Tortorella | 10 Jul 2021 8:53 p.m. PST |
I am fascinated by the transition warship era – mid 1850s to 1880s or so – in Europe. I have a decent reference library and lots of ship info. I have a good sized collection of 1/3000 models from several nations. But I do not have a lot of ideas for fictional encounters between French and British warships during this era, either in the Channel or the Med. Does anyone have any thoughts or know of any resources? |
BillyNM | 10 Jul 2021 10:30 p.m. PST |
Not the Channle or the Med but how about a British blockade / bombardment / invasion of St Pierre & Miquelon in response to the French starting constructon of a naval base there – a sort of 19th Century Cuban Missile Crisis gone bad? Or, a French 'Pearl Harbour' against the Review at Spithead? |
boggler | 11 Jul 2021 7:44 a.m. PST |
I've run lots of What If? games set in a fictional Anglo French war c1870's using Broadside and Ram: link If you rummage around on the blog you'll find the scenarios and game reports. It's a really fun period to game. |
boggler | 11 Jul 2021 7:48 a.m. PST |
Here's one example, set in the Med: link |
boggler | 11 Jul 2021 7:51 a.m. PST |
And a larger action off the western coast of Brittany: link |
boggler | 11 Jul 2021 1:24 p.m. PST |
And a convoy game in the Western Approaches: link |
Tortorella | 11 Jul 2021 7:18 p.m. PST |
Yes! Thank you both! This has stimulated some brain cells at last. I love these ideas, creative thinking. The St Pierre Affair sounds great, I should explore more territory and empire related encounters as well as the Channel. The Spithead Review sounds like a job for the Juene Ecole! Boggler you have a big head start on me, great looking games and ideas. Again much thanks! |
Andoreth | 12 Jul 2021 2:45 a.m. PST |
You might look at the fiction of the time. A number of the Victorian "England Invaded" stories which followed "The Battle of Dorking" have descriptions of battles or stratagems to defeat the Royal Navy and allow troops to land. Another area which strikes me could be interesting is off the coast of East Africa, with the French in control of Madagascar they could pose a serious threat to links between Britain, India and the Antipodes. |
boggler | 12 Jul 2021 4:41 a.m. PST |
I came up with this as a campaign starter: link |
Tortorella | 13 Jul 2021 7:00 p.m. PST |
Yes, thanks Andoreth – just now discovered the invasion fiction craze from the era! And I had not thought of the many foreign stations and possessions either. Boggler you narratives are great and very helpful. I had the feeling there would not be too many people sharing this interest but I much appreciate the responses. Many more options than I realized. |
Phorcys | 16 Feb 2022 9:08 a.m. PST |
Sorry for the late post but just to second the suggestion about invasion literature. There is a site called RiddleoftheSands.com which has a comprehensive list. |
Phorcys | 16 Feb 2022 9:13 a.m. PST |
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Tortorella | 21 Feb 2022 2:54 p.m. PST |
Hey thanks! This is excellent! I was sidetracked into the FIW and skirmish games with a new playing partner this past fall, but have now returned to working on my ships. Nearly done with a selection French and British 1850-70. I have experimented with a couple of David Manley rule sets. I have also ordered a couple of 2mm 19th century armies from Irregular to develop a large scale land campaign element. Very tiny, but I think they will make good game pieces for invasions. |
Murvihill | 22 Feb 2022 5:54 a.m. PST |
British smuggling so angers the French government that they declare the English Channel closed. Hilarity ensues… |
Tortorella | 28 Feb 2022 7:34 a.m. PST |
Those declarations can really make trouble! The Brie must get through! Warrior vs Gloire! |