Post Lockdown "what-if?" - The Battle of Brampton, November 1745

An enjoyable weekend was had by all, blowing away the cobwebs of lockdown while the Government allowed me now to have a few people in my house.  As alluded to in a previous post Back to the 18th Century, Guy Barlow was using the opportunity to give his 28mm Jacobites a rare outing and try on others an idea he had as part of his own Jacobite Rebellion wargame campaign.  You can read and download the Briefings and Orders of Battle for both sides in The 18th Century Historical Download Bar at right or here

I played the Jacobites under "Bonnie" Prince Charlie and Ken Marshall played Marshal Wade with the Government Army.

As a reminder here is the terrain map for the Brampton game

I set the scene very briefly in that post a few weeks ago, but now the game is done Guy takes up the story of how it went:

Battle of Brampton-game report

Opening positions on the table at about 6.30am on 14th November 1745 as the mist over the beck burnt off.

Only one clan of the Highland Division (Atholls) is visible, the rest are suggested by markers behind the hills. Lowland Division in the foreground

The Jacobite forces were already set up with the Highland Division mainly concealed behind the low hills on their left and with the Lowland Division on the right in an arc towards Milton woods. Their artillery piece was well positioned on top of the hill. The French troops occupied Brampton. A messenger had been sent by the Prince towards Carlisle to urge the Duke of Perth’s return with his detached command, post haste.

My Jacobite deployment map - CG

The government forces had advanced under General Hawley with two regiments of dragoons (both inferior), a unit of government Scottish troops (also inferior) and a combined British grenadier unit. They took up their positions around a tavern on the Newcastle Road to shield the advancing government troops. 

Turn 1

The lowland division acted aggressively from the start and attacked the isolated government Scottish troops who did not put up much of a fight and fled. The grenadier unit advanced and occupied the Tavern. The Dutch brigade advanced onto the table consisting of three Musketeer regiments, a gun and a combined Dutch Grenadier unit. Unfortunately, their commander was dithering, and all the units were classed as small and inferior. This reflected the poor quality of the Dutch troops in Newcastle at that time. General Wade also accompanied these troops.

Above and below: Chisholm's Highlanders charge out from the woodland edge......giving the Black Watch such a fright that they fled

Above and below: My Hessian figures come on masquerading as Dutch mercenaries

Turn 2

The grenadiers were assaulted by a highland unit from the Lowland division supported by other Lowlanders. As a result of the assault on the tavern the British combined grenadiers were forced to withdraw but they did cause some casualties. 

The Grenadiers can be seen in the Tavern BUA with the building removed for ease of play. Fearing the British Dragoons might seize the ridge crest  some of my Highland clans are showing themselves in an attempt to be intimidating!

Ken and Guy are busy in Move 2 - the Black Watch have fled off and Chisholms have retired with casualties from Hessian fire. (My latest painting of Countess Gruzinskaya keeps on eye on the off-table figures in the boxes :-))

Cromartie's Highlanders lead the attack on the Tavern; the defended walls blunt their Highland Charge impetus.

However, on the second move the main British force of four infantry regiments together with a gun came onto the table and started to deploy. Their arrival certainly made a brave sight and the Jacobites withdrew slightly in order to reform their lines. They were also faced with the formed government cavalry units.

Highland Division has edged forward as the British infantry arrive in front of them. Chisholms are back in the scrubby woods by Quarry Beck ready to charge again. The tavern has been evacuated by all - the whisky must have dried up!

Dutch fusiliers about to be charged from the woods

The British Dragoons can't pluck up enough courage to attack up the slope and are content to cover for their infantry compatriots. But those double lines are susceptible to even the inferior Scottish artillery

Turn 3 

The final British unit arrived which was a regiment of cavalry. The British troops then started to advance and were lucky to get a double move. They advanced towards the low hill to their front, forming line with the gun and also behind them the light British mortars took station. Compared with their performance in a former game these mortars actually performed rather well and inflicted some casualties on the Jacobite forces.

There was some combat on the government left flank from Milton Woods by a highland unit in the Lowland division. The Dutch troops managed to halt this attack, but it did shake the resolve of the Dutch brigade.

Above and below: Chisholms make a second charge this time on the Dutch. However, too many hits now and they flee

The additional cavalry give the Government army an appearance of organised strength

Nice close up of the light mortars

Turn 4 and 5

It was at this stage that the first units of the Duke of Perth's command from Carlisle started to make their appearance and because all the fighting was taking place on the other end of the table, they were able to make a swift march towards the town of Brampton to reinforce the Jacobite forces. Turn 4 was a bit of a lull in the fighting save for some cannon fire as the two opposing armies brought their troops into formations for the inevitable final clash. The Dutch troops fell back to reform as they had suffered some casualties. 

In turn 5 the opposing forces manoeuvred and took their positions with the British units facing off the massed clans. 

Plenty to think about. Lowland Division is making an orderly withdrawal and practically all clans and battalions having several hits, but they have bought valuable time. Duke of Perth's first clan is just pushing through Brampton

Now was the time to bring up Charlie to try to inspire the troops for their Highland charges. On the far side Baggot's Hussars retire from mortar casualties

Turn 6

We then approached approach the climax as the battle as there was a full-blown highland charge against the British line. Despite suffering casualties, the charge went home, and they were successful in firstly forcing a British gun crew to abandon their gun and also forcing back and effectively knocking out of the game 2 British foot regiments. Some Highland units were also damaged but not to the same extent. The British line was left holding with just two British line regiments, a cavalry regiment and the infamous mortars. This left them looking relatively weak especially as the Jacobite line was being reinforced by the Duke of Perth’s units. 

Above and below: Three clans make a concerted Highland Charge supported by one other and the Hussars. Two battalions and an artillery battery are on the receiving end.

A very disjointed aftermath for both sides.  In the foreground Highlanders have withdrawn to lick their wounds. A hole is now in the British line and the battery abandoned

Turn 7

The government commander was therefore left in an invidious position. Marshal Wade’s instructions were very clear. He was not to imperil his army or allow it to be defeated because that would have effectively destroyed the main British force between the north and London.  Matters would only change when the British troops returned from Flanders under the Duke of Cumberland. 

It was clear that Wade did not have enough strength to defeat the Jacobite army as a number of his units had been irreparably damaged and the only support came from the weak Dutch troops. It was apparent that Wade would have to withdraw towards Newcastle. He had plenty of cavalry available to shield the withdrawal and there was no chance of a successful follow up by the Jacobite forces.

A British volley finished off Fife's Highlanders who are fleeing

But there is also chaos in the British lines, and those Cavalry on the right are now losing hits from a Scots battery in Brampton

So definitely a tactical victory for the Jacobites as they were left in command of the field, but it was certainly not a crushing victory along the lines of Prestonpans.  

The result certainly pleased the Prince because it allowed him now to move towards Carlisle with his full strength and then continue his advance southwards towards London. With hindsight its strategic value was certainly less as Wade continued to have a sizeable force in the Jacobite’s rear and should the Jacobites suffer a reverse further South, such a force may prove decisive. 

The whole Jacobite Army has managed to pull back into some kind of order round Brampton and Perth's fresh units are in a position to bolster the centre and threaten any further British aims.

Recovery of some sort is underway and in the foreground Charlie has called up his Lifeguard cavalry as if to taunt those British Horse

The campaign continues. 

Postscript.

Due to the presence of French troops with the Jacobite, the Dutch troops were obliged to return to Holland due to the terms of their enlistment. Not many tears were shed by Wade or his staff. Wade also made plans to upgrade the Newcastle/Carlisle Road so that he the army’s heavier guns could be taken on the next foray. Carlisle soon fell to the Prince and the Jacobite army started their march into Lancashire.  

Marshal Wade brings on the British Infantry brigade

Battle of Brampton by Ken

I did start with a plan to bring the Dutch on the table to hold the left flank and use the British Infantry on the right flank to advance and take the fight to the enemy with the dragoons screening the advance. I wasn’t sure what was behind those hills but the mobility of the dragoons should allow them to locate the enemy and stay out of trouble. Once the Jacobites were pinned, the infantry and artillery could be brought up to deal with them. That fell apart when I first walked in the room, saw the table and just how close to my front line the Jacobites were. 

Baggot's Hussars, Glenbucket, Fife and Ogilvy Highlanders. Cameron of Lochiel is still out of sight and the Atholl Brigade takes the post of honour on the right by Brampton town

The first dice roll compounded that feeling when I lost the initiative and my highlanders and grenadiers found themselves on the receiving end of a highland charge. The Scots managed to get a volley off and inflict a few casualties before they thought better of it and made for the table edge, passing the arriving Dutch troops at high speed and leaving them wondering what they had walked into. Exposed, the grenadiers delayed the inevitable for a few minutes by scrambling into the local tavern, shutting and barring the door where they promptly began to investigate the cellar.

End of the first turn and the remains of my advance guard are still across the stream holding ground although I’m not feeling confident if the Jacobites decide to advance. Although the Dutch are on the table, I really need to create some space otherwise I’m not going to be able to bring the British onto the table.

General views around Moves Two to Three

Turn two starts well. Marshal Wade uses his influence and persuades some of the Dutch to advance across the stream where the flanking battalion promptly gets charged by another highland unit. At least that means some of the British can come on the table although they are greeted by the sight of the grenadiers being evicted from the tavern and running down the road towards them. The grenadiers claim to have been saving the whisky stocks weren’t believed.

Despite the ill training of the gunners this Scots 3pdr battery made a good showing throughout much of the game, especially against the cavalry when two ranks deep

The next few turns are a blur. The British infantry and cavalry manage to advance and eventually catch up with the Highland division, however they simply don’t have enough good troops to defeat the highlanders. They successfully fight off the first highland line but the lack of reserves meant they can’t stand up to the second line charge and have to pull back. 

The main Highland Charge as seen from the British side

Repulsed clans make the Highland line very disjointed by Move 6

The fresh clans stand firm -  and this time receive a charge from the inferior quality Dragoons

The Dutch maintained their position on the left flank and made faces at the Lowland division facing them as Marshal Wade was otherwise occupied on the right flank and couldn’t be spared to encourage them forward. Unfortunately the lowlanders made scarier faces back which upset the Dutch and they decided that they’d rather go home (the result of a "feeble" roll on the initiative dice for their dithering commander which had them going back towards the table edge)

The Dutch maintain the position they had at 7.30 am! The Number 18 in the foreground Milton BUA is just a "dummy" unit

An enjoyable game even if it was one of those where the dice should have been painted tartan to show their allegiance. 

Brampton by Chris

I hadn't a clue what to expect but knew from the rules that my Highlanders could not charge mounted troops so I was in fear of them all along. My best chance lay in trying to encourage them to attack me with my uphill advantage, but Ken proved far too shrewd to do that!

I was pleased with the Lowland Division performance under "dithering" Colonel Sullivan. and I think he only rolled one "poor" result in the game - at a point I was happy not to advance.

I only brought up Charlie late to try to upgrade Lord George Murray to dashing and that did not work. I think I got one double move in the whole game, so it is a bit misleading to imply the dice were on my side. True , I got very few really bad results, unlike some games. Given the restraints I later found Ken to be under, and his relatively short supply of good troops, he had a difficult job and did well. For my part it felt like a considerable challenge and one I enjoyed coming out of on top! Thanks Guy for all you did and to Ken for being a good sport. 

All figures except the Hessian/Dutch from Guy Barlow's collection - Crann Tara and Flags of War 28mm miniatures. Resin buildings painted by Guy, rest of terrain scratch built or converted by CG . Rules adapted from "Honours of War" by Keith Flint.

Rules

I have been asked about our local amendments for Honours of War and the special rules for the Jacobite Rebellion so I have posted them in the right hand side bar and here is a link.  The HoW 45 I believe is an official variant, though we are not convinced we like it all as it is. Guy tells me that Graham Cummings has his own slight variations to this so might enlighten us.

Back to the 18th Century - three post lockdown battles to look forward to

 I'm a very lucky man. Guy Barlow and Ken Marshall have been plotting with me (to keep us a bit sane during lockdown since last October's  Battle of Ellenbach ) on what to do this year. Rules for post lockdown get togethers were unclear till late February so we planned a cautious approach at first. We settled on a weekend in late May for the three of us to have a game on each day but we'd use the same hills,  road and river basics of a sculpted battlefield and just change the add-ons - buildings, woods etc. The aim was to minimise the time taken to change the scene to give more gaming time (Oh, well to be honest, I mean more time for a leisurely dinner and drinks at the  The Butchers Arms which will be fully open by then!)

Our eventual battlefield for The Battle of Brampton

Guy was first in with a great suggestion to try a "what if?" scenario based on the idea that Prince Charlie's rebel, sorry loyal Jacobite, Army marched out of Carlisle to meet an approaching Government force under General Wade somewhere near the village of Brampton in late November 1745. He characterised the little town as being in a moorland of undulating hills with some "scrubby trees" and the odd farm. Not much to go on but all I needed to get the creative juices flowing. I checked Google maps round Brampton for some clues and ground level photos and found there were some rivers and streams there but I had to use imagination to place the hills to be useful to us in a game. So I came up with this sketch map. Apologies to any readers who know the area - but this is 276 years ago - that's my excuse!

Plan for the 8 foot x 6 foot table

I was looking forward to the opportunity to make a winter battlefield that was basic moorland, yet I knew I'd have to use it for a Central European game or two as well. I had some good brown hills I made years ago from polystyrene and certainly they would save me the time and mess of making new ones but the colour would be wrong.  So I used their shapes as the basis to work on the sketch and after Guy approved it I set to work.

Choosing from my stock of brown hills 

I was trying to take advantage of some fine Spring weather we had in the Cotswolds in April so my idea was to use the outdoor space to flatten lots of pre-loved cardboard packing boxes and glue them together with PVA, strengthened underneath by some simple wooden batons glued in place, and all weighted down to stop warping, or blowing away till it was sufficiently dry to store in the garage overnight.  I will let the photos tell the step by step construction

My driveway is a nice place to "work" with native logs and
 antique weights. All the materials would have been sent to recycling 
 if I hadn't used them, I didn't buy anything but the glue.

This shows a cross section - wooden batten at edge supporting 2 or 3
overlapping layers of cardboard smoothed out with brown packing paper
 stuck with PVA glue in my usual papier mache style.

I measured a rough grid from the map and drew in the features to scale with marker pen. Then added the hills to show where they go. Ex Falklands War shell case used as a weight now (courtesy of my nephew Mark,  ex Royal Anglia Regiment)

Now using thin acrylic paint to secure the locations

I used my markings to show where to raise the edges of the streams slightly with rolled up paper or small pieces of cardboard. When they were dry I mixed up some gunge to apply to the stream sides and where the hills meet the board, in order to smooth the transitions of surfaces.

As usual my gunge is made up of varying quantities of dry plastering/filler powder; sawdust and/or sand or similar texture: water; acrylic paint (from the cheap big pots for schools or end-of-line decorators paint deals); PVA glue. Then applied to taste with old brushes of various sizes.

I also did the roads, tracks and wooded areas with similar mixtures of slightly different colours. The recesses marking the water courses were painted with sloshy dark acrylic paint mixes and light highlights - remember this is English Winter moorland - no blue refections on this day of drizzle in November 1745.

Later a coat of Acrylic Gloss Varnish on the water.
The first of about 4 or 5 coats laid over successive days

 

While the gunge was drying off I went along the roads with two coffee stirrers to leave wagon ruts. When dry they were scraped back down with a neat Surform tool. The same scraper can be used to get rid of any awkward irregularities over the whole surface.

Now the big, slightly tedious, task of mixing a suitable gunge for the overall moorland. I opted for a dull green, which had a Winter feel but would also be acceptable for the Continental settings in brighter weather. The old toothbrush is to stipple large swathes of it while wet to create extra texture.

Smoother patches, much scraped, for the bases
 of Built Up Areas (BUAs)

Over half covered now. I use an old plastic kitchen sieve to grade the sawdust or other crumbly bits of texture

All covered and you can see the rough toothbrush-stippled effects, particularly at bottom left where it is still a bit wetter and darker. I have blended the brown hills in to be less obtrusive.

Now the detailed areas need attention

Very useful marsh tuffs from such as Warlord Games
bring the Marshy Beck to live up to its name 

A mixture of sawdust and commercial woodland floor scatter
 helps to mark out the woods......

.....and dried tea leaves for the more organised farmyard "mud".
Multiple shades of commercial foliage scatter on the banks help
 bring the beck alive

Quarry Beck got an extra special helping of small stones,
dry brushed with off-white highlights. You can see my standard
green board still intact under this special moorland one

Difficult artistic choices now. This is a yellow ochre acrylic dry brush
mixture for selected areas, but I also added lighter highlights
of different sympathetic tones all over the surface to unite the features
and help cover irregularities

The hills have come out a browner shade, which is good for game purposes and still fit in to the overall effect

These three photos help you get down nearer the water level. It's at this point I try hard not to
 imagine I'm following the charming Julia Bradbury on one of her TV Pennine hikes!

Above and below: The finished terrain with trees and buildings added

The buildings are just out of the toy box for the sake of illustration, most will be replaced by Guy's own Scottish-style crofts. The trees I made specially, more on them later.

I had now got far enough to take some birds eye view photos for Guy to use as our player map. Really looking forward to it, he has made me the Jacobite player and I can't say more at the moment, Ken may be watching!

Guy's border country stone cottages will look the perfect thing on the day.

 In the next post I will be showing how I'm converting this basic terrain for Ken's Imagi-nations SYW game and how I did the trees for both different terrains.

Please leave a comment and let me know if any of this is of use, thank you.

Chris

PS> I joked about Julia Bradbury but a bit of idle curiosity led me to this JB Cumbria walk - mind you that is Summer in the northern hills - brrrr!