Merry Christmas 2016

Our humble tree with a few more presents than last year

and our stockings hung with some little treats

Pre Christmas fun

Ian tries building an igloo

I'm keeping warm

Mindy likes my parkha

Scrapping off the car before going out.

Ideas for the new year

My 18th century gamming has dropped off for a bit. This hasn't been by choice, but rather, not much free time.
Any gamming I have gotten into has been on my other eras.
However, I will take a look at my minatures, and some of my historical books to come up with some new campaigns.
My Saratoga campaign is still one I want to finish up. Though this will be after Christmas.

Saratoga Campaign 1777: Battle of Freeman's Farm

American army begins advance on the British Army, far left

centre position of both armies

American right

New Hampshire Regiment

The British Army advances

Pickets of the 21st mixed in with Loyalists

Canadian Militia, RAFM figures

New York Regiments

The Battle begins

The Americans decided to try and smash the Crown forces in one battle. The American right advanced quickly to block the crossroads while the American left attempted to flank the Crown right. The American centre then advanced straight at the British and Loyalist troops in the centre.

The Canadien milice were initally scattered, but recovered and with Loyalist support, used their old tactics to smash apart the American lines. The Brunswick troops pushed down on the American left and were able to surround General Arnold! 

Despite their best efforts, Morgan's Rifles were unable to push back the Loyalist Rangers, or Canadien milice. The Mohawks, gave a half hearted attack due to the fact they still were low on supplies from their attack at Fort Stanwix and Oriskany. 

The Battle ended with the Crown sweeping around the American left flanking the entire Patriot line. Seeing that they would be unable to push ahead, the Americans withdrew, but not before smashing the British regulars.

So a historical replay, not by plan, I was actually trying to see if the Americans could win.

Finally after 6 weeks I might be back on rotation

I've been extremely busy with work. I was covering the other officers position.
As well, life throws its usual amount of difficulties, which make hobbys the last of life's priorities.
I do hope to get back on track with my Saratoga Campaign.

40,000 views who knew?

I'm pleasantly surprised that my blog has this many views.
I set out to have my blog as a way to share my hobby, and I've expanded to having 6 at last count.
Thank you to those who have taken a look.
Keep coming back

Summer time Fung Shuie or how my stuff was moved while I was sleeping

While I was sleeping, my family reorganized the living room, however, they haphazardly put things from my table where they could find space. Now it does look good, I can't find my kit and I can't get upset as it will cause a problem, but as my wife said, part of the fun would be to find it again. However I had just begun building a Comet tank and now can't find the parts. Sigh

Dutch Film Michiel de Ruyther

I found this on Netflix, and the English title is The Admiral. It is set during the Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century. I might find some interesting bits for skirmishing in this.

Saratoga Campaign: Battle of Bennington 1777

Burgoyne has sent his Brunswick troops towards New Hampshire to forage and disruption of the Patriots.

The battle began with the Brunswickers taking positions on the field. The main last stand was upon the hill, the baggage at the bottom covered by a gun, another position covered by another gun on a slight rise, two houses held by Canadian militia, and an earthwork held by Jessup's Corps. Amerindians held a small position on the Brunswicker's left flank.

The Americans under Stark begin their attack.

The first obstacle is to cross the bridge which proves to be difficult. Eventually, the Americans ignore the fire coming from the small hill to the left and sending their rangers to take out both houses, and a militia brigade to skirt to the right of the lower right cabin begin to flank the Loyalists position.

The Mohawks attempt to drive back the American Assault but are in turn shot down in droves. they break and run.

The Loyalists in the centre hold their ground until the main American line flanks them on the left. 

The Brunswick Grenadiers holding the baggage park, see the line beginning to crumble and prepare to fall back.

The position on the hill soon becomes untenable and they flee.

The Queens Rangers also fail their moral and fall back.

The Americans under Stark, advanced straight on, taking the bridge head on, which meant all the defenders fire concentrated on that position. Consequently, an entire militia brigade was destroyed.
The next attempt was for the Americans to try and assault the houses, which cost them time and casualties, but they persevered.

After clearing the first position, the Americans then had to contend with the Loyalists and main Brunswick position.

The Americans win their first victory in the campaign.

Saratoga Campaign: The Siege of Fort Stanwix

The next action for the campaign, the attack on Fort Stanwix

The Americans hold their fort with Militia, Rangers and a few regulars

A battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York begin to deploy

RA batteries begin to lay their guns to bombard the fort.

Amerindians allied to the British prepare to take vengence against the Yankees who are stealing their hunting grounds

Their yells and cries add to the Americans panic.

The Loyalists began to fire on the fort, driving in the Americans to shelter from their fire. Eventually, an all out assault occured which drove the Americans in half the fort to surrender.
With the rest of the fort holding what was left of the American command, it would take some time to pry them out, perhaps hot shot from the Royal Artillery?

With a furious amount of musketry and a final bombardment, the American garrison surrenders. The British continue their steamroll advance to crush the rebellion of their deluded colonists.

Saratoga Campaign: Battle of Oriskany August 6, 1777

Kings Royal Regiment of New York and Brant's Mohawks prepare to spring an ambush

Herkermers force is about to be hammered by musketry

The Iroquois begin to fire

Queen's Rangers begin to fire

The Royal Yorkers begin to fire and move

The first volley destroyed two militia brigades. American Riflemen seeing the militia fall have begun to panic and are halting the advance. 

The battle continued with the Mohawks charging the American militia who surprisingly stood their ground and fought back! With the Mohawk casualties adding up, the Loyalists began to use fire and advance on the Americans, who eventually fell back under withering fire.

Johnson's men held the field.

My 43rd birthday on Mt. Thom, Pictou county

My good friend Francis Nickerson invited me to his property. Over the years, he has built up a small fort, cabins and a skill at arms range.
I went up with my family to look around and take a walk. It was nice to be out in nature.

Fort Francis

Leena with the colours

The cabin

Enjoying the pizza

Nice to have the stove on as the clouds closed in and the wind came up

The good Capt ain loaned Emi a blanket coat

The kids helping to make a great birthday

Saratoga Campaign 1777: Battle of Hubbardton July 6

Crown Forces:
Fraser's Advanced Corps
Loyalists and Amerindians
24th Foot
Germans:
Jaegers
Pickets
Grenadier Battalion

Light Infantry Battalion

Grenadier Battalion

Light Battalion

American Forces:
2nd New Hampshire
Massachusetts Militia X2

The Americans forces.

Two battalions of militia backed up by the New Hampshire Regiment  

The Lights begin to engage the American left flank 

While the Brunswickers engage the right

The Artillery holds their ground to possibly add fire support

A birds eye view of the actioin

2nd Continental Light Dragoons, in Nova Scotia, 1992 for Mary Sillimans War filming

Brunswickers on the left continue to engage the American right

The militia beat off the Lights attack.

The battle continued with several volleys of musketry, however, when the British closed with the American left, a bayonet charge scattered one battalion while the other stood its ground and was annihilated in a melee.

The British and Brunswickers suffered some large casualties but will recover. The Americans still have scores of militia. Thus the first action goes to the Crown. Huzzah! God Save the King.