North American Campaign - final battle

 Glorious weather at FLW HQ, and finally some time off to finish the campaign.  The clash of the pre-dreadnoughts had been played with JW in London, and then a follow on solo game - with the results tied 1 - 1.  So this was the decider, and the chance to again play a squadron sized game with the proper ships.

Situation

Dawn. August, 190? 

With Halifax blockaded, and no sign of relief the Navy Red/Maple Leaf Naval Service commander decides it is time to break out.  The trawler Doris and the ships cutters successfully clear the mines, and the squadron departs at first light.  Commodore Armitage Shanks leads the way in HMS Uncertain, followed by Torpid and Thunderchild the Second.

 

Meanwhile Navy Red/White/Blue awaits off the harbour – the yacht Plutocrat scouts ahead.  Commodare Standard leads in the USS Bluster, followed by the Swank. 

The battleships engage, and in three rounds of firing the Bluster is struck by two direct hits that result in catastrophic 'special effect' hits, and she sinks before the Torpedo ram can deliver the the final blow.  Bluster sinks, and Swank retires.

Meanwhile, HMS Uncertain has received significant damage and is engulfed in steam and smoke.  The trawler Doris comes alongside to rescue the crew before she also sinks.  

It has proven to be an exciting couple of hours.  

 

So victory for Armitage Shanks, and a photo for the Illustrated News in the very bright sunshine...

Armitage Shanks triumphs over American Standard