First Battle of Bull Run - BBB ACW

So having refought Gettysburg six times, with only a single Union win (two Confederate and three draws) we moved on to First Bull Run, with Rick playing Union and Haim Confederate.  the battle fought out in 2 1/2 hours and was full of flanking moves, desperate assaults, vicious hand to hand fighting and failed die rolls resulting in a Confederate victory.

Once again all the talk over lunch was about what went wrong, where the decisive moves and attacks went in and what to do differently next time; what better testament to a fine scenario and excellent game can there be?

Union forces start the day by marching furiously towards Henry Hill.

However the rebels get there first and the boys in blue have to shake out into line to prepare for the assault, unfortunately some poor staff work (aka dodgy die rolls) mean that this is a longer activity than desired and the Confederates are given ample time to prepare their defence.

With the Union slowed the Confederates start to bring their reinforcements forward.

With the assault against Henry Hill building further Union forces are sent to clear the river crossings, however Stonewall himself interposes his forces between them and their objective.

Union columns start to mass against the desperately holding grey coated rebels. 

Clearing one of the crossings, the Union find themselves with Stonewall filling the gap and threatening their flanks.

But as the pressure builds the rebels give ground, pulling many Union formations away from the main objectives.

On the right flank a Union battery has secured Henry Hill while further forces mass to  take Bald Hill; unfortunately for the anti-slavery forces a spirited rebel counter attack dislodges the battery, securing the Hil while further forces threaten a more general counter attack.

Back on the Union left flank Jackson and his fellows are driven back and the Union starts to work towards Henry Hill, but time is running short.

JEB Stuart lurks behind the ridge to threaten the Union battery firing up Henry Hill and ready to take the fresh Union units in the flank should they attempt to assault the hill from the north.

A final view from the north of the battle line as time runs out for the Union, the final throw being Stuarts frontal assault of the Union smoothbore battery and, against all odds, making contact and silencing the gunners for no loss!