Montrose Turn 1, April 1644

The campaign began with Montrose launching attacks into Lower Highlands and Ayrshire.

Upper Highlands - Determination 

In this game both sides scored points from getting units over the centre line, with the Pike & Shot battalia worth double the other units. The terrain was hilly with scattered scrub. 

Montrose at the bottom of the picture

Both sides advanced with their cavalry on the eastern side of the field. The Royalists pushed their veteran Irish units up the centre. Other units were used by them to outflank in the west and their horse held back.     

Montrose Irish

The Royalists were able to push through in the middle and attack around the outside in the west. The cavalry battle was tussle where the Royalists had a slight edge.   

Covenanter foot counter the Royalist flank moves

The final score was 6-4 to the Royalists. Royalists Win.

Ayrshire - Forlorn Hope

In this game both sides began with 2 units and their guns deployed forward and the remainder of the army looking to catchup. Points were scored for kills with the forlorn hopes scoring extra.

Royalist forlorn hope 

In the pre-game movements the Parliamentary forces caused some damage on the Irish troops while the Royalists looked to advance their cavalry as a screen to protect the Highland units seeking to outflank the Parliamentary forlorn hope.     

The Parliamentary forces had the better of the cavalry battles but Montrose horse hung on long enough to let the Highlanders attack the forlorn hope and push them back. Meanwhile the Irish on the Royalist right punched through the Parliamentary battalia opposing them.      

Highlanders get around the corner

Losses mounted on both sides but the Parliamentary armies morale gave way and they retreated in the gathering gloom. Royalist Win. 

Campaign situation

A good start for Montrose with both Lower Highlands and Ayrshire coming under his influence.