On Saturday 20 June 2015 we played a Volley & Bayonet refight of the Battle of Wavre to mark the 200th Anniversary of Waterloo / Wavre.
When I last saw Rob Cameron in January, before he passed away in May, he encouraged me to stage a V&B game to mark Waterloo. Roy our regular host also suggested that we should play a V&B game to mark the 200th Anniversary of Waterloo and suggested the 20th of June.
Waterloo was too big and I didn't have any British troops... Wavre would be small enough and my Russians could stand in for the Prussians. I used the scenario from the V&B 100 Days supplement updated for V&B 2 with the help of Keith McNelly. The figures are 6mm H&R on 3" bases.
By 2pm the French had deployed III Corps on the hill overlooking Wavre, IV Corps was close behind and I Cavalry Corps was an hour or two behind on the road to Limale. The River Dyle could only be crossed at the three bridges at Wavre, Bierges and Limale.
Cannon fire had been heard in the direction of Mont St Jean since about noon so Marshal Grouchy launched III Corps against Wavre to clear the south bank of the Dyle and pin the Prussian forces there. IV Corps marched past Wavre to cross the bridges at Bierges and Limale. I Cavalry Corps lead by 21st Infantry Division attacked Limale. Or so was the plan...
The initial deployment
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8119_zpskevnhfzv.jpg)
Some early success for the French
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8124_zpss1ogucbg.jpg)
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8125_zpstdj8axtj.jpg)
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8126_zpsjrwfwbon.jpg)
The game swings back and forth
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8132_zpskobhespz.jpg)
Late in the day with little fresh infantry the French throw cavalry across the Bierges bridge
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8134_zps3grpe6br.jpg)
As darkness starts to fall and the firing from the direction of Mont St Jean falls silent
(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/paulreynolds999/Wavre%202015/IMG_8135_zpsalownxgi.jpg)
A really fun tense game, the French got across the Dyle four times but each time the Prussians had fresh reserves on hand to repulse the French before they could recover from the disorder caused by fighting across the river.
The attempt to pin the Prussians everywhere and the time pressure to come to Napoleon's aid had dispersed the French efforts. The Prussians were bruised but the careful use of their reserves had allowed them to hold the line of the Dyle.
A better plan may have been to concentrate on the bridge at Bierges where there was only a village providing less cover for the Prussians. I suspect this is the plan the French will use tonight as we play the game again with the players having swapped sides.
Very very suitable memorial to a friend. Looks like a great game, lovely set up, brilliant report. :-bd
very nice table !! good job
Lovely looking game and really captures the feel of a large battle 8).
Terrific !! (Ultra 8))
Cheers - Phil
Played it again last night :)
Another really tense game that played out totally differently from last week, great time had by all again :) :D :D
I'll put together another AAR
Good looking game, nice way to do a batrep. Looking forward to more of the same!
Sorry to read about your friend. Liked the 'graphic novelette' approach to the telling of the story. A good tribute to his memory.
Looks like a good game and a good time was had by all. Sorry to hear about your friend.