The next scenario was the battle of Atlanta.
The map of the battle field above shows green hills, streams, roads, wooded areas and the odd village. As you can see it was a particularly cut up field of battle with many obstacles making it quite difficult to manoeuvre for both sides, much like many U.S. battlefields I suspect.
My Confederate corp entered from the top of the map as you look while Mick's Union from the bottom.
I sent my three reb divisions on with the intention of occupying and holding the two main ridges in the centre, i.e. Bald Hill and the ridge with Troop Hut on it (marked on map). I felt that this would dominate the Georgia railroad which ran through the centre of the battlefield fighting a defencive battle with my 2nd corps, my weakest as it contained quite a few green brigades.
Mick entered on a slightly broader front than mine with the main part of his force on the left side of the Georgia railroad. I don't know what his original plan was but as you will see it worked pretty well!
A Confederate cavalry brigade with supporting horse artillery move forward to delay the Union advance, they did but the horse battery was wrecked.
My right hand reb division march onto the field and occupy portions of Bald Hill.
While on my left two divisions were faced by only one Union division. The Confederate plan to occupy both ridges and sit on the defencive went straight out the window!
They piled straight through the Union force to their front and turned to their right to take the rest of the Yankee army in the flank - yeah right!
Not a great photo I'm afraid but it does give a general view of my right hand side of the field while the other action was taking place on my left. As you can see Mick's heavy left hook, though taking a bit of time getting into position was going to cause havoc once it arrived.
Above is what my weaker right wing mostly green forces were about to get a taste of. Later Mick asked why I didn't withdraw my right at this point, and looking back he was right. I did think that if the boys could hold them for a few turns then my victorious left wing would come in on their flank and roll em up. But the terrain took it's toll and they didn't get there in time.
Mick played it well, softened the Confederates up then hit them all at once. The rebs folded like a pack of cards.
On my right this was what was left, not a pretty sight. The whole battlefield had rotated like a door with both sides left swinging round.
At this point we called it a day, both sides withdrew. Given what happened to my right wing I think I got away with it. Points wise it was pretty close but I did loose more men so a close win to Mick. No hard feelings - the sod!
Dave.
