It isn't a blog without some pictures of games in progress! So, see below for pictures and game reports.
Battle of San Domingo, 1806
This game was run at a friend's house, using the Kiss Me, Hardy
rules. Although a British victory in real life, in this game the
French managed to pull out a victory! The scenario is a French squadron
trying to escape from the two British squadrons pursuing them. Due to
the long chase, the British are strung out and come on the board
somewhat piecemeal. Since Admiral Duckworth has abandoned his blockade
station to chase the French, he has to be aggressive and attack quickly
in the scenario. After all, letting the French get away would probably
spell doom to his career. The French, however, just want to try and get
away and continue their mission in the West Indies. A good summary of
the historic battle is at Wikipedia: Link . An order of battle is also at Wikipedia: OOB link .
In this refight, Duckworth got himself killed, so at least he didn't
have to worry about his career being in ruins. His flagship took so
much damage that it actually struck its colors to the French!
Luckily(?) for them, the French were so busy taking the opportunity to
escape that they didn't bother to stick around long enough to put a
prize crew aboard the British flagship.
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Beginning of the game, with the lead British squadron on the left of the picture.
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The center of the French line.
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A closeup of the French flagship. |
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First volley of the game. |
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The British respond |
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The firing becomes general.
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The British break the line! Unfortunately,
that ship with the mast down beside it is the
British flagship. |
Once
the British broke the French line, the French players took advantage
of the fact that the second British squadron was just coming into the
fight, and escaped off the board before it could have any serious effect
on the battle. This was an unexpected outcome, since the previous
times I have run this scenario, the British usually win pretty easily.
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