferocious combat to their front, as his last division under Anderson reached the battlefield and formed up on the left of Heth’s Division. 11th Corps skirmishers fighting to restore lost honor from Chancallersville and an apparent lack of urgency or poor communication or both led to the Confederate 3rd Corps not advancing till around 1430 hours. By then Robinson’s Division of first Corps had been routed exposing 1st Corps Flank to Anderson’s Division, forcing General Reynolds to withdraw to the base of Cemetery Ridge by 1545. By now Ewell had kicked his Corps into high gear and begun to engage the 11th Corps still weak from losses from Chancellorsville north of town, routing Steinwehr’s Division and Leaving the rest cut off in Gettysburg. By 1800 Howard Made his breakout attempt against Rhodes’ division which had cut him off, despite Early engaging him on the north side of town he sallied out and pushed Rhodes back leaving him between the Iron Brigade, and the Remnants of 11th Corps. Unfortunately for the Union their rearguard quickly fell apart as the confederates had ordered an assault on the town for 1845, which overwhelmed the token resistance that they encountered and by nightfall the seemingly triumphant 11 corps was attacked in its rear and pushed southeast after considerable losses. 2nd Corps’ attack had decimated the 11th corps which was left with less than 50% of their forces as effective combat units, and taken Gettysburg, Cemetery Hill, and Culp’s hill. This gave them good ground to try and receive and hopefully destroy the Army of the Potomics ability to resist a push on Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
First Night’s Actions
Over the Night both Sides deployed reinforcements, and prepared for the next days battle. The Union prepared for a renewed defence of the left and Center as they were planning to mass for an attack on the rebel left in the form of a strong right hook using 12th Corps as a flanking force, and 5th Corps which would take 3 or 4 Hours to get into position to assault Culp’s hill and if possible seize Cemetery Ridge behind it. They would have the Remnants of 11th Corps to support them and 1st Corps to demonstrate in order to force the Confederates to refuse their line rather than turn to face the flank attack. In addition 2nd and 3rd Corps were placed on the left with the 3rd corps under Sickles being located on the Wheat Field and in the rough terrain south of it along the plum run, soon to be known as Devil's Den. Meanwhile 2nd Corps made their line along the forest and the plum run. Last but not least General Meade gives Buford orders to report to Pleasanton expecting that Pleasanton would be able to flank or harass the rebels the next day. The Confederates placed their battery on the Fairfield Road with the objective of preventing the Union from venturing towards the weak Confederate center, and to keep them pinned to the woods and hills as much as possible. They Deployed Longstreet's 1st Corps with Hood and Mclaws forming the far right of the Confederate line. The Confederate Plan for day 2 was to Clear the wheat field and rough ground south of it, then clear the woods of the round tops while marching south of them with Hood’s Texans who were to secure Big Round top and fall upon the union left from the rear securing Little Round Top.
Battle of the Second Day
General Meade had decided early July second to engage the confederate left by taking Brenner hill would give him the best chance at retaking the heights south of town and dramatically unhinging the Rebel flank, while straightening his own line in order to have more ample reserves. 5th Corps was ordered to form up for battle once it reached the fork and march to the sound of the guns firing to the north. At the same time Longstreet began organizing his attack on the federal left although Sickles quickly prepared to withdraw from the wheat field and reinforce the line along the Plum Run. Longstreet's orders to the Confederate Right Wing were as follows; Hood was to go to the right south of the Federal Positions and either support McLaws attack or secure the Big Round Top, McLaws was to secure the rough terrain where the Federals had made their forward position and march on Big Round Top, A.P. Hill was to use his corps to clear the wheat field and fight towards Little Round Top. However due to mismanagement, and late breakfast for the troops only General Hood had begun the execution of his maneuver at the designated start time. However to his horror the Federals had managed to get a large battery of guns onto the round tops and were setting them up. The holdup had given time for SIckles to withdraw his cannon although his infantry were slow to withdraw as Rebel skirmishers engaged them vigorously, convincing them that the main attack was on its way. In the North 12th Corps had advanced to its position on Brenner’s Hill and the 5th Corps was nearly in position. Ewell seeing what was happening gave orders to Early to Refuse his Line to prevent him from being outflanked. General Longstreet's attack began in earnest Hood’s Division was forced to stop due to Cannon Fire from Big Round Top while McLaws had a Deadly Fight in Devil’s Den before forcing Sickle’s boys back. And a large firefight embroiled the wheat field and a decisive charge broke the Union forces who withdrew in disarray. Now with the forward Positions on 3rd Corps cleared the task of clearing the path to the round tops began. General Reynolds, having recognized the danger the force arrayed against him posed, gave orders to all divisional commanders to ensure that they are able and ready to conduct a fighting withdrawal to the heights to prevent destruction of their divisions to ensure that the union would retain the hilltops. Over the next 4 hours 2 confederate Corps threw themselves against the Plum Run and into Union fire and by the end 2 Divisions were routed, and a foothold had been secured, however try as hard as they could Hood was unable to get up the hill and seize the guns as Canister raked the Texans by the scores. Hood Himself lost his hat trying to motivate his men forward. At the same time McLaws and A.P. Hill had a steady advance pushing Reynolds closer and closer to the Round Tops. By the end of the day they had to retire near the Plum Run while the Federals formed a Line on and between the round tops.
As the Confederate right hook was breaking across the Plum Run the Union’s right hook began to manifest as the 5th corps reached its starting point at 1300 and the attack began 45 Minutes later. At 1345 3 Union Corps made their attack on the Confederate 2nd Corps. Early's Division was ordered into Depth to repel the concentrated assault while Johnson Formed up between Early and Rhodes to receive the impending attack. The 5th and 12th Corps Pushed Early back with moderate casualties, the 5th Pinning him and 12 rolling up his flank forcing Early to withdraw his division to Cemetery Ridge.During this the remnants of the 11th engaged with Johnson's front and kept his focus and soon charged them as the 5th Corps hit Johnson’s flank leading to a route past Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg, all the way to the Fairfield road.12th Corps tried to push the advantage but their attack failed due to the difficult terrain and Early forming a solid picket line allowing him to conduct a strong counter attack with 3 Brigades against the lead element of Slocum’s advance. By nightfall the Rebels had lost all but their pickets on Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Ridge was facing hostile forces on 2 sides.
Second Nights Actions
Pickett arrives and Reinforces the Rebel Right. Confederates Stablize their new positions and prepare for the next days great battle. The Federals moved most of their Artillery on the Crests of the round tops and reinforced the Defensive positions in their center and Culp’s Hill. In addition Kilpatrick’s Cav. arrives to aid the Union Left.
To be continued?
