17 Attachment(s)
AAR HMS Vanguard vs Commerce De Marseille
Over the last few weeks the Commerce De Marseille, captained by Hugh JNR, has been a thorn in my side. It is an almost unbreakable fortress carrying enough men to invade a city and enough guns to sink a small fleet. I have made a few attempts to destroy it but all have met in failure, either sunk or surrendered.
Today it was sighted by the HMS Vanguard, captained by Hugh SNR. The opportunity was too good to pass up and so the stage was set for another epic struggle to bring down the titan.
Attachment 20076
The wind blows due south as the two ships meet from the east and west. The HMS vanguard decides to try to cut the Marseille off and try to line up a broadside into her bow. Double shot is ordered in both batteries and the sails are set to full.
--
Attachment 20077
The distance is closing rapidly but the Marseille's Captain predicts the manouver taken by the English and aims to swap broadsides with the under-gunned HMS Vanguard.
--
Attachment 20079
The Marseille fires the first broadside at range, its captain eager to end the confrontation quickly. Fortunately for the Hugh SNR the shooting isnt particularly effective. The rudder is damaged but otherwise a lucky escape
--
Attachment 20080
The Vanguard attempts to circle around behind the Marseille but the move is too obvious and Hugh JNR turns with the British ship, maintaining its firing arc.
--
Attachment 20081
The two ships circle one another. Hugh SNR orders the HMS Vanguard to hold its fire, not wanting to waste the double shot. Hugh JNR has no such reservation and orders his gun crews to fire as soon as they are loaded, no matter the arc. The Marseille's shot again does little damage.
--
Attachment 20082
Finally the maneuverability of the smaller 3rd rate is starting to show and it gets in behind the Marseille.
--
Attachment 20083
The Marseille turns again and unloads another broadside at close range into the side of the HMS Vanguard. Captain Hugh SNR yells at his crew to stand firm and hold their nerve as the French shot punches a hole in the hull.
--
Attachment 20084
At last the HMS Vanguard gets its chance. The order is given to open fire and the double shot pounds the Marseille. The damage is massive, could this be the turning point in the battle?
--
Attachment 20085
The two ships reload and maneuver. The English ship lines up its opposite broadside and the two ships exchange fire. The Marseille takes another enormous hit with fires breaking out and water rushing into the hull. The HMS Vanguard gets off luckier with only minor damage.
--
Attachment 20086
Attachment 20087
The Marseille's crew repair one of the masts but the other is lost. Captain Hugh JNR decides that the best approach here is to continuously circle, firing broadsides as soon as they are reloaded. Captain Hugh SNR decides to increase the range and wait for a better opportunity.
--
Attachment 20088
A few more shots are landed on the Marseille after some careful sailing. The damage is starting to pile up on the French ship.
--
Attachment 20089
Attachment 20090
Captain Hugh JNR decides to cut his losses and flees out of range of the HMS Vanguard. Hugh SNR realizes that he is lucky to have survived the encounter and that returning to port for repairs is more pressing than chasing down the French Battleship. (Dinner time)
--
Attachment 20091
Attachment 20092
The Butchers bill
--
I had a fantastic time with this scenario. It reminds me of the hunt of the Bismarck. It also gave my 7 year old son a good chance to have a fun game whilst learning the rules.
Once again, the superiority of the first rates is displayed!