Captain's Courageous - or - The Light Company Gets a Bath

Upon the safe return of Lieutenant Swiven to the Division, Captain Beesley and the Light Company had two weeks of blessed rest. The East Southhamstershires were kept busy guarding the Divisional Headquarters and there was no urgent need for the Light Company's services. Such idleness did not go unpunished. The men of the Light Company were good men in a fight and quite capable foragers. Too clever by half for many of the provosts. Chickens, pigs and goats began disappearing for mile around after the return of the Light Company. While nothing could ever be proven, enough complaints were raised that once again, the Light Company drew official notice. Finding himself in the General's tent, Captain Beesley sweats lightly as he awaits his audience. His Colonel stands beside him casting disproving glances Beesley's way since neither knew why they were summoned. The General and his aide enter the room. The twinkle in the general's eye only partially calms Beesley's nerves. "Well Captain, you and your rogues have made quite a name for yourselves. It seems that idleness does not become your men. So I have found something to keep them active." With a large smirk upon his face he adds, "We shall keep them from running a fowl of the provosts, eh?" Dutifully, the aide laughs at his general's jest. The Colonel joins in and subtlety moves away from Beesley, instinctively sensing something amiss and not wanting to get splashed in any foul mess that Beesley may have jumped into. "In reading your record, Beesley, I see that you have worked with the Navy before. And therefore you are familiar with His Majesty's ship HMS Gout?" The General continues without pause assuming the answers, "The Captain of the Gout has been ordered to land a company of British infantry on the northern coast of Spain as an observation post. You will be landed in the dead of night and given a number of birds to send messages back here to keep us informed. The Gout will check in on you from time to time, keeping you supplied with powder, shot and necessities. As resourceful as your men are, I do not thing you shall be lacking in any comforts." Beesley presented a calm outward visage but internally he ranted, Damn and blast Smallwood. Whose chickens has the man been stealing for my mess anyway? Wellington's?!? Instead he responded, "Yes sir," with a crispness that would have done them proud back at horse-guards. "Now, in order to move your men, we have had to rather upset Captain Turnwall as his ship had to be configured 'en flute' or whatever that nautical nonsense means. He seemed quite upset so be on your watch on the voyage. He has also had to post his marines to shore duty to fit your full company on board. Once landed, you will be staying here." With that he jabbed a finger at the map on the desk. You spot an 'x' on his map that is very near the French border. "This is a ruined castle that dates back nearly to the reconquista. You can see the main coast road coming down from France and keep an eye out for French movements into Spain. This is vital work. You will be relieved in about a month. Any questions?" By this the General made it clear that there were to be no questions and he was expected to go away. Three Days Later - Off the coast of Northern Spain The storm crashed down upon the HMS Gout. They had been in harsh weather for over 42 hours straight. The men of the Light Company were dreadfully sea sick. The men of the Gout were fighting for their ship's very life. Though Beesley offered his assistance, he was rudely dismissed below by the Captain. The second officer and three hands had already been lost in this storm. Several more have been sent to the surgeon having ruptured themselves in the strenuous work of saving the ship. To the men of the Light Company, they nearly to a man believed that they were doomed. Fifty six hours into the storm, the wind slackened enough that the sailing master and the Captain decided on a desperate plan. They ran the ship towards the shore in an attempt to wait out the storm in a sheltered cove that the Sailing Master knew from his days as a smuggler in his misspent youth. Halfway into the mouth of the cove, the main top gallant mast snapped with a thunderous report. The whip crack of stays and lines was heard slashing from above as the broken mast plunged downward to the deck below. The mast struck the deck after first passing through the body of the captain, nearly cutting the man in half. The next two hours were a blur of motions as sailors and their surviving officers restored order and saved the ship. Once order has been restored, Captain Beesley found himself being summoned by the ship's Bosun to the Captain's cabin. Finding himself there with the First Lieutenant (now captain of the Gout), a Midshipman, the Sailing Master, the Bosun, the surgeon and the Master Gunner, he looked from man to man at the grim faces. Lieutenant Hardbrace spoke for the group, "Captain Beesley, we cannot complete the mission as ordered. The ship is leaking badly from the storm. We lack the cannon to defend ourselves in the event of an attack from sea. We need to repair the masts and other damage to the rigging. We are stranded here on this shore until we can make repairs. We need your help." The last sentence was delivered where Hardbrace had to visibly swallow his pride before hand. Beesley nods, "I understand, Captain. I have inquired with my Ensign, the pigeons have all perished in the storm. Even if you were to drop us off at our original destination, we have no means of communicating back with the division. Half my men are still ill from the voyage but I place my officers and those of my men that can work at your disposal." With relief the naval types all nod. Hardbrace describes their situation, "We are in a sheltered cove. It is doubtful that anyone has spotted our arrival and we are secluded enough here that unless someone comes down the hill from above, we should not be noticed. I would like your men to form a perimeter around the hill and serve as sentries while my men complete the repairs on the ship. If you have men to spare, we need additional hands at the pumps to keep us from sinking." Pointing to the Bosun, "I will send the bosun ashore with a party of reliable hands to gather what materials we can in order to expedite repairs. There is a small fishing smack that we have confiscated in the cove. We have this and one longboat left. The other ships boats were lost in the storm. We will begin ferrying your men ashore as soon as you are able." Another half hour of quick work sketched out what little was known of the cove and their approximate location. ======================================================================================== This will be the third outing of Captain Beesley and the Light Company. I have been looking for a way to utilize the Frigate model that I have been building. This seems to fit the bill. I hope to get this on a table to game out shortly.

The Return of Captain Beesley and the East Southhamstershires

Following their initial action, the East Southhamstershires fell back to friendly lines. Captain Beesley of the Light Company was called into the Colonel's tent.

"AH! Beesley, there you are. I think we have something for you." The Colonel lazily points to a splendidly decked out officer of the Engineer service who is standing rather stiffly around the Colonel and Major.
"Lieutenant Swiven?" He glances back at the lieutenant to ensure he said the name correctly and presses on, "Swiven here is to conduct a survey mission of an area to our front. He is looking to find any suitable paths that the army can use and to ensure that the French do not have a route that we do not know about yet. You sir, are to be his escort. Take the young gentleman where he wishes to go and ensure that no harm comes to him."

Being dismissed as if these could not possibly be any questions that he could have with such clear and decisive orders, Beesley gathered his company together to move out.

The light company marched out on a lovely morning with Lieutenant Swiven and his survey party. They arrived at a small village near a river crossing. The survey party began their work. Beesley established a sentry post near some ruined walls just to the north of the town. The river is north of the sentry post.

Next, Beesley set a picket along a strong stone fence at the north end of the village. Here Sergeant Smallwood and eight men waited for sign of the enemy.

The light company enjoyed some rest for a few days while the survey was being done. On the third day, the sentry spotted an advancing french unit crossing the bridge. A small unit of carabiniers quickly chased the sentry away and occupied his position.

The warning of the sentry brought out Lieutenant Harthwaite with 8 men and Sergeant Langtree with twelve men from the houses and formed a line between Sergeant Smallwood's position and the northern most house.

The carabiniers and Lt Harthwaite's commands exchanged fire with little coming of it. The French moved across the bridge without any serious opposition. One blind headed to the top of the hill on their left while another ran towards the stand of crops on their right. Two more proceeded down the center of the road.

Captain Beesley and 8 men moved to support Sgt Smallwood along the stone wall. One french blind continued forward until it was spotted only 12" from the front of the British lines. Once spotted, it revealed itself to be a fast moving french column of 4 groups of nine men each. The British opened fire across their line against the column massing a significant amount of shock and some casualties. The blind following the french column stalled near the bridge.

In the fight that began against the column, the French commander, Lt Gerard managed to remove shock and charge the column into Sgt Langtree's line. In the resulting fisticuffs, both Langtree and Gerard were killed. Two rounds of fisticuffs saw Langtree's command break and fall back.

The luck of Gerard's column died with him as Lt Harthwaite, Sgt Smallwood and Captain Beesley's groups opened fire on the column at nearly point blank range. The fire shattered the column that was never able to recover and it routed off the board back where it came from.

At this point, Lt Harthwaite spotted the other blind. This was a french half company commanded by Captain Amaury and Lieutenant Ernest. Captain Amaury believed that his men could carry the day. Rushing his men in two separate formations of two groups of nine each they moved quickly up either side of the road. This time, the British were able to bring the advance to a halt 12" from their lines. The French were never able to overcome the mounting casualties and shock and were forced to withdraw. They lost another big man - Sergeant Laurent.

Once the smoke of the battle cleared, the British had suffered eleven casualties including Sergeant Langtree. Sgt Langtree managed to nearly stop the French column through his weight of fire but died galantly leading his men against the French charge. The French lost 29 men in casualties including two big men: Lt Gerard and Sgt Laurent.

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The use of a column to charge the British line nearly worked. Had the French had access to a reasonable bonus card, they may have pulled it off. Instead they had drawn Water and Stand Fast. The British started with two Stand Fast cards. They then drew all of the French cards (Hop to It and Pas De Charge). The British used their two Stand fast cards well and received grasp the nettle cards as needed. The french always seemed to have their big men arrive before their GTN cards.

This was a fun solo game and I was able to play with using columns. Reading Cornwall's Sharp books it seemed that the French loved to advance in column. The tactic must of worked somewhere for them to continue to try it. Here it nearly worked and the column was able to reach the British line and did break it. They just lacked the power to stay in the fight after the initial clash.

Sorry for the lack of pictures as the camera (my cell phone) was absconded by my son so he could play angry birds.

The Light Company's Triumph

Major Minor proceeded the Light Company as they marched back to Division HQ. He carried a rather smug smile on his face - very unlike his normal dour expression. Captain Beesley and the major proceeded to located the Colonel. Snapping to a smart attention they reported in.

Sensing the happiness of the two officers in front of him, the Colonel asks, "Well Minor, you seem rather pleased with yourself. Rather like the cat that ate the canary so to speak. What brings you such joy today?"

"Yes Sah! I accompanied the captain in a reconnaissance of Sonolenta Aldeia. We were landed ashore by the navy and proceeded to some woods near the town. Our command was joined by a naval gun crew that set up a gun pit for their 6 pounder to be able to fire on the town. Spotting several French patrols we prepared to leave and report back our findings." The near monotone of the glum major nearly puts the captain to sleep as he tells their tale. Beesley stifles a yawn as the major drones on.

"The day we decided to pull out, we set our sites on liberating a local ox cart to pull the Navy's gun and bring it out with us. The French beat us to the town. A full company of Legere arrives in skirmish order and occupied the town."

"The navy immediately put the French under fire and we advanced the infantry forward to the tree line. While we were engaging the French, we spotted movement to our left. This turned out to be Lieutenant Houseman of the Navy coming to retrieve us and their gun. The lieutenant placed his marines to the fore who began down the road in column."

"While we welcomed the navy's assistance, they were hardly necessary for the small scrap I dare say."

Captain Beesley coughs as he hears the Major downplay the navy's role. Without their arrival, the French would have undoubtedly concentrated all of their forces against you instead of dividing their forces as they did to engage them as well, things could have been a bit sticky.

"The French advanced in skirmish order across a curved front. They sent troops into the fields to our right and others towards the vineyards to the front as well as advancing a third portion down the road and the final portion towards our positions. I had Captain Beesley advance his men to the treeline and given them a good volley. We dedicated Sergeant Smallwood to supervise the gun.

Captain Beesley charged forward to engage the enemy with steel following their volley. Their charge was beaten off but the casualties were very light." While the words were not condemning, the tone implied that the Captain should have done more to ensure success.

Beesley almost let his anger show on his face. His men performed admirably in their charge. They only lost a single man. The French would later collapse and run while his men fell back in good order and continued the fight.

The major continued, "Drawing Lieutenant Harthwaite's platoon in line we also charged the enemy. The boys on the right of the line became tangled in the hedges. They were to exchange fire with the French stuck in the fields. Most of the line reached the enemy and drove them from the field. We captured three French officers and a sergeant. The French left several of their dead behind on the field. The action was a resounding success. We held the field. Met with the Navy and secured transport for their gun. The Marines suffered a single man lost while the Light Company lost but a few men."

Beesley nodded as now the Major's recollections were more closely matching his own. The Colonel nods and smiles, "Well done men. I see I can expect great things for the Light Company in the future. I have no doubt that we can find gainful employment for you and your men."

Even with Sergeant Smallwood's excellent supervision of the gun, he still does not have the confidence that you expect him to have (did not get promoted a level).

You are pleasantly surprised to find that all four of your men who you had sent out to request help are waiting for you and eager to be back with their friends in the company. Furthermore, you are able to replace all of your losses with well trained men. Your quality will not suffer from the few losses that you have taken.

As you and the Major begin to leave the Colonel's tent, the Colonel beacons you back for a moment. The major frowns as he is left out of this confidence. Once the tent flap closes behind the glum major, the Colonel gives you a smile. "Your episode will be communicated to the division in rather glowing terms. You have done the regiment proud sir. I feel your are an officer to be watched. A man such as you is just what I need at the moment. I will need your men to retrieve something for me."

What began as a moment of pride in yourself and your command turns to a sick dread. It sounds like the Colonel wants you to do something dangerous.

"An officer of engineers was performing a similar task to the one you just preformed. He, however, has been cut off. The Frogs have cut him off from friendly lines. I will need your company to fetch him back home. Do you think can manage this for me, sir?"

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Stay tuned for the next installment of Captain Beesley and the light company.

Thanks to Mark Luther for bringing a camera to the game. All the pictures are his. Great fun. Mark played the light company while I umpired and played a late arriving French Cavalry unit. Dan Fox played the French infantry (new player to Sharp Practice) and Jim and Cody played the Naval landing party. It was great fun for me at least. I hope the other players enjoyed it as well.

Meet the Company

The East Southhamstershires Light Company with its full compliment of big men and characters are pictured below. The additional sergeants (not big men) are pictured as well. I still need a pioneer to add to the company as well. I have the four remaining troopers on painting sticks and they should be ready for duty shortly.

The troops will be seeing their first outing tomorrow.

The Honorable Sir Horace Beesley of the East Southhamstershires

Well, Laffee beat me to the first post.

I am moving to adapt this to Sharp Practice. The story will revolve around Sir Horace Beesley's Light Company from the East Southhamstershires during the Peninsular campaign. I have a near full company of British troops painted so far. I am 4 short of having even platoons. That should be corrected shortly.

Our Cast:
The Light Company staff and personalities are as follows:
Captain Sir Horace Beesley - Company Commander
Lieutenant Judah P Benjamin - 1st Lieutenant/Company Exec (Commanding right platoon)
Lieutenant Reginald Harthwaite - 2nd Lieutenant (commanding left platoon)
Ensign William "Little Billy" Smythe - Apprentice officer (not a big man...yet)
Sergeant Jebadiah Smallwood - Senior Sergeant of the Company
Sergeant Mordecai Langtree - Another Sergeant within the company.
Pioneer James McCaffrey - One of the 11 pioneers within the regiment. He is assigned to the light company.
Corporal Andrew Punishmont - A utility character who will be used as needed for the purposes of story craft. Not a big man.
Private James W Boothe - A chosen Man (the best shot in the company)

The corporals have been left out deliberately as non-big men. The ensign and Pioneer have been included for color in our story if nothing else. Chosen man Boothe is added as he will be called upon during the course of actual games.

Our Heroes:
Captain Beesley - Our good captain inherited his knighthood. Coming from a life of privilege and is manor born, his parents bought his commission in this semi-reputable/slightly fashionable regiment. He is a generous man but is seeking to improve his position. His desire is to command a regiment of his own but he knows he needs to prove himself on the field first. He is a man of even temperament which relieves most of his men. All in all our captain is a Jolly Good Chap. The Captain is an average stamp in size and is no looker. He is no swordsman but a mere hack slasher. He is an occasional horseman. All in all he is an honorable man and somewhat of a linguist.

Lieutenant Benjamin - Lt Benjamin is a pragmatic man. He is extremely pious and observant in his faith. As such he is completely of the belief that the changes brought about by the French Revolution and now Napoleon are the work of haSatan and must be stopped. While normally he would view the military as a gentile trade, he has dedicated himself to eliminate this threat to his people. Armed with his zeal, he is a bold officer that wishes to press the attack to the enemy. He is from a family that has new money. He has no lands nor titles but his family is well off enough to have purchased his commission. While no giant, he is a strapping fellow who is fair of face. He is universally loved by his men even though his faith is not theirs. He is a fair hand with a sword and an occasional horseman. In spite of his religious beliefs, he is a bit of a cad and a ladies man.

Lieutenant Harthwaite - The Lieutenant is a complete conformist. He is a family man who completely dotes on his wife back home in London. He lives for the mail and word from his love. He slightly bores the others in the officers mess with the stories of his children back home. His dedication to his home life have left him a cautious officer who is not likely to risk himself nor his men. He is a Young Buck and a man of average means. He is a strapping fellow and rather plain of face. He is universally loved by his men who would do anything for him. He is neither a swordsman nor a horseman. He does however have a fondness for goose and has developed a good deal of skill with a fowling piece that has enriched the officers mess. The man is completely honorable and a bit of a countryman.

Ensign Smythe - The youngest of the officers in the company, Master Smythe is a very young man whose family has shipped him off to the Army at the first possible moment. He is a cheery lad with a dark side to him. His favorite uncle was killed by the mob during the fall of the port of Toulon in 1793. As such he wants to punish the French. He is of even temperament. He is a Young Buck but is not yet perceived as having any real authority within the company. He is politely tolerated by the men as a gentleman in training. He is of average size for a boy his age.

Sergeant Smallwood - Sergeant Smallwood is a veteran campaigner. He is a likeable man with a strong interest in the arts. His travels throughout the Empire have given him a deep appreciation for the music and art of the lands he has visited. This interest in the arts has no way tempered his battle lust. The man is reckless in battle. Always desiring to come to grips with the enemy. He is a fine fellah and a giant of a man. He is fair of face and popular with the men and more importantly to him, with the ladies. He was gutter born and early on found a home in the army. He has yet to find a horse he likes and at home with either a musket or sergeant's pike. He disdains the sword as a foppish weapon best left to the nobles. Even with his gutter upbringing, he is a chivalrous man and a charismatic leader. He is a bit lecherous but his sense of chivalry keeps himself in check even though he has been known to fall off the wagon from time to time.

Sergeant Langtree - The sergeant is a bad apple. He is unsupportive to the point that he seeks only to increase his personal wealth. He is prone to loot ... well anything. He is a complete barracks lawyer and only has rank as it allows him to get away with more. In battle he is bold. Mostly because he has seen that it is easier to enrich himself on dead Frenchies than by running away from them. The man is an average stamp and has a face like a pig's backside. He is disliked by his men but is not above bribing them for help if things get that desperate. He is a complete bounder and gripped by Avarice.

Supporting Cast:
Colonel Edward Moore - The commander of the East Southhamstershires. He is a stern man with a cunning mind. He is a fervent supporter of the government and a Bold Military commander.

Lieutenant Colonel Mann - Is the right hand of Colonel Moore. He is an active officer with sensible view to towards the running of the regiment. The man is fascinated by engineering and is constantly looking to expand his knowledge.

Major Mathew Antonious Minor - The Major is glum individual. He is rather fond of the bottle but has an even temperament in battle. He is from a wealthy family and has lived a privileged life. He is one of two majors in your regiment.

Our Story Begins:
The spring of 1809 has the East Southhamstershires attempting to block the onrush of Marshal Soult's invasion of Portugal. Captain Beesley is called into the colonel's tent for a briefing. Following the normal pleasantries, all awfully brief from the stern Colonel Moore, his beefy finger jabs at a map. "THERE! Captain, I need your men there."

Captain Beesley stares at the map and notices a small town labeled Sonolenta Aldeia. Your growing knowledge of Portuguese registers that the name of the town is sleepy village. Sounds like a lively place.

The Colonel continues. "I will send you with three of the center companies up this track here. You will be at the fore and will observe the French movements. At your discretion, you may engage the enemy but your primary task is to watch their movements and report back if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The center companies will be deployed at these bridges along the way to secure your path of retreat. In addition, you may receive supply from the Royal Navy. Captain Tobias Mayhew of HMS Gout will be landing a small force to support you as well. Any questions Captain?"

The question was the Colonel's means of saying you are dismissed. As you leave the colonel's tent, the Major follows you out. He rests a hand on your shoulder and informs you in his dour voice, "I will be accompanying you Sir Beesley. We shall see what the Froggies are up to eh?" Even the man's attempt at a jest seems funereal rather than jovial.

......

Two weeks later, you have been in position for over a week. The small force that was provided by the HMS Gout turned out to be a single 6-pounder naval gun and a gun crew. Their industry extended to building a fortified position for the gun allowing you to fire on either the town or down the road. Your supplies are running short but you have kept your men from being spotted by the few villagers from the sleepy village. Yesterday, things became exciting. A company of Legere with their blue pants moved into town. You have also spotted some cavalry elements riding through the countryside. The major announced that you will march this evening back to rejoin the regiment. The navy men want to know how to move their gun. You have spotted a wagon and mules in the town. You may have to attempt to secure this to bring out the gun. You hope the enemy will be obliging and allow you to do just that.
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This will be the first scenario for this unit. Stay tuned and see how the gallant captain fairs.
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Our Story Continues:
Meet the Company