The turbulent waters churned and the gales howled as the mighty English armada, guided by Admiral Rooke’s unyielding hand, descended upon the unsuspecting French vessels anchored betwixt the coastal embrace of Cherbourg. The French, long-heralded as sovereigns of the sea, now encountered a nemesis that would not yield so easily. At the heart of the English fleet, the formidable HMS Anne, a ship of the line, sailed with her guns at the ready and her crew, steadfast and battle-hungry.

As the nautical adversaries drew nearer, French Admiral Tourville bellowed his command, summoning his ships into a battle formation, the flagship Soleil Royal standing proud at its nucleus. The English heeded the call, mirroring the French line with the HMS Anne as their backbone. Thunderous cannon fire resounded between the two fleets, yet the French found themselves at a disadvantage, hindered by the shore’s proximity.

With calculated precision, the English unleashed their fearsome fireships, aiming to disperse their French counterparts and expose a vulnerability to exploit. The raging inferno bore down upon the French fleet, but the Gallic sailors were swift to respond, sparing many a vessel from a fiery demise.

The conflict intensified, the HMS Anne exchanging broadsides with numerous French adversaries. The Anne’s guns proved both precise and lethal, inflicting severe damage upon the French fleet. Yet the French were masters of boarding skirmishes, seizing several English vessels in their clutches.

Though their adversaries tasted fleeting success, the English denied the French egress from Cherbourg’s confines and inflicted grievous losses upon their fleet. This decisive victory marked a pivotal moment in the Nine Years’ War.

In this chronicle, players may relive the Battle of La Hogue in the realm of Oak & Iron, abiding by the engagement rules. Each participant may muster a 200-point Squadron under the command of Admiral Rooke and the HMS Anne for the English, or Admiral Tourville and the Soleil Royal for the French, or use the suggested squadrons provided here. Play on a table of at least 3’x4′, using the standard rules for setting up a scenario.

The unique rules for each faction embody the distinctive strengths and frailties of the opposing fleets. The English hold the upper hand in boarding engagements, while the French excel in shooting assaults. This interplay of strategy and tactics enriches the game, as players exploit their fleet’s prowess to secure victory over their foes.

In summary, this army list offers a balanced and historically faithful depiction of the Battle of La Hogue, whilst granting customization and strategic engagement within the world of Oak & Iron.

Squadron Lists

English

(special rules: +2 to boarding actions)
1 Flagship: HMS Anne (38 points) – admiral card for Admiral Rooke (Seasoned Admiral)
4 3rd Rate ships of the line (37 points each)
2 5th rate Frigates (16 points each)

French

(special rules: Once per turn, a single ship in this Squadron may add +1 to Broadside attacks)
1 Flagship: Soleil Royal (1st Rate Ship of the line, 58 points) – admiral card for Admiral Tourville (Seasoned Admiral)
4 3rd Rate ships of the line (37 points each)
1 6th Rate Frigate (13 points)