The Corlears Hook Fencibles played our fifth game of Shiloh (in three years) using the Bloody Big Battle rules. Ken had somehow managed to miss the other games, Bill was robbed by umpire (me) error last time and we just like the game.
Bill played Albert Sidney Johnston seconded by Rick and I Grant, aided by Ken. I forgot to take pictures until the 3rd or 4th turn. I opted for the forward placement of Prentiss' division, which managed to hold for two turns before being blown to the winds. Hardee looted Prentiss' camp while Withers exploited to threaten Sherman's flank.
On the Union left, Stuart's small brigade moved up and fired into Ruggles' flank, causing some confusion. Then Clark hit Stuart's front while cavalry hit their flank. You can see the result below.
The cavalry kept looting while Union guns unlimbered within easy range.
Withers knocked Sherman back with loss and then looted his camp.
Hurlbut got into the Hornet's Nest with a lot of ordnance on his right. These guns would be instrumental in holding the line and causing heavy Confederate losses.
Two attacks were broken up by fire before bayonets could be crossed.
Hurlbut suffered losses from musket and artillery fire.
On the Union right, a separate battle raged.
Hurlbut's division fell into disorder and retreated. WHL Wallace failed to occupy the position at first but then Sweeny's green brigade rose to the occasion.
Pressure built against Sweeny as shadows lengthened.
The fight on the right continued.
And on the left.
The large Union artillery battery began pulling back, sensing the end for the Hornet's Nest.
In the gathering darkness, Confederate guns infiltrated behind the Hornet's Nest. By game's end I forgot to enforce zone of control rules. Perhaps the beer with dinner played some part in this.
The same darkness allowed Sweeny's brigade to slip out of the nest.
A last gasp bayonet attack by Hardee was thrown back with loss.
We played the night turn just to see what it looked like. Also, our ongoing Franco-Prussian campaign has some night turns coming up and we need the practice.
The Confederates failed to take Pittsburg Landing. Bill can't make it next week and no one else wished to try for a Confederate tie on the second day. So it's a default Union victory. Of our five games, the Confederates have won one, though the Union player always hangs on by the fingernails.
Losses were very heavy, 15 infantry and 1 artillery base lost form the Union, with 3 quitting the field. That's just over 50% of Grant's initial strength. The Confederates lost 8 infantry and 1 cavalry base, with another cavalry base hitting the road back to Corinth. I imagine a second day would see those numbers rise.
We played 9 turns in 3 hours, not counting our dinner break. The gunboat has not fired a shot in five games, as the Confederates always stay more then 3 inches away from the river.
completes his initial Union force in 1:72nd scale.
