1745 Prestonpans - The Jacobite Rebellion

This scenario played the early morning attack of the Jacobites on the army of the Government comprised of garrison and second line troops. The event card draws aided the Jacobite victory by following events of the actual battle: i) The Government cavalry left the field due to a lack of leadership and caused Government morale to waiver, ii) The untried nature of the Government army (garrison companies not used to working together in battalions and components of invalid units mixed in) saw disruptions in battalion orders and from the field commander down, iii) Jacobite cavalry siezed on the opportunity of the retreating Government cavalry and further threatened the left Government flank.

Other misfortunes for the Government included the advancement of highland infantry against the British batteries, the invalid crews failing to perform and the gun positions completely overrun.  

The Field of Battle - Prestonpans, with the Grand Duc Du Fromage in the far distance

View from the Jacobite battery

View from the cattle pens behind the Government line

Government left flank still forming up

View from General Cope's position, centre of the Government line

Government left flank as seen from the adjacent farm

Government right flank, Militia still forming up

Government batteries on the right flank

Government batteries prepare for battle

Jacobite horse on the far right flank

Inverurie 1745

Well, the battle for Inverurie saw some interesting turns for both sides. In summary, the Government force under Lord Howard MacLeod managed to hold position in the town and is awarded a basic victory. I will congratulate the Jacobites (Eric and Bruce) who worked very well together to enact the two prong assault. Some shots for record are below.

The main Jacobite force is mustered, soon to cross the shallow Urie River and attack the east flank of the town.

Lord Bruce's swarthy louts moving on the Tyrebagger road on a direct approach to the town - attracting the attention of the Government. The French Army Irish Piquet's are in the rear to keep things moving.

Independent Highland companies for King George take up positions near the St.Andrew Parish. Local shepherds observe at a safe distance.

A second line of defence leading to the town, the farms of the area provide ample wall and hedge cover.

A view across the mire toward the main approach.

Jacobites of the main force deploy artillery and begin to cross the Urie, Lord Ritchie inspires the troops to press forward.

The main force sends a couple companies to cross farther upstream at the West Bridge. The Government defenders make ready as the Jacobites close for melee.

A view from the river crossing. Hurrah for Prince Charlie !

The orderly defences of MacLeod are arranged about the hog farm.

The local Laird comes out with retinue to observe the conflict, the locals have not yet chosen a side. The Government militia stamps through the Laird's gardens.

Exchange at the hedgerows. Lord MacLeod draws deeper into the town.

Jacobites toast the Vicar as they pass the Parish, the town has chosen to join the rebellion.

Close combat abounds in the town center. Jacobites with their close combat advantage continue to push the Government back ... But the defence is orderly and Lord Howard only gives it up a few paces at a time.

View from a Jacobite Battery - being careful not to hit the Laird's house and Church, of course.

Exhausted, the Jacobites can get no further advance. The war continues, with an eye toward the town of Carlyle...