Battle 11-24-06

Army Galleries Home Prussia Great Britain Ireland France United States Mars	A Skirmish at Lahinch An After action report Prologue: In the fall of 1892 Prussia sent a small expeditionary force around the South coast of Ireland to make forays into its costal zones and assay possible landing zones for a large scale invasion of the Irish Republic. Unbeknownst to the Prussians the Irish Republican Guard was on maneuvers in the area and using the clubhouse of the recently established golf course at Lahinch as their headquarters. On Saturday morning, the 18th of September, several senior officers of the Irish Republican Guard were enjoying a round of golf with a guest officer of the British Navy. Caddied by several non-commissioned officers of the units Light Infantry Regiment, the gentlemen had just begun the walk to the fairway of the sixth hole when they were stopped by the appearance of one of the officers of the Rifle Company running towards them from the direction of the fifth hole’s green. He was dressed in civilian golf attire, which was allowable to Irish officers playing on Saturdays as long as they wore the required plus sixes of the regimental tartan. The man was thoroughly winded but snapped to with a credible salute as he stopped before Major Duncree, the commanding officer of Regiment. “Sir!” the young lieutenant quickly reported “A column of what appear to be Prussian infantry have been sighted coming through the rough on the western side of the third fairway.” “Damn the blighters!” said the Major. “Just like the Huns to try and ruin a good day’s golf. “Sgt. Major Caruthers, send one of the caddies back to HQ and get the bugler to sound assembly. Have the men form up by companies in front of the clubhouse. Send runners to the greens keepers shed as well as Dr. Loveless and his engineers. Tell them to get a good head of steam up on their machines and make their way here. “Gentlemen; I am afraid we shall have to cut short our match and make a quick run for the clubhouse. Damn it all, those bastards are going to tread all over the greens in those hobnail boots. It will be weeks before the course will be in any shape for a round.” “Pardon me Sir.” The lieutenant said. “The boys of the Light Rifles were having a bit of a tournament today. We’re just about two holes behind you Sirs. I’d say I could rustle up a section quick like. We could hold them in the rough of the sixth here while the rest of the regiment comes up from the clubhouse.” “That would be admirable son” said the major, “but just what were you expecting to hold them off with, your mashy-nibleks?” “Begging your pardon, no Sir. We’re bivouacked just off the course sir; over near the eighth’s fairway. That way, the whole section could get a look. I’ve taken the liberty, sir, of having a runner sent back to that camp to fetch the section’s rifles and uniform coats sir. The men have been eager to try those new Krag rifles in a real fight sir.” “Damn fine work son, damn fine. You have the makings of a fine officer.” The major then spoke to his party. “Gentlemen, the day may not be wasted. Thanks to the Lieutenant’s attention to duty I believe that we can finish a quick nine and get back here in time to put paid to those intruders with the help of this young man and his zoaves. “Lieutenant, have your men prepare a defensive position in the bunkers of the sixth hole. If the blighters attempt to play through, give ‘em a volley” The Game Rampant Colonialism were the rules we used. The Irish started the game with their single unit of elite riflemen dug in nicely in the bunker on the North side of the fairway alongside a small, dirt road. The Prussians started with a single unit of Jagers on the Western flank approaching the green from the South with a troop of Dragoons on the Eastern flank appearing at the end of Turn 1. Objectives for the Irish were simple: The Riflemen were to keep the Prussians from "playing through" long enough for the rest of the Company to arrive and eject them from the course. There was ample enough reason to ask the Prussians to leave. Not even the Jagers could have been said to be wearing the proper trousers golf tradition required. On top of the basic objective was the primary one: Keep the Huns off of the green at all costs. There was more fear in every Irishmen there in the wrath of Malcolm MacPhereson, the course greens keeper than could have been engendered the entire Prussian army. For the Prussians objectives were a bit more complex. Fearing they had stumbled on to the grounds for some powerful religious rite, the Prussians looked to what they thought was the center of power in the ritual, the green. Rising up from the ground like a burial mound of ancient kings, with worshippers making their way towards them in an apparent state of reverence, the Prussians knew they had to be destroyed. Preferably by running cavalry right over then, tearing up the turf, and prizing whatever kingly treasure trove might be buried inside. Photos of the battle: The initial lie. The Irish Riflemen occupying the Northern bunker. A closer look at the green from the Prussian side of the field. The Jagers are first on with a nice pitch towards the green. Shortly thereafter the Dragoons surge out of the rough. They'll have to make a long distance bump and run if they are to make the green from their current lie. Jagers make the Bunker in two. The Dragoons play across the fairway. Turn two: Irish reinforcements begin to arrive. First up is the monitor known as Iron Kelly. He hopes to put a serious mashy niblek to the Prussian ball. On the other side of the field, close to the green, the British guest arrives with a few friends in what may be the first appearance of golf cart in the games history. Supported by a squad of Irish infantry they'll hook right and make things hard on the Jagers dug in at the bunker next to the green. Another squad of Irish rolls up behind Iron Kelly. The Dragoons consider the possibilities of assaulting the nearby infantry or facing the surer death of a straight run towards the green in through a gauntlet of Irish rifle fire. Prussian infantry makes its way out of the rough. A long look at the field showing the lie of the various units. The Prussians are using the partial cover of the hill and firing their carbines at Iron Kelly. The West end of the hole with a third squad of Irish coming over the hill. The Riflemen have been making things hard on the Jagers who appear to be stuck in the bunker. The other half of the Prussian infantry on the West flank with the support of a Klank or two. The Prussian Naval group plays from out of bounds with a squad of rifles, a gatling crew and another klank. The Dragoons turn and bring most of their fire to bear on the Riflemen in the North Bunker. The Dragoons give it a whiff and do little to worry the Irish Elites. A closer shot of the Prussian infantry and a passing glance at the ingenious landing craft that they used to slip past the Royal Navy. Prussians on the East flank form two ranks and pour fire into the entrenched Riflemen who take a scratch or tow but are still unimpressed. Iron Kelly suffers a mechanical malfunction and has to sit out a turn. The Irish Infantry moves up the hill, firing into the Prussian infantry across the fairway while the Riflemen give better than they go to the Dragoons. The last of the Irish reinforcements, The Luisne arrives and attempts to land some shell amongst the Prussian infantry across the field while its gatling gun and the one on the velocipede as well continue to harass the Jagers in the bunker and the approaching infantry. The Jagers are scratched from the card. The Prussian Naval squad tries to get a good line on the Irish with its gatling. Both Klanks are taking a beating but still holding on The Prussian Sailors move forward to bring their rifles to bear.. but end up losing stroke and distance to Irish fire and make a beeline for the out-of-bounds. With the Jagers gone all fire on the West end of the hole is brought down on the two Prussian infantry squads and their supporting Klank. The Luisne continues to drop shell rather harmlessly in the vicinity of the Prussians on the East end of the course. The thin blue line gets a little thinner thanks to some improved firing from Luisne. Iron Kelly gets his steam back up. In the distance you can see Irish troops retiring under fire from the Prussian Klanks. Apparently they just went into the rough to get their wedges because they returned shortly thereafter to take another shot at the Klanks. The Velocipede and its passengers suffer a serious malfunction rendering them incapable of finishing the hole. Ensign Bertram Scravish, first and only posthumous awarding of the Victoria Cross for service rendered on a golf course. The Riflemen finally rid themselves of those pesky Dragoons with a withering fusillade. The last shot of the day showing the only remaining Prussian unit and its battered support klanks as it retires back into the rough. Back to their ships to contemplate revenge. After the battle the Riflemen assemble for a victory photograph. As a badge of recognition for their good service this day, on this course, the Riflemen of the Light Infantry Brigade are awarded the honour of including tournament regulation plus-sixes, in their regimental plaid as part of their fighting uniform.

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A Skirmish at Lahinch

An After action report

Prologue:

In the fall of 1892 Prussia sent a small expeditionary force around the South coast of Ireland to make forays into its costal zones and assay possible landing zones for a large scale invasion of the Irish Republic. Unbeknownst to the Prussians the Irish Republican Guard was on maneuvers in the area and using the clubhouse of the recently established golf course at Lahinch as their headquarters.

On Saturday morning, the 18th of September, several senior officers of the Irish Republican Guard were enjoying a round of golf with a guest officer of the British Navy. Caddied by several non-commissioned officers of the units Light Infantry Regiment, the gentlemen had just begun the walk to the fairway of the sixth hole when they were stopped by the appearance of one of the officers of the Rifle Company running towards them from the direction of the fifth hole’s green. He was dressed in civilian golf attire, which was allowable to Irish officers playing on Saturdays as long as they wore the required plus sixes of the regimental tartan. The man was thoroughly winded but snapped to with a credible salute as he stopped before Major Duncree, the commanding officer of Regiment.

“Sir!” the young lieutenant quickly reported “A column of what appear to be Prussian infantry have been sighted coming through the rough on the western side of the third fairway.”

“Damn the blighters!” said the Major. “Just like the Huns to try and ruin a good day’s golf.

“Sgt. Major Caruthers, send one of the caddies back to HQ and get the bugler to sound assembly. Have the men form up by companies in front of the clubhouse. Send runners to the greens keepers shed as well as Dr. Loveless and his engineers. Tell them to get a good head of steam up on their machines and make their way here.

“Gentlemen; I am afraid we shall have to cut short our match and make a quick run for the clubhouse. Damn it all, those bastards are going to tread all over the greens in those hobnail boots. It will be weeks before the course will be in any shape for a round.”

“Pardon me Sir.” The lieutenant said. “The boys of the Light Rifles were having a bit of a tournament today. We’re just about two holes behind you Sirs. I’d say I could rustle up a section quick like. We could hold them in the rough of the sixth here while the rest of the regiment comes up from the clubhouse.”

“That would be admirable son” said the major, “but just what were you expecting to hold them off with, your mashy-nibleks?”

“Begging your pardon, no Sir. We’re bivouacked just off the course sir; over near the eighth’s fairway. That way, the whole section could get a look. I’ve taken the liberty, sir, of having a runner sent back to that camp to fetch the section’s rifles and uniform coats sir. The men have been eager to try those new Krag rifles in a real fight sir.”

“Damn fine work son, damn fine. You have the makings of a fine officer.”

The major then spoke to his party. “Gentlemen, the day may not be wasted. Thanks to the Lieutenant’s attention to duty I believe that we can finish a quick nine and get back here in time to put paid to those intruders with the help of this young man and his zoaves.

“Lieutenant, have your men prepare a defensive position in the bunkers of the sixth hole. If the blighters attempt to play through, give ‘em a volley”

The Game

Rampant Colonialism were the rules we used. The Irish started the game with their single unit of elite riflemen dug in nicely in the bunker on the North side of the fairway alongside a small, dirt road. The Prussians started with a single unit of Jagers on the Western flank approaching the green from the South with a troop of Dragoons on the Eastern flank appearing at the end of Turn 1.

Objectives for the Irish were simple: The Riflemen were to keep the Prussians from "playing through" long enough for the rest of the Company to arrive and eject them from the course. There was ample enough reason to ask the Prussians to leave. Not even the Jagers could have been said to be wearing the proper trousers golf tradition required. On top of the basic objective was the primary one: Keep the Huns off of the green at all costs. There was more fear in every Irishmen there in the wrath of Malcolm MacPhereson, the course greens keeper than could have been engendered the entire Prussian army.

For the Prussians objectives were a bit more complex. Fearing they had stumbled on to the grounds for some powerful religious rite, the Prussians looked to what they thought was the center of power in the ritual, the green. Rising up from the ground like a burial mound of ancient kings, with worshippers making their way towards them in an apparent state of reverence, the Prussians knew they had to be destroyed. Preferably by running cavalry right over then, tearing up the turf, and prizing whatever kingly treasure trove might be buried inside.

Photos of the battle:

The initial lie. The Irish Riflemen occupying the Northern bunker.

A closer look at the green from the Prussian side of the field.

The Jagers are first on with a nice pitch towards the green.

Shortly thereafter the Dragoons surge out of the rough. They'll have to make a long distance bump and run if they are to make the green from their current lie.

Jagers make the Bunker in two.

The Dragoons play across the fairway.

Turn two: Irish reinforcements begin to arrive. First up is the monitor known as Iron Kelly. He hopes to put a serious mashy niblek to the Prussian ball.

On the other side of the field, close to the green, the British guest arrives with a few friends in what may be the first appearance of golf cart in the games history. Supported by a squad of Irish infantry they'll hook right and make things hard on the Jagers dug in at the bunker next to the green.

Another squad of Irish rolls up behind Iron Kelly.

The Dragoons consider the possibilities of assaulting the nearby infantry or facing the surer death of a straight run towards the green in through a gauntlet of Irish rifle fire.

Prussian infantry makes its way out of the rough.

A long look at the field showing the lie of the various units. The Prussians are using the partial cover of the hill and firing their carbines at Iron Kelly.

The West end of the hole with a third squad of Irish coming over the hill. The Riflemen have been making things hard on the Jagers who appear to be stuck in the bunker.

The other half of the Prussian infantry on the West flank with the support of a Klank or two.

The Prussian Naval group plays from out of bounds with a squad of rifles, a gatling crew and another klank.

The Dragoons turn and bring most of their fire to bear on the Riflemen in the North Bunker. The Dragoons give it a whiff and do little to worry the Irish Elites.

A closer shot of the Prussian infantry and a passing glance at the ingenious landing craft that they used to slip past the Royal Navy.

Prussians on the East flank form two ranks and pour fire into the entrenched Riflemen who take a scratch or tow but are still unimpressed.

Iron Kelly suffers a mechanical malfunction and has to sit out a turn.

The Irish Infantry moves up the hill, firing into the Prussian infantry across the fairway while the Riflemen give better than they go to the Dragoons.

The last of the Irish reinforcements, The Luisne arrives and attempts to land some shell amongst the Prussian infantry across the field while its gatling gun and the one on the velocipede as well continue to harass the Jagers in the bunker and the approaching infantry.

The Jagers are scratched from the card.

The Prussian Naval squad tries to get a good line on the Irish with its gatling.

Both Klanks are taking a beating but still holding on

The Prussian Sailors move forward to bring their rifles to bear..

but end up losing stroke and distance to Irish fire and make a beeline for the out-of-bounds.

With the Jagers gone all fire on the West end of the hole is brought down on the two Prussian infantry squads and their supporting Klank. The Luisne continues to drop shell rather harmlessly in the vicinity of the Prussians on the East end of the course.

The thin blue line gets a little thinner thanks to some improved firing from Luisne.

Iron Kelly gets his steam back up. In the distance you can see Irish troops retiring under fire from the Prussian Klanks. Apparently they just went into the rough to get their wedges because they returned shortly thereafter to take another shot at the Klanks.

The Velocipede and its passengers suffer a serious malfunction rendering them incapable of finishing the hole. Ensign Bertram Scravish, first and only posthumous awarding of the Victoria Cross for service rendered on a golf course.

The Riflemen finally rid themselves of those pesky Dragoons with a withering fusillade.

The last shot of the day showing the only remaining Prussian unit and its battered support klanks as it retires back into the rough. Back to their ships to contemplate revenge.

After the battle the Riflemen assemble for a victory photograph. As a badge of recognition for their good service this day, on this course, the Riflemen of the Light Infantry Brigade are awarded the honour of including tournament regulation plus-sixes, in their regimental plaid as part of their fighting uniform.