Battle of Kilsyth - 1645

 Second in our short series of Scottish battles is Kilsyth, 15th August 1645. 

With Montrose threatening the Lowlands the Scottish Parliament ordered General William Baillie to pursue and confront him. Aware of Baillie’s approach Montrose occupied strong position near Kilsyth close to Stirling. Baillie’s approach however took him into a flanking position with part of his force, and the remainder was concealed by hills from Montrose view. The action starts just before the full Covenanter army becomes visible. In both games the terrain and deployments are identical. 

Game 1

This game started with a general advance by the Royalist forces with the Irish storming up the hill and pushing the Covenanters back from the windmill. 

Covenanters advance

Covenanters on Windmill Hill

On the other flank the Covenanters initially held but eventually pushed back by the Highlanders bursting from the wood. Royalist win. 

Highlanders emerge from the woods near Kilsyth

Game 2

This game proceed very differently as the Irish brigade failed to move for the first three turns of the game. This allowed the Covenanters to apply pressure to the rest of the Royalist army.

The very late movement by the Irish allowed the Covenanters to keep control of Windmill Hill and cause enough damage to win a points victory. Covenanter win. 

   

  

 

Battle of Auldearn, 1645 - Montrose finest hour?

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. 

Long shot from behind Montrose lines

MacColla on Garlic Hill

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.  

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.