Here we see the initial deployments, three allied brigades on the right, three French brigades opposite, note the French hussars right at the top of the picture... |
1st Brigade
3 x 36 2nd class line, (Nassau, Westphalian & French).
1 x 36 Polish veterans
16 skirmishers
2nd Brigade
2 x 36 French line
1 x 36 Westphalian lights, elite
16 skirmishers
8lb foot battery, 4 guns
3rd Brigade
1 x 16 hussars, line
Small Portuguese brigade of two battalions, one 1st, one 2nd class and a foot battery, |
By turn two both sides are advancing on the road and each other. |
Light Brigade
1 x 30 Loyal Lusitanian Legion
1 x 40 Scottish Light infantry
12 Portuguese skirmishers
1st Brigade
2 x 30 Portuguese line
2 x 30 Portuguese 2nd class line
2nd Brigade
1 x 30 Portuguese line
1 x 30 Portuguese 2nd class line
9lb foot battery, 3 guns
The allied left needs to hold these French fellows while the allied centre takes out the French centre. |
This is counter intuitive, allied columns attacking French lines somewhere in Spain! |
The allied right has to consider the French hussars who have gone very wide, this diverts resources from the main attack. See top right - sneaky devils. |
The centres align for a fire-fight. |
Hopefully this elite, 40 strong line can stop that nasty massed column. |
Portuguese face off against Nassau and French lines behind skirmishers. |
Portuguese foot artillery opens up on the Westphalian line beside the walled orchard. This all rather pretty. |
The centre and left seen from behind the allied line. The larger French brigade has fallen back with heavy losses and needs to sort itself out pretty pronto. |
The Loyal Lusitanian Legion are left to face down this lot as the Scotts took a pounding and retreated, happily rallying again. |
Happily rallied Scotts light infantry. The French battery continued to punish this battalion all day. |
The Portuguese move onto the road thereby taking their objective. I didn't pursue the shattered French as my orders were to hold the road, I should have pressed the attack more vigorously. |
The larger Portuguese brigade consolidates its hold on the road as the French reform & redeploy. |
Oh dear. |
Oh dear, oh dear. |
Oh deary me! |
Portuguese guns and closing fire from two squares failed to stop the French hussars... |
...who charged straight through the Portuguese line cutting down two battalions before rallying safely behind the farm. |
This was so shocking to the Portuguese that they ordered a general withdrawal ceding control of the road to the surprised French. We could have played on but this seemed like a natural break point and both sides were badly beaten up in what had been a nasty encounter, small but brutal none the less.
This was a losing draw for the Allies, both sides had taken big loses for a meaningless dusty track.
It was still early so we packed up and did a strange thing, we reorganised our scenery store room. Chris and Tony are fiends for buying enormous plastic boxes which is just as well as I am a fiend for buying and making scenery with nowhere to store it. We also made some decisions about selling some bits and bobs, ebay beckons.
Next week French Tony is back and we have decided on a Bolt Action evening. Russian Tony is already hankering for another BIG Napoleonic game which actually sounds like a good idea, I'll get my thinking cap on.
I hope you have enjoyed these two mini games featuring my fledgling Peninsular collection, there is more painted kit on the way so maybe next time they come out the forces will be more substantial.
Best wishes,
Jeremy
Cracking game, Jeremy! The troops are all superbly painted. Love the huge battle and troop movement going on. Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery happy to hear from you Dean, glad you like what we do,
DeleteBest wishes,
Jeremy
Looks great, and plenty of drama. too!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more Mr G!
DeleteLots of drama with pretty toys, exactly why we play!
Fond regards,
Jeremy
Hussars save our blushes
ReplyDeleteHussars put a smile back on your face more like! You love being on the winning side young grasshopper!
DeleteNice report - that looks like a fun game, with lots of lovely figures.
ReplyDeleteHi Lawrence, happy please, it was a fun game!
DeleteCheers
JJ
Oh dear, oh dear...what a fantastic report with beautiful armies and photos...well done!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, oh dear indeed Phil! Thanks for the comments, best wishes,
DeleteJeremy
Impressive set up, and lots of lovely figures to drool over!
ReplyDeleteHi Ross, not seen yo here before, welcome on board. Had a poke around on your blog - nice work too. Cheers for commenting, best wishes, Jeremy
DeleteThanks for the compliment, I'm an aging technophobe but I'm getting there slowly! Thanks again for kind words
DeleteCheers for now Russ
Another excellent report - well done - I really look forward to these. I am looking forward to the next big Napoleonic battle report!
ReplyDeleteAnother biggy beckons! Still mulling on the theme, it has to involve marching up and down though!!! Bolt Action this week, no clue what I'm doing with that though, we'll see.
DeleteThe boys really got stuck in this second time around didn't they/you? How'd those hussars manage the manoeuvre sur les derrières?! Wonderful as ever Jeremy, thanks.
ReplyDeleteA BIG Napoleonic game always sounds good!
Yes James those wretched hussars rained on my parade. All good clean fun! Call back for a biggie, might not be for a few weeks though so you have to endure some other games or new units even. Best wishes, Jeremy
Delete