As a fan of HG Wells it was only a matter of time before I played a game based on one of his wargames - Hook's farm. So I set about replicating the terrain with church at one end and farm at the other, with a hovel here and a cottage there. The terrain effectively blocked much of the line of sight as the farm and church were on a raised area.
HG Wells buildings were generally constructed from simple blocks. Hills were often made from books. I decided to use scenery a little more realistic but still on the quaint side. The farm house was a slightly crude wooden building I found in an op shop. The church is a musical wind up one which plays 'Silent might', something I played towards the end of the game!
The forces we employed were a few times larger than those in Well's original game. We each had five infantry and three cavalry regiments as well as three cannons. The differences were that Mat's Army Black (Hermany) included two machine guns to make up for the Redians superior marksmanship. The Herman cavalry consisted of lancers including an elite Ruritanian unit. The Redians had two heavy elite cavalry units and a unit of lights, The Herman artillery was all medium field artillery whilst one of the Redian's cannons was a light horse artillery.
The roll of dice determined that I had to deploy my Army Red first however I got to have first move which was a significant advantage because it allowed me to get closer to the ridge and the two objectives earlier than Mat's Army Black. Mat also elected to have three of his units in reserve. The advantage was he could deploy them at the table edge opposite the most pressing field of battle but the disadvantage was they would not be available so early as their arrival had to be rolled for. As the central ridge or hills prevented firing for three moves this was not too big a penalty.
Unlike Well's game both sides were cautious with no early and reckless cavalry charges. Instead, once units were in line of sight it became a fire fight. mat lost one of his machine guns before it could do significant damage. The other machine gun was positioned by the church opposite a patch of trees, but the trees blocked its line of sight as the advancing Grand Fenwick (allies of Redia) Guard infantry advanced through the same woods they halted sufficiently inside the forest as to be not visible..
Below: prior to the battle a local constable is accosted and overwhelmed by the local ruffians, and by the church, no less.
This picture is of a scene later in the battle when the Grand Fenwick Guard, in skirmish order, has occupied the churchyard after advancing through the forest in the background, and is now firing on the backs of the enemy Rifles. This had been a coordinated assault as the Redian cavalry had charged behind the church and at the Ruritanian lancers who were forced to retreat. The cavalry could soon also attack the Herman infantry which was behind the church wall.
The farm house with Mrs Speedwell's bird house accidentally felled by the Royal Redian Horse Artillery. Fortunately the resident Robin took flight before the disaster which also downed one of the gun crew who was hit by a multitude of splinters and a few shell fragments.
The Herman General expresses some concern about the course of events.
The Redian commander, General Peacock is of a much happier disposition as encouraging dispatches arrive for his perusal.
The Herman rifles are a threat to the Redian center. Although they apparently are about to fall into an abyss it is actually a gap only in the abstract and is the method of access to those hard to access parts of the battlefield by the gods of the wargame (players) and entirely crossable by the little warriors (although one has to imagine it happening as they cannot physically stand in empty space).
The Redian field artillery is manned by a mix of sailors and soldiers, some of them ACW (revealing a gap in the author's available figures and suggesting more figure work needs to be done).
The Redian cavalry surprise and vanquish a line of Herman infantry which had been happily sheltering behind the church stone wall.
Redian highlanders still in tropical helmets after they were rushed home for the threat to the homeland, occupy the farm house environs. The Royal Horse Artillery, unsuccessfully, tries to draw a bead on the enemy.
A view of the center from the church spire. Grand Fenwick grenadiers occupy the church yard and begin firing at the mixed force of Ruritanian and Herman Rifles' unprotected rear.
The gallant Ruritanian Lancers return to attack the Redian light cavalry in the flank. Although inflicting damage their small numbers prevent a victory. (Just as a note for the curious, the uniform colors are closely modelled on those of the Confederate States of Ameriga, although, generally, except for the Rifle units, neither the kepi nor the slouch hats were employed) Strapping fellows, these Ruritanians.
Redian lights in the center receive some punishing fire.
The highlanders finish off an enemy lancer regiment.
The Redian heavies gained the advantage of the impact from their charge.
The Herman grenadiers were much reduced by Redian shooting.
The Herman field artillery was slow to see action but eventually caused casualties among the Redian heavy cavalry by the farm (causing it to withdraw before being charged by Herman lancers and destroyed) and then made some horrific gaps in the Redian infantry.
The depleted Herman lancers at the charge by the farm before the Highlander' shooting exterminated them.
The Fenwick Guard's advance through the forest (prior to it occupying the churchyard).
Herman forces
Farmer Perkly Jones and groundman, Willy Nelson take cover behind the farm house. Willy was loaded for bear but Jones cautioned him to remain behind cover.
Another view from the Herman lines, (The tall pine tree is a conversion from the brass wire Xmas tree featured elsewhere)
The earlier failed Redian flank advance
Redian lines prior to their occupying the ridge and hills
Earlier in the battle shows the Redian advance from its right flank.
The Redian cavalry was ordered to halt is advance until the Guard infantry had taken care of the Herman machine gun and the enemy infantry was no longer a significant threat.
Again, early in the game showing the Army Black lines initial advance
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE GAME
The Redians had some initial setbacks but they neutralized the Herman machine gun advantage so that superior Redian marksmanship then held the advantage, especially as this was mainly a shooting match. Both sides hesitated to commit cavalry until there was a clear path for their use. However, the Redians were most successful in this.
Unfortunately for Mat, he forgot to use his superior shooting advantage for elite and rifle units until reminded and he thought that the field artillery could shoot only every second turn, a misunderstanding resulting on confusing this rule for the heavy guns. I had wondered at his dearth of early firing until i cleared the matter up. (In our Renaissance era fantasy games we also have all artillery firing only every second turn so he may have been also thinking of this).
I quite like the look of the game and especially the old hollow cast Britains Guards; these were a mix of originals, home castings and a few converted Calls to Arms 24th foot; these last fit in well with the others and just had putty bearskins added.
I am also a great fan of AIP and although they are bigger and chunkier than the old Britains they don't loom to jarring in contrast unless placed directly next to each other, Even then, bigger figures photographed in the foreground just look bigger because of their position. The AIP are great for this era as their variety and price allow for quickly assembled big armies. I also have quite a few Expeditionary Force figures for the same era that I have not yet painted.
As for rules I have added the rule of enhanced casualties inflicted in units in column or close proximity of regiments and enfilade. We did not allow for counter charge of cavalry so we might include this provided the target charged cavalry are not attacked in the flank or rear. I am unsure if this will be automatic or only if charged from sufficient distance (over half move) and if a die will be rolled to decide if it can happen.
I have decided to have a rematch of this same game next week with a swapping of armies.
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