005 - First Bull Run v.3
More About This Scenario
This is, arguably, more "historical" than the actual Bull Run scenario. Part meeting engagement and part set-piece battle, this scenario mixes the two concepts together well. It plays more fairly than the Historical First Bull Run Scenario 002 by freeing up Miles' Union division while allowing both sides to maneuver more. This create a much more enjoyable battle where there are more possible outcomes.
The Federal setup mirrors the historical Federal plan. Both Hunter and Heintzelman are heading to strike the Confederate flank by crossing the Bull Run at Sudley Springs. The Confederate setup is altered with Evans and Cocke only arriving on the field as reinforcements (thus leaving the historical Stone Bridge unguarded).
Analyzing the Numbers
The two sides are much more even in this scenario than they are in the Historical Bull Run Scenario. Although the Confederates still enjoy slight edges in both the number of regiments on the map and overall quality.
The Confederates have over 3,000 additional high-quality infantrymen on the field - mostly from Jackson's Brigade. Hampton's Legion is another high quality unit on the field. They are well-armed with Rifles in this battle.
Did you know?
Insufficient transportation would prevent the cavalry and artillery of the Hampton Legion from reaching Manassas in time to see action. Its infantry component, though, six companies strong, boarded the train from Richmond just before midnight on July 16–17 and would chug into Manassas Junction scant hours before the main fighting began.
Unit Size
Although both sides have many large units at First Bull Run, only the Rebels really have "smaller" units. We have 12 units with under 399 men while the Yankees have just one. While these units cannot stand up toe-to-toe with the larger Yankee units, they are ideal for flanking maneuvers or guarding flanks. But don't put these smaller units in the front lines by themselves, their firepower is not great enough to stop a unit two or three times their size.
Jackson's Brigade
Jackson's Brigade at First Bull Run is, in my opinion, the most dominating brigade in any of the WDS scenarios. They stand head and shoulders above the average enemy units in terms of quality. Their mere presence on any part of the field is enough to throw enemy plans in disarray. They should be used very wisely and should be at the heart of all your plans. Do not use them as flank guards or let them sit under a prolonged enemy artillery fire. Use them like the elite units they are and remember that they are the most feared units on the field.
Muskets vs. Rifles
Both armies have units armed with Muskets and Rifles. Knowing which weapon is preferable in any situation will benefit you as you fight the Yankees.
Muskets have a Firepower of 4 at a Range of 1, and just a Firepower of 1 at a Range of 2. These weapons are meant to be used at close range. Never engage at a Range greater than 1 because the Firepower will not make the result worth it in the end. Get right up against your opponent and pour it into them. Units armed with Muskets are ideal for wooded areas.
Rifles have a Firepower of 4 at a Range of 1, and 3 at a Range of 2, and 2 at a Range of 3. Beyond that they are not worth firing. These units are ideal for any situation on the battlefield. If your opponent is armed with Muskets (which is likelier here at First Bull Run than it is anywhere else), then you may strike them first and from farther away by utilizing your units armed with Rifles.
Supplies and Leaders
Unlike the historical First Bull Run scenario, this scenario gives you enough ammunition to fight a real battle. Both sides have increased small arms ammunition, wagons, and artillery shells.
You enjoy a fairly decent advantage in commander quality over the Federals. This should make it easier for you to keep you men under control and to rally them if they are routed.
Did you know?
Capt. Frank Armstrong led a regular U.S. cavalry company at First Bull Run. After the battle, he would resign his commission in the U.S. Army and become a Confederate officer. He would serve in the western theater and rise to the rank of Brigadier General.
The Scenario Setup
With Tyler's and Miles's divisions coming from the east, and Heintzelman's and Hunter's coming from the northwest, the Union army is divided by both time and distance. The lack of any connecting roads for the Federals should be noted. In order for them to link up there is only one way they can go - towards the Stone Bridge. The Confederates arrive during the first few hours from a number of points on the southern side of the map. Just like the Yanks, they lack any good east-west roads.
Below is a very detailed outline of the reinforcements and numbers of the two armies.
Numerous things can be learned by studying the chart above.
1) The Federals begin with a numerical advantage, but to do not maintain it for very long. By 7 AM the Confederates will have more men on the field.
2) Because the Confederates concentrate quicker, we will have an advantage in the battle for a longer period of time. It will take the Federals until midday to finally get all their forces into the center of the board.
3) The Confederate cavalry, despite being needed to scout, arrives last.
Note:
If you want to disturb your opponent while playing this scenario, simply note the time and use this sheet for reference. Then subtract their casualties from the numbers above and tell them EXACTLY how many men they have on the field. Be sure to subtract 25 men for every cannon destroyed. This will surely puzzle them and may give you a bit of a psychological edge.
Personal Conclusion
Moderate Rebel Advantage
This scenario boils down to one key decision - and the Yankees end up making it. Will they move on Blackburn's Ford aggressively with half their army, or will they move west to concentrate their whole army at the Stone Bridge and fight on that side of the battlefield?
If you have a foolish Yankee opponent, he will attempt to fight two totally separate battles on opposite ends of the battlefield. This could very well give you a chance to destroy a good part of Tyler's and Miles's divisions before help can even arrive to assist them. If there are any Yankees north of Blackburn's Ford in the morning you should attack them. If they are there it means they are either choosing to fight with their army split (which is to your advantage) or they are putting a mere blocking force there to keep an eye on you (also to your advantage).
If the Yankees move to the Stone Bridge then it is time to decide what to do next. Sometimes the Yanks turn south once across the Bull Run and will be looking for a fight. They might also just switch to the defensive and dare you to attack them around Henry Hill (as they wait for Heintzelman and Hunter). Be sure to monitor the enemy movements as best you can using your cavalry once they arrive.
Tactical Tips
1) Where Are the Federals Going?
Figuring this out is key at the start. The first turns occur at dawn and limit your visibility. Are the Federals following the Warrenton Turnpike west, or are they coming towards Blackburn's Ford? Once the sun is fully up you need to gather as much intel as you can as quickly as you can. Then make your plans.
2) Watch out for Hunter and Heintzelman.
Don't get so concentrated on Tyler and Miles that you forget about the other Yankee columns coming at you. If there is a large battle at Blackburn's Ford than the Yanks are either hoping to distract you long enough for the other divisions to arrive and hit your flank (which will take forever), or they are moving to concentrate their whole army around Centreville and Blackburn's Ford.
3) Cavalry!
You will likely never have a better opportunity in a large battle to so completely dominate with cavalry as you do here. The open fields and numerous paths are perfect for cavalry usage. Using your mounted arm to sweep around enemy flanks, in order to isolate them and allow the infantry to charge in and bag them, is a great idea here. You can also use them more traditionally for scouting and raiding for enemy wagons and guns. Be a bully with your cavalry in this battle! Make the Yankees pay.
Final Thoughts
This is a good alternative to the historical Battle of Bull Run. It allows the Federals additional forces which makes the battle a better balanced affair overall.