One of the strengths of Volley & Bayonet is its ability to support multiplayer games. In this fictional American Civil War battle, set in June 1863, seven players gathered for a most enjoyable evening of gaming.
Neither army was fully concentrated. Lee had two strong corps available, one under Longstreet and the other under A.P. Hill. Opposite was Fighting Joe Hooker who could draw on four corps from the Army of the Potomac. Hooker’s forces immediately available were Warren’s II Corps, French’s III Corps, Howard’s XI Corps & Sedgwick VI Corps, the last arriving during the battle.
The deployment of the armies was slowed as the various formations arrived on the field. In fact the bulk of the forces were only fully deploying around 3pm in the warm June afternoon. The position of both armies was bookended by two streams, that on the Union right being marshy and a greater obstacle. Between these two streams the battlefield was broken by several gentle hills, a number of woods and two towns.
Hooker deployed with Warren in the centre, French on the Union right and Howard on the left. Sedgwick’s Corps was still moving forward and was not expected on the battlefield until 6pm. Each corps comprised around three divisions and were well supported by artillery.
Lee meanwhile deployed his two corps opposite. Massed on the centre and left was Longstreet’s Corps comprising the divisions of McLaws, Pickett and Hood. They were supported by Jenkin’s Cavalry Division. On his right was Heth’s Division, drawn from Hill’s Corps. Absent was A.P Hill and two further divisions, those of Pender and Anderson. Lee had determined to conduct a turning movement against the Union right and these divisions and commanded by the legendary commander of Jackson’s old Light Division seemed most suitable. The Confederate Divisions were of course significantly larger than their Union counterparts, typically comprising four infantry brigades.
Around 3pm the forces advanced. In the Union centre Warren moved his divisions forward forming a line from the town of Buttlersville in the south in a generally northerly direction which centred on Braerer’s Hill. Undeterred by the Union line bristling with artillery Lee ordered McLaw’s & Pickets Divisions, supported by elements of Heth’s Division to engage the line with artillery and musketry. Within three hours Pickett’s Division was to have suffered crippling casualties. Yet Union losses were equally horrific with Gibbon’s and Hays’ Divisions equally decimated by fire.
The deployment of the armies was slowed as the various formations arrived on the field. In fact the bulk of the forces were only fully deploying around 3pm in the warm June afternoon. The position of both armies was bookended by two streams, that on the Union right being marshy and a greater obstacle. Between these two streams the battlefield was broken by several gentle hills, a number of woods and two towns.
Hooker deployed with Warren in the centre, French on the Union right and Howard on the left. Sedgwick’s Corps was still moving forward and was not expected on the battlefield until 6pm. Each corps comprised around three divisions and were well supported by artillery.
Lee meanwhile deployed his two corps opposite. Massed on the centre and left was Longstreet’s Corps comprising the divisions of McLaws, Pickett and Hood. They were supported by Jenkin’s Cavalry Division. On his right was Heth’s Division, drawn from Hill’s Corps. Absent was A.P Hill and two further divisions, those of Pender and Anderson. Lee had determined to conduct a turning movement against the Union right and these divisions and commanded by the legendary commander of Jackson’s old Light Division seemed most suitable. The Confederate Divisions were of course significantly larger than their Union counterparts, typically comprising four infantry brigades.
Around 3pm the forces advanced. In the Union centre Warren moved his divisions forward forming a line from the town of Buttlersville in the south in a generally northerly direction which centred on Braerer’s Hill. Undeterred by the Union line bristling with artillery Lee ordered McLaw’s & Pickets Divisions, supported by elements of Heth’s Division to engage the line with artillery and musketry. Within three hours Pickett’s Division was to have suffered crippling casualties. Yet Union losses were equally horrific with Gibbon’s and Hays’ Divisions equally decimated by fire.
Below, a general view of the field viewed from the northwest with Union and Confederate lines stretching south towards the centre.
In the south Howard pressed the extreme Rebel right. Before Heth’s Division was fully prepared Barlow’s Division advanced on the positions near the Brady Creek. Casualties fell heavily on Archer’s Brigade, though Barlow’s brigades paid a heavy price for their attacks pressed home with the bayonet. Fighting would continue here throughout the hot afternoon but with inconclusive results.
Below, a view as Rebel right is subjected to an attack by Barlow’s Division. The town of Buttlersville is represented by two town sectors and is classed as wooden.
In the north meanwhile the action was determined. The Union right was held by Major General French with the divisions of Birney and Prince, with Prince’s Division forming on the extreme right. Attempting to secure the small town Stocksburg a Union Brigade was hastily ejected by Law’s Brigade, from Hood’s Division. A hastily organised Union counter attack was driven back. Then as the Union right flank reorganised a brigade of Jenkin’s Cavalry Division charged across the open fields catching no less than 24 Union guns while limbered. Alas, Union reprisals decimated the Rebel cavalry.
Below, Rebel infantry attack Stocksburg, Jenkin’s cavalry are visible on the left. The stream here was marshy banked greatly protecting the flank of both armies.
Around 6pm the battle took an even more dramatic turn. With Sedgwick’s arrival on the field Union forces in the centre were in need of much needed reinforcement, especially so as indications that here the Confederate reinforcements would soon reinforce the Rebel centre.
Then, around 6.30pm the Rebel reinforcements did arrive, but not in the centre but rather on the Union right rear. Advancing from the north A.P Hill pressed his two divisions forward as he had his Light Division at Antietam. Pender’s Division would unhinge French’s exposed flank while Anderson’s Division would attack Sedgwick’s Corps, before they could fully deploy. Below, Pender’s Division threatens French’s exposed flank.
Both Union commanders reacted quickly but Hill pressed forward, driving into the Union brigades with great elan. Prince’s Division was carried away in a sea of grey and butternut as troops attacked with the bayonet. Sedgwick was a more able to react and formed two adhoc lines which held Anderson’s attack, though at heavy loss. Wright’s Division was soon exhausted and casualties were mounting on Newton’s Division at alarming rates. Below, Hill’s Division attacks, that on the left is Anderson’s Division.
However Hill’s, veterans were effectively a spent force. As darkness engulfed the field the fighting ceased.
In six hours of fighting no less than six of the eleven Union divisions were exhausted. Opposite three Confederate divisions, all larger than their Union counterparts, were also exhausted. This was further supplemented by Jenkins’ Cavalry Division which was also exhausted, though emboldened by its success. The butcher’s bill was unprecedented.
The scenario was developed with the Road to Glory scenario system with both armies comprising 4000 points of troops. As mentioned earlier the game involved seven players, with four supporting the Union and three Confederate States. The miniatures are from my own collection and are all from the Heroics & Ros ranges. The buildings are by Timecast and the normal massed infantry brigade stand is temporarily replaced by a linear stand when garrisoning the town sector.
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