Always had a hankering to recreate this pivotal struggle between the French, Native Americans, Colonials and British regulars. Finally fell to the temptation of purchasing numerous figures produced by Blue Moon via Old Glory 15s, and put together the forces in 15mm. Eventually established a 1to 4 scale which created the following: French Regulars-26 figs representing two units of the Compagnes franches de la Marine; Canadian Militia- 27 figs in three units; Native Americans- 100 figs in nine units; British Regulars- 218 figs (although only 68 of the Vanguard will be used initially); Virginia Regiment- 34 figs; Virginian Road Cutters- 14 figs; Royal Artillery- 4 figs and 1 6lb cannon in the Vanguard, with 8 more figs and a 12lb, and Howitzer with main force; New York Independent Co- 13 figs. Also with the main column, Mounted Virginian Co- 7 figs; Royal Engineers- 4 figs; Royal Navy- 8 figs (yes you read that correct. They had been attached because they were skilled at maintaining block and tackle, necessary for moving supplies by boat initially); 6 Supply wagons; New York Independent Co and South Carolina Independent Co- 26 figs. Last but not least, 1 Civilian and 1 Native American scout, 8 British Generals/Colonels, inc Braddock himself. That makes the French and Indian Army some 153 figures against the British/American Colonial Army of 346. After placing the British column, it stretched for 10 feet!
View of the Head of the Column at the start of the game, with flankers out to right and left. The French Regulars advancing up the Indian trail can seen at bottom...
A closeup of the British Scout party, consisting of 1 civilian, 1 Native American, and 1 Mounted Virginian...
Another angle of the fateful confrontation...
View of the British Vanguard from the South. At the top, it is led by 2 cos of Grenadiers, followed by 2 cos of 'Hat Men" (Center cos) from the 44th and 48th Foot Regiments. On the Indian trail in between their guards is the 6lb gun. Next (with the Colors flying) is a company of the Virginian Regiment leading the Virginian Road Cutters. (who had the awesome job of blazing a road through this wilderness! You can just make out some British Flankers at the top, and more at the bottom...
The British had groups of about 8-10 men some 150 yds from the column, with other groups of about 20 closer in at 100 yds. Here is a closeup. Must have been a lonely feeling out their in the deep woods for those British Redcoats! Nearly a third of the British force was so deployed, fearful of an ambush. By this time however, Braddock had his musicians playing British Grenadier as they believed the French had lost their last chance at an ambush when the British crossed the Monongahela about a mile back. Little did they suspect...
As the British scouts (seen at top) race back to warn Lt-Colonel Gage of the vanguard, Captain de Beaujeau, French commander, is moving his forces off the trail, into the woods on either side. The Regulars are in the center, with a unit of Canadian Militia on either flank. A third Canadian Militia unit is moving to the right while the first Native American band is flanking to the left...
The first shots are fired (no hits though) by the French Regulars as the British Grenadiers are moving into formation, a rather ponderous three-rank line prior to their volley. Notice the Canadiens and Natives are already moving to the flanks of the British. Trouble is brewing!
A rather blurry view of the Grenadiers, sorry...
The battle will continue...
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