Well, at least three readers are interested and
have taken the trouble to write their views and
assessment of Mike Blake's situation at La Cochaine
M.E. Wilkinson of 48 Churchill Way, Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire, says:
"I am indeed one of the few wargamers who has never tried individual wargaming and for that reason, although showing much interest in the "Skirmish 'at Is Cochaine", thought that I should leave the answers to the experts of this type of wargaming.
However, as those experts do not wish to risk their reputations in offering a solution, here is what I would do in real life.
1. 6pdr to open fire on the cornfield while I and- my ten men work 'our way east, keeping under cover as much as possible.
2. On reaching a position opposite the farmhouse, signal to the 6pdr to move his fire onto the farmhouse and direct three of my men northwards towards the cornfield. Two of these three would be my sharpshooters. I and my seven remaining men would move towards the woods.
3. On reaching the cornfield the three men to signal the 6pdr to move his fire to the orchard area. The two sharpshooters to work their way through the corn to the northern edge leaving their comrade to cover them from the southern edge. Meanwhile 1 and my seven men to work our way through the woods, clearing any enemy lurking there.
4. On raaching the ditch I check that it is clear of any enemy then one at a time I and my seven men dash across the road into the maize. We then make our way through the maize to the farmhouse courtyard wall.
5. On reaching the wall at a signal four of the men with me open fire onto the farmhouse, my sharpshooters also open fire onto the farmhouse and the 6pdr stops firing and starts to move the piece towards the farmhouse. I and three men then work our way along the wall out of sight of the farmhouse towards the gap in the wall.
6. At the opportune time I and my three men rush through the gap in the wall towards the farmhouse. Once the enemy cease firing and turn their attentions on us, my six men firing at the farmhouse to rush the house from the other two sides.
7. On the hope that this will clear the farmhouse of any enemy it then remains to position my men and the 6pdr within the confines of the farmhouse courtyard to repel any subsequent enemy counter-attacks.
Hoping that I have not made any dreadful blunders."
P.J.Ridgway of 71 Trent Valley Road, Penthull, Stoke-on-Trent, writes:
"First I am not sure whether you mean ten men including or excluding yourself.
The first priority would be to ensure that the gun was in position on the edge of the rise with the lieutenant instructed to use bell to knock down first the northern gate then the eastern one and then concentrate on the west side of the building to give the impression that that would be where the main attack was to come.
To further this impression three men would be sent to the near corner of the orchard to scout along the hedge, check no horsemen were in the offing along the road and to gradually work their way along the edge of the orchard so as to be able to come in from the N.E. corner of the orchard and through the N. gate when and if the main attack was made. In the event of opposition being encountered they would take cover and if the numbers equal try to fight it out, if out-numbered to retire into or behind the ditch and hold the enemy off the gun.
Three more, two of them the sharpshooters to move to behind the cornfield and snipe at the building from the broken ground - leaving their bearskins on posts to make it look like there are more of them; and making it too obvious so that the infiltration and gunnery on the left look more serious. Also they are to keep a weather eye on the wood for rifles. They are to come in after the main attack but not to start to move in until the main attack hits.
The remaining few and the sergeant once the gun is in action will move down the south edge of the board, partially hidden by the broken ground and the smoke from the skirmishers. They would then follow the route below to arrive at the hopefully broken gate. Any rifles would be chased out of the wood by the party who would take the non sharpshooter with them if opposed and would check no cavalry were approaching. The gun would cease fire on the start of the attack.
If opposition in the wood is found by the first three and it appears strong and light in the orchard then the mein attack would go in through the orchard."
A. Grainger of 2 Eastnor Grove, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, writes:.
"I have just passed my C.M.T. exam (Certificate of Military Training) and therefore know something about combat appreciations. Assuming that the French have not been observed by the British, I hope that my solution will be practicable in terms of the rules, as I do not possess a copy of them and no scale is given on the map.
1. Position the 6-pdr gun at farmhouse.
2. Move section in extended line due north towards ditch, 2 sharpshooters on right flank.
3. Halt at ditch, move 2 sharpshooters into standing corn opposite gate with 2 men covering them.
4. While these four men aim at form; take remainder across road to orchard.
5. Assault farm through orchard, moving through gate at end and attack north wall.
FIRING:
- a. Gun to fire on farm when troops within open fire. Cease firing when
assault party half way through orchard.
b. 4 men in corn to fire either (a) when fired on themselves, (b) when assault party is fired on, (a) when assault party fires.
If British skirmishers are in standing corn, they will have to be cleared, using sharpshooters for covering fire and other men to close. When farm is being assaulted covering troops in standing corn will attempt to attack form via the gate and the east wall. The attack will only be made when they have neutralised directly opposing troops, difficult if British troops are in the wood. Should British troops emerge from wood, the covering force must try to keep them away from farm.
REORGANISATION:
- 1. Occupy building itself with one man at wall at N edge of table as sentry.
2. Send report back to H.Q.
3.Order 6-pdr to fire on targets coming from North or East if ammunition state allows.
4.Post experienced sentry by 6-pdr to give warning of enemy forces from North or East."
After the Crimean War there was a rapid technical advance and in our next major campaign we were caught off balance. We had not adapted ourselves to long range rifles and it cost us heavily in men, money and time before we could win in South Africa. Fortunately for us there was only a short breathing space before the First World War. In 1914 we were still up to date, at any rate as far as infantry and artillery were concerned. The cavalry were only used as such at the beginning and end of the War.
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© Copyright 1974 by Donald Featherstone.
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