Gloucester - The Battle of the Hook, 1781

From Bill Molyneaux Games:

Gloucester: The Battle of the Hook is a 1-2 player solitaire-system strategy game set during the waning days of American Revolutionary War. The British infantry have captured a vital stronghold. It's up to the American rebels to take it back. Can you alter the course of history?

October 3, 1781, Virginia.

In 1781, the British army has conquered the coastal stronghold of Gloucester Point, Virginia. The American rebels plan a counter-offense. One player commands the British Army and Hessian forces, while the other player leads the American Army and their French allies. Who will you lead to victory? The choice is yours.

Outflank your foes by using the different terrain hexes to your advantage. If you are the British player, deploy your Hessian allies for the advantage. For the American player, team up with the French army for extra firepower. With only 24 turns to play, the average game can be enjoyed in under two hours. The game also has optional rules for players looking for extra depth.

The game offers two scenarios:

- The Battle of the Hook focuses on the core battle between the American and British forces. This is the default mode of play.

- Cornwallis Breaks Out is a "what if" scenario, where General Cornwallis makes his daring escape across the York River, avoiding American captivity. Recommended for advanced players.

The Battle of the Hook was the largest written account of cavalry action in the American War of Independence. This conflict saw General Lauzen’s Legion and Lieutenant Colonel Mercer’s Select Battalion of Militia defeat a British detachment of cavalry. Both armies overpowered the Royal Fusiliers, who were positioned at a fortification in Gloucester Town. This contingent was separate from the bulk of General Cornwallis’ army, which was under siege at Yorktown (located south of Gloucester).

General Cornwallis had hoped this force at Gloucester Town would be able to find an escape route through the area, which he could use to safely evacuate his forces by crossing the York River and fighting their way north through the Gloucester area. However, General Washington foresaw this strategy and insisted on attacking the detachment, to ensure that Cornwallis had no chance for escape.

The battle at Yorktown and Gloucester were a resounding success. The British forces at Gloucester Town were forced to cease all scouting operations and retreat into their fortification, where they remained until General Cornwallis surrendered on the 19th of October. 

Designed by Bill Molyneaux

PLAYERS: 1-2

AGE: 14+

TIME TO PLAY: 60-120 minutes

CONTENTS:

1 16 x 22" inch map

1 Rulebook

1 Player Aid Chart

54 Game Pieces

2 six-sided die (2d6)

© 2025 Bill Molyneaux Games,

Published by Blue Panther LLC under license.