It's about time my SYW Austrians and Prussians had a run-out; this battle is an imagining of an action fought as part of the Battle of Prague in 1757: http://www.kronoskaf.com/syw/index.php?title=1757-05-06_-_Battle_of_Prague
As before, this one will get fought solo, in stages...I'll be using Black Powder for this & will keep units fairly 'standard'.
Forces:
Austrians:
General & commanders
1 x Light Infantry - Grenzer
6 x Infantry
2 x Grenadier Infantry
1 x Light Cavalry - Hussars
1 x Cavalry - Dragoons
2 x Cavalry - Cuirassiers
3 x Medium Guns
Prussians:
General & commanders
6 x Infantry
1 x Grenadier Infantry
1 x Light Cavalry - Hussars
2 x Cavalry - Dragoons
2 x Cavalry - Cuirassiers
4 x Medium Guns
Deployment
View from behind the Prussian lines:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/dep1.jpg)
Through the village towards the Austrians:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/dep2.jpg)
View to the Prussian lines:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/dep3.jpg)
Austrians:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depaus1.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depaus2.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depaus3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depaus4.jpg)
Prussians:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depprus1.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depprus2.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depprus3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/depprus4.jpg)
Finally found a few minutes to start this one off!
Turn One:
The Austrians seize the initiative & begin to issue orders. On the left flank, the Hussars move to the edge of the fields bordering the village:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus1.jpg)
In the centre, the battle lines begin to be drawn with the commanders maximising their frontage; the Grenadiers push forward, anchoring their flank with the Forge:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus2.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus4.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus5.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus6.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus7.jpg)
On the right flank, the Grenzer push ahead, partially supported by Line infantry - while the cavalry brigade dawdles...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1aus8.jpg)
In response, the Prussian cavalry pushes towards the farmland as well but fails to cover much ground:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus1.jpg)
In the centre, the Prussians Line & Grenadiers make good progress, manhandling their guns into range & firing (to no effect) at the Austrian lines:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus2.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus5.jpg)
On the Prussian left, the cavalry gets all excited & hurtle forwards, spreading out to form a nice battleline bearing down on the advancing Austrian infantry:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus4.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus6.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep1/t1/t1prus7.jpg)
Turn Two:
The Austrian cavalry on the left flank made its way cautiously into the fields by the village:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust1.jpg)
In the centre the Grenadiers and infantry advanced further to develop their firing line:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust2.jpg)
Over on the right flank, there was a surge as the Commanders managed to inspire the troops; the Grenzer tucked in behind the advancing cavalry while the musketeers began to form a firing line in anticipation of receiving the Prussian cavalry charge; musket fire to the Hussars was wildly ineffective - but then the Austrian Cuirassiers managed to charge the flank of their Prussian opposites:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust4.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust5.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust6.jpg)
The charging Cuirassiers destroyed the first unit of Prussians and swept on into the flank of the Hussars, forcing them to retreat; they then clattered the other unit of Prussian Cuirassiers and forced them back as well:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2aust7.jpg)
At the start of the Prussian turn, these cavalry units took the initiative: the Cuirassiers clattered headlong into the Austrian cavalry to their immediate front while the Hussars formed up to face the rampaging Cuirassiers:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus1.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus2.jpg)
Unfortunately for the Prussians, their bravery was misguided and they were routed from the field:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus3.jpg)
The Prussian Dragoons way over on the right decided to stay put...
In the centre, meanwhile, the Prussian Commanders advanced at a pace, redressing their lines in order to bring fire to bear - to little effect though:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus4.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus5.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus6.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus7.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep2/t2prus8.jpg)
No beer? Not the Prague I know!
Quote from: FierceKitty on 30 November 2010, 09:22:00 AM
No beer? Not the Prague I know!
Don't worry...it's all off-table 8)
Turn Three:The Austrian cavalry commander gets all flummoxed & sends his troops further into the village to their right:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust1.jpg)
On the Austrian right, though, their counterparts have much more success: a charge on initiative into the flank of the Prussian Hussars is accompanied with some sneaking-about-the-flanks by the Grenzer and some by-the-book infantry manoeuvering:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust2.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust4.jpg)
The Austrian Cuirassiers unsurprisingly ride down the lighter Hussars and sweep forwards towards the Prussian left flank:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust5.jpg)
In the centre, the Grenadiers and Infantry open fire to their front - causing some disorder (as well as shaking a unit of Prussian infantry):
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust6.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3aust7.jpg)
In response, the Prussian cavalry commander on the right urges his troops forward at the gallop; ignoring the Austians in the village he spurs them past, looking to exploit the Austrian rear:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3prus1.jpg)
The left flank adjusts its lines a little and the artillery fires in the general direction of the threatening Austrian Cuirassiers - to no effect though. In the centre, the infantry again fire to their front - and one of the Austrian musketeer units are shaken by the fire discipline of their Prussian opposition:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep3/t3prus2.jpg)
Quote from: FierceKitty on 30 November 2010, 09:22:00 AM
No beer? Not the Prague I know!
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/beer.jpg)
Turn Four:The Austrian cavalry on the left almost breaks clear of the village:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust1.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust2.jpg)
Over on the Austrian right, some excellent commanding sees the battle lines redrawn to threaten the Prussian left:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust4.jpg)
Fire!
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust5.jpg)
In the centre, the bulk of the Austrian infantry again gives fire to its front - with no great impact:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust6.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4aust7.jpg)
On the Prussian turn, the cavalry clears the village and wheels to threaten the Austrian rear:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4prus1.jpg)
Over on the left flank, the commander fails to command his troops - although they do open fire...and miss the oncoming Austrians:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4prus2.jpg)
In the centre, the controlled fire of the Prussians drives back some Austrian infantry:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4prus3.jpg)
The battle is nicely poised - and very much in the balance:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4prus4.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep4/t4prus5.jpg)
looking good Nik :D
Thanks M 8)
Turn 5:
The Austrian cavalry which until now has, quite frankly, been skulking around the village finally decides to make a bid for glory and charges into the flank of the Prussian infantry:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust1.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust2.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust4.jpg)
Meanwhile, over on the Austrian right, some good command of the troops saw them pressing the Prussians to their front and, again, the artillery firing into the massed ranks of musketeers:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust5.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust8.jpg)
Combined with some further firing from the centre, the Prussians were becoming increasingly pressurised:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust6.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust7.jpg)
The melee with the cavalry was never going to be pretty for the Prussians...and it soon left their lines dangerously exposed:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5aust9.jpg)
In response, the Prussians could do little more than dress their facings and fire off a hurried volley - to little effect:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5prus1.jpg)
Under pressure in the centre from all sides, and with the CinC overrun, the Prussians ceased firing and ceded the field to the Austrians:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5prus3.jpg)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/nikharwood/syw%20batrep5/t5prus2.jpg)
Notes:
A great battle - really nice to see the SYW figures in-action: they're beautiful figures and look really impressive en masse. Again, it's a shame that with work & other commitments I find it hard to find time to fight battles in one go at times...but never mind :)
A great game - and some really good command rolls benefited the Austrians in the last couple of turns - until then, it could have swung either way. I'm becoming a firm fan of the Black Powder rules - although I won't be buying any of the forthcoming supplements [unless they're really special; with the rules as they are & some careful, and sparse, use of Special rules for units I think you can do justice to any BP conflict really.
I could have fought this one for another turn, but I need to get them boxed up ready for a possible appearance at Nikfest 8)
Excellent Nik, you have now got me thinking of another dino hunt :) right off to get it set up :D
Great battle and photos this is 10mm at its best! Alan Millington
Quote from: millington on 26 December 2010, 01:30:46 PM
Great battle and photos this is 10mm at its best! Alan Millington
Thanks Alan - appreciated :-[
I've been hoping to grab another battle over the festive period - and am tempted to give my ACW a run-out using Black Powder :)
Very nice. Thank you Nick :D
Excellent report and lovely photos/miniatures! However, look what you made me do. Are you happy now? (Order for some SYW miniatures placed). ;)
Quote from: Aquahog on 10 February 2011, 08:06:46 PM
Excellent report and lovely photos/miniatures! However, look what you made me do. Are you happy now? (Order for some SYW miniatures placed). ;)
Excellent - you'll love 'em Aquahog 8)
Very impressive and very inspiring Nik.
DP
Thanks DP - it's about time they had another run-out to be honest...might have to get my act in gear, eh? ;)
I keep telling the doubters that 10mm looks great en-mass. Thanks for proving it. :)