Turn Thirteen
9:40 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
Despite the heavy Confederate attacks the Federals were unphased. Only 2 of 20 units routed which left nearly their whole force still in place and ready for action. On the VI Corps front the right flank along Old Tavern Road is slowly giving way under Confederate pressure. Luckily for Sheridan the cavalrymen of the 2nd and 3rd Divisions are arriving at just the right moment to steady the line. Along Jones Road the infantry has stayed together and are falling back slowly from one good defensive position to another. The men here are using each fence line and orchard that they can for cover effectively. In the center between the VI Corps and XIX Corps the Cavalry’s 1st Division has plugged the hole and are now in position to contest the advance of Gordon’s suddenly vulnerable division.
On the XIX Corps front though was where all eyes were. The Confederates attacked boldly into the Federal center here capturing nine guns and punching a hole in their lines. But the Federals quickly recovered and last turn managed to isolate two large Virginia units and Col. George S. Patton. Despite the attempts of the Rebels to break the hold around these units they were unable to do so. Three regiments of Currie’s brigade, led by Col. Leonard Currie himself, counterattacked the 800+ Virginians (all rated “A”) and managed to force their surrender as their were simply too many of them to rout back through the mass of men to their rear. Other Federal units slipped around Gordon’s flank and have isolated numerous other units which had advanced too quickly and too far from their support.
Trying to downplay their excitement Ashdoll and Will have casually congratulated each other on their well-played turn and are commenting on the overly aggressive nature of the attacks which were aimed their way.
Confederate:
The Confederates struck back aggressively and with all they had. Colwell has continued to press the Confederate right flank hoping to roll up Ashdoll’s men. “If I am successful, this should force his flank to start folding in enough for me to cause him great concern as I should have easy access to the rear of his defense lines if he allows it to go unanswered.” To the east Swanson continues to press his attack on the XIX Corps despite heavy losses. Brig. Gen. Gabriel Wharton, leading a division, was captured in one of the melees against the XIX Corps. His
Both officers took a brief moment to address the huge losses they have suffered so far. Neither seems willing to slow down their attacks though just yet.
End of Turn thirteen:
Total Strength:
USA: 42,398
CSA: 29,730
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 4,227 (+824)
CSA: 6,167 (+1,730)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 12
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. The Confederates have worked around the Union right flank but are very vulnerable to any counterattack.
editor's note:
This was a very bad turn for the Rebels and I fear the next turn or two will be even worse. Colwell’s attack on Ashdoll’s right flank was risky. And it is not going to end well. Ashdoll has two hidden cavalry brigades about to fall upon the lone Confederate cavalry brigade which has only partially driven back the Federal extreme right. If Ashdoll makes the right moves he can isolate Davidson’s men and bag another 1,200 or so Confederates within a turn or two. The extremely aggressive cavalry charges by Colwell have been very costly and so far have not brought positive results. I am all for aggressive use of cavalry but they have no place mounted in the front lines of an infantry fight.
The Federal’s Army of West Virginia is now arriving on the field of battle near Whittington’s Shop. They will soon bring their muskets into action against the overextended and weakened Confederate offensive. The only large fresh Confederate unit left is DH Hill’s arriving corps south of Berryville.
Above: The Confederate cavalry have finally worked around the Union flank but are now dangerously separated from their nearest support and Federal cavalry seems poised to make them pay.
Turn Fourteen
10:00 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
This was a devastatingly brutal turn by the Federal forces against the Rebels. In the west the Confederates who had attempted to outflank the Union line were, themselves, outflanked and surrounded by overwhelming numbers of mounted troopers. In a number of melees all of Davidson’s Confederate Brigade was captured and the Union flank completely secured. Along the Old Tavern Road fighting continued between the VI Corps and Cleburne’s men with the VI Corps getting the better of it with massed artillery and superior positioning. Along Jones Road the situation was similar as Brown’s Division was met by a stiff wall of Federal units who are now being backed up by the artillery reserve in open fields. Cheatham’s Corps has now lost over a third of their men and have not been able to break the line of the VI Corps. Forrest’s Cavalry Corps has lost over 2,500 men despite being engaged for just over an hour.
In the center Federal counterattacks have isolated or driven back nearly all of Gordon’s left flank and the supporting cavalry that was stationed with them. The Army of West Virginia and the Cavalry Corps have moved up and are causing havoc on Gordon’s men as they are now in danger of being completely routed or captured unless they flee the field quickly. Along the Berryville Pike the XIX Corps did fall back to consolidate its lines and escape the heavy fire of Confederate guns north of Berryville.
The Federals are feeling the victory now. Their confidence is noticeable despite any setbacks they run into. At the start of the turn Will wrote to Ashdoll that, “The Rebels won all of their melee attacks, like 9 of them, during their turn! But we are still way ahead on the body count. I am slowly pulling my boys back… hoping that Swanson will follow me thinking he has us on the run. I’m thinking those must be Colwell’s boys attacking up the center and into my boys in the woods, I could be wrong, hopefully he pushes one more time into the woods… then the Army of West Virginia can sweep him. You have a very good opportunity to isolate (or just surround and bag) a couple of Colwell’s cavalry units on your far right. You’re doing a great job sir…. We got this!” Ashdoll’s counteroffensive was a stunning success as the Confederates attacked directly into the teeth of the Federal trap set for them on the flank. Despite the success they continued to go over each move and make a plan accordingly.
Confederate:
Even before they began their move it was time for a serious reevaluation of the Rebel plans. “With casualties now at almost 2:1 against us we are in a bad position. Major restorative action must now be taken,” Swanson wrote. Despite the major losses though Swanson was still hoping to use DH Hill’s Corps offensively against the Federal left flank if an opportunity presented itself. But on the left flank there was little opportunity left for offensive action and Cheatham’s men would have to fall back. Colwell now reflected to Swanson, “In hindsight, it seems folly to try and shoot it out against an army carrying superior fire power, when we are more suited to charging with our higher morale. Unfortunately the damage has already been done, with nothing left for us to do but try and hold the lines as best we can in hopes that they may get too aggressive and over extend their advances in our favor.”
The Confederates largely began to fall back piecemeal away from the Federal forces. Along Jones Road the men of Brown’s Division and Forrest’s Corps kept up a fire combat with the VI Corps but elsewhere men were trying to escape the oncoming Federal reinforcements and encirclements. DH Hill’s Corps, led by Kershaw’s Division, were the lone exception as they advanced north on the far eastern flank of the army hoping to outflank the other end of the XIX Corps and rout the Federals away from Whittington’s Shop.
End of Turn fourteen:
Total Strength:
USA: 41,803
CSA: 28,447
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 4,822 (+595)
CSA: 8,587 (+2,420)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 12
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. The Federal counterattacks have been very effective and are causing large losses among the Confederate units.
editor's note:
This was another ugly turn for the Confederates. As I predicted the Federals pounced on the lone Confederate brigade and bagged the entire force without much trouble. All along the lines of battle the Federals are becoming stronger and the Confederates weaker. The Confederate left flank is crumbling apart but, luckily for Cleburne, the Federals have not shown any offensive tendencies on that flank as of yet. On the far opposite flank the advance of DH Hill seems almost foolhardy. Berryville is well protected by Breckinridge still and it would be extremely unlikely DH Hill could, with just one division up so far with about 4.500 men, attack what the Confederates have seen are at least two corps in the vicinity. DH Hill’s men would have been more useful having been sent to the opposite flank where their presence with Cheatham would have overwhelmed the VI Corps at last and driven in the Union flank. Had this occurred Forrest’s men would have been in a good position to either battle the enemy cavalry in open fields or ride around the enemy infantry and capture them as they fled.
Turn Fifteen
10:20 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
The Federals continued their unrelenting counterattacks this turn and mercilessly drove back the Confederates at numerous places. Most of Biffle’s Confederate Cavalry Brigade was isolated and captured by Federal cavalry in the center of the battlefield. Attacks by the Federal cavalry on the far-left flank of Cheatham’s Corps drove in their forces and are now turning the flank of the Confederate army. The Army of West Virginia has now entered the fighting and is driving hard against the remnants of Gordon’s Division which is being methodically cut down west of Whittington’s Shop.
Confederate:
With fewer options now the Confederates have continued to switch over to the defensive in all areas except on the far left. There the leading division of DH Hill’s Corps, under Kershaw, are continuing to move northward in an attempt to outflank the Union left and drive on Whittington’s Shop. Swanson wrote to Colwell, “I will feint an attack by my center and continue the advance my right which will hopefully remain unseen.”
End of Turn fifteen:
Total Strength:
USA: 41,090
CSA: 28,155
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 5,535 (+713)
CSA: 10,199 (+1,612)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 14
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. The Federals in the center are playing havoc on Gordon's Division.
editor's note:
Things continue to go very poorly for the Rebels. Despite the optimism of Swanson, which is admirable, there seems to be little left the Rebels can hope to accomplish here. The wiser move would be to fall back and guard their objective in the hope of at least obtaining a draw in the game. But Colwell and Swanson are nothing if not aggressive and they are opting to keep up the pressure in the hope that DH Hill’s Corps can somehow turn the Union flank and capture Whittington’s Shop. Hill’s Corps had gone as far as they could without being seen and are now waiting in a slight gully as they concentrate. A few hexes away a Union unit is on guard and will spot them the moment they begin their advance. I do expect Hill to have some initial success but without a proper supporting attack elsewhere on the Union line he will quickly be the focus of all the Union guns and reinforcements. And in a cruel twist of fate there are 52 Federal guns quickly approaching Whittington’s Shop from the north within an hour. Once unlimbered these guns will be devastating to any attackers over the open fields on the Union flank.
Above: An overhead shot of the map as the Union advances against both the center of the Confederate lines and the left flank.
Turn Sixteen
10:40 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
The Federals are continuing to wear down the Confederates in heavy fighting all along the lines. Advances by the Army of West Virginia and the XIX Corps have now isolated nearly all remaining units from Gordon’s crumbling division north of Berryville.
Will wrote to Ashdoll that, “The battle progresses well… I say this one is about over. They can’t sustain many more casualties before they must submit. They HAVE to be having leadership issues with all the dead/captured leaders. We simply must melee and wipe as many of those infantry units as possible before his cavalry counterattacks to try and help them escape.”
Confederate:
The Confederate cavalry launched a large counterattack in the center of the battlefield during this turn to try and turn back the Union attackers. The successfully meleed a few times and drove back some Union cavalry units and infantry from the Army of West Virginia. But the attacks were costly. On the right flank Kershaw’s Division has entered the fighting and is moving directly on Whittington’s Shop from the south.
Despite the losses the Confederates remain upbeat. But with the game’s limit on casualties for both sides (35%) the end is rapidly coming for the Confederates if they continue to take such losses. Colwell wrote to Swanson that, “If it wasn't for the casualty limit I would say we stood a chance of still winning the battle yet.” Swanson agreed but also had some advice, “Probably best not to melee unless you are fairly sure of victory unless you need to melee for positional reasons.”
End of Turn sixteen:
Total Strength:
USA: 39,654
CSA: 27,782
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 6,971 (+1,436)
CSA: 11,900 (+1,701)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 14
CSA: 4
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. DH Hill's men are fresh and arriving on the eastern side of the Confederate lines but it is too late to make a difference.
editor's note:
It's not going well for the Confederates to say the least. Although they still have roughly 9,000 fresh troops from DH Hill’s Corps their other two infantry corps are wrecked and the Cavalry Corps is heavily depleted (having lost over 3,700 troopers already out of just under 11,000 brought to the battle). They have no way to know it but the Army of West Virginia is equally fresh and fields about 10,000 fresh troops along with 52 artillery pieces yet to fire a shot. The XIX Corps remains a dangerous unit and the VI Corps is driving the remnants of the Confederate left flank.
If you simply take the last five turns and add up the losses you will see the Rebels have lost a total of 7,463 men compared to the 3,568 Federal casualties. It has been a bad morning for Early’s Army of the Valley. While it is not over yet… I am starting to put my jacket on.
Turn Seventeen
11:00 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
The Federals have broken the Confederate Army during this turn. On the western flank the Union cavalry and the VI Corps have isolated the remnant of Cleburne’s Division while Brown’s Division is being pressed hard back south along Jones Road. In the center of the battlefield Gordon’s Division was nearly wiped out as the Army of West Virginia and the XIX Corps counterattacked, isolated, and bagged a good portion of their remaining men.
The Union commanders continued to work well together even at this late stage. Ashdoll was relieved to finally push Gordon’s men out of the center of the map where they had caused such trouble a few hours earlier. For Will’s part his predictions of ultimate victory were a turn or two off but at this point the battle is decided.
Confederate:
It was over.
Swanson spoke up first, “I see little point in continuing this battle. Although I believe we can carry on for a couple of more turns, that's about all before we exceed the casualty limit. I recommend that we concede victory to the Union now.” Colwell agreed with his assessment and called it the “best decision.”
End of Turn seventeen:
Total Strength:
USA: 39,275
CSA: 27,112
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 7,350 (+379)
CSA: 13,363 (+1,463)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 14
CSA: 8
Below: The Order of Battle for both sides before and after the battle. Note that the total losses are different than listed to the left due to artillerymen being included in the chart below.
Above: The final screenshot of the battle with both sides in view. As you can see Gordon's Division is nearly wiped out and the Confederate left is equally endangered. It was over.
editor's final notes:
And, just like that, the battle came to an end.
​
First, a giant thank you to the participants! I always enjoy these games and appreciate them allowing me to view from above and give my critique on the battle as an impartial observer.
This was an action-packed game that really hinged on a few key decisions. To begin with neither side seemed to expect the rapid escalation of fighting along the Old Tavern Road or Jones Road. This fighting quickly pulled both Cheatham’s Corps (9,491 men) and the VI Corps (13,573 men) into the fighting. But the VI Corps contained more than twice as many artillery pieces atop already having over 4,000 additional men. Over time Cheatham’s Corps could not break the Union line as the artillery anchored the Union line well and provided effective support. The terrain also played a factor in the fighting here. The VI Corps used fence lines, orchards, and any terrain modifiers they could find for cover. Over a number of turns these modifiers can save many men from becoming casualties while the Confederates were often stuck in open fields just a few hexes away.
The Union’s right flank was precarious at times, and even broke once for just a turn, but managed to hold throughout the battle. This was key. As Forrest’s Cavalrymen arrived he took a division to the flank hoping to sweep around the Federals and turn their entire position. But the Federals managed to hold their ground and keep the Confederates from sweeping around them. Only once did the Union flank give way under pressure. At that moment a brigade of Confederate cavalry swept around the flank as planned only to be quickly isolated and captured by rapidly arriving Federal cavalry sent for just such a purpose.
Along Jones Road the fighting between Brown’s Division, Cheatham’s Corps, and the left flank of the VI Corps was inconclusive. Neither side managed to drive the other but the Confederates took the worst of the exchanges because of the terrain advantages the Federals had.
The real focal point became the center of the battlefield between the two halves of the armies. This was first exploited by Gordon’s Division of Breckinridge’s Corps. Their attack north through the gap had early success in driving back the right flank of the XIX Corps. But Gordon’s men were really isolated the further they moved north away from supporting units. As Gordon’s men became fatigued and suffered setbacks the situation soon changed and they were being pushed back just as quickly as they had entered the area. Soon it became a full rout as thousands were casualties with many more being captured by the Army of West Virginia which arrived at the moment it was most needed. The collapse and catastrophe surrounding Gordon’s attack was what really tilted the battle in the Union’s favor.
Had Gordon’s men either reinforced Cheatham directly or stayed on the defensive the battle would have played out much differently. The addition of Gordon’s Division to Cheatham’s Corps surely would have placed unbearable stress of the VI Corps and caused their flank to crumble away. The result can only be guessed at but with Forrest’s cavalrymen riding down routed enemy units in open fields the casualties would have been very high. Or, had Gordon stayed on the defensive with the rest of Breckinridge’s Corps the Federals might have attacked their strong lines and been repulsed. Or, they may have eventually joined with DH Hill’s arriving corps and been part of a larger, more coordinated, advance. Instead, they advanced alone and without proper support. The result cost them the battle in the end.