Yesterday evening saw Messrs Fox and Huband once again taking command of a selection of ships for a ‘based upon’ Hampton Roads - the second day thereof - game using the Portable Ironclad Wargame. Once again that ‘Will ‘o the wisp of the bounding main!” Aka Mr Fox, assumed command of the Confederates, represented solely by the CSS Virginia. Mr Huband took command of the USS Monitor and the grounded USS Minnesota.
Historically the CSS Virginia sallied forth to finish off the USS Minnesota but was prevented from doing so by the appearance of the USS Monitor.
So much for the history….
In the action that followed - and apologies for the brevity of this report - the CSS Virginia initially largely ignored the USS Monitor and headed straight for the USS Minnesota, firing as she went. Despite the size of the Union vessel she was ‘sunk’ in fairly short order due in part to some ferocious Confederate gunnery (never again will I listen to Mr Fox bemoaning his dice luck!). The USS Monitor eventually got to grips with the Confederate ironclad by the simple expedient of parking herself across the bows of the CSS Virginia and exchanging fire at point blank range to telling effect. It was all the invitation that the CSS Virginia needed though, and so she duly rammed the Union ship - to no effect! However, following the post ram attack optional free turn, the Confederate ship was now facing the right way headed towards home and so with little likelihood of being overhauled by the USS Monitor, we called the action.
The Union ship could have pursued the CSS Virginia but as they both had the same speed (2) the best that they could have done would have been to maintain station. A tactical Confederate victory for sure but the Union blockading squadron would soon be reinforced and the likelihood of a repeat performance would be slim.
The pictures are
Starting positions. The brown hexes are where the USS Minnesota has run aground
The ironclads approach cautiously
USS Monitor closes on the CSS Virginia who maintains a damaging fire against the helpless USS Minnesota - however, in her eagerness to tackle the grounded Union vessel she has strayed into range and arc of her broadside.
By this time the damage to the Union frigate was terminal and so the Confederate reversed her course for home - straight into the USS Monitor!
Sadly no picture of the ram attack but the positions above are after it was resolved. Sadly the Confederate gunnery dice did not take to ramming and so no damage was inflicted on the USS Monitor. Once she was underway the CSS Virginia was heading directly back to base. The USS Monitor wisely broke off the action.Afterthoughts and Observations
From a historical perspective the action felt accurately paced and ‘right’. The USS Minnesota was made short work of, reflecting a similar impact the CSS Virginia had the previous day. USS Monitor was able to ‘run interference’ but by the time she did it was already too late. The two ironclads banged away at each other with limited effect - the USS Monitor definitely came second overall during the exchange - and the ram attack was a disappointing failure.
The vulnerability of wooden ships when facing ironclads was ably demonstrated, as was the somewhat laborious exchange of fire between the two ironclads. As mentioned, both felt right for the period.
The rules ran well enough although I need to make some markers for various things - fires, floods, sinking etc - and also to further refine the QRS.
Mr Huband came up with a rather nifty flow diagram for firing which I am seriously thinking about incorporating within the QRS at some point.
As a spur of the moment idea I have suggested running the first day of Hampton Roads - pre the USS Monitor - which should be fun (maybe not for the Union though!). Something to think about though.
Once again my thanks to both Mr Fox and Mr Huband for their continued interest and support - it is very much appreciated.