1813 Battle of the Chrysler Farm
Dated: April 13, 2006.
By Stefan Stefanov, Canada
The war of 1812 is a very important part of Canadian history. During this war that lasted approximately 4 years the young US army is trying to take over the Canadas from the British. At that time the British were busy fighting Napoleon in Europe, so the Americans thought that they could easily snap the Canadas from the British Empire.
The Game scenario is accurately based on the "1813 Battle of the Chrysler Farm". Many historians say that this battle was the turning point of the whole war of 1812. The US had sent an expeditionary force of 4000 to sail down the St. Lawrence River and take over the strong hold of today's Montreal, Quebec. However about 800 strong British Canadian forces from present Kingston, Ontario is closing down on the Americans.
The battle is started early in the morning when a small party of Mohawk Indians, company of French Voltigeurs, and platoon of
Provincial Light Dragoons open fire at the US camp in the near by woods (see top right corner of picture 1).
Approximately 2 km from the skirmish the British Supply unit, 89th Regiment, 6-pounder Artillery, 49th Regiment, and a gunboat is
advancing toward the enemy.
Also a Company of Canadian Fencibles, 12-pounder Militia gun, and a Company of Militia are getting entrenched in front of the gully
(see centre of picture).
The 1st & 4th US Regiments are charging the Mohawks & the Voltigeurs. The 9th US Regiment is attacking the Provincial Light
Dragoon (see picture from top to bottom). Meanwhile the 21st US Militia Regiment is joining the battle.
The US attack is overpowering for the Canadian skirmishers and they are fleeing the scene.
The Americans are gaining the momentum and are charging all across the battlefield for exception of the US Light Dragoon waiting in reserve.
The 4th US Regiment broke out of the American line pursuing the fleeing Mohawks & Voltigiers through the woods only to encounter a devastating blow from the 89th British Regiment.
The 4th US Regiment is routed and is fleeing behind the retreating 1st US Regiment. In the meantime the Mohawks and the
Voltigeurs have regrouped and are ready for an assault through the woods.
While the right flank of the US assault has collapsed, the left across the gully and the centre are pushing forward. Making the right flank of the Canadian forces manoeuvre a delaying retreat.
Defenders gunboat, cannon, and musket fire is too much for the Americans. The best US regiment on the field is routed (The Grey 25th US Regiment in picture 9) and the whole US advance has collapsed. US 12-pounder gun is entering the battlefield too late to change the outcome of the battle (top right corner of picture).
The 9th US Regiment joint by 12-pounder gun and the 21st US Militia Regiment are thrown in to a desperate attack against the 89th & 49th British Regiments. Also, the US Light Dragoon is advancing.
The US forces have been routed & the Canadian Fanciers have managed to capture the US 12-pounder cannon. The US Light Dragoon is trying to recapture the gun, but it's faced by the advancing 49th British Regiment.
The defenders are too strong for the US Light Dragoon and they are forced to flee. The battle is over and the whole US expeditionary force is abandoning the invasion of Montreal.
To make this battle scenario I have used and modified the following kits:
Hats Prussian Artillery to make US & Canadian artillery, supply units, and gunboats.
Airfix/HaT (7009) Waterloo British Infantry to make US, Canadian, and Voltigeur
infantry.
Airfix French Cavalry to make the US Light Dragoon.
IMEX Washington's Army to make the US & Canadian Militia, and Mohawk Indians.
Any questions or comments e-mail me at stefanovs at hotmail dot com.
Yours truly,
Stefan Stefanov