American Civil War
The battle of Gettysburg (1863)
Scenario: Mc Pherson’s Farm
(The first clash)
In June 1863, the commanding general of the Southern Army Robert Lee, started out his most ambitious plan: To attack the Army of the Potomac on their own territory: Dividing his army into three parts, Lee managed to manoeuvre his way into Pennsylvania, with the Potomac army (led by Meade) at his heels which tried to prevent Lee from approaching Washington. Sooner or later destiny would bring the two armies face to face in a crucial battle… Fortune chose the site of the major showdown:
Gettysburg, 1-3 July 1863.
1st July 1863, 8.00a.m. The first clash - Mc Pherson’s Farm
The first Southern forces that moved towards Gettysburg were Archer’s and Davis’ brigades; they both belonged to the 1st Division (Heth), of the 3d Army Corps (Hill). At about 8:00 a.m., Heth arrived at the crest of Herr Ridge. Noticing that there was little resistance, Heth ordered his two brigades to march Southeast along Chambersburg Pike so that to occupy Gettysburg. Heth deployed Archer southwards and Davis northwards from the road.
Heth didn’t know that the Union cavalry, led by Buford, had already taken control of the town with two brigades. Gamble’s and Devin’s brigades, had expanded eastwards from Willoughby Run supported by Calef’s' Horse Artillery. The Federal cavalry had dismounted and managed to hold the high ground for about one hour, until they were forced to withdraw gradually, heavily outnumbered by the enemy.
Meanwhile, the Norhern Iron Brigade (Meredith) as well as Cutler’s brigade were approaching to retake Mc Pherson’s Hill, led by general Reynolds (commander of the 1st Army Corps), who was killed early on. The battle of Gettysburg had already started. It would last for three bloody days. By the skin of their teeth, the Union managed to win what was a practically Pyrrhic victory... This battle took away every Southern hope of a decisive win enabling the Confederacy to secede completely. The war would last for two more bloody years...
Historical reconstruction of the scenario with the US vs CS “1861-1865” rules:
South: Enter first round from point ?:
Davis’ Bde (4 regiments - veterans)
Archer’s Bde (5 regiments – veterans)
Divisional Commander Heth (2 CP)
Maurin’s and Lewis’ Batteries (4 guns – Napoleon).
North: Deployed on Mc Pherson’s Hill:
Gamble’s Bde (4 regiments – dismounted cavalry – Spencer carbine)
Devin’s Bde (regiments – dismounted cavalry, 1 scouts)
Div. Commander Buford (3 CP)
Calef’s Horse Artillery..
Entering from point ?:
6th round: Iron Brigade (Meredith) (4 regiments - elite).
7nth round: 6th Wisconsin (Iron Brigade – elite).
8th round: Corps Commander Gen. Reynolds (3 CP).
9nth round: Cutler’s Brigade (5 regiments – veteran)
Strategic Target: To hold Mc Pherson’s Hill (15 rounds)
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