Battle of Atlanta July 22nd 1864- ACW

Some of the brothers assembled for an ACW stoush- the battle of Atlanta July 1864- using the scenario in the old Fire and Fury Western scenario booklet.  We even had Noel join us all the way from South Africa.
In this battle John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee was trying to break the tightening ring of the Union army approaching Atlanta. He sent Hardee's corp to outflank the Union Army of  The Tennessee of General James B McPherson. Cheatham's corp was to hit the Union line at the same time. Well, that was the plan, but Hardee was held up by the terrain- and some very tough fighting Union soldiers ( under Ross' command) .
Nick played Hardee with Noel, Chris and Paul as his subordinates. Cheatham's command was also ( when it finally arrived) played by Paul and Chris.  Ross was McPherson, Richard and Phil commanded Dodge's and Logan's Corps.

The game went very much as per the historical battle. Hardee's corp hit the Union flank hard, but didn't completely get around behind - so two of the encircling Confederate divisions hit the Union entrenchments and had great difficulty in dislodging the Union defenders. Two others got behind but were held up by several union brigades redeployed from the main line. In the end the Reb losses were very heavy and Hood called it a day!

View from the Confederate flank attack- Hardee's corp move didn't quite get around the entrenchments. 

The end of the Union line- McPherson had an inkling that Hood would try to outflank him so turned his line back.

Hardee's Corp driving at the corner of the Union line.

Hardee encouraging his boys

Top end of the union line- Phil's command 

Cheatham's corp waiting to hit the Union line.

Billy Yank waiting for the Rebs.

Hardee's attack

One of the Union Brigades waiting to protect the rear flank of the blue line

Rebs advancing thru the woods.

The table from the 'top' end.

Wheatfields at the top end.

Top rear of the Union line.

Hardee's corps goes in.

Rebs getting stuck in , the Yanks barely holding on.

Cheatham's Corp arrives.

Hardee's corp pushing the defenders back.

The last Union Division- holding the line and about to be swamped