RIP HMS Bounty

It's a sad day for many in Northeastern North America.
One of the sad incidents was the loss of the tall ship HMS Bounty, which was built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1962.
I had a relative sail on the voyage to Tahiti and my stepmother had relatives who built the ship and sailed on it to Tahiti.
At least she went down on a voyage, rather then be broken up, or rotting at the dockside.

Celtic culture concert in a Japanese elementary schol

So what? You've never seen a guy in a kilt before? I'm wearing my MacKenzie kilt which was originally issued to a bandsman in the 17th Pictou Highlanders during the First World War. My cap badge is that of my old unit the 78th Highlanders Rosshirebuffs, or what they became the Second Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. My shirt is and Eddie Bauer one my wife got me as a Christmas present two years ago. Nifty eh?

My Japanese co-worker, Sako-Sensei was a good sport and wanted to try on a kilt. He went out and bought his tie to match the kilt.

Getting ready to play in front of our students.

I borrowed the schools snare drum to play. All in all, it was nice afternoon of music, and definetly one to remember for the kids and teachers.

Fort St. Jean 1775

This battle involved one of the regiments which I was a reenactor in, the Royal Highland Emigrants.
Though I was in the Second Battalion based out of Nova Scotia, the First Battalion was based in Quebec.
Until 1777, the First Battalion had Green coats faced red with buff facings and wore tricorn hats. They were Highland in name only save for perhaps their officers who could afford to buy the highland uniform.
Meanwhile, back to the battle.
Fort St. Jean was attacked in September, 1775 by the American army sent to capture Canada. Led by Montgomery and Arnold, they came within an ace of conquering Quebec, and then British North America would have been left to Nova Scotia, St. John's Island (PEI), Newfoundland and Rupert's Land, that of the Hudson's Bay Company.
In today's action which can be seen on Youtube under my Japanesehighlander tag, is a 10 minute depiction of the action.
The initial British/Canadien moves were successful in pushing back the Americans to the point of taking out 90% of the American artillery.
The Americans made effective use of their remaining artillery and in a final push, the American rifles pinned down the troops.

(photo courtsey of the Brigade of the American Revolution)

The regular British troops had been cut down by American musketry despite having driven them
back.

(photo courtsey of Kerry Delorey)

The Battle of Garcia Hernandez July 23, 1812

This refight was to see how the action would play out.
This battle is known in military history as one of the few chances where cavalry have broken and infantry square!
During the refight, one French battalion formed square, survived some infantry then were able to flee to the heights above the village of Garcia Hernandez.
The 1st and Light Divisions then advanced into the village having chased the French 6eme into the alleys. After a brisk volley from the 60th Royal American Regiment, the French 6eme fled onto the ridge. The British 12th Lt. Dragoons then charged through the village to block a French retreat. The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, the Black Watch and the 79th Regiment, Cameron Highlanders then formed line and charged the ridge. The Black Watch took heavy casualties but took out the French guns. Finally, with the Cameron Highlanders levelling their bayonets, the remaining French infantry fled. The only change to this battle, the King's German Legion heavy dragoons were decimated by French musketry when the German's attempted to block the French retreat.

(photo courtsey of Wargammers Illustrated)

I can't believe I haven't listed these yet

Slowly over time, I have been collecting historical films.
So far I have:
Barry Lyndon
Robin Hood (2010)
Rob Roy: for me, by far the best sword fight ever!
Braveheart (a good story but not historical)
Master and Commander: pretty interesting view of boarding fighting ships
Horatio Hornblower, interesting series of films,
The Trench,
Saving Private Ryan: the only thing to mar this flick is dispariging remarks about the British and Canadians. We took most of our objectives that day, advancing farthest of all the allies.
The Last Samurai: a little slight interpretation, it was the French not the Americans who helped the Japanese fight
Revolution
The Scarlet Letter (1994)
Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Assault on Fort Washington

Battle of Ft. Washington November 16, 1776

Composite Battalions of Guards, Grenadiers, Lights, 4^th, 10^th, 15^th, 23^rd, 27^th, 28^th, 38^th, 42^nd, 43^rd, 52^nd, 71^st Hessians vs 3^rd Penn, 5^th Penn, Rawlings Maryland, Virginia Rifles, Bucks Co. Militia

 This was refought twice once in April, 2012 and 10/14/12. Due to the casualties the British suffered in the battle of Long Island, some of the troops used were almalgamated into composite battalions. As well, the 17^th Light dragoons added support to this action.

The British light infantry had scouted out the fort prior to the assault. The Lights took up position on the left, the Dragoons deployed forward of them, while the other battalions deployed as though to conduct a frontal assault on the fort. The Royal Artillery provided gun support to the lights and dragoons, while the Hessian gunners provided fire support for the fient in the front. The actual main attack was being carried out by the Grenadier companies and Royal Irish Artillery on the rear of the fort, where the Americans had neglected to place any artillery. The British guns began an artillery duel whereby their superior training took out most of the American guns. The dragoons charged the American militia horse but were badly shot up in the flank by a well crewed American gun. The American horse did well, scattering the 17^th Light dragoons but eventually the British were able to destroy the patriot horse with artillery fire. The Light infantry and battalion companies advanced to contact and were taking casualties from the remaining rebel artillery and musket fire. But once again, British courage with bayonet charges cleared out the Americans after brisk volleys of musketry. Eventually, the Americans surrendered but could console themselves with the fact that they delayed the British once again.

The second refight was to test the morale of the American militia. The Light Infantry battalion stayed out of the action leaving the highlanders, regulars and Hessians to assault the fort.

(photo courtsey 2nd Battalion DeLancey's Brigade, New Brunswick, Canada)

The British commander made a tactical error by screening his guns with infantry. This meant that he was unable to concentrate artillery fire onto the American fort. Consequently, the American artillery tore great holes into the attacking British columns until the RA could fire. The Hessian artillery fared little better, being taken out early in the action by the American artillery. As the British Grenadier battalion charged in, the militia fled, leaving the American riflemen to hold off the attack. The militia spent most of the battle attempting to climb back into the fort, which the fort commander refused. The Hessians were within a whisker of breaking through when the militia finally found their courage and blasted them away. This gave heart to the rest of the defenders who then counter attacked on the advancing Loyalist and 55^th Regt brigade which was destroyed. The Black Watch broke into the fort once but due to the lack of supporting RA fire were driven back by the American guns. The supporting advance by the 17^th Regiment was also blunted. Eventually, the entire British attack fell back and retreated, leaving the Americans victorious. Note to the British commander to always place the guns first.

(photo courtsey of Flintlock and Tomahawk)

 

Captain Morgan anyone?

Morgan’s Raid on Cartagena des Indes March 1669

(photo courtsey of The Chroncile Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia) 

1 brigade of Buccaneers VS Spanish Garrison: (Conquistodors)

1 ship(Black Pearl)        

1 village, houses, windmill  

4 boats  

Capt. Henry Morgan (later Governor of Jamaica and the idea for a tasty rum) led an initial force of 1000 buccaneers to attack the Spanish city. Unfortunately for Morgan, half of his fleet deserted him when some of his crew were drunk and lit a fuse setting of an explosion on his flag ship. Eventually when he reached South America, Morgan was forced to heavily modify his plan. His French second in command knew of a passage to outflank the city, however he had been in the area 3 years before. The Spanish had strengthened their defences and has built a fort covering the channel which Morgan was now taking.

This scenario is how Morgan was able to take out the Spanish fort.

Morgan led four boatloads of Buccaneers towards the town. Landing two boatloads to march overland to flank the town, two boatloads then advanced directly towards the Spanish to act as a fient. The Buccaneers were attempting to capture some supplies but the Spanish fiercely guarded their supplies. One group of Spanish struck the Buccaneers attempting to flank the town, but only checked one group. As the other made it into the rear of the town, the Spanish were thrown into confusion as to which way to attack. The Spanish commander led his main force towards the threat faced in his rear. While this happened, a group of Buccaneers then went back into their boats and then boarded a Spanish sloop which they then sailed away. The remaining Buccaneers then made a mad dash through a gallalet of Spanish to board their boats and row away. In the end, the Spanish successfully guarded their supplies but lost one of their ships. The Buccaneers crept away with only a large vessel to show for their efforts. Thus this action was a draw. See youtube for a video of this action.

Dunner's War 1720's Nova Scotia, New England campaign

This is a campaign which I am going to try and play out this fall. These are the scenarios which I will play.

Dunner’s War – Maliseet-Mi’KMaw War 1722-26

 (www.cmhg.gc.ca) These French troops would have been in Ilse Royale, Louisbourg and could potentially been sent to Nova Scotia to assist the MikMaq

(www.plasticsoldierreview.com)

This conflict took place in modern Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It was a low level conflict consisting of ambushes, raids, ship seizures by the Ameridians and an attempt to besiege Fort Anne.

British Forces:

40^th Regt/RA detachment/Royal Navy sailors

(photo courtsey of Kerry DeLorey) 

July 1722 Battle of Jeddore

English schooner vs Mi’kMaw schooner

English force: 15 sailors, 40^th Grenadiers    Mi’KMaw 39 warriors

In this action, the Amerindian morale plays a key part. For each volley fired by the English, after casualties, check Amerindian morale to see if they stay or flee.

English make use of grenades to clear opposing ships decks.
This action was refought on 10/28/12. It is now a video clip on youtube.
The British force was sailing along the Nova Scotian coast when they were hit by two canoes of Mi'KMaw. As the Amerindians moved forward, the British fired musket volleys and tossed grenades into the canoes. It was over pretty quickly. The grenades did their job, the Mi'KMaw fell back and British Nova Scotia was saved for another day.

(photo taken at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia circa 1985)

Bradstreet’s raid in Canso area on Amerindian camps

After the naval skirmish near Canso Ensign Bradstreet, and privateer Captain Elliot clear the area of Mi’KMaw warriors

August 1722 Bradstreet’s second naval skirmish

English force: 1 schooner with 15 sailors, 12 Grenadiers

Mi’KMaw force: 3 fishing vessels with 30 warriors

In the actual battle, the Amerindians made their escape. However in the game, roll to see if they stay and fight.

September 1722 Captain Southack’s skirmish in Gut of Canso

English force: 1 privateering schooner

Mi’KMaw: 3 canoes with 6 warriors

July 1723 Raid on Canso

MikMaq raid on fisherman in the area.

MikMaq force: 1 war band

English force: 20 fisherman half armed.

1724 Mi’KMaw sniping on Fort Anne garrison

The could be an interesting little game where a MikMaq band attempts to attack the fort by rushing the gate.

English force: 2 companies of Phillips regiment

MikMaq force: 1 warband

1725 Mi’kMaw raid on Canso

This raid, despite the presence of a 12 gun blockhouse resulted in the Mi’kMaw capturing 10 shallops.

English force: 1 blockhouse with 12 guns. And 2 companies of infantry

Mi’kMaw force: 3 war bands

Le Lourtre's War Nova Scotia, 1750's

This is counter insurgency 18th century style.

(photo courtsey of the former 15th Regiment website)

(photo by G. Embelton)

 

Le Loutre's War 1750-54

This conflict took place in Nova Scotia between the Colonial government and the Mik-Maq nation. It was not fully resolved until the end of the Seven Years War.

Founding of Halifax, May, 1749.

British troops: 29^th (Hopson’s) 45^th (Warburton’s) 56^th (Horseman’s), Goreham’s Rangers plus 2,500 civilians

This could be an interesting game whereby the Mi’kMaw attempt to thwart the landing. 

Establishment of fortified settlement, as well as Fort Sackville

September 18, 1749 Mi’kMaw attack English at Chignecto

September 19, 1749 Mi’kMaw attack Canso 20 hay cutters

British forces: 6 companies 40^th/Phillips 1 company Goreham’s Rangers 1 company Clapman’s Rangers 1 company Bartello’s Rangers

Mi’kMaw raid on Dartmouth

October 1749: Nova Scotia Sea militia attack on Mirligueche (Lunenburg) destroys Mi’kMaw village

March 1750: Battle of Ste. Croix Gorham’s Rangers vs Mi’kMaw/Acadians

1 coy 45^th, 2 guns RA, Clapham’s Rangers

The refight 1/8/12

March 30, 1750 Major Lawerence’s expedition to Chignecto.

Interesting little adventure where players could try to stop Mikmaq from destroying the town.

300 regulars, Goreham’s Rangers, Sea Militia vs Acadians/Mi’kMaq

Establishment of Fort Edward. Beaubassin burnt by Mi’kMaq.

(photo taken by Capt. Redden, 2nd Battalion 84th Regiment Royal Highland Emigrants)

 

September 1750: 47^th Lascelle’s) Regiment arrives. Second expedition to Chignecto. All British regulars in Nova Scotia and 1 coy rangers vs Acadian/Mi’KMaq

Fort Lawerence built.

Ambush of How’s company at Chignecto

Ambush of Bartello’s company 60 rangers vs 35 Acadian/MikMaq

September 28: Acadian Privateer captures 37 British

September 30 Battle of Petitcodiac: Goreham’s Rangers: 30 vs Acadian/MikMaq

September 30 Raid on Dartmouth: Acadian/MikMaq vs British settlers

March 26, 1751 Raid on Dartmouth

April 1751 Raid on Halifax

May 13 Raid on Dartmouth 60 MikMaq vs settlers

Fort Beausejour built by French contains 32 guns, a mortar, 70 Compaigne Franches de La Marine as well as Fort Gaspereaux

May 1753 Establishment of Lunenburg

Sea militia, 1 company 40^th, 1 company militia, Goreham’s Rangers 1400 settlers

King George's War 1740's North America Part 1

This is another campaign which I plan on gamming. Most of the actions were small scale battles, perfect for wargamming.

(photos courtsey of Louisbourg Institute)

War of Jenkins’ Ear/King George’s War 1739-48

A)   Carribean

B)   Florida vs Georgia

British Forces:                               Spanish Forces:

Georgia Rangers/

Georgia Ind Highlanders

42^nd Regt (not Scots)

Goochs’s Regt

C)   Nova Scotia vs Isle Royale

May 24, 1744 Battle of Canso

350 Compaigne Franches de La Marine attack 87 40^th/Phillips Regiment

Dice roll to check if Capt. Heron will actually fight.

July 1744 Le Loutre’s Siege of Annapolis Royal

300 Mi’kMaw attack 100 40^th/Phillips Regiment with RA guns

September 6, 1744 Duviver’s Siege of Annapolis Royal

50 Compaigne Frances & 100 Mi’kMaw vs 100 40^th/Phillips, 42 Goreham’s Rangers

May 1745 Canadien siege of Annapolis Royal

300 Compaigne Frances, Milice and Abenaki vs 100 40^th/Phillips/Gorehams

this attack breaks off to go and assist Siege of Louisbourg

May 1745-June 1745 New England siege of Louisbourg

New England force:                       French forces:

Mass Battn                              Compagne Frances

Conn Battn                              Regt. Karrer

RI Battn                                 Cannonier-Bombardier: 3 guns

NH Battn                               

4 guns                                 

May 1746

300 Abenakis go to Nova Scotia, skirmish with Goreham’s Rangers

August 1746: 1800 Quebec milice join up with Abenakis for Duc D’Anville’s expedition which has 11,000 soldiers, sailors. This would be an interesting campaign to fight as the original foundered due to storms and sickness. Possibility of recapturing Louisbourg, besieging Annapolis Royal, attack on Boston.

French Forces:  Regt. Ponthieu

               Milice Royale du Saumur

               Milice Royale du Fontenay-le-Comte

(photo courtsey of Kerry Delorey)

 

February 13, 1747 Battle of Grand Pre (see posting for February 10, 2013)

240 Canadien Milice vs 460 Nobel’s Regiment

What do you mean I have to stay on my diet?

I found these pictures my wife uploaded. This top one looks like I'm being forced to eat salad aka rabbit food.

But then again, if I'm taking up this much of a seat, maybe my wife has a point! However, I'm back to cycling to work so my weight is going down a bit.

And actually I've lost about 7kg in the last month!

So the kids got to eat pizza! I snuck some pieces too. Hee hee.