Wargaming Scenarios for the Retreat from Concord

The retreat from Concord provides many sharp little scenarios for skirmish combat. My club uses A Continent in the Balance rules for skirmish actions in this period.

At “The Bloody Angle”, the road from Concord to Boston, generally running west to east, takes a hard turn to the left. The road was bounded by light split-rail fences and the terrain being lightly wooded pasturage with some rock outcroppings. The Woburn militia were set on the southeast corner waiting for the British column under the light cover while parts of several other companies took up positions to the northwest. Here the British ran the gauntlet, not deploying flankers but simply marching past, the light infantry on either side of the main column returning fire haphazardly as they marched through at the double-quick (road column).

Woburn militia - 10 figures, militia, start the game 10-12 inches from the road in cover.

Other militia – 2x8 figures, militia, start 15 inches from the road, each company has a crack shot figure.

British – column 36 grenadiers, in road column, flanked by 16 light infantry on each side, 3 mounted officers, fire discipline, drilled.

At Parker’s Revenge one gets a series of three small hills to the north of the road. Here the British did send flankers to clear the hills. The terrain is lightly wooded farms, on the table spaces of light woods broken up by tilled fields. In April 1775 there was plenty of mud and swampy ground. As the column proceeds on the road, which runs relatively straight, militia companies show themselves on each of three successive hills. The column then detaches some light infantry companies to advance up the hills and chase the militia away.

Place the militia about 10-12 inches from the road on three hills each about a foot apart. Each hill is occupied by a company of 8-12 figures, militia, each with a crack shot figure. The British would have 3x6 figure light infantry companies, drilled, fire discipline, with a mounted officer.

In Menotomy we get a little taste of what passed for urban fighting. Have a small cluster of buildings, maybe two full houses, or a house and a barn, and some smaller buildings with a couple of stout stone walls, and maybe some other obstacles, such as an abandoned wagon. Defending this cluster should be a couple companies of militia (2x10, militia). Send 3 British line companies (3x6, drilled, fire discipline) against them. You may add a 3-pounder cannon to the British if desired.

All three scenarios will play quickly; one could play all three in a single evening. If you play any or all of them drop a comment; we’d love to hear from you (and a photo!). Also, please drop a note with your preferred rules if you play this scale and era often. Good gaming!