#1 [url]

Mar 16 14 5:34 PM

Hi Von Hesh,

The rules are fine as they reflect the reality of period combat . As you have correctly implied some militia are better than others. For example U.S. volunteers are usually better (pick of the crop or the most motivated), so, they are given second line for morale. In our War of 1812 games we give each unit two morale factors, one for FIRING which reflects expertise and good training/marksmanship and one for MORALE which reflects leaderships and the courage to stand and fight.

For example some American and Canadian militia rifle units are given 2LN or LN for firing but C or 2LN for morale to reflect the battlefield reality of the time. IE they are given credit for their expertise/marksmanship but they may still be led by poorly trained militia officers. Another example are the Canadian militia flank companies during the 1812-13; they were much better trained (approximately ten  times the training) than the standard militia and they were usually the best soldiers of their regiment. So, I tend to give them 2LN or sometimes LN for firing and 2LN for morale. Some Canadian militia were led by regular British officers, so their morale would increase accordingly.

So, it all comes down to researching each battle and grading the individual units accordingly, including their leaders. Also, in the British Regular versus American militia in the context you have stated, IE Bladensburg and to a lessor extent North Point; there are usually many times more American militia than British regulars and more American artillery to even things out. So, if you have quantity but less quality you must either manoeuver to get on the flank and rear of your opponent or alternatively take advantage of terrain and defensively dig in as at Baltimore and New Orleans.

So endeth the lesson. The War of 1812 is a great period to game and GdeB with some minor modifications is perfectly suited to it.

Have fun.