The Battle for Old Providence

So three of my mates and I fought over the islands of Old Providence and St. Catherine's using Firelock Games "Blood and Plunder rule set which I highly recommend. Its based upon the actual attack led by a Dutchman named Mansvelt who was in the pay of the English based on the island of Jamaica.

The Spanish garrison consisted of two Inexperienced and one Trained militia; one unit of Trained Militia Indians; two units of Inexperienced Artillerists; and one unit of Trained Lanceros.

The Mansvelt buccaneers consisted of one six-gun Sloop, with the Captain aboard along with a unit of Trained Dutch sailors, one unit of Dutch Boarding Party, one unit of English Forlorn Hope, and one unit of Inexperienced English Sea Dogs. The two units of the Boarding Party and Forlorn Hope started the game already deposited in the ship's Long Boat. A second vessel, a Puragua mounting x4 swivel guns, contained a unit of Trained English Sea Dogs, a unit of Inexperienced Freebooters, and one unit of Trained French Boucanieers. Truly a multi-national band of the Brethren of the Coast!

Turn 1 saw the Long Boat attempt to pass under the guns of the Spanish Fort Libertad (mounting x5 12lbers!) while Mansvelt and the Sloop aimed for the dock area. This would bring it under fire from the Fort's cannon, but it was a risk the Captain was willing to take. Meanwhile, the Piragua initially aimed to beach itself at the southern end of the town.

Turn 2 and the Spanish are able to bring two of their guns to bear. and they gain a hit on the Sloop which eliminates one of the English Sea Dogs! First blood to the Spanish!

The Piragua comes under fire by a 9lber the Spanish have placed at the southern end of the town (just to the right out of photo shot). The shot misses but gives the Dutch Reformado commander aboard something to worry about.

In the background, you can make out the Longboat passing below Fort Libertad, while getting some very lucky hits on the Spaniards with their pistols (needing 9s on d10!)

By Turn 3, the Longboat is passing Fort Libertad while the Sloop now fires its first broadside as well. It strikes home and takes down another Spaniard. The Dons return fire is atrocious and misses completely!

The black marker dice from Firelock Games are used for the reloads of cannons and small arms. After each gun fires it needs four actions to reload while muskets and pistols need two. The red dice is marking Fatigue with the Spaniards already suffering one. At two, the unit will lose an action, while a third will cause the unit to be shaken, and will have to do nothing but attempt to Rally.

Facing fire from the Spanish 9lber has caused the Piragua to change its target to land, aiming now at the dock itself. While it successfully discharged most of the men, half of the Sea Dogs are blasted off the dock by the guns from Fort Libertad, while the French Bucaniers will lose all four of their number to the Indian Militia! What makes matters even worse is they only take out one of their enemy! And this despite they represent the best marksmen of Mansvelt's forces! (sadly, the corresponding photos were accidentally deleted!). Also lost are photos depicting the Sloop coming alongside the Spanish Bark tied up along the dock. A blast of cannon from its 9lbers and English Sea Dogs swarming aboard, quickly wipe out the crew of four. The remaining English and Dutch storm across the dock.

Eventually four Freebooters make it ashore but are charged by five Lanceros. Getting in the first blow, the Lanceros inflict two casualties, and when the English fail their Fatigue test, they are forced to retreat. The Spaniards follow up immediately and wipe out their enemy!

On the two following turns, The English and Dutch sailors overwhelm the Lanceros and push into the town. They will push hard to attack the Spaniards seen at center of photo who are attempting to retire towards the Spanish militia stationed at the southern end of town. They won't make it!

The Dutch and English charge the fatigued Spaniards (center of photo) who break and rout.

At the top left of photo you can make out the Longboat which had eventually pulled up to St Catherine Island's dock where the English Forlorn Hope and Dutch Boarding Party stormed Fort Libertad. Once again, I messed up with the photos (Promise to do better on the next go) and so cannot show the exciting conclusion to our fight. 8 English/Dutch will overwhelm the 12 gunners in the fort and on the last turn, will gain the points necessary for victory and force the Spanish surrender! Everyone agreed it was a great fight and we look forward to a rematch! It fact, Part Two consists of the Spanish returning to attempt to retake the Islands! Historically this occurred numerous times between 1666 and 1668. Will keep you informed, so til then, enjoy of bottle of rum!