BIG Battalion SYW Game 10/17/2026

 

THE ROADS TO FALKENREID

BIG BATTALION BAR GAME

October 17, 2026

or

Some Aspects of A BIG Battalion Game

Main Table 6'x32' and two Back Tables each 2'x32'. Three Zones: Left, Center and Right. Map and scenario design by Greg M.

Participants from Wisconsin and Minnesota USA, Left to Right 

Seated: Ian M., Bob R., Bob B., Adam A., Jay O. and Brent O.

Standing: Dennis K., Andrew P., Paul A., Greg M., Tom G., Eric S., Todd P., Bill P. and Michael M.

Organization:

Army of the North: 6x Infantry Brigades, 2x Cavalry Brigades and a Reserve.

Army du Grand Portage (South): 5x Infantry Brigades, 2x Cavalry Brigades and a Reserve.

Infantry Brigades: 240 Infantry and 1x 8-10 Pdr.

Cavalry Brigades: 96 armored and 96 unarmored heavies.

Central Reserve: 120 elite infantry, 12 elite cavalry and 2x 12 Pdrs.

Special Reserve Rule: When shifting from the Center to a Wing, pick up the unit(s) and place them in the back of the chosen wing. No marching because they would never arrive. Reason: Reserves often have no opposition and can march faster than those engaged.

Special Courier Rule: 

Write a note, fold, place it under a courier or ADC and hand this to the destination officer wherever he is. That officer may not react until the beginning of the next turn. Reasons: No riding because couriers will never arrive on time to make a difference. Besides this, these dashing young ADCs are well-mounted, are excellent horsemen, stylishly dressed, and wanting to prove themselves. Think Captain Nolan at Balaklava in The Crimean War.

Movement:

Each zone had a card deck. Black for the Army of the North and Red for the Army of the Grand Portage. Zones played at their own speeds. Thus, no zone had to wait for the rest of the zones to finish actions. Units changing zones had to wait a turn to become active in the new zone.

Fire:

Each zone threw 1xD6. High score fired first in the turn.

The loser would receive a +1 on his next throw.

If he lost again, he received a +2.

If he lost again, he would get a +4.

Reason: So there would not be a run on one side firing first many turns in a  row.

Rules: BAR (See Closing Remarks for more)

Winner: 

Army of the North. Congratulations!!!!!!!

Our Collective Grateful Thanks for:

Greg M. for the superior map and organizing the scenario with many fun and extra tweaks to make turns more interesting. And to everyone who brought troops, terrain, chow and companionable smiles and laughs.

Special Commendation: 

Tom G. for stopping Bill P's flanking cavalry force.

I am unaware of other commendations. There probably were some but I was exclusively involved on the edge of one wing unable to pay attention to anywhere else - as it should be.

On the Left: Bill P.'s massed seven squadrons of horse stopped by Tom G. 96 armored heavies later reinforced by the elite Maison du Roi Grenadiers a Cheval in bearskins. (36 Royals in blue, 36 Commissaire General in white, 24 Gendarmes in red and 12 Maison du Roi in red.)

CLOSING REMARKS

1. 8 am Set Up, 10:00am Turn 1, Lunch Noonish, and 3:00 pm Finish. 4:00 pm in our cars going home +/-.

2. 3,200 miniatures +/- and 15 participants.

3. Many participants have been playing BAR 1-4 times yearly since 2007. We rarely consult the main rule book. Quick Reference Charts with numbered and colorful sections are almost exclusively used. See photos for the QRCs.

4. BAR Rules: 

Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763
Multi-Brigade Battles of the Old Regime 1740-1763
Seven Years' War 250th Commemorative Edition

(Link: oldregimerules.com)

5. Venue: Town Center Park and Community Building, Grand Chute, WI. (Suburb of Appleton). Perfect and a good central location.

6. Some of us arrived the evening before, had a great dinner at Perkins Restaurant and fun conversation.

7. Did I miss something or would the players like to add remarks? Please do so.

Here am I (Bill P.) enjoying lunch behind the cavalry battle wearing a tricornered hat teacher Greg M. brought from one of his classes. The guys brought chili with fixn's, a kringle, donuts, potato and taco chips, taco dip, cookies, bottled water and more. Thank you everyone for the good chow! Photo courtesy of Michael M.

8. This was such a happy game experience. May I invite us to do this again before Summer 2027?

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CHAPTER VI General Pettygree's Battle Story vs RAGNAR KHAN

CHAPTER VI

SEPTEMBER 19, 1898/2026

AN IMAGINEERED SUDAN CAMPAIGN

THE BATTLE VS RAGNAR KHAN

A "BIG BATTALION" GAME

Click on images to enlarge them.

See previous Chapter V here:

Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree: CHAPTER V RAGNAR KHAN'S SURPRISE

HAPPY TABLETOP WARRIORS AT GAME END LEFT to RIGHT Seated: Jay O., Bob R., Chuck The Lucky and Bob B.  Standing: Yours Truly Bill P., Michael M., Jim P. Der Alte Fritz, Todd P., Greg M. and Dave G.

IMPERIAL EXTREME RIGHT FLANK

The screened Seaforth Highlanders, 72nd Foot, cross the Semar River.

Whilst the Naval Brigade gatling and leading companies of the Lincolnshires (10th Foot) ford the river next.

Brigadier Archibald Sinclair (Jim P.) observes the situation.

The Lincolnshire Battalion and Gatling arrive behind the Seaforths. Meanwhile, Ragnar Khan's outpost line defiantly stands firm as warriors begin to appear in the upper left of the photo. The Seaforth's skirmishers push ahead to engage the enemy screen.

Those same warriors crash into the Seaforths without delay - upper left. Photo courtesy of Jim P.

Warrior numbers increase as the Naval Brigade stands ready in reserve. Photo courtesy of Todd P.

And to the left more warriors rush the Lincolnshires.

Photo courtesy of Jim P.

The same combat seen from the warrior's point of view.

Photo courtesy of Jim P.

"This is 'orrid, but you're winning lads!," exclaimed Lincolnshire Colonel Dawes though the Seaforths to his right had suffered terrible casualties not only from sword and spear but.... 

Also, from uncanny accurate bombardment from the distant mountain stronghold of Ragnar Khan. (A scenario rule glitch by yours truly.) Dawes was glad the Naval Gatling protected his right. Then....

Rifled warriors assaulted the gatling. Jim P. photo.

The exhausted Seaforths fell back to the Naval Brigade 

Warrior remnants fell back as well to the outpost occupied at start. Both sides remained in these positions. The Imperials did not thrust the Kahn's warriors off the Main Table. Nor did the warriors force the Imperials back across the river.

RIGHT FLANK

LEFT OF THE LINCOLNSHIRES

1st Egyptians ford the Semar River in column of companies.

Immediately charging an enemy outpost.

Followed by artillery and the Berkshires, 66th Foot.

The 1st Egyptians take over the outpost they charged.

As the Berkshires continue crossing the river.

The 10th Hussars are the last to ford the river.

Photo courtesy of Jim P.

To their right is the top deck of HM Gunboat Zanzibar scuttled and settled in the mud after the bombardment suffered eight months ago in Chapter IV.

1st Egyptians and the 10th Hussars at their high-water mark. The Berskshires are marching to link up with the Extreme Right Flank as the enemy masses to charge.

Brigade Commander (Bill P.) sits high behind the Berkshires. Ammunition boxes are ready to be used for the "rapid fire bonus."  Each box allows Imperial units a +5 on the Casualty Chart for those firing. Then it is discarded. We thank the late Peter Gilder for this inventive rule.

The long Imperial Right Flank. From Bottom to Top: Berkshires with the cannon, Lincolnshires and the Seaforths, the latter two involved in melee. The Naval Brigade is barely visible in the upper right in reserve.

The 1st Egyptians await a warrior onslaught as enemy horsemen appear in their rear.

They fall back disorganized after a melee prevented from further distress by a timely and successful charge by the 2nd Squadron 10th Hussars and protective Berkshire sections in the upper center of the photo. The Berkshires paid dearly as warriors continuously chipped away at its left flank.

The 2nd Squadron dispatched the foe (center) as the 1st Squadron came forward in support.

The 1st Squadron 10th Hussars went back to its previous position behind the Berkshires poising themselves for a charge that would never occur. Still, as the song "Footsore Cavalry" in the movie Rio Grande goes, "A regiment of cavalry is a beautiful thing to see." You may notice the Egyptian cannon crew is hors du combat.

The Egyptians shake themselves back into order as the Berkshires shift right. Warriors continue to mass to their front including camelry.

The Berkshires refuse their right flank (bend it back into a dogleg) due to the Lincolns and Seaforths previously explained falling back.

Imperials in the distance showing the Seaforths (left) and Linconshires (center) under heavy assault with the Berkshires (right showing their refused battle line. Photo courtesy of Todd P.

At this point, after the next (8th.) turn, both sides paused and fell back exhausted. There was no army morale throw deciding this. It was quitting time at 3 pm and nothing further would determine the victor. Neither side won but we had a good time and that was and is the point.

IMPERIAL LEFT FLANK

LEFT OF THE 1ST EGYPTIANS

2nd. Sikhs supported by a train of guns hauled by Jumbos have crossed the Semar.

The foe comes closer. Photo courtesy of Todd P.

To their right the 1st Sikhs have formed a two-rank deep battle line with a reserve as the enemy rapidly approaches. The foe is a Brigade of well-trained Ottomans from the collection of Jay O. Ragnar Khan recruited to help. 

The Ottoman view: The attack on the two Sikh Battalions. Photo courtesy of Todd P.

You may remember the rocky redoubt at the extreme left of the battlefield from the perspective of the Imperials in Chapter I. The Hadendowah warriors pictured above were replaced by well-trained troops.

Imperial infantry from the collection of Greg M. commanded by Bob R. advanced resolutely to the attack eventually overcoming redoubt defenders. Photo courtesy of Todd P.

Ragnar Khan's warriors later retook the redoubt over several turns shown above. Photo courtesy of Michael M.

From the warriors perspective, the now recaptured Rocky Redoubt is to the right. Late in the battle the now distant Imperial line under heavy pressure is being forced back across the river. Photo courtesy of Michael M.

There was an exciting charge by mounted Ottoman armored Spahis at this time off the upper left. The 1st Sikhs were thrown back into the river. The pursuit came 1" short of eliminating the Sikhs. Routing troops touched by pursuers are always taken off the field. Another clever and important Peter Gilder innovation. (No photo unfortunately.)

Ragnar Khan won this sector of the battle.

CLOSING REMARKS

Thank you Everyone,

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for making this BAR Colonial game so much fun on 09/19/26 and for:

Game competence, being energized/engaged in the scenario, for fun/laughs and you are a pleasure with whom to game.

Let me also say thank you for bringing units, good stuff to eat, great attitudes and sharing your photos.

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Estimation: 

1. Played 8 turns on the east end of the table. (7 in the west?)

2. Moved about 2,000 miniatures around.

3. Finished the game in about 4.5 hours.

4. Amazing. Well done everyone!

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I'm looking forward to throwing dice and moving units with you again.

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Warmest Regards,

Bill P.

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CHAPTER V RAGNAR KHAN'S SURPRISE

CHAPTER V

SEPTEMBER 19, 1898

AN IMAGINEERED SUDAN CAMPAIGN

RAGNAR KHAN'S SURPRISE

See previous Chapter IV here:

Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree: CHAPTER IV RAGNAR KHAN

Several Days Ago

A half day's ride in front of the Advance Guard.

The 10th Hussars had passed several Semar River fords to their right when Lt. Colonel Preece rode in front of the column, turned about, raised his right arm ordering, "Regiment, HAL-ALT. Senior officers to me."

"Gentlemen, this obviously unwelcome news must be reported to Colonel Sinclair at once." 

"Last evening's storm has put the river in flood," said Preece.

"It's a torrent, Sir," added Major Faraday.

"Look! There's a poor chap thundering past hanging onto a tree," exclaimed Correspondent Pearson. "No way to save him! Oh, he's gone now."

"We'll bivouac here until the column arrives. Meanwhile, send two volunteers to report circumstances to Colonel Sinclair," ordered the commander.

Captain Sachs commanding the second squadron said, "Colonel I have just the two men for this duty. Troopers Ham and Corey. Seasoned veterans, Sir, with initiative and pluck."

"Very good Captain. Let me write a note for them."

"Well, mate, here we are chosen for a special duty again," said Trooper Ham.

"Naturally," offered Corey as nonchalantly as possible. "It was good o' the Colonel to let us read the note, too."

"You know why, don't you? This is dangerous country. If one of us does not get through to Colonel Sinclair, the other of us must do so. Did you memorize it?, asked Ham."

"Oh course, I did! It went, 'Colonel Sinclair, the Semar is in flood totally impassable. The Army won't be able to cross anytime soon, signed Your Obt. Servant, Lt. Col. Preece.'

"That's obedient Corey, not ohbit," jibbed Ham.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1898

RAGNAR KHAN'S MOUNTAIN STRONGHOLD

Majordomo Edan Zarneigahdan and Koolahm sought to politely engage Ragnar Khan.

"Your Excellency. Would you consider stopping for a moment, if you please," asked Zarneigahdan.

"Sire, news has arrived saying the Semar flood has abruptly subsided. Though I do not claim to be a military man, the Imperial Army arrived a day ago across the river may find it propitious to cross."

Koolahm could not look at his master's pending anger.

"I seeeee'," said Ragnar Khan. "I will ascend the Main Gate Tower to observe what is happening for myself. Summon all leaders to assemble their warriors on the plain without delay!"

THE MAIN GATE TOWER

The gun captain had already commenced firing as Ragnar Khan arrived. It was a dangerous initiative without orders, but he took the chance anyway.

"Your Excellency, I humbly apologize for firing without orders but look for yourself what is happening," begged the Captain.

"Imperial troops are marching to cross the Semar."

"Others have crossed or are in the river. The water returned to its former shallow depth. Unexpectedly!"

"Our picket line cannot stop them even with the best will."

"Some have commenced firing."

"Continue firing your cannon Captain," ordered Ragnar Khan. "You have done well."

Then the cannon in a neighboring tower also began firing as the Army arrived. 

CLOSING REMARKS

Good driving and good luck, Sirs when we meet to play the game between Ragnar Khan's forces and Colonel Sinclair's Advance Guard! 

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