As we've completed our own Montrose campaign we're delving into the history books to play some real battles. The first is a battle of Auldearn where a surprised Montrose makes a rapid recovery to save the day. The Internet describes it as his greatest victory but how will our refight go?
The Covenanter approach was a cautious one has they knew that Gordon's Horse would arrive at some point in their flank or rear. They sought to use shooting pressure against MacColla and deploy their rear rank to ward off Gordon.
The first few moves followed history fairly closely with MacColla charging the leading Covenanter foot and being thrown back after a bloody struggle. The Covenanters then poured shot into the Irish, causing serious damage.
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| Long shot from behind Montrose lines |
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| MacColla on Garlic Hill |
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| MacColla is thrown back |
The decisive action came though from the chance cards. In turn 3 a heavy mist descended on the battle field limiting shooting ranges and effect. This could not save the unfortunate MacColla from being wiped out but allowed the other Royalist to launch a successful counter attack and secure Garlic Hill. This was aided by the Gordon Horse's arrival routing the Covenanter unit holding the left flank exposing the main line to attack.
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| Garlic Hill secured |
The game ended in a clear win for Montrose as he held both Auldearn and Garlic Hill. Not quite following history though as it was the weather not Gordon's Horse that swung the side for him.
