WI: The British cut off the Charlestown Neck

[Mort the Reaper]

While the British won the Battle of Bunker Hill, it was very much a Pyrrhic victory for them. But it didn't necessarily have to be that way. In the lead-up to the battle, Henry Clinton pushed for securing the Charlestown Neck to cut off the colonists' retreat. However, he was outvoted by his fellow generals, who decided to assault the rebel fortifications, believing they would be no match for their troops.

Of course, it turned out that Howe, Burgoyne and Gage seriously underestimated their enemy. The British forces carried the day, but with serious casualties, and they were unable to capitalize on their victory.

What if Clinton's idea had been used?

 

[alexmilman]

While the British won the Battle of Bunker Hill, it was very much a Pyrrhic victory for them. But it didn't necessarily have to be that way. In the lead-up to the battle, Henry Clinton pushed for securing the Charlestown Neck to cut off the colonists' retreat. However, he was outvoted by his fellow generals, who decided to assault the rebel fortifications, believing they would be no match for their troops.

Of course, it turned out that Howe, Burgoyne and Gage seriously underestimated their enemy. The British forces carried the day, but with serious casualties, and they were unable to capitalize on their victory.

What if Clinton's idea had been used?

Even under the best case scenario they are in a lousy position. IIRC, the main idea of the whole exercise was to stop bombarding of Boston from Charlestown but it still would be under the artillery fire and getting out of it would be difficult. The same goes for getting out of Charlestown. Boston was a good place for defending but getting out of it by land was just as difficult as getting in. If the Brits were looking for a freedom of operations, then perhaps landing in Salem (2nd map) could be more productive.

Personally, I’d recommend them to land in Swampscott: it has much better beaches (if the Brits were up to the summer swimming and relaxation) and the people are much more relaxed