Cannister and Grape-Raid on St Augusta Plantations

Saw this on a site Cannister and Grape-
 http://home.exetel.com.au/millsy/canister/scenarios/freeSanTurtia.htm
figured it might make an interesting battle.
British and assorted "Carribbean allies" are raiding a french plantations
for supplies and to free slaves and british policy is to undermine
access to the rebel Americans of slave labor during the revolution.

The British Forces
Column A - 3 German Line Battalions and a few rebel slaves
Column B - 2 Line Battalions, a Loyalist Battalion and 3 light artillery pieces
Column C - 2 Light Infantry Battalions and a Highlander Battalion

The French Forces
The Garrison - 2 Militia Battalions, the Governor's guard and a light artillery piece
The French Regulars - 4 Line Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces
The Landing Force - 3 units of Pirate cutthroats, 2 Light Infantry Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces


The Scenario


This scenario represents a slave revolt on the fictitious French Caribbean sugar Island of San Turtia during the American War of Independence. A proportion of the slave population has revolted, supported by the British and their German mercenary allies.

The Army of Earl Stone has seized the Port of Le Roy on the north shore of the island and is marching inland to crush the French garrison. The garrison has retreated to prepared positions near the Governor's fortified palace on the south side of the island. The small star fort which protected the southern approaches to the island was destroyed by a raiding party of British Royal Marines and sailors in 1781. The fort has not been rebuilt.

The island is garrisoned by a brigade of French regular infantry. In addition, the Governor commands a mixed force of militia and his personal guard. The militia have spent much of the past year attempting to suppress the slave revolt and have failed utterly. It is believed that these slaves will cooperate with the British advance.

The roads to the South are rough and narrow. To facilitate the advance General Stone has divided his force into three columns which are converging on the Governor's residence by various routes. Deserters have revealed that the morale amongst the Governor's troops is low. It is possible that the militia will surrender if seriously pressed.

Initial dispositions

The Governor's residence

The garrisoned town area

The British have the edge

The Action

The day opens with Earl Stone directing the Germans to take the Governor's residence and throw the militia out of the town with assistance from local slave rebels. At the same time he personally leads his remaining two brigades against the French line troops defending the remaining approaches to the town.

Initially things go well for the Allies. Good headway is made against the town by the Germans, with a flanking column turning the militia wing and causing some discomfort to the Governor and his family. The remaining British press the French and attempt to make their greater numbers count. Some accurate artillery fire by the French plus poor counter battery fire by the British slows and otherwise promising advance.

As the day continues the Germans find the resistance in the town more difficult to overcome than was originally anticipated. The militia keep up a constant harassing fire against the Germans and prevent them from entering the town in numbers. Despite this the Governor decides to personally evacuate the town and join the regular French troops. The British continue to struggle against the regular French forces although superior numbers are beginning to tell. The Highlanders begin a protracted musketry duel with the Governor's personal guard - a battle in miniature that is to continue for the remainder of the day.

Some time after midday the Germans eventually throw the militia out of the town for a small loss. The British light infantry have made serious inroads against the French gunners and one or two French battalions are starting to waver. As Earl Stone begins to contemplate an evening spent drinking the Governor's port an aide informs him of some unwelcome news. The three British ships which have been standing off the harbour have lowered their colours and raised the flag of a local pirate captain, known to be a some time French ally.

All three ships land troops on the beach below the Governor's residence composed of "organised" units of pirate cutthroats, interspersed with light infantry. In the space of minutes a promising situation for the British has turned into an increasingly difficult one. The British units are largely spent, many under half strength.

As daylight beings to fail the new French allies push the British back. Unable to make a stand the British begin to retire in as much order as can be managed. One line unit is eventually broken and flees leaving a somewhat exposed flank. Worse still, the relatively low class Governor's guard have eventually out gunned the Highlanders who are also withdrawing.

In a positive aside for the Allies the Germans have now occupied the town in detail and look capable of resisting any French attempt to retake it in the short term. Night falls with the French abandoning the pursuit and both sides taking stock. Neither side is in a position to claim a victory, although eventually it is assumed the French will succumb to superior numbers and surrender.


Pirates?!?!

They've landed!

The British retreat

The French pursue



The British Forces

Column A - 3 German Line Battalions and a few rebel slaves

Column B - 2 Line Battalions, a Loyalist Battalion and 3 light artillery pieces

Column C - 2 Light Infantry Battalions and a Highlander Battalion

The French Forces

The Garrison - 2 Militia Battalions, the Governor's guard and a light artillery piece

The French Regulars - 4 Line Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces

The Landing Force - 3 units of Pirate cutthroats, 2 Light Infantry Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces