The US players were Jerry, Martin and Tim C, the Rebs were Pete and Russell. I provided most of the toys and Russell kindly brought his (newly painted) US infantry.
The US players had free choice of that time of day to start - in the best traditions they opted for dawn. Despite me dropping a few hints they didn't ask me about tide times - which turned out not to be their best move! I had equipped myself with a set of tide tables (actually from Whitby in North Yorkshire) which I'd have shared on request. Low tide was - you've guessed it - around dawn.
On floated the fleet - Portland in the distance, apparently hotly pursued by two US warships. Next in line were the two transports while closer inshore were the ironclads.
An early shot from the Reb gunners severed the tow of the bomb ketch which was then left adrift and pointing in any direction except the fort!
Just after that calamity the lighter-coloured monitor ran aground and stuck fast.
Of course, what every amphibious assault needs is a real amphibian! Sharp-eyed Pete spotted Froggie (as we call him) but he didn't seem that interested in the game.
The Ironsides took hits and was soon gently ablaze. It also lost power and steering.
The crew of the monitor emerged on deck as the incoming tide, while failing to refloat the thing, rendered the deck awash.
And excellent hit on a US warship!
Pete adopts the elegant firing posture familiar to
Funny Little Wars gamers!
The fleet was soon in a bit of a state - the orange dice were used to keep track of hits - but sailed gamely on. In the distance, Portland has been beached and Cdr Rhind is rowing away at a furious pace!
As well as Confederate guns, the US sailors must face other hazards. Sharkie came with the Playmobil ship so it seemed only fair to include him in the game.
13 comments:
Great photos, great looking game and an encounter with nature.
Another wonderful report Tim! Your fleet seems to have made a mess of things, but I'm sure the shark will be happy to clean things up!
Here and there in the middle of the Yankee fleet, various young officers are checking their charts and tide tables and weighing the value of their life vs career options and reputations...., then choosing the latter.
Fanastic game- one of my best games of the year.
Cheers,
Pete.
Hi Tim -
What a cracking narrative - most entertaining, with just that picquant soupçon of humour.
Did the Yankees even come CLOSE to landing troops ashore? That is to say, apart from the crew of the paler monitor?
Cheers,
Ion
Love the look of the fleet, particularly the Iron clads. Been having a chat with a friend about making some warships for 54mm American and British 1890s armies. Your last two posts are inspirational!
Michael
Peter Douglas
Two encounters if you include Sharkie!
Brad DeSantis
Thanks. Given the number of sinkings I might need more sharks!
Ross Mac
Book now for Admiral Porter’s court martial!
Pete
Glad you enjoyed it.
Archduke Piccolo
It ain’t over yet - stay tuned for more nonsense.
MGB
I’m sure we all look forward to seeing your ships!
It was a magnificent game Tim, and we've barely even started on the narrative. Still kicking myself about the tides, but then again, I was playing a soldier. I would have hoped the Navy knew about stuff like that.
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