RIVER ASSAULT AT HALF DAY ROAD

Assault on the North Bridge

In April, the Wolfenstein Empire had been held in check at capturing a river crossing into the Union of Pacts of the Commonwealth. Throughout the following months, several minor probing attacks had been going on, but no major attacks had occurred. Both sides used the time to recruit, drill and bring their forces up to a full war footing. In mid-June, the next major thrust came.

All along the Planes River, the Union maintained garrison and lookout posts. Maintaining forces back, allowed them to reinforce anywhere along the front that came under attack. The Empire had been feinting south near the town and crossing of The Planes, while planning a more daring and unexpected attack far to the north.

In the early hours, the garrison at the twin bridges along Half Day Road were startled when their scouts reported a major Empire force heading their way. General Growling immediately sent word to his relief forces to “Come a running”. He sent his only troops, the Houndstooth’s Battalion, to the east side of the north bridge, while the Buffalo Grove battery took up position to cover both bridges approaches.

Houndstooth's Battalion at the North Bridge

At nine o’clock the Empire forces began to arrive, led by their cavalry followed by columns of infantry. By that time, the Union’s light infantry scouts had returned and were formed up to cover the southern bridge. The Empire cavalry moved up to pin the Union forces in place, holding just outside musket range while the remainder of their forces arrived on the field and began maneuvering to assault both bridges in unison. Union artillery kept up a lively barrage, disrupting the Empire’s approach.

Buffalo Grove Battery in Action

By mid-afternoon when the Empire forces had finally moved into position to start their attacks in earnest, Union reinforcements of all arms, including their grenadiers had arrived on the field. It seemed the Empire’s vast numerical advantage had been squandered by not attacking rapidly in the morning.

Battle Rages Around the South Bridge

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, the Empire launched continuous assaults against the north bridge. While none directly succeeded, they did wear down the Union forces. The key moment was when both side’s grenadiers met in an epic clash, resulting in both forces being routed. This left the Union without any reserves, while the Empire simply pushed forward with yet another unit of line.  

On the south side, the Empire chose the different tactic of massing their firepower and shooting down the defenders. When one of their battalions was reduced, they brought forward another. Meanwhile, on the Union side, every time a battalion was lost there was no replacement.

Opposing Grenadiers Fight for Control of the North Bridge 

As the sun began to set, it looked like, though beaten and bloody, the Union would hold the crossing. However, with a final Herculean push, the Empire threw everything it had remaining on a final assault. Breaking another Union Battalion left them shattered, forcing the brave defenders off the field and leaving the crossing in the Empire’s hands. 

The Late Afternoon Fighting