THE RETREAT OVER THE STONE BRIDGE SATURDAY EVENING AUGUST 30TH THE CENTURY WAR BOOK

How often have you seen great scenarios published in the pages of the ZOUAVE, and said to yourself, "When I get time, I want to try that battle," only to procrastinate for months or years before tackling the project? Well, in my case, several years ago THE ZOUAVE had published a well-written scenario regarding the Confederate defense of the eastern fords of Bull Run during the first battle. I had planned to play it, but other scenarios and games took precedence. Finally, in November of 1999, the NORTH COAST WARGAMERS (in the greater Cleveland, Ohio, area) had the opportunity to play this battle.

First, a quick recap of the original scenario is in order. Rod Thayer had written a scenario entitled First Blood, Part 1 for the Battle of Bull Run, which was originally published in the Spring 1990 issue. It was also published on the internet for awhile through the VICTORIA GAMERS' web site.

Mister Thayer's scenario was based on the premise that the Yankees launched a major assault on Blackburn's, Mitchell's, and McLean's fords, when in reality they had only demonstrated against these positions to hold Rebel troops in check. This was to keep them from being shifted elsewhere where they might be a greater threat to Irvin McDowell's army. Elements of Miles' and Richardson's Divisions were ordered to make a diversion against the Rebels with minor skirmishing and trading of longrange artillery fire.

Due to a general lack of aggressiveness by the Union, the Johnnies were able to shift troops to the left flank and the center where they were useful in routing the general Union forces. Part of the reason for the Union lack of aggressive has long been blamed on General Miles' supposed drunken binge the night before (he was back in Centreville sleeping off the effects of his partying), leaving command to a Colonel Blenker who failed to aggressively attack the fords.

Rod Thayer wrote a JOHNNY REB 1st or 2 nd edition (aka JRIIII & JRIII respectivel.y-ed.) scenario based on the idea that Colonel Blenker decided to make a name for himself and show McDowell that he was a capable commander for future promotional opportunities. To win, Blenker and the Northern forces had to exit at least 4 non-isolated infantry units off of the south edge of the game table by turn 22 (for JRII; by turn 17 for JRIII).

I modified Rod's original game and map to suit my current GHQ TERRAIN MAKER hexes, and to use JR3 rules and unit sizes. 3 sections of artillery could be substituted for 1 infantry regiment for victory purposes. Failure to exit these units would lead to a tactical CSA victory, although forcing Bonham to use his reinforcements would in effect neutralize a CSA victory as these troops could not be deployed elsewhere in the grander CSA defense of the entire battlefield.

Author of the Original Scenario: Rod Thayer (The Zouave, Spring 1990)
Host for the game: Sci-Fi Comics and Games, Madison, OH Local wargaining shop. Scott Mingus was the gamemaster, and he provided the terrained hexes, woods, houses and armies.
Fields created & available from: Miniature World Maker, 27 Howard Land, Mount Barker, Sonth Australia 5251, Australia. Fax 61-08-8391-2236. Pat & James Mason, proprietors. miniaturemoldmaker.com (latex rubber pieces)

More First Blood at Bull Run

Introduction and Historical Background
Scenario
Large Scenario Map (very slow: 165K)
Scenario OOB (slow: 100K)

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