I've decided to move the batreps over to this section.
I'm also going to continue with the format for the preliminary rounds, then revamp the table numbering, to reduce the liklihood of red forces being trapped in the top corner.
I'm also (mainly because I CBA) going to whip through the preliminaries, and then be more detailed in the quarter finals.
Russia vs Austria.
The Russians had two infantry and two cavalry brigades, plus a whop-off artillery reserve. They deployed mostly around Ghost Farm. The Austrians 3 infantry and 2 cavalry brigades, also with some reserve artillery. The Austrians deployed mostly around the Church of Saint Davide of the Sweaty Spine - except one light cavalry brigade which wandered on at the top of the table on move 6.
Sadly for the Russians, on turn 1 their 1st infantry brigade threw a 6 so immediately hared off to attack the Austrians, unsupported. the next Russian unit, the light cavalry appeared on turn 3, and thought it a good idea to just watch what was going on. The Austrians were able to break the infantry brigade before move 6 when the remaining Russians appeared.
Understandably Constantine was quite vexed by the light cavalry's inaction, and send an ADC off to berate it's commander and suggest he get off his backside. By this time, the Austrians had formed a line between the Convent and the Church and with weight of numbers (the Russians were down to 4 infantry battalions against the Austrian's 8 much larger units.
The unfortunate Russian light cavalry was much discomforted by the Grenzers in the woods, and the Austrians advanced against the depleted Russian line. Constantine decided there was little to be gained, so withdrew his remaining infantry behind a screen of his heavy cavalry.
The Russian light cavalry brigade was presented with a bottle of vodka and a loaded pistol on his return to HQ.
Austrian Victory.
Recap
Preliminary 1: France 1813 vs Denmark: Denmark win
Preliminary 2: Prussian vs Brunswick: Brunswick win
Preliminary 3: Russia vs Austria: Austria win.
Preliminary 4: Ottoman vs Poland: To be played.
Quarter finals are going to be:
Quarter Final 1: Denmark vs Sweden
Quarter Final 2: Austria vs Brunswick
Quarter Final 3: (Ottoman or Poland) vs Britain
Quarter Final 4: Bavaria vs Wurttemberg
What are the current odds on Denmark taking it all?
None of the forces that came if from the left have won yet. The Swedes are going to be tough. I think the Austrians will take the Brunswickers, simply by being twice the size, so that sets up a Denmark-Austria quarter final.
Austria are tough, and I wouldn't like to second guess that one. The dice will decide!
Today, the last of the preliminary battles, the Ottoman Empire vs the Poles.
The Ottomans (Ottomen?) fielded two infantry brigades, and two cavalry brigades, plus one very heavy artillery battery. The Poles opposed them with 3 infantry brigades and 2 cavalry.
Move 1: the Ottoman light cavalry entered on the southernmost road on the left hand side of the table. They came on looking for blood, determined to attach the first Pole they saw. Seeing none, they moved up towards the Convent, doubtless looking for booty.
Move 2: A Polish infantry brigade appears on the Northern side of the road the Ottoman cavalry are on. A light cavalry brigade appears on the road by the Church. The Ottoman very heavy artillery enters the table bottom left by Ghost Farm.
Move 3 The Ottoman light cavalry clap spurs to their horses and move down the road towards the Polish Infantry, who continue their advance. More Polish infantry appear behind the light cavalry, along with the commander Poniatowski.
Move 4 The disciplined Polish infantry form square to meet the oncoming Ottoman cavalry. The Polish light cavalry move to take the Ottoman brigade in the flank or rear.
The Ottoman heavy cavalry come on behind the extra heavy artillery at Ghost Farm, whilst the first of the infantry appear on the middle of the table behind the light cavalry.
Move 5 The Ottoman light cavalry crash into the Polish squares, and are taken in the rear by the Polish lancers.
Poniatowski and the 2nd Infantry brigade continue to move towards the cross roads to interpose between the oncoming Ottoman infantry and the upcoming slaughter of the light cavalry.
The third Polish infantry brigade appears on the North edge of the table. They come on at the charge and head immediately for the nearest Ottoman unit - bayonets fixed and patriotic songs being sung lustily. it is unlikely they will be able to make a difference to the result, but the thought was there. Bless 'em.
The second Polish cavalry brigade (a 1/2 regiment of cuirassiers and a regiment of lancers) comes on near the woods at the bottom right. Seeing the Ottoman heavy cavalry they stop.
The second Ottoman infantry brigade, with their commander, appears behind the first.
Move 6 The Ottoman light cavalry is basically broken by the Polish infantry in front and cavalry behind. Poniatowski deploys his 2nd brigade in line, and brings his artillery to bear on the oncoming Ortas. He also sends an ADC towards the 2nd cavalry brigade.
I wasn't sure what the Ottoman heavy cavalry would do. They could either move to the main body of the army, attack the Polish 2nd cavalry brigade or stand still. Lady Die decided they should attack the Polish cavalry.
Move 7 The victorious Polish light cavalry and 1st Infantry brigades reformed prior to moving to support Poniatowski and the 1st Brigade. Polish skirmishers engage the oncoming Ottoman infantry.
The Ottoman heavy cavalry hurtle down on the standing Polish cavalry. The Poles were on a stand fast mode, but wondered if they would counter charge. Lady Die decided that they would, so a the Poles counter charged.
Move 8 The advancing Ottoman infantry continued their plodding advance, forcing the Polish skirmishers to retire to the main body. The Ottoman steamroller comprised two lines, each with 3 Orta, each of 90 figures. Against them, the Polish brigade fielded 4 battalions of 72 figures each. The Poles were badly outnumbered.
Help was at hand. The Polish light cavalry brigade moved up to the Convent, hoping to charge the Ottoman infantry in the flank.
The heavy cavalry battle in the south rattled on. Despite being outnumbered the Poles were holding their own.
Move 9 The Ottoman were moving in a mass, sort of a column but more so. This would give them some protection from cavalry. However, the Polish lancers launched themselves at the body of the enemy. The Polish 2nd Brigade took the opportunity to retire, and the 1st Brigade came up on their right.
The third brigade had stopped singing, 'cos they were a bit winded but continued their march from the North.
After three rounds of melee the heavy cavalry came down to morale, and despite being battered and outnumbered, Lady Die favoured them, and it was the Ottoman cavalry who drew off.
Move 10 The Polish light cavalry basically bounced off the Ottoman infantry masses. However, they did cause the Orta to pause. The Polish infantry was joined by the artillery pouring fire into the advancing foe.
in the South, the heavy cavalry brigades glared at each other. The Polish ADC reached the Polish cuirassiers with orders to support on the Polish left flank and attack the infantry.
By the way, remember the Ottoman heavy artillery? One of their vehicles had broken an axle, and stalled on the slopes north of Ghost Farm. The gunners peered nervously as their heavy cavalry withdrew near them.
Move 11 The crunch. The Poles kept up their fire, concentrating on the middle orta. The light cavalry charged the northernmost orta of the front line, delaying its advance. The second line of Ottoman infantry was stuck behind the first.
If Poniatowski had not retired last move, his 2nd brigade would have been in melee with the opposing line. However, the 2nd Brigade was now joined by the 1st and the 3rd was still making its way south.
The middle Ottoman unit, battered by shot and more shot took sufficient casualties to require a morale check, which they failed - badly. Unable to retire, as they were hemmed in by the second line, the rear ranks broke and the whole unit dissolved.
The unit attacked by the Polish light cavalry had to test their morale too, and failed just as badly. Seeing their supporting unit disappear like my Uncle Barry when it's time to pay for a round the poor Ottoman infantry also broke. The remaining unit of the first line also made a morale check, and failed, but held their ground. The second line of Ottoman troops, confronted by their fleeing brethren also took a morale check and one of the three failed. The line stalled.
The Ottoman Commander, a disgraced ex-vicar from Halifax called Brian, reviewed the situation. His first line was broken. His second hampered and nervy. His light cavalry had disappeared and his heavy cavalry was somewhere to his right. His heavy artillery? he had no idea.
Poniatowski was in a better state. His light cavalry brigade was battered, and his 2nd cavalry brigade was also battered, even if he was unaware of the fact. His infantry was largely intact, with two brigades in line and the third on its way.
At this point Brian decided enough was enough and called off the attack.
The victory was one of line over column. The Polish light cavalry brigade was significant beyond its numbers, which seemed appropriate.
Next up: the first Quarter Final - The Scandinavian Grudge Match - Denmark vs Sweden.
Quarter Final 1: Denmark vs Sweden
Move 1
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234140708_75a50b0bcd.jpg) Nothing happened
Move 2
The first Swedish infantry brigade (4 line infantry battalions and the jaeger battalion) appar on the road by the church.
Move 3
The Swedish 1st Brigade makes for the cross roads as 2nd Brigade (6 line battalions) comes in behind them along with the Swedish commander Stedingk.
Opposite them the 1st Danish brigade (4 infantry battalions and a regiment of Hussars) start making their way onto the table.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54233000577_e82bbf3fe5.jpg)2nd Danish Brigade entering, led by the light dragoons. Beyond the trees, the Swedes appear.
Move 4
The last remaining Swedish infantry (a mere 2 battalions) march on south of the church, and somewhat cut off from the rest of the force by the church and the hamlet.
The second Danish brigade (5 infantry battalions, and a half regiment of Hussars) starts to appear opposite them by Ghost Farm. This brigade will take a few moves to fully deploy.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234315085_25901ac427.jpg)3rd Swedish brigade meanders on to the table. An ADC from Stedingk arrives with orders.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234140533_2d4b0401b4.jpg) The 2nd Danish brigade is hampered by the terrain.
Move 5
The 2nd Swedish brigade moves to the right of the 1st, which begins to form in line.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54233909761_0386cfd1ce.jpg)Swedish infantry deploying into line.
The first two Danish brigades continue to deploy. The 3rd Brigade (4 infantry battalions, one cavalry regiment plus the general - Hessen Homburg) enter on the top corner, so is going to have problems getting over that darned bridge. The 1st brigade's Jutland cavalry makes a break to cover the bridge to allow the 3rd brigade uncontested passage. Hessen Homburg sends his cavalry - the Holstein regiment to take the bridge and move over it to cover the rest of his brigade.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54233000382_af8c097bc3.jpg)3rd Danish brigade arrives - and has to get over that bridge.
Seeing the threatening cavalry, the Swedish 2nd brigade partially adopts a square. The 1st brigade deploys in live, and the attached artillery battery begins to take the Danish cavalry under fire.
Move 6
The Swedish cavalry arrive behind the 2nd Brigade. An ADC dashes out to present the brigade with orders to skirt the 2nd brigade and attack the Danish cavalry as it debouches over the bridge.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234146854_6f09bd4b11.jpg)The Danes desperately throwing cavalry to mask the bridge for the 3rd brigade to deploy.
Hessen Homburg has sent orders to the 1st Brigade, but has no contact with the 2nd brigade
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234146829_0e90d94c9d.jpg)
The gap between the Danish 1st and 2nd brigades. With no orders, the 2nd Danish Brigade is fixated on the small Swedish brigade between the green and pick trees. The Swedish 1st Brigade with artillery support is deployed in 2 lines between the two sets of green trees. The the left of the picture, the Danish 1st brigade straggles on.
Move 7
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54232999657_d5610ee15c.jpg)
The Swedish army. 3rd brigade in foreground, with the 1st brigade beyond the church. In the background the 2nd brigade holds as the cavalry passes.
The Jutland cavalry has been shot at by one battery, and when the battery attached to the 2nd Swedish battery joins in, the Jutland regiment retires. This upsets the Holstein cavalry who are half way across the bridge.
The Danish 2nd Brigade continues its ponderous deployment into column of attack to sweep away the 3rd Swedish brigade. The Danish artillery beings at Ghost Farm.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234141223_e6f2745dd3.jpg)
Move 8
The leading Swedish cavalry regiment charges the unformed Holstein cavalry, which still hasn't made it over the bridge.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54234141188_57b8e826aa.jpg)
The second Swedish cavalry regiment passes this melee and charges to shaky Jutland cavalry. The nearest Danish infantry battalion to this fracas, the 2nd Funen, forms square.
Move 9
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54233000797_d92ac60e0e.jpg)
Assailed by a superior number of Swedish cavalry, the Holstein regiment breaks and tries to make it's way back over the bridge. The Jutland cavalry cannot withstand the charge of the Swedish Lifeguard Cuirassiers and breaks. The third Swedish cavalry regiment, the Smaland Dragoons follows behind the cuirassiers.
The Swedish horse artillery, joining in the fun, unlimbers and begins to bombard the Danish 3rd brigade over the river. Hessen Homburg, finding himself in the line of fire, moves to a slightly safer position.
Move 10
The Swedish 1st and 2nd infantry brigades advance towards the Danish 1st Infantry.
The Swedish Cuirassiers ignore Danish square and fall upon the 1st Funen, who are still in column of march. The Swedish Hussars continue the massacre of the Holstein regiment. The Swedish Dragoons prepare to charge in support of the Cuirassiers.
Can we say Albuera?
The Danish 2nd Brigade is really very near being able to attack those pesky Swedish 3rd brigade. Just waiting for the artillery to deploy.
Victory to the Swedes.
Summary
The Danes were undone by the bridge. If Hessen Homburg had arrived with the 1st brigade, he could have pulled the 2nd brigade away from ponderously setting up an attack on a brigade 1/4 its size. However, since Hessen Homburg was on the wrong side of the bridge and unable to issue commands.
Having said that, the Swedish infantry could not really have contested the bridge and were fortunate that their cavalry turned up when and where it did.
Next up: Quarter final 2 -Austria vs Brunswick
Another good game - I do like the size of your armies!
I might have missed it, but do the brigades roll for their initial orders, and have to follow these unless the commander changes them?
Quote from: fred. on 29 December 2024, 07:54:27 PMAnother good game - I do like the size of your armies!
Thank you. I like a big army. These two are just under 1000 figures each.
Quote from: fred. on 29 December 2024, 07:54:27 PMI might have missed it, but do the brigades roll for their initial orders, and have to follow these unless the commander changes them?
Yes. I throw one die. 1 - stay where you are. 6 - attack, attack, attack. 2-5 do something reasonably sensible, which is usually attack the first enemy unit you see. This continues until countermanded by a superior officer.
Some armies (e.g. the British) have divisional commanders too. They can order their own units.
You are recreating the same engagement I felt when I first discovered Young & Lawford and Charles Grant with their presentations of such battles as Blasthoff Bridge and Mollwitz.
You have a similar look and the same enjoyment of play. Your rule "do something reasonably sensible" is a delight. :-bd
My congratulations.
I still like the Danes (probably because of the movie, "1864").
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
I love the ponderous deployment of the big units, really gives a sense of the time taken to ready for action :-SS
QuoteI love the ponderous deployment of the big units, really gives a sense of the time taken to ready for action :-SS
seconded. And the importance of forcing (well trying to) the bridge reflects many historical engagements. Thanks for posting the batrep detail.
:-bd
Top report Nobby
Austrians vs Brunswick
Preliminary
This should be a walk over for the Austrians. They have 624 infantry and 200 cavalry, plus 5 artillery batteries, against the Brunswickers 512 infantry, 92 cavalry and 2 batteries. However, Lady Die is interfering. The Brunswickers will all be on the table by move 3, and all come on the right had side, north of the chuuch. The Austrians start move 1 with their artillery reserve coming on opposite the Brunswick cavalry, and then nothing until move 3 when the 2 Grenzer battalions appear by the convent.
They then have nothing until move 6 when two infantry and two cavalry brigades (and their command element) come on. Regrettably for the Austrians this will in the narrow space between the convent and the road to the south – except for the Cuirassiers whose landing point is to the north of the bridge which has caused much consternation.
Move 1: The Brunswick cavalry entered mid table and headed for the crossroads. Other side of the table, the heavy Austrian artillery reserve ambled on.
Move 2: The Brunswick cavalry, seeing the Austrian artillery picked up their pace. The Austrian artillery seeing a horde of black clad riders advancing at them with malice in their hearts, promptly about turned and removed themselves from the table.
The Brunswick infantry start deploying.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239847339_9f2a86c643.jpg) The Brunswick Corps - cavalry in the front, light infantry on the road and line infantry beyond. Out of shot is the Advance Guard Battalion on the right of the picture.
Move 3: The Brunswick infantry continue to advance. The Advance Guard Battalion heading for the woods, and the Light Brigade moving to take the bridge. The centre is held by the Line Brigade.
Meanwhile the two Austrian Grenzer battalions enter by the Convent. Fortunately for their health, they get neither a "mad charge" nor a "rest up" attitude, and deploy one battalion in the Convent.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239847489_67646857c0.jpg)Teh Grenzer arrive
Move 4 & 5: The Brunswickers continue to deploy.
Move 6: The Grenzer commander can now breathe a sigh of relief. To his right, his Divisional Commander comes on board with the light dragoons. They are 2 big regiments (60 figure each) so impede the following infantry.
At the same time, the Cuirassier brigade arrives on the wrong side of the river. (Although they they for "do something sensible", I wasn't sure what that meant. So I decided to throw one die per move that the opposite side of the bridge was not in possession of friendly forces - 1 to 3 hold, 4-6 Charge!!!)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54240026860_1d2277d873.jpg)
The Brunswick cavalry is masking the convent and the bridge as the light infantry prepares its attack on the Convent. The Brunswick artillery starts to bombard the deploying Austrian cavalry.
Move 7 The Austrian Light cavalry deploys, and in response the Brunswick line Brigade goes into square. The Cavalry takes from the Brunswick artillery.
Behind the cavalry, the Austrian Grenadiers from the Reserve arrive. Behind them still off table are the line infantry awaiting their turn.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54240026445_63d9a0fc04.jpg)
At the end of move 7, the Austrian Cuirassiers and the Brunswick cavalry hold each other in check. The light battalions of each army begin to fight over possession of the convent, and the Brunswick Line brigade is held in place by the threat of the Austrian light cavalry, whilst the Austrian infantry begin to arrive.
To be continued.
:-SS
Really nice
This one is playing out very interestingly
Good stuff fsn.
As others have observed, your battles are great, straight out of one of the classic 60's or 70's wargaming books.
That bridge has seen a lot of action in the last couple of games! :)
Quote from: pierre the shy on 01 January 2025, 10:24:11 PMAs others have observed, your battles are great, straight out of one of the classic 60's or 70's wargaming books.
I'm going to take that as a compliment.
Charles Grant was a great influence on me. His battles with Hilton Hunt miniatures all marching across the table, filled my youthful heart with inspiration.
Move 8
The Brunswick light infantry begin to (rather easily) expel the Grenzer battalion from the convent. The 2nd Grenzer battalion forms to support its sister unit - being opposed by a heavy skirmish screen from a 2nd Brunswick battalion.
The Brunswick line brigade in square prepares the receive the attack of the Austrian light cavalry.
Ominously, two Austrian Grenadier battalions tramp on behind the cavalry.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54241338417_a38f22f13b.jpg)
Move 9
At last! Some Austrian artillery arrives behind the Grenadiers, as does the first regiment of infantry. Better still Gyulai gallops past the infantry regiment to take command. He plans for hiss mass of infantry to bypass the convent and head for the main body of the Light Brigade. he sends a galloper to the Genzer to "get your brown coated ruffians out of the way", and one to the Light Cavalry ordering them keep the Line Brigade fixed in place. He has no way of communicating with the Cuirassiers, who are now even less inclined to charge over the bridge with Brunswickers on both side of the road.
Meanwhile, the first Austran Light Cavalry attack goes in against the Brunswick squares.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54242247131_fd56b830ff.jpg)
Move 10
The Austrian light cavalry draw off, disorganised.
At the Convent, the Grenzer begin to withdraw and the Brunswick light infantry follow. Is this a good idea?
The Austrian infantry form in attack columns, directed at the middle of the Brunswick light infantry brigade.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54241359682_6d3fea81bd.jpg)
Move 11
The first Austrian light cavalry begins to reform, whilst the second puts in a flaccid attack - taking fire from the Advance Guard battalion in the woods. The three Austrian infantry masses begin their attack.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54241362077_8ede8177b9.jpg)
With the Line Brigade effectively stymied by the Light Cavalry, one light battalion being assaulted 6 Austrian battalions and another light battalion in danger of being cut off in a fruitless defence of the Convent, the Duke of Brunswick orders a retreat.
Austrian Victory
Yes, I stop games when a decisive point has been reached. The one battalion of the Light Brigade (64 figures) has 540 Austrian closing steadily. They would pause only long enough for the battalion in the Convent to extricate itself, then withdraw screened by the cavalry. The line brigade would retire covered by the Advance Guard using the woods and church to stave off the Austrian cavalry.
The Austrian cuirassiers would take a few moves to cross the bridge and assemble, though they'd have to wait for the infantry to clear the way first.
Next up: Quarter Final 3 - Wurttemberg vs Britain
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
A great looking game, particularly the three Austrian infantry masses
It makes complete sense to stop a game when the point of decision has been reached. In your case it should be easy to agree this with your opponent ;)
Quote from: fsn on 02 January 2025, 11:08:59 AMI'm going to take that as a compliment.
It was certainly intended to be :)
A cool second half to the game - I did think the Brunswick early deployment would help them, but they didn't seem able to get to grips with the few early Austrians. Then it just seemed that the Austrian steam roller arrived - all 500 of them :o
I assume you are using the 'put everything on the table' method of army selection? So those that have been favoured in the painting and buying stages, get more numbers on the table?
Quote from: fred. on 02 January 2025, 07:35:52 PMA cool second half to the game - I did think the Brunswick early deployment would help them, but they didn't seem able to get to grips with the few early Austrians. Then it just seemed that the Austrian steam roller arrived - all 500 of them :o
You're quite right. The Grenzers were not going to do much on their own, and the key was the Austrian light cavalry arriving which hampered the movement of Brunswick line brigade. Even I was impressed and/or depressed (depending on which side of the table I was) when I saw the massed Austrian infantry!
Quote from: fred. on 02 January 2025, 07:35:52 PMI assume you are using the 'put everything on the table' method of army selection? So those that have been favoured in the painting and buying stages, get more numbers on the table?
I do try and have armies of about the same strength, but keep the "flavour" of the original. The Austrians are cavalry heavy, and the Russians have lots of artillery. The Swedes fielded 780 infantry, 120 cavalry and 3 batteries; the Danes 795, 100 and 4. I base each one on a named order of battle. The Swedes from Leipzig, the Danes from Sehested.
The Brunswick Corps (from 1815) suffers from being historically so small- only 512 infantry, 90 cavalry and 2 batteries.
Quarter Final 3 Wurttemberg vs Great Britain
I've trimmed down the British here to have the same sort of size as the Wurttembergers - 3 infantry and 2 cavalry brigades. The difference will be that the British have a Corps Commander (Hill) as well as two divisional commanders (Clinton and Coleville) which should give them some freedom from Lady Die.
Move 1 von Koch's Wurttenberg brigade came on by Ghost farm. The KGL brigade of du Plat march on at the opposite corner.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248958475_d3e792c89a.jpg) The 4 battalions of the KGL start
Move 2 du Plat seems indifferent to the advancing Wurttembergers and carries on with his country walk. This seems to annoy von Koch, who decides to attack.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54247641017_cafaca7659.jpg) The 4th & 5th Wurttemberg regiments make for the KGL
Move 3 von Koch chivvies his units into attack column, whilst the KGL move on serenely, their support artillery making it onto the table.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248538426_d2a671dfc8.jpg)
Elsewehere, mid-table von Hugel with the 1st and 2nd Regiments move on the road. At the other end of the road, the British heavy cavalry brigade of Ponsonby sight the Wurttembergers and immediately decide to attack. (Who'd have thunk?)
Move 4
von Hugel's brigade has the road blocked, so the light brigade of von Brusselle can't come on the table yet. However, the Divisional commander von Franquemont gallops past the stalled bridade to give von Hugel some sage advice.
A Wurttemberg light cavalry brigade also appears - wrong side of the bridge.
For the British, division commander Clinton arrive by the church, leading the light brigade of Adam.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248779073_c88ba2d313.jpg) British light infantry and Rifles of Adam's brigade
As the 1st Dragoons form into line, the 2nd British Dragoons appear behind them. Ponsonby chivvies them into line.
Move 5
At Ghost Farm, the Wurttemberg columns move solemnly to attack. The 1st KGL Battalion turns smartly to line and begins steady volley fire. Meanwhile, the remaining KGL battalions continue as if on a Sunday parade at Hyde Park, du Plat waving them on whist nonchalantly smoking a cigar.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248968045_a7d3a4493e.jpg)
Daddy Hill leads 4th Division Commander Colville and Mitchell's brigade between Adam's brigade and the cavalry.
The Wurttemberg ChL, obviously having more gumption/bravery/stupidity than the Austrian Cuirassiers from the last battle, begin to cross the bridge. The British 1D, pausing briefly, see a new, closer, weaker target than and infantry brigade, and begin to roll down on the disorganised Wwurtembergers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248792639_c396ddb6c3.jpg)
End of Move 5
We seem to have three balanced, yet separate actions. By the bridge, the plucky Wurttemberg light cavalry will have a tough fight against the British heavies.
In the middle, the bulk of the British infantry will face off against the bulk of the Wurttemberg infantry.
By Ghost Farm, the KGL seem to be very unconcerned by the approaching Wurttemberg brigade.
Still to come on are a British light cavalry brigade (Vandeleur's Light Dragoons), the 2nd Wurttemberg light cavalry brigade (which is stuck behind the first) and the Wurttemberg light infantry (which is patiently waiting for von Hugel's troops to get out the way.)
To be continued ...
Ooooh you tease! 8)
:-SS
*Grump*
I've had a bad few days. I've lost my notes from the Brits vs Wurttemberg game, and the photos I took of the end of it and the Bavaria / Poland game have disappeared into the ether. Bavaria won.
The rest of the Brits vs Wurttemberg will not have the move by move description, I'll do it in the three separate areas.
In the south, by Ghost Farm, the KGL brigade performed perfectly. The 1st Bttn delivered controlled volleys into the advancing columns, as the 2nd Bttn moved perfectly to flank the Wurttemberg columns, each company coming into line and pouring fire as they could. Caught by foire from 2 directions, the first Wurttemberg battalion checked. The second stumbled. The KGL charged and the two leading Wurttemberg units broke and ran; causing the following battalions to become disordered and easy prey for the advancing KGL.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54272413862_cc347d49d5.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54273301481_37f1b090c6.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54273548344_864a115088.jpg)
In the centre, the British heavy cavalry brigade continued in "charging at everything". The Scots Greys assaulted the Wurttemberg square, whilst the following 6th Dragoons spotted an undeployed artillery battery, and hurled themselves at it. Although the Scots Greys were eventually thrown back by the square, the British Light Dragoon brigade had deployed to take over the assault. Meanwhile, the 6th, having gone behind the square were in a position to threaten the rear of the main body of the Wurttembergers.
Meanwhile, the British light infantry brigade deployed skirmishers and then thickened up into line, causing the von Hugels's second regiment (ironically the 2nd) some casualties and consternation. Von Hugel's men started taking fire from two battalions of the 95th Rifles, and von Hugel fell prey to one of these sharpshooters.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54273332606_7e2c87969a.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54273578404_fcf328f028.jpg)
At the bridge, the British 1st Dragoons threw over the Wurttemberg Cheveau Legers, but followed them over the bridge. The second Wurttemberg regiment had deployed and counter charged, throwing the British back in disorder. Fortunately, the British light dragoons were in a position to support and the bridge became a stalemate.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54273332661_9788e1bf57.jpg)
The Wurttemberg right had been destroyed by the KGL. The left was in stalemate with the British cavalry over the bridge, and the centre was being attacked by both cavalry and infantry, with a regiment of British heavy cavalry reforming in the Wurttemberg rear.
Worse still for von Franquemont, British artillery was close to being deployed against the juicy target of the infantry square. He clapped his spurs to his horse and led his battered troops off the field.
That's the last of the quarter finals. The semi finals are set as Sweden vs Austria and Britain vs Bavaria.
I am fed up with that *%"*&ing bridge, so I have decided to do a new map for the semis - with no *%"*&ing bridges.
Is that a technical term for the bridge, or the bridge near the village of...
Quote from: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 18 January 2025, 07:22:50 PMIs that a technical term for the bridge, or the bridge near the village of...
I think it is something similar to a swinging bridge.
Quote from: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 18 January 2025, 07:22:50 PMIs that a technical term for the bridge, or the bridge near the village of...
I believe the correct term (since Jan 1st 2021) is "that Fugging bridge". The inhabitants having grown tired of having their signs stolen and the general merriment of the English speaking world at their village's previous name. ;) :) :)
Another great looking game :-bd =D> :-bd =D>
Quote...
In the south, by Ghost Farm, the KGL brigade performed perfectly...
As is to be expected
I hope this week improves and fighting where there isn't a bridge seems eminently sensible
Last weekend I fought the two semi finals - no photos unfortunately - but there is a new table which has a grand total of zero bridges. My device has been replaced, and I'm fighting the final this weekend.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54286590984_18a1361456.jpg)
Semi-Final 1: Sweden vs Austria
The Swedes stormed onto the table, the three infantry and one cavalry brigade entering the table at different but close points around the middle of the left side of the table (green 12-16). The infantry quickly took the high ground in the upper part of the table, and were able to form up in an almost leisurely fashion whist waiting for the Austrians. Meanwhile, the cavalry trotted to the southern hill to take control of that as well.
The Austrians (bless 'em) had only their light infantry appear on move 1, at yellow 18, so they had to spend a bit of time working their way through the trees. Fortunately for the brigade, they also threw a "1", which is a "do not do anything" command, so they took off their packs and enjoyed the sunshine for a while.
By the time the Austrian infantry began to meander on, the Swedes were set to take them under artillery fire, and the Swedish cavalry, finding the Austrian light infantry apparently disinclined to move, came down like a wolf on the fold of the bemused Austrians and routed the first brigade.
Victory to the Swedes.
Semi Final 2: Britain vs Bavaria
The British army, if fully deployed would be nearly twice as large as the Bavarian, so I trimmed it to be about the same size.
The British infantry made it on fairly early, on Green 2 to Green 4, so quickly took the southern high ground. The two heavy cavalry brigades also were on the table by move 3, coming in a bit further north, either side of the buildings at Green 12.
Early signs of the Bavarians were the light cavalry at yellow 7 and yellow 4. As the cavalry made its way south, the infantry dripped in. The first brigade coming on move 4 at yellow 15 - right under the muskets of the prepared British infantry. Well, that didn't go well for the Cornflower Blues.
Meanwhile, the middle of the table saw a clash of cavalry. Despite being outnumbered, Somerset's Household Cavalry threw themselves at the first Bavarian brigade, and put it to flight, then were counter charged by the second Bavarian brigade and only saved by the timely intervention of Ponsonby's heavies.
By now, the British Rocket Troop had made its way through the woods at Green 8, and into a position to begin a lethal fireworks display (mostly) against the Bavarian infantry, which was enough to discourage the Bavarian National Infantry (Militia) who suddenly remembered they had business elsewhere.
Victory to the British.
The Final will be Sweden vs Britain
Hmmm. Both of these battles were dictated by the victor having plenty time to get on the table in a reasonably concentrated way, whilst the loser was late, and certainly for the Bavarians thrown in piecemeal.
I am contemplating having all troops on the table for the final.
Perhaps allow each army to deploy half their troops at the start of the game, then roll for the rest? Avoids the no-one has turned up issue, but still gives some variability?
Fred's suggestion seems eminently sensible :)