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Comparison of the Armies: Gettysburg Battles
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Author:  KWhitehead [ Mon Apr 19, 2010 11:45 am ]
Post subject:  Comparison of the Armies: Gettysburg Battles

Demonstration Battles Comparing the Armies at Gettysburg

A relative comparison of the forces and their quality over time.
Two demonstration games being played to prove the Union can win.

Opponents: Al Amos and Jim Wilkes

Scenario is 007 Historic. While the scenario does place the forces historically, it also starts the battle at 500 AM. Historically Heth did start moving at this time but his advance was very hesitant. Of course in the game the 70 foot general takes over plus a complete knowledge of where everyone is. Heth usually advances rapidly resulting in the battle not being on McPherson Ridge but instead a meeting engagement somewhere on Cemetery Ridge. The only house rule added is that Infantry cannot melee in column unless the formation is required to make the move (i.e. cross bridges or enter town hexes).

The battles starts at 5 AM with only Heth's division and Buford's cavalry division active.

CSA Forces
Heth's Division
Pettigrew 2825 4.3
Brokenbrough 1050 4.0
Archer 1350 4.0
Davis 2525 3.8
Totals 7750 4.0

Of this force the 11th Miss is fixed giving the Rebels a maneuvering force of:

7125 Infantry with a quality of 4.0 and 20 guns
However during the first hour Pender's Division arrives adding the following:

Pender's Division
Perrin 2050 4.8
Lane 1875 3.0
Thomas 1400 4.0
Scales 1500 4.0
Totals 6825 4.0

This will bring the total Rebel army maneuvering force up to:
13925 infantry with an average quality of 4.0 and 52 guns

The Union starts only with Buford's cavalry and a HQ cavalry.

Buford's Division
1st Brigade 1675 4.6
2nd Brigade 1125 4.1
Totals: 2800 4.4

With the addition of the HQ that gives the Union:
2850 Cavalry with a quality of 4.4 and 6 guns.

To say the least the Union is out classed for any kind of stand up fight. This situation last through turn 10 (8 AM) when the Union I Corps and XI Corps release. However, the ANV has had three hours to push on toward Gettysburg and the high ground. The Union infantry is just get started its march to Cemetery Hill area.
At 8 AM the following Union forces plus the release of Stone at 920 become available:

I Corps (Reynolds)
1st Division (Wadsworth)
I/1/1 1850 6.0 Meredith
I/1/2 2075 5.0 Cutler (7 Ind is fixed)
2nd Division (Robinson)
I/2/1 1600 4.2 Paul
I/2/2 1500 3.0 Baxter
3rd Division (Doubleday)
I/3/1 1475 4.0 Rowley
I/3/2 1350 5.0 Stone (0920 Release)

XI Corps (Howard)
1st Division (Barlow)
XI/1/1 1400 2.4 von Gilsa (41st NY fixed)
XI/1/2 1400 2.7 Ames
2nd Division (Steinwehr)
XI/2/1 1300 3.2 Coster
XI/2/2 1825 3.0 Smith
3rd Division (Schurz)
XI/3/1 1825 3.2 Schimmielfennis
XI/3/2 1550 3.3 Kyzyzanowski

This gives the Union an additional 18,725 infantry (less the fixed units) and 54 guns for the morning fight. This is pretty much all the Union will have available for some time. Stannard's brigade of the I Corps enters during the morning but on the south edge of the map. It will take it almost all day to get to the battle area. Around 1 PM Rodes and Early will enter the battle area changing the situation dramatically. But until then the morning will be fought by:

ANV will have: 13925 infantry with an average quality of 4.0 and 52 guns

AoP will have: 18,725 infantry, 2925 cavalry and 60 guns.

While the CSA side is relatively consistent the Union quality varies considerably. They have three high quality brigade, seven average, and two dogs. A breakdown is:

A (6) 1850
B(5) 2975
C(4) 3075
D(3) 8000
E(2) 2800

But this still gives an average quality for the union infantry of 3.8. While some of their forces (the two dogs) may get the runs this is more than made up for by Buford's high quality cavalry brigades. The problem with Buford is the cavalry has too much value to use against infantry. The Union problem is to make them effective in counter part of the Rebel infantry without getting them killed.


General Kennon Whitehead
Chatham Grays
2/3/IV AoM (CSA)

Author:  KWhitehead [ Mon Apr 19, 2010 11:47 am ]
Post subject: 

Game Situations:

<b>B.G. Wilkes (0900)</b>

I tried an old Terrible Swift Sword strategy. I used my mounted cavalry to block his advance without being close enough to take fire just force part of his force to advance in line to force me back and send part of my division along each flank to threaten to cut his column. This forces troops to be detached to protect artillery and the all important supply wagons.

The strategy worked nicely. It is after 9 am and the Rebels are just advancing on McPherson's Ridge. However, I made one calculation error and lost 400 cavalry men to a surround. Beware of eye fatigue when using this tactic.

Only time will tell if this tactic was worth that cost. If I delayed him enough the 1st Division will be in place on Cemetery Hill in time to force him to deploy both division to continue. Meanwhile I have sent Devin's men out to dispute the roads used by Rodes and Early. Having never done this so far out I don't know how it will work out.

<b>M.G. Amos (0900)</b>

Al has used a completely different approach to the problem of the cavalry delaying action. He deployed around Cashtown and waited. Apparently Hill took to heart Lee's orders not to bring on a general engagement until the whole army was up. This has resulted in almost no casualties other than when my cavalry announced itself with a cannonball down the pike. Until Al decides to move I can't judge the affect of this tactic. But for sure the games are going to go different directions.


General Kennon Whitehead
Chatham Grays
2/3/IV AoM (CSA)

Author:  Al Amos [ Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:12 pm ]
Post subject: 

"I have no idea what lies in front of me." - Martin Sheen as General Lee (Gettysburg 1993)

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  nelmsm [ Tue Apr 20, 2010 12:01 am ]
Post subject: 

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="3" face="book antiqua" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Al Amos</i>
<br />"I have no idea what lies in front of me." - Martin Sheen as General Lee (Gettysburg 1993)

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Al, you're from Oklahoma, you just have no idea! [:D]

General Mark Nelms
Image
4/2/XIV/AoC "Blackhawk Brigade"
Union Military Academy Instructor
Image

Author:  Al Amos [ Tue Apr 20, 2010 1:26 am ]
Post subject: 

Mark, very true, and the way my Yahoo mail has been messin' with Kennon's emails to me, I have no idea when/if I'll get the next turn! hehehe... it's driving me nuts!

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  KWhitehead [ Tue Apr 20, 2010 1:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

Comes from using a mule for your mail delivery.
Yaaaaahoooo

General Kennon Whitehead
Chatham Grays
2/3/IV AoM (CSA)

Author:  KWhitehead [ Tue Apr 27, 2010 1:45 pm ]
Post subject: 

<b>Battle Situation at 2 PM Day 1</b>

Both battles are taking on a similiar flavor after looking like they would follow completely different paths.

<b>Wilkes 1400 hrs</b>

BG Wilkes initially pressed hard to get to Gettysburg in spite of my cavalry screen. Davis's brigade was only partially successful managing to delay Hill until the Union 1st Division had deployed on Cemetery Ridge but not enough for the rest of the I Corps to be in line to support them. Devin's brigade was much more successful due to the terrain around the roads for Ewell's men. He managed to delay their approach during the significant time between 10 and 12.

Wilkes had concentrated both Pender and Heth before striking the 1st Division. With almost 10,000 men in contact he inflicted equal casualties in spite of the movement reduction and the Union positional advantage. Unfortunately I had room to give so the force couldn't overwhelm my line falling back slowly in steps to Cemetery Hill. This bought time for the 2nd Division to join the defense while XI Corps deployed to drive in their right. Gen. Wilkes seeing the threat developing and Rodes still four miles away, withdrew before the counterattack could be mounted. With about a thousand men lost to each side the fight was broken off and the Rebels withdrew just north of Gettysburg.

With the arrival of my artillery I made staying there a bit hot so the Rebel army withdrew further north to join up with Rodes and sent forces NE to help clear the way for Early.

This leaves us with the afternoon finding the armies well separated with little chance to a major fight developing at least until late afternoon. Davis has turn his attention to making Anderson's arrival a late affair. Devin is trying to escape all the various columns sent to chase him off. The XII Corps is rappidly closing with the main army to lend its support.


<b>MG Amos 1400 hrs</b>

Al appears to have decide to concentrate his whole army before doing anything. Ewell is moving west to Cashtown. My cavalry is watching for openning or movement but none have occurred. Casualties so far are two dead Rebels. It will take Ewell's column a long time to reach Hill since they can't move faster than the wagons they are protecting.

This game will probably become a seige.

General Kennon Whitehead
Chatham Grays
2/3/IV AoM (CSA)

Author:  Al Amos [ Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:35 pm ]
Post subject: 

The order was not to become engaged with the enemy until the army was concentrated. As Archer's bde left Cashtown he came under longe range artillery fire. Seeing the unlikelyhood that local militia had artillery, Heth ordered his division to halt, and recalled Archer.

Lee has arrived now and is pleased that General Heth understands that, "this army has orders."

Now if only Stuart would've understood that. [:(]

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  Al Amos [ Tue May 04, 2010 3:47 am ]
Post subject: 

Good night sweet prince.

8:00pm and darkness has covered the battlefield like a warm blanket. I feel good about having all my army (less 21 casualties) within my command radius.

We will see about victory tomorrow, but tonite we will sleep amongst friends.

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  Drex [ Tue May 04, 2010 6:21 am ]
Post subject: 

I agree, Bill. If the Rebs attack south of LRT, they can interdict the reinforcements which are in column and weak.

Maj.Gen. Drex Ringbloom,
AotS Chief-of -Staff,
2nd Division Cmdr, "Corcoran's Legion", VIII Corps
Army of the Shenandoah
Image

Author:  Al Amos [ Tue May 04, 2010 5:19 pm ]
Post subject: 

"Range of weapon lacking by 2 hexes"

I got this message in my game with Kennon. It was night. I had a section of Reb guns setting adjacent to a CAPTURED US arty section.

An hour before dusk, I got a lucky shot with an inf rgt at max range and killed the crew. During dusk, I overran the battery. Since you don't get points for captured arty left unattended, I decided to shoot the two guns away during the night, while Kennon is sleeping. hehehe...

After getting the above message for two turns in a row, I fired four inf units at it to see what would happen, and got four fatigue hits. Kinda funny since it is UNCREWED.

I sent the file to Rich H.

Anybody see this?

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  Al Amos [ Tue May 04, 2010 5:42 pm ]
Post subject: 

Yes, we're using all the options.

I've lost 21 men, he's lost 10 and 2 guns. Not bad for day 1. :-)

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  Al Amos [ Wed May 05, 2010 1:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

2:00am second day.

Eight divisions assembled. Only 7 wagons each containing 400 rounds of small arms ammunition.

I think Hood should be given his wagon, and all the divisions should have two wagons. Maybe have all the 'second wagons' come in during the morning of July 2nd. This will still force the Reb player to 'deal' with an ammo shortage, but give them a bit of hope.

Or at least split the 400 point wagons into two 200 point wagons to allow the ammo to be distributed a bit better.

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

Author:  mperrenod [ Thu May 06, 2010 7:34 am ]
Post subject: 

Sorry, this exercise is to prove that the Union *can* win at G'burg? I didn't think that needed proving. They did.

Seriously, I think, and many of my Reb friends seem to agree, that the 3-day Gettysburg scenario is a tough one for the Rebs. Higher quality, but fewer troops, and supply problems if you attempt to fight it out hard for three days.

I'd take Ken's side in this one every time. Al's got an interesting approach, though, and I'm wondering what he's got up his sleeve for Day 2. Conceivably an all-out assault on the 4 Union Corps at dawn?

BTW, I've seen the Reb succeed at taking Cemetary Ridge & still lose. It's harder to hold against an attack from the southwest than from the northeast.



Gen. Matt Perrenod
<i>The Blue Ghost</i>
Superintendent, Union Military Academy
1st Brigade, 2nd Division, VIII Corps, Army of the Shenandoah
UMA Class of '01

Author:  Al Amos [ Thu May 06, 2010 8:57 am ]
Post subject: 

Matt,

I decided to rename Pickett's Charge to Pender's Charge and have it first thing on day 2. Killed some 350 Yanks, lost some 1500 Rebs. Not sure if Ken's lines will break, haven't seen the turn yet. hehehe...

Looks like I hit XI and XII Corps troops. That could lead to a rout, but I doubt it.

Btw, we're fighting near Mummasburg. The charge took place between the Pike and Muskrat Creek. Lovely ground, actually. [;)]

Don't think Lee will see Gburg in this one. [:p]

MG Al "Ambushed" Amos, Commanding Officer
1st Div, I Corps, AoP, USA

http://albert-amos.blogspot.com/

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