Fort Fisher - recommended reading

After the game we discussed books.  I had been brandishing and quoting from the Fonvielle book during the game and I don't hesitate to recommend it.  It contains a lot of research, period quotes and photos and some fabulous maps.  Despite it's weighty content it remains an engaging read.

This was my main reference for the game...

...and part of it's excellent map of the fort.

Pete mentioned a couple of books he has on ACW combined ops and sent me this photo:

A couple of the players asked if I could recommend a single-volume history of the ACW.  There are several well-know such books but this is one I picked up a few years ago - it's a very good read.

And of course I took the opportunity to mention the splendid and lavishly illustrated Golden Book:

I first saw this mentioned only a couple for years ago on Mannie Gentile's blog - click here to read his post on the book.

Fort Fisher revisited part 5 - redoubts and regrets?

 

The US infantry storm ashore under the dubious cover of the monitor's guns...

...but the grapeshot kept on coming.  Luckily it was mostly inaccurate.

In the distance some Reb infantry have at least appeared.  Too late to save the day?

Having captured a couple of batteries a US regiment stormed across the ramparts  - both side's infantry squared up.

The double battery continued to spew forth party popper grapeshot.

Egged on by Colonel Lamb - perched atop the lookout tower - the CS infantry exchanged a withering hail of musketry with their opposite numbers.

Endgame.  As the double battery was about to fall and Reb infantry were being listed as 'out of stock' we drew a veil over proceedings.  We agreed that the Yanks still had enough strength to overcome the few remaining defenders but that without a fleet they were vulnerable to any CS counterattack - should such an event be forthcoming.

So the fort has fallen but at the cost of the US fleet.  It's not looking good for Adm. Porter!

As always, the game was made a success by the efforts of the players - thanks chaps!

Fort Fisher revisited part 4 - that sinking feeling

 

As we return to the action US troops have been lowered into little boats for the hazardous landing part of the operation.

Best photo of the day (by Russell).  The brave lads set out in their boat.

As it turned out, this was quite a good time to leave the fleet as a ship soon foundered.

Mind you, it wasn't all plain sailing (sorry!) in the assault boats.  One took a direct hit from a Reb gun and Sharkie was soon on the scene!

By now the fleet was a shambles, with two ships sunk, a third full of holes and of course only one out of three ironclads still in action.

Under the guns of the last (and cheapest!) monitor the Yanks storm ashore...

...to be met by a hail of party-popper grapeshot!

Meanwhile, Cdr Rhind, having been sent back to the Portland by an irate Adm Porter has succeeded in detonating the charges.  At this point we all obligingly shouted "bang!" 

So, there are troops ashore but an increasingly well-fed shark.  Stay tuned for the thrilling next (and final) episode!

Girls with guns!

Yes, I thought that would get your attention. You naughty lot!  These are 54mm Basevich figures which I think were bought at the Plastic Warrior show in 2019.  All these er, ladies serve in the Soviet Army.  They are lovely figures which I have finished in my usual ‘toy soldier’ style.  I couldn’t resist naming all four. Which is your favourite?  I’m voting for Tatania.  

Galina the grenadier 

Svetlana the sniper

Tatania the traffic controller

Marta the machine gunner