Pikeman's Lament - Battle Report - Part One.

The two majors chose which units they would join, displacing one member of that unit to keep the numbers correct. Royalist Major Trimble joined his own Pike, whilst the Parliamentary commander chose to join 2nd Troop, Okey's Dragoons.

Having the first activation, the parliamentary plan, was to move up the two clans on either flank. This would put them in a good position to take the hillock as well as push into the wood on the eastern edge, the Forlorn Hope and dragoons would advance to the walled field.
For the Royalists, defence was to be the order of the day, though getting up to the walled enclosure for protection would be advantageous, as well as moving the dragoons forward to occupy the hillock.

TURN ONE

Parliament.
Clan Douglas rolled a 1+2 and so failed their activation bringing a rather sudden end to the proceedings.

Royalist.
No such problems for Major Trimble, five of his six units followed orders, only Spencer's Shot, decided that they were rather comfortable where they where. (Blue arrows show movement.)

Foulston's Dragoons took the hillock, Sullivan's Troop (classed as Gallopers with the aggressive trait), also advanced.

In the centre, Trimble's Shot and Pike, as well as Barker's Troop (classed as Trotters) followed suit.

A red faced Captain Spencer was left on the start line.

Table at the end of Turn One.

TURN TWO

Parliament.
Clan Douglas activated and rushed through the wood, no slowing these boys down.

In the centre the Forlorn Hope took up position against the north wall of the field.

The left flank saw Clan McGregor rush forward into the wood.

That was to be the end of it, as 1st Troop, Okey's Dragoons, failed their activation. At least part of the line has started to move forward.

Royalist.
Foulston's Dragoons opened fire on Clan Douglas, as the latter burst out of the woods. (Red arrows show firing)

Two casualties who won't be eating their porridge anymore.

Trimble's Shot and Pike, both successfully reached the southern boundary of the field. Sullivan's Troop on the left flank, ordered to charge Clan Douglas, thought better of it, and stayed put.

The table at the end of Turn Two.

TURN THREE

Parliament.
Clan Douglas refused to assault Foulston's Dragoons on the hillock, so ending another poor activation phase for Parliament.

Royalist.
Testing for a wild charge, Sullivan's Troop smashed into the reluctant clansmen causing a massive four casualties, without any loss to themselves.

The Highlanders fell back and were only saved by the wood slowing down the pursuit of the horsemen.

Clan Douglas is now at half strength, as four more warriors join the dead pile.

To compound matters the clan then failed a morale roll and became wavering. (White disc)

Sullivan's Troopers slowed down dramatically by the trees.

Trimble's Shot opened fire, (first salvo) against the Forlorn Hope, four successful hits, causing a casualty on their target, even with the protection of the stone wall.

'Next time, keep your ruddy head down!'

Barker's Troop sallied forth, half a move, performed caracole, and let fly with pistols against Garnett's Troop. No hits scored.

Foulston's Dragoons, not now needed on the hillock, took the opportunity to sweep down on 2nd Troop of Okey's Dragoons, and engaged in skirmish fire.

They scored three hits, which equaled one kill, and Major Thorpe had to avoid throwing a double one, he succeeded.

A luckless dragoon bit the dust.

TURN FOUR

Parliament.
Clan Douglas unsuccessfully attempted to rally and had to fall back to the table edge, they need to throw 11 or 12 next turn, or permanently disappear from the table.

1st Troop, Okey's Dragoons, let fly with their muskets causing a casualty to Sullivan's Troop.

The first royalist casualty leaves the field.

2nd Troop, Okey's Dragoons, also open up on Foulston's Dragoons, they too send a royalist for an early bath.

Heading off to the bathroom!

The Forlorn Hope, open fire on Trimble's shot, but fail to score.

A similar story for Garnett's Troop,(Trotters) they caricole to perfection but fail to score a hit.

Clan McGregor burst out of the wood to face Spencer's Shot.

The table at the end of Turn Four, looking from the eastern edge.

The western edge.

So much for plans and tactics. The first contact with the enemy throws everything out of the window. The Parliamentarians are supposed to be attacking, but cannot seem to get moving, the Royalists are supposed to be defending, but have gone on the offensive.

Clan Douglas appears to be ready to leave the field, Royalist Gallopers and Dragoons are causing mayhem and Trimble's Shot and Pike, have the centre sealed up tight. Only on the Parliament left flank, has any form of advance been made. However, they now face a unit of shot, who still have first salvo up their sleeve.

Very enjoyable so far, please call back for the conclusion of the battle.