Antietam 1862, The Cornfield. Game at NBHW.

Friday night at NBHW saw six of us sit down for a game of Fire & Fury in 15mm based of the Battle of Antietam in 1862, specifically the fight for the cornfield near the Dunker church. This was one of a series of warm up games before a planned refight of the whole battle latter this year. Once again Richard provided a great game with lots of historical commentary thrown in. A few photos follow with his AAR write up following.

The starting overview from the Union side.

The starting overview from the Confederate side.

The Union advance, the Iron Brigade reach the cornfield.

The Union feed in more troops, artillery back re supplying.

This was a full throated battle from the outset with the famed Iron Brigade surging through the cornfield into the waiting guns of the confederate defensive line. By the time the planned supporting attacks by Federal brigades on either flank got into position the boys from Wisconsin had been destroyed by a massive Reb counter-attack which broke through and engaged a new Union brigade in East Woods. The first wave of Blue were decisively thrown back but fresh federal troops managed to rout 2 Reb brigades and retake the cornfield.
Millers farm was garrisoned by the 1st US Sharpshooters and saw fierce exchanges of musketry all along the Hagerstown Turnpike. Long range artillery fire disrupted both sides batteries and were frequently out of action due to damage or low ammunition.
By the end of the scenario, Federal 1st Corps had reached its Morale Level and would have struggled to continue the attack - which is what happened on the day. Jacksons troops still had plenty of reserves but now faced a fresh wave of troops from XII Corps which had just started their attack. The whole engagement was well handled by the commanders on both sides and felt very historical.

For a lot more pictures see the Club's Facebook Album

Tony.