A First Game of Beneath the Lily Banners -War of Three Kings (1)

A first game with a new rule set is always an interesting experience, how many rules will you get wrong?  Will you give up after the third move?  Have you found the Gamers Holy Grail?  First games are always an experiment.  So, it was with high hopes I had my first game of Beneath the Lily Banners -War of Three Kings.  I also wanted to put the rules through there paces and get them under my belt so to speak.

The Scenario

The Jacobites have been increasingly bold in their raids, Williamite munitions and provisions are constantly being lost.  Worse, it now seems they are seeking to live off the land in Williamite territory.  Something must be done and so a strong Williamite column has been despatched to turn the Jacobites out of a temporary encampment that is in danger of becoming a permanent base.

The Terrain

The Williamites will have to cross a narrow bridge to engage the Jacobites.  This has a bottleneck effect on movement.

 The view from the Williamite starting point.

The Jacobites are ensconced in the ruins of an old castle and in local farmsteads. 

They have also turned a Gentleman out of his home to provide themselves with a comfortable command post.

The view from the Jacobite lines.

The Forces

The Jacobites have four squadrons of Horse, one of Dragoons, a light gun and five battalions of Foot.  They can also depend on the support of local Rapparees.

The Williamites have three Squadrons of Horse, one of Dragoons, a light gun and six battalions of foot.

Battle Plans
Unsuprisingly BLB requires each side to have a battle plan.

The Jacobites intend to bloody the Williamites in detail as they debouch from the bridge.  Should the Williamites repel these attacks the Jacobite infantry will fight from the cover of the dykes and hedgerows. Their cavalry, having disposed of the enemy Horse will then attack the Williamite flanks.

The Williamites need to get across the bridge quickly.  The dragoons and cavalry will lead the column, the artillery will deploy on the near side of the bridge and provide covering fire.  The Danish battalions will lead the infantry advance, followed by the English, Scots and Hugeonot Battalions. Should the crossing be accomplished the infantry will clear the Jacobite positions while the cavalry secure the flanks.

The Commanders

So as to keep things simple for a first game the Commanders Berwick and Von Tettau are both rated as competent .