AAR: Rupert's Return, What If?

[Ardruire Iacób]

In October 1649, the Irish province of Munster rebelled against its Royalist rulers and joined the Parliamentarians. At the same time, Prince Rupert and his Royalist fleet were trapped in the Munster port town of Kinsale. He managed to escape the blockade and flee to Portugal.

However, what would have happened had he returned to take the important ports of Munster back for Royalist control... ?


Outside Cork city, 1650...

Prince Rupert and his Royalist Lifeguard survey the scene...



Not long after landing, the Royalist forces of Prince Rupert are immediately set upon by the over-eager Parliamentarian captain. The Parliamentarian Lifeguard recklessly, nay courageously, charge into the hail of lead shot...





In his recklessness, the over-zealous captain has left his foote forces behind, and they struggle to catch up with their commander's brave strategem...

Nevertheless, they faithfully press onward into the hail of fire...




In a swift counter-attack, the Lifeguard are pushed back by Rupert's pikemen...




It is the Royalist turn to march into oblivion...



The Royalist pike pushes against unyielding resistance as both sides meet in the open plain, as an immovable force meets an immovable object...






Rupert watches calmly, assessing the situation, despite the vicious fire his men are being bombarded with...




In a stroke of luck, the Parliamentarians buckle and break under the Royalist assault. Their pikemen rout, leaving their gunners open to an attack. Sensing the opportunity, Rupert takes the advantage, ordering his men on to glory!





Rupert himself charges into the fray, seeking out the Parliamentarian captain...




With their captain fleeing, typical Parliamentarian iron will fails under a final charge...




At the end of the day, the result is clear for all to see! With Royalist control of Irish ports secure, the Royalist powerbase here is safe from Parliamentarian assault!

[AWZC]

Very nice! I was glad that Boye got a mention in the unit description for Ruperts musketeers/pikemen

[Sevachenko]

Nice AAR and good to see one so soon . +rep

[_TheChevalier_]

Very good AAR , loved the part when the pikemen clashed

[Ardruire Iacób]

Part 2

April 1650, Ormond...

With Munster firmly under Royalist control, Rupert prepared to move east and head off the New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell. Heavily outnumbered, Rupert needed to rendezvous with James Butler, marquis of Ormond. His Royalist force successfully joined up with Ormond before Cromwell had a chance to intercept them, but they needed to beat back the advancing Parliamentarian forces before it was too late...

Late in the evening, the Royalists under Prince Rupert prepared to give battle...



Ormond's cavalry stood ready to charge...



Ormond's forces were greatly weakened after a failed assault on the Parliamentarian city of Dublin, and had only native skirmishers and his disposal...



Across the plain, Cromwell and his Ironsides prepared to advance against the outnumbered Royalists...



The Royalist line opened fire on the adancing New Model Army and a cloud of gunsmoke obscured their position...






Rather than stand idely by as his men were obliterated by Cromwell's vastly superior artillery, Rupert seized the opportunity and counter-charged the Ironsides...





He drove off Cromwell, but across his line, the Royalists were being put under tremendous pressure by the New Model Army...

In a brave display of courage, Rupert's men advanced on the much larger Parliamentarian force, routing some of their musketeers...




Outflanked by the Parliamentarians, several of Rupert's regiments became isolated...




Despite their best efforts, the Royalists were cut apart. With Ormond fleeing, Rupert had no choice but to withdraw before his army was annihilated...




Despite causing severe damage to the New Model Army, Rupert was still outnumbered and withdrew from Ormond to Munster...