I’m recalling some classic sessions I had back in my infancy of wargaming. This was my first session of a hex and counter game. I had bought this game in May 2005 for 20 dollars, and after a small session to figure out the rules, I played this in its entirety. My recollection of details is a little off, but I still recall all of the big events.

Maxwell’s Stand: The day began in bloody earnest as Grant led his forces in a drive upon Maxwell’s detachment. The fight, intended as a holding action, became a small and bloody affair. The Americans lost their artillery, but at high cost to Grant. By the time Knyphausen and the Hessians had arrived, Maxwell had fallen back, claiming a hard won victory. Grant was unable to purse.

Testing the Fords: Grant set up his artillery opposite Chad’s Ford, and a grand dual of rifles and guns began, with neither side gaining an advantage. Knyphausen led a personal drive upon Brinton’s Ford. The attack was a bloody failure. At this point British losses stood at around 700 to the American’s 500. Moral was still high among both sides, as Howe pushed his men without a break, and drove into Washington’s flank…

Flank Attack: The first British forces arrived. Just east of Brinton’s Ford a defensive line was set up. Howe only sent holding forces to Brinton’s Ford, while his main column divided into two paths just west of Birmingham Hill. On the extreme northerly route, Howe’s veterans had to waste time brushing aside cavalry under Pulaski, while in the center General Alexander awaited the lobster backs with a line of artillery and Continentals.

Double Pincer: Howe’s attacks crash forward all along the American flank, and despite some desperate battles, he could not gain an advantage. At this point Knyphausen surged forward at Brinton’s Ford, and Chad’s Ford, as both had been weakened to meet Howe’s attack. Brinton’s Ford is gained with ease, while Chad’s Ford is taken by the King’s Own. Even as Howe is pushing back his lines, Washington sends all of his reserves under Wayne to protect Proctor’s battery. Grant, with the King’s Own and two other royal regiments in support, makes his attack. Wayne dies, but the hill is held. In a counterattack Grant is captured, and his men driven across Brandywine Creek.

Washington’s army, on the brink of disintegration, retires to field. Howe has gained a Pyrrhic victory.

Losses:
British: 1,300 British, 400 Hessians, 100 artillery personnel, General Grant.
American: 1,700 infantry, 200 cavalry, 300 artillery personnel, General Wayne.

British MVP: King’s Own for carrying out successful attacks throughout the battle.
American MVP: Count Pulaski for his heroic stand before Howe’s veterans.

Conclusion: There really weren’t too many heroic moments, just a lot of blood and back and forth fighting. It was a savage session, and so exciting that I’ll never forget my first true attempt at wargaming outside of the gamesmaster series.