GCACW Tactics: River Crossings
Crossing the Pamunkey the Wrong Way
Day 1
The first day begins with the Union forces a few miles from the river. The Confederates hold the key crossings and are intent on not allowing the Union a bridgehead up river closer to Richmond (see Figure 1). The Union win the first two initiatives and move the IV corps twice (movement rolls of 5, 4; note that not only did the Union win two initiatives in a row, they won rolling a 5 or 6 for each to be able to activate two units). The Confederates win the next two initiatives and react by sending Longstreet's units to meet the threat (movement rolls of 2 and 3; see Figure 2). The US III corps moves next, rolling a 5 and moving into Enfield. Early blows the bridge and moves southeast with Rains to cover the ferries near the III corps (Hanover and Newcastle Ferries). The US III corps ends the day rolling a 3 for movement and marches closer to the river.
Day 2
On Day 2, the random event is Rain(current). The Pamunkey is flooded and becomes unfordable and will be unfordable the following turn. In addition, the provisional swamp hexes that Couch entered are now swamp hexes. Couch may only enter and leave the hex via roads. Keyes sees his dilemma (no retreat route) and withdraws Couch's division to Smith's hex just south of the river. The Union can only hope to hold on until the rivers can be forded. Longstreet consolidates his forces near Keyes, while DH Hill slogs through the mud into a supporting position. Note that because rivers stay flooded longer in OTR (due to the time frame and location of the campaign--spring in the Tidewater area of Virginia), the Confederates have the Yanks trapped for the Day 2 and Day 3 turns. Thus, the Rebs can wait for clear weather to attack on Day 3 and not incur the negative rain modifier. In other games, the counter-attack would have to be pressed immediately.
Day 3
Day 3 dawns clear and there is no doubt what is about to transpire. The Union's only hope is to preemptively strike Longstreet's division in hopes of inflicting a D result and preventing the Confederates from attacking. Heintzelman is stuck on the north side of the river and can only threaten a potential crossing for the following day. The Confederates win the first initiative and attack with Longstreet's division (both units). The assault dr=2 and both go forward in the head-on assault (18:36, -1ratio +1tactical +1type = +1 attack). The Union win the die roll by one for a +0 result (1D/1D). Though a retreat was not forced, Keyes' divisions are disorganized. DH Hill's division comes up and stacks in Longstreet's hex. Again a pre-emptive strike by Keyes (whose units are at F3) would save the day but the Confederates win the initiative and Hill attacks with both units (assault dr=3). The attack is a +2 (26:25, +0ratio +1tactical +1type = +2) and with even dice results in 2Dr/2Da. The Union forces are unable to retreat and are forced to surrender. Total losses for the three days are 3 MP for the Confederates and 36 MP for the Union. Though Heintzelman will be able to cross upriver unopposed, the Confederates have scored a game-breaking victory.