Defend the Blockhouse

In our previous Sharp Practice War of 1812 game the Americans succeeded in throwing back the British counter-attack on Queenston Heights.  When more British reinforcements later came up, the position became untenable as further American units were refusing to cross the river. The Americans were able to withdraw back to the US side in relatively good order. The British now want to take the fight to the American side to harass and discomfort the enemy as winter approaches.

An American detachment under Capt Ogilvie has been assigned the task of rebuilding the defences of a run-down blockhouse to make it defensible and ready for winter. Unfortunately supplies have been intermittent, morale is low and work is progressing slowly.

A resupply convoy is on its way... but will it make it? There are rumours of British, Canadians and native allies operating in the area with the intent of taking out isolated American outposts and disrupting their supply lines.

Soon Capt Billy Caldwell’s Rangers are seen advancing on the US convoy. Capt Appling leads a detachment of the 1^st US Rifles, supported by militia skirmishers, to defend it.

Reinforced by Mohawk and Odawa allies, Caldwell’s Rangers begin to overwhelm the American escorts. The American player had the opportunity to reinforce but he chose not to at this point — in order to see how the battle developed before deploying additional troops.

Major Hatt’s Canadian volunteers deploy on the British right supported by skirmishers from the 41^st Foot and Canadian Glengarry Light Infantry.

Lt Sanders’ directs fire from a swivel gun on the advancing Canadians while Sgt Barkleys’ group of New York Militia move up to defend the perimeter around the blockhouse. Inside the blockhouse Capt Belknap’s militia also begin to fire on the enemy. The effect of the American fire is desultory. Return fire from the British and Canadians has greater effect.

Led by Major Dennis, the Canadian York Volunteers begin to move down the road in the centre hoping to intercept the American resupply convoy.

But the Mohawks get there first.

Ideally for the British players the Mohawks would now escort the wagon away. Instead they decided to loot it.

Capt Appling leads his depleted riflemen to successfully drive off the Mohawks. This frees the wagon to continue on towards the blockhouse but a subsequent volley from the Odawa decimates Appling’s men.

Finally Capt Ogilvie's US regulars begin to arrive.

Maj. Dennis' York Volunteers turn to face them. They exchange fire with the American regular skirmishers with little effect on either side.

On the British right Hatt’s Volunteers break into a run to charge the perimeter defences around the blockhouse, taking only minimal casualties from the defenders' fire. Lt Sanders’ artillerymen bravely stand to defend their gun but despite their valour the artillerymen are cut down and Lt Sanders is wounded.

Buoyed on by their success Hatt’s Volunteers press on to rout the New York militia who had sustained heavy casualties from supporting fire delivered by the British and Canadian light infantry.

Capt Belknap, commanding the militia inside the blockhouse, decides that it would be best to surrender to the Canadians rather than face the wrath of the Indians.

The victorious British burn the blockhouse, gather up supplies, prisoners and wounded. They now have to make it back safely to British held territory — this will no doubt be our next game.