The fierce defence put up by the militia and Scouts came as a shock to the Alliance troops. The Marine Light Infantry was cut to pieces but stubbornly held on and soon the second and third waves were ashore.
A long range firefight soon broke out between the opposing regulars with the Rosmark Provincials taking a steady trickle of hits while seemingly firing over their enemy's heads.
Across the island by the village, the fire of sharpshooters caused the Nordmark Bluecoats to waver then suddenly break for the boats, heedless of their officers desperate attempt to rally them. The Marines bravely spread out to cover the gap.
It began to look like the defenders might be able to drive back this invasion but suddenly 1st Battalion of the Provincials found the enemy fire too hot. They wavered for a moment then broke to the rear forcing the 2nd Battalion to fall back to avoid being flanked.
As the last infantry battalion and the first cavalry squadron landed, the Alliance infantry advanced on their tormentors and began to answer their aimed fire with point blank volleys and soon the remaining scouts were fleeing back into the hills while the farmers fell back to defend their own fields.
With the whole invasion force present and advancing, it began to look bleak but so far no important ground had been lost, the Bluecoats had rallied and the remaining defenders had good cover. There was still hope for a good outcome.
A line of Maritime redcoats steadily advanced on Fishington, firing as they came. Despite the cover, more Bluecoats fell but they stood their ground.
On the farside of the island the Maritime infantry cleared the villagers from their fields at the point of the bayonet while the cavalry advanced with swords drawn. With a sharp "Huzzah!" they charged and moments later the Carabiniers had been scattered to the wind and the village was taken with hardly any losses. The road forward was open!
As the Redcoats closed in on the surviving Provincials, the Furland Trading Company Governor took stock of the situation. Of his seven original units, all that was left was the Company's garrison and the half strength Provincial Regiment. He knew when to cut his losses. He ordered the commander of the King's troops to cease fire and sent forward a white flag requesting a parley to discuss terms.
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Next post, orders of battle and a bit of discussion about A Gentleman's Wargame, the rules which were used to regulate this battle and what the next step in this minicampaign might be.
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