The Battle of Brandywine Creek is a historical battle in Empire: Total War. The player plays as the British, and the A.I. is the U.S.
Description[]
After landing from his transport ships in the American Coast, Major General Sir William Howe led the British troops eastwards, with the intent of capturing Philadelphia.
In preparation, American General George Washington readied most of his units to defend from this frontal assualt around the narrow crossing of Chad's ford on the Brandywine. The Creek flows through the countryside of Pennsylvania, enveloped by sheer cliffs and heavily wooded hills on both sides. Knowing that much of the fast-flowing creek could not be crossed, Washington was confident in holding his position.
However, more detailed surveillance of the terrain would suggest that alternative routes could turn the battle in favor of the British.
General Information[]
The British forces are to one side of the creek, and the Americans the other. There are two points where the creek can be crossed, one to the East and one to the West. Crossing the creek to the West is tantamount to suicide (or at least very heavy casualties) due to the American 24-lber foot artillery guarding it.
The British can instead safely cross the creek to the East, facing minimal resistance. Some long riflemen lurk in the woods near this crossing, however.
Crossing the creek in the East forces the American troops to reposition themselves, resulting in a battle opportunity in an open field. The British should be able to prevail here due to their superior troops. Finally, they can mop up the unsupported American artillery with their remaining forces.
Notes[]
The Battle of Brandywine Creek is one of two battles available for the demo of Empire: Total War (the other being The Battle of Porto Novo). The demo version has a few minor differences: Fire by Rank and Platoon Firing are not researched, for example.
The player is granted one regiment of Scots (which are renamed "Highland Infantry" exclusively for this battle) who have better melee characteristics than the British line infantry. They cannot be trained in the Grand Campaign by the British. The lines they speak differ slightly from regular British line infantry; indeed, short of opening sound files from the game itself, the lines can only be heard when playing this battle.
Units[]
Great Britain
- General's William Howe’s Bodyguard
- One Unit of Grenadiers
- One Unit of Scots
- Two Units of Guards
- Two Units of Line Infantry
- Three Units of Hessian Line Infantry
- One Unit of Light Dragoons
- Two Units of 6-lber Horse Artillery
- Two Units of Regiment of Horse
- One Unit of Light Infantry
United States
- General George Washington's Bodyguard
- Six Units of Line Infantry
- Four Units of 24-lber Foot Artillery
- One Unit of Light Infantry
- Two Units of Light Dragoons
- Two Units of Minutemen
- Two Units of Long Rifle Men
- Hidden Units
History[]
Historically, the Battle of Brandywine Creek was a victory for the British. As depicted in game, the British army forewent attacking the American force frontally, instead opting for a flanking attack. A heavy fog on the day of the battle helped conceal British movements, and they were able to inflict heavy casualties on Washington's army. However, due to a combination of an organized retreat and a lack of British cavalry, the American force was saved from total destruction.