Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: DintheDin on July 15, 2018, 10:37:24 PM
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For Bridgehead - Fighting Retreat scenario, please go to bottom of p.4
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=110718.45
For Advance Guard scenario, please go to p.3
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=110718.30
Demolish the Bridge
Last Saturday Miltiades and I played a very exciting SYW game with Honours of War rules, based on a Charles Grant scenario.
I found it at the excellent wargamer teasers blog
https://steve-the-wargamer.blogspot.com/p/word-document-jpgs-of-original-article.html
the scenario was "Bridge demolition".
Our scenario version, goes like that:
1758 somewhere in Germany. An invading French force is threatening to capture a strategically important bridge.
Lieutenant General of the Prussian Engineers Michael von Milten is ordered to take a small force and prevent the French reach the bridge, while his engineers will be preparing the bridge demolition.
The river is impassable in all places except the bridge.
A village with wooden houses (soft cover) is astride the river.
The Prussian forces are already on the table, most of them in march columns on the road leading to the bridge.
Two Prussian cavalry regiments and a Jäger battalion have already taken positions in front of the bridge.
The French forces enter the table from points A and B (see the map).
The Prussian forces:
Commander: Lieutenant General von Milten
1 Regiment Kürassiere (small, superior)
1 Regiment Dragoner (standard)
3 Line infantry regiments (standard, superior for fire only)
1 Jäger battalion (standard)
2 Leichte Artillerie Batterien (standard)
1 Ingenieure Battallion (small, inferior)
Break at 4,5
The French forces:
The French numbers 9 pieces of paper and draws one each round.
On an odd number, the force written enters the table from point A.
On an even number, from point B.
Commander: Brigadier General Dinois d' Antoin, compte de Milfeuille - with the first group entering from point A
Sub-Commander: Major Armand de La Folie - with the first group entering from point B
The nine groups are:
1. 2 Line Infantry Battalions (standard)
2. 1 Light Artillery Battery (standard)
3. 1 Light artillery Battery (standard)
4. 1 Light Infantry Battalion (standard)
5. 1 Chevaulegers Regiment (standard)
6. 2 Grenadier battalions (superior)
7. 1 Gendarmes Regiment (standard)
8. 1 Line Inf Battalion (standard), 1 Grenadiers (small, superior)
9. 1 Hussars regiment (standard, inferior)
Break at 6
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Here is our table setup, the Prussian forces strung on the road, the cavalry regiments and the Jäger battalion, as a screening force in front of the bridge. The bridge? Errr, it is coming! lol
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Round one and the Gendarmes Ecossais enter from point B.
The Prussian cuirassiers rush to anticipate them, while the first Prussian line infantry takes positions in the village.
In the last picture, a Prussian infantry column passes in front of a Hovels house nicely painted by Miltiades.
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The engineers at work.
The scenario says:
Game rounds: 18
At the end of Firing phase on Round 12, von Milten receives a message that the bridge is ready for demolition.
On a d6, we have the following:
6 or 5: Bridge is ready for demolition, any time you order, Sire!
4 or 3: Fuse problem - we need one more round to re-wire!
2: Disaster! Two barrels of powder dumped in the water, we need two more rounds to be ready!
1: Sergeant Dumpkopff lit the fuse prematurely and the bridge is demolished without warning!
Every unit 5cm from the bridge take 2 hits! The engineers on a 1,2,3 are done for!
On any round the Prussian player (end of firing phase) decides to blow the bridge, the game is over.
The Prussians gain 3 victory points for the bridge demolition, but lose one point for every unit left at the other side. So, after round 12 when theoretically the bridge will be undermined, they have the time to pull back any unit left at the other side, before blowing the bridge.
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Table Top Teasers , we,ve had many a good game using them over the years . The table and figures look terrific, Dinos . 👍
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Table Top Teasers , we,ve had many a good game using them over the years . The table and figures look terrific, Dinos . 👍
Thank you! I found many exciting and balanced scenarios, I would like to play them all ;D
Yesterday it was too hot a night to finish this AAR, I'll continue when I return home. Cheers!
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Von Milten summons his Dragoons to aid the Cuirassiers vs the Gendarmes
Although the game was set for 18 rounds, its flow was very quick. Few units from every side, so no brigade dicing was needed.
The only dicing needed was for move and fire initiative and the players played one unit alternately.
The commanders (one from the Prussian and two from the French side) were useful to remove hits when near a unit in need.
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Von Milten's infantry troops while marching to take positions in front of the bridge
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Second and third round and Compte Dinois enter with 2+2 infantry battalions from point A, a small grenadier battalion leading the columns. On the fourth round they deploy out of Prussian long range musketry. The Prussian Jäger are lurking in the woods, the French need quickly their light troops to enter the table (they were late ::) )
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The cavalry clash. The advantage is on the side of the Prussians.
The Gendarmes take 4 hits and retreat.
The Prussian cuirassiers take three hits, dice unwilling to follow up in an uncontrolled advance and manage to remain in place.
Both sides remained in a safe distance to recover.
Every round that passes the French forces are stronger, as one or two units enter from point A or B.
But the French must attack the village as soon as possible, before round 12.
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The grenadiers approach the Prussian infantry in musketry range, Over the river the Prussian artillery start firing long range shots to the second French infantry unit. The Dragoons turn about face threatening a flank attack on the grenadiers. But at the same time, the Gendarmes come back, ready to charge the cuirassiers. This round, two infantry columns of grenadiers entered from point B and they are already following the Gendarmes!
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The French line infantry battalions following the grenadiers, meet their own problems:
They receive harassment from the Jägers and roundshot from the two Prussian batteries.
Unable to come closer to help the grenadiers, turn their attention to the woods.
The Prussian artillerists did a good job throughout the game.
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The small grenadier battalion manage in two rounds, with very accurate fire to put the first Prussian infantry out of the game!
Another Prussian battalion takes its place in front of the bridge.
Round by round the engineers are undermining the bridge. They must be protected until the critical round 12.
The Dragoons attack the grenadiers and the Cuirassiers charge the Gendarmes (countercharging)
The battle starts heating up!
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While l'Infanterie Royal exchange potshots with the Jägers in the woods, the Chasseurs de Fischer (background) enter the table from point A. The Jägers are in danger to be captured, so next round they disengage and head for the village.
Bad news for the Prussians:
The dragoons charged frontally the small Grenadier battalion with no charge bonus, receive 5 hits and disperse.
The Cuirassiers vs the Gendarmes after two melees in the same round exterminate each other!
For the moment, two and a half Prussian units lost to one French.
Will the Prussians be able to demolish the bridge on time?
The next consecutive rounds, the French player picks randomly the remaining slips of paper and his last units enter with this order:
Round 6 a light artillery battery from point A.
Round 7 a Chevaulegers regiment from point B.
Round 8 a light artillery battery from point B.
Round 9 The Hussars from point A
All of them much needed, but too late to play a major role in the battle.
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Somehow, the Prussians take a revenge.
The small grenadier unit receive fire from the village. L'Infanterie du Roi receive crossfire from the Jägers and the light artillery.
Both receive 4 hits and retreat for two consecutive rounds, not finding a proper place to reform.
When they recover, it will be proved for them as well that it was to late to actively participate in the battle.
These Jäger sharpshhoters were a real nuisance!
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Von Milten, although a Lieutenant General of the Engineer Corps, uses very aggressive tactics, walking on the knife's edge!
If the bridge explodes before the friendly units to retreat, all Prussians left at the wrong side of the river will be captured!
Here is brave Von Milten encouraging his troops to endure the French assault on the village!
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The elite battalions of Grenadiers Royaux and Grenadiers du Roi are determined to take the village!
Drums beating and drapeaux flying, they march a la Gloire!
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The French tighten their noose around the village!
As the Grenadiers approach at musket close range, von Milten acts wisely and pulls back his second infantry battalion.
The Jägers also exchange some loose shots with the Chasseurs de Fischer and fall back...
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Round 11
The Grenadiers Royaux assisted by the Grenadiers de France assault the village!
They cause a good number of casualties but they fall to the last man!
The Jägers cross the bridge back to safety at the nick of the time!
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Round 12
The Grenadiers de France avenge their comrades!
Their attack is successful and the third Prussian battalion is done for!
The front half of the village is taken and the engineers are in great danger to be attacked!
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End of turn 12 and the Prussian player must dice for the fate of the bridge.
Let us recap:
On a d6, we have the following:
6 or 5: Bridge is ready for demolition, any time you order, Sire!
4 or 3: Fuse problem - we need one more round to re-wire!
2: Disaster! Two barrels of powder dumped in the water, we need two more rounds to be ready!
1: Sergeant Dumpkopff lit the fuse prematurely and the bridge is demolished without warning!
A nail biting moment, as the fate of the game is hanging on a die throw!
So it seems that Sergeant Dumpkopff was dismissed to go foraging and Lieutenant Blitzmann was entrusted to light the fuse...
Miltiades brought a 6!
A flash and a great blast and bricks and splinters fly sky high! The bridge is demolished! Game over!
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The result
The French won 3,5 Victory Points. Half reg. of Cuirassiers, the regiment of Dragoons and 2 Prussian Line Infantry battalions were done for.
The Prussians won 3 Victory Points annihilating the Gendarmes and two infantry battalions, plus 3 VP for demolishing the bridge.
A clear win 6-3,5 for the Prussians.
But things could be different. The Prussians were just one unit far from collapsing.
Some probable different outcomes:
-If they had diced differently for the bridge demolition, the French could have captured the bridge.
-While working, the engineers received one hit. Before the 12th round, in case they were left uncovered by their comrades, they could have received 4 hits and abandon the bridge, losing several rounds to reform. Or killed, so the Prussians had to prevent the French crossing the bridge till the 18th round, just to claim a tie.
-One of the last Prussian units retreating through the bridge could have been caught at the wrong side of the river and captured.
It was an exciting game with an ending result open till the last moment!
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So it seems that Sergeant Dumpkopff was dismissed to go foraging and Lieutenant Blitzmann was entrusted to light the fuse...
Miltiades brought a 6!
A flash and a great blast and bricks and splinters fly sky high! The bridge is demolished! Game over!
...wonderful report Din the Din ! Yes I was lucky. But it was a thrillerand for a moment I thought I could never hold the French tide ... A very exciting scenario, I would like to play again. I recommend it to anyone interested in a small but very hot action like this.
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...wonderful report Din the Din ! Yes I was lucky. But it was a thrillerand for a moment I thought I could never hold the French tide ... A very exciting scenario, I would like to play again. I recommend it to anyone interested in a small but very hot action like this.
Pal, you made the right moves the right time! I'm glad you liked it! Charles Grant's scenarios have a great potential and are food for thought for several other actions!
I am happy that we played such a good game and thank you for taking some nice photos in the most crucial moments!
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15mm engineers/miners?
As you may have noticed, I had not proper figures for engineers, but I'm sure there must be someone who makes.
I would be interested to paint some engineers/miners as I plan a number of siege scenarios.
If any LAF fellow knows a company that produces 15mm engineers or miners for the Marlburian/WAS/SYW period, even for the siege of Vienna 1683, please let me know!
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That is a WONDERFULLY inspiring battle report. It brings back memories of a similar affair from the distant days of my gaming. VERY WELL DONE!
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That is a WONDERFULLY inspiring battle report. It brings back memories of a similar affair from the distant days of my gaming. VERY WELL DONE!
It is a great joy to learn that I triggered such memories to a seasoned wargamer! Cheers!
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great battle report ;-)
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great battle report ;-)
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
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15mm engineers/miners?
As you may have noticed, I had not proper figures for engineers, but I'm sure there must be someone who makes.
I would be interested to paint some engineers/miners as I plan a number of siege scenarios.
If any LAF fellow knows a company that produces 15mm engineers or miners for the Marlburian/WAS/SYW period, even for the siege of Vienna 1683, please let me know!
I'm extremely glad I received an answer from Black Hat Miniatures!
https://www.blackhat.co.uk/product/wss20-engineering-party/
They are just what I needed! I'll put my order the sooner possible!
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Some more of our games with Honours of War rules:
Lobositz
leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=109572.0
Simbach WAS 1743
http://honoursofwar.com/thread/522/simbach-dindin
Pfaffenhofen WAS 1745
http://honoursofwar.com/thread/524/pfaffenhofen-1745-dindin
Russo-Turkish 1768, siege
http://honoursofwar.com/thread/516/honours-russo-turkish-1768-siegeWar
The Valley of Tears. A WAS scenario French vs Austrian
http://honoursofwar.com/thread/528/valley-tears-scenario-french-austrian
SYW French vs Allies
http://honoursofwar.com/thread/530/syw-french-allies-big-game
WAS Weissenburg 1744, French vs Austrian
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=111405.0
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Dinos , I hope you and all your family are safe , I,m thinking about you mate .
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Dinos , I hope you and all your family are safe , I,m thinking about you mate .
Dear friend,
I greatly thank you about your concern, yesterday it was a day of National Mourning, about 80 dead and rising... A great disaster. So sad to say more and no place here to speak about the whys and hows... A wind blowing at 8 Beaufort at times...
It was far away from our home, we are ok, but I'm worrying about some pals living there.
Thank you again!
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Advance Guard
Original scenario can be found at
http://steve-the-wargamer-teasers.blogspot.com/
Description of the original situation by the author:
"The Red force advance guard, believing the bridge at X to be held by Blue, has orders to move at best speed to take the town at Y.
The taking of the town is only a preliminary, though a necessary, operation prior to an assault on the bridge which is a prime objective.
Blue's force labors under a similar misapprehension in that he believes that Red is already in possession of the town Y and therefore has advance guard orders to secure the bridge at X prior to an assault by the main force on the town.
Each advance guard is to attain its objective by nightfall for the arrival of the main force."
I know well, that for a good number of you fellow veteran and experienced wargamers, these scenarios may be found "deja vu", but for me it is like putting new wine to old bottles - or just the opposite - I'm not quite sure :)
Here is the original scenario map
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Orders of battle (the same for Red and Blue)
1xLight Cavalry Regiment
1xHeavy Cavalry Regiment
3xLine Infantry Battalions
1xLight Infantry Battalion
2xLight Artillery Batteries
Break Point: 5
Heavy Cavalry is considered Superior, all other units Standard.
No national differences, it was a generic scenario and the forces were even in all aspects.
The number of units is quite small to use bigade rules.
Movement and Fire initiative would be diced for each turn, and then units would play from each side alternately.
Only one commander from each side, useful for recovering hit points for the units nearby - his possible loss would not be replaced.
Rounds: 12
Victory conditions:
Break the enemy, or destroy as many units possible antil the battle ends (1 VP each). 1 VP for holding own objective. 2 VP for conquering enemy objective. 1 VP for holding the little forest (in the middle, by the road connecting the two objectives)
Terrain:
Town, Farm walls near the bridge and little forest, count as light cover. (The objective for X was slightly modified, it was to hold the farm walls in front of the bridge)
Reinforcements:
Before starting the game, each player is given 10 numbered cards and draws 2 of them. He doesn't know their content.
He must read and play them before starting turn 6:
(The units will enter from turn 6 unless otherwise stated)
1. 2xLine Infantry Battalions
2. 1xHeavy Cavalry Regiment (Sup), 1xLight Cavalry Regiment
3. 1xLight Cavalry Regiment
4. 1xHeavy Cavalry Regiment (Sup)
5. 1xLine Infantry, Superior, but enters on turn 9
6. 1xHeavy Cavalry Regiment (Sup), but enters on turn 9
7. What is written in your other card, arrives on turn 10. Draw one more card (enters on turn 6).
8. You get nothing! But you gain 1 VP for your heroism!
9. 1xHowitzer battery. +1 against cavalry, town or walled farm.
10. Take another card, or discard the first card also and take two other.
The two objectives:
The small town
The walled farm in front of the bridge
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We played this battle two weeks ago, with Panos Pap.
Panos chose the town side and the Prussians.
I was playing with the French.
A simple table setup, you can see the entry points of the two armies.
The French.
The Prussians.
Playing this scenario, I was convinced for the easiness and flexibility of HoW rules.
Panos did not know anything, and, after three turns he was playing extremely well, in a competent mode, he was also finding time while I was taking my turn to browse through the rules, he even discovered a couple of points to correct me! :o
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Turn three and already the two sides unfold their plans:
I sent two line infantry battalions and one battery to secure the farm, threatened by two Prussian battalions.
Panos was quicker to enter the woods with his Jagers.
My two cavalries and the third line battalion were heading towards the town, opposed by their Prussian counterparts.
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The first encounters
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The Prussians approaching the farm!
The one battalion defended the walls and I shifted the other battalion sideways, so my two batteries (background) could find target!
-to be continued, hopefully in a few hours!
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-Will you stop watching the match and come back to finish the report? Asked my other self.
I preferred to remain silent, my upbringing does not allow me to deal with persons unauthorized to speak to this forum.
Generally, I use not to reply to voices in my head, at least loudly. Or worse, in writing.
My weak link between the two flanks, was my light infantry. Panos' Hussars threatened to charge them, they received canister fire from his battery and the woods were already occupied by his jagers.
I just managed to counter his hussars with mine, but they were evaporated with 5 hits (I inflicted 3).
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There is a firefight between the Prussian battalions and one battery arriving with delay vs my French infantry battalions defending the farm and the bridge. Although I had better odds, two batteries, light cover of the one battalion plus the Prussians were firing on the move, for the moment I achieved slightly more attrition.
My light troops finally managed to infiltrate safely in the woods and exchange harmless pot shots with his jagers.
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Panos' hussars, wounded, fall back to reorganize.
The heavies clash now and I lose also this cavalry battle, taking five hits, inflicting two.
I only managed to deploy the accompanying battalion to line, but it is left alone!
My whole right flank is on the verge to be entirely wiped out!
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Turn 5.
The Prussian battalion exchanges shots with the isolated battalion. Panos turns his heavies to threaten my flank.
Also, his hussars, having recovered one hit, come to the center! Things look grim and dim and my chances slim!
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But, Hurrah!
Finally, with accurate musketry and... canistry I manage to eliminate the two Prussian battalions threatening the farm and the bridge!
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Turn 6 and Panos takes the move initiative!
Before I can react, the Prussian cuirassiers fall to my flank!
His hussars, aided by a manhandled battery, threaten my center!
And my lights are still trapped in the woods...
The outcome of his flank attack? Was not captured by the photo lens...
Miracolo! As the Italians say!
My hapless, poor battalion received total four hits, survived and retreated happily a double move backwards to my baseline!
And the Prussian cuirassiers? Having already got 3 hits, received 2 more and... straight to the box they went!
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Turn 7
One of my two battalions guarding the bridge, dash forward, attack and overrun the Prussian battery!
My two batteries, turn and shoot the Hussars, they receive 4 hits and retreat!
But... wait! I see in the picture a new Prussian Heavy cavalry regiment near the retreating hussars!
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-Will anybody tell us what happened with the reinforcements? Briskly asked my other self.
-Well my lad, I answered politely.
Although you have not sufficient military education to understand the depth of the situation, I thank you for asking, your question was strategically well posed in place and on time!
(At times I had the feeling I have a double personality, but after years of self-knowledge exercise, I may tell you that all three of us are doing perfectly well!)
Scenario reinforcements on turn 6
Before turn 6 to start, the scenario provided us to reveal two previously unknown cards. (Please see scenario settings)
Panos got one Heavy and one Light Cavalry Regiment, entering on turn 6.
I got one Howitzer battery entering on turn 6 and one superior Line Infantry battalion entering on turn 9. >:( :'(
Picture: The situation seen from the French side, in front of the bridge
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My formerly isolated battalion, constantly retreating, managed to stay alive!
Panos was afraid to commit his cavalry to charge, as my howitzer battery (plus one more) was in the vicinity!
After the battle, this battalion added to its battle honours a hare's foot, a horseshoe and a Lucky Clover!
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My Royal Baviere, superior Line Infantry, entered on round 9 but was unable to shoot a single bullet!
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The Prussian cavalry, still pressing the said battalion, still retreating, but recovering hits with the presence of my C-in-C.
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Round 12!
Panos had four units destroyed and I had lost three.
Prussian hussars run back like the wind to secure the town, their main objective.
(Ok, they were not Prussian, but French impressed into the service of this game :D )
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Panos makes his last effort to win the game!
On turn 11 he moved his jagers, a light battery and a Light Horse to attempt to capture the walled farm near the bridge, his secondary objective!
One French battalion attack the audatious Prussian light battery, but are repulsed.
Last picture of the game!
Having taken the move initiative, and before I could react, Panos Husars fall on my Chasseurs de Fischer Light Infantry, the only unit guarding the farm walls! The only other battalion in the area, was unable to move, reforming!
I would not evade with my light troops, the Hussars received a volley, then charged.
The lights stood firm.
The dice were cast. The Hussars received total five hits.
It was Panos fifth and last loss.
Game over. On a razor's edge!
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HoW uses an average die for the hits table, so, it is a rare occasion Panos did not manage to bring a 6! lol
I would like to greatly thank Panos for this game, he is a veteran wargamer, distinguished in competitions here and abroad and it is always a joy to meet him in a game!
And so thrilling this was!
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These Charles Grant scenarios are so well crafted. I remember getting his solo gaming book ("Programmed Wargames" or some title like that) and being amazed at the multitude of options the games had- his terrain generation section was absolutely brilliant.
Aris K.
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I'm slowly and carefully reading the whole lot, trying to adapt a number of them for WAS or SYW.
There will be more gems to be put on the table!
Thank you for commenting!
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I'm late joining this thread but you're preaching to the choir here! CS Grant scenarios and SYW armies- the way things should be done!
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I'm late joining this thread but you're preaching to the choir here! CS Grant scenarios and SYW armies- the way things should be done!
Ok, this is one of the best comments I've ever received, thank you!
I intend to continue this thread as we play another CS Grant scenario, with SYW armies, of course!
Cheers!
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Glad to hear it!
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Glad to hear it!
I will also be glad to hear from you, posting your SYW stuff and battle adventures!
Cheers!
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Bridgehead - Fighting Retreat
Last Saturday, PanosM and I, played a SYW battle with French vs Prussians and British using Honours of War rules.
Bridgehead-Fighting Retreat
Ok, this is not a Charles Grant scenario as I've promised to be putting in this series.
I had seen sometime before a similar setup and I thought about a scenario that had to solve the problem of an orderly retreat through a choke point.
I hope you may find it interesting.
The French army has been beaten in a previous battle and now the French High Command has instructed the leader of the rearguard to make a delay action.
The French commander has ordered a fortified line to be built parallel to a road leading to a town. The town is also fortified.
Ha has also send some skirmishing troops to guard a walled convent.
A regiment of Hussars is posted to his extreme right and another cavalry regiment is kept as a reserve
His infantry is posted along the fortifications together with some light guns.
The guns have ammunition only for 4 rounds, so they must spent it carefully.
The city itself is manned by a grenadier battalion.
The French must make concerted moves so that their units abandon their positions
one by one and make an orderly retreat passing safely via the bridge to the other side of the river.
The road is passing through the city, so the city must be defended until the end.
Much care must be taken so that the units falling back via the bridge keep spaces between them,
it is obvious that any other unit retreating or routing through them will cause a domino effect
of many more panicky units and the bridge will be the choke point.
The Prussian and British advance guard commanders have orders to attack the enemy
by all means and prevent as many French units as possible from crossing the bridge.
Here is a picture as map of the game, viewed from the French side.
The fortified road and town and a walled convent with enclosures for cultivated land.
The approach of the Prussians is covered by a hill.
The Prussian and British guns are limbered on the roads leading to the town and the convent respectively.
The Prussians have orders to press the fortified road and the British to secure the convent and take the town.
If they coordinate their forces it is sure they will succeed, the French won't last long,
they are low in ammunition and every round their defensive perimeter will be shrinking.
If the French are careless, even the Allied cavalries may catch them on the run!
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Order of Battle
French Army
C-in-C
Marechal Dinois d'Antoin, Comte de Millefeuille (Dependable)
Infantry Bde
Colonel Jean-Jacques Sauvequipeut (Dependable)
3xline infantry (small)
1xlight infantry
2xlight artillery (ammunition for 4 rounds only)
BP:4
Independent
1xGrenadiers (superior)
Cavalry Brigade
Gen de Cavallerie M. d'Ithery (Dependable)
1xDragoons (they start dismounted)
1xChevaulegers
Independent
1xHussards large (Inferior)
Army BP:6
Picture viewed from the French side
From left to right:
Three small infantry battalions and two light batteries defending the fortified road.
Grenadiers defending the fortified town
A cavalry regiment in reserve
Light infantry and dismounted dragoons behind the convent walls
Extreme right, one Hussar regiment
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Allied Army
Prussian Contingent
C-in-C
FML Von Munden (Dashing)
Infantry Bde
Oberst Pickel Haube (Dependable)
3xline infantry (superior for fire only)
1xlight infantry-Jagers (rifle)
2xheavy artillery
BP:4
Cavalry Bde
Oberst Helmut Rauppen (Dependable)
2xHussars
British Contingent
C-in-C
Count Mortimer Percy Wigglewaddle the Third (Dashing)
Infantry Bde
Colonel McBawheid (Dependable)
1xelite Fusiliers small (superior)
1xFusiliers (superior for fire only)
2xmedium artillery
BP:3
Cavalry Bde
Lt Colonel O'Doodle (Dependable)
aided by Major Patrick O'Course
2xDragoons
Army BP:8
Picture viewed from the allied side
From left to right:
Two British cavalry regiments
British infantry brigade
British medium artillery batteries, limbered on the road to the convent
Prussian jagers, in front of the Prussian cavalry brigade
Prussian heavy guns, limbered on the road to the town
The Prussian infantry brigade, two battalions in front and one in support
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More about the game
The Allied leaders act as C-in-Cs for their own contingent, at the end of the round they can remove hits from their own units.
The French have one C-in-C
Move Initiative: Allies +1
Fire Initiative: Allies +1
Turns:16
Victory conditions:
The French player must try to retreat all his units via the bridge within the time limit.
Every unit crossing the bridge gets 1 pont. Every unit retreating via the bridge with 4 hits gets 1/2 point.
At the end of the game at least 6 unit-points must have crossed the bridge for the French player to win the game.
One point must be artillery!
In all other situations, the French lose the game.
Special rule:
All French units with 4 or 5 hits, retreat or do their rout move making an informal column which must move via the road, trying to cross the bridge.
(So the bridge will be a choke point which will cause additional problems to the French player)
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The French:
Three infantry battalions behind the fortifications. They are small (depleted from a previous battle, fire and fight with -1)
The light gun batteries have only four rounds of ammunition!
The grenadiers must hold the town at all costs!
The Chasseurs de Fischer Light Infantry and some dismounted dragoons are waiting for the British behind the convent walls
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Opening phase.
The Prussian jagers screening two hussar regiments are cautiously advancing towards the convent.
The French cavalry sneaks in the little copse, trying to find the opportunity to attack the Prussian skirmishers.
The British cavalry redeploying closer to its infantry.
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The British infantry attack the convent.
The French skirmishers and the dismounted dragoons send a volley and evade.
The French commander decided that it would be perilous for his right flank to stand and fight, so next round gives them the order to fall back to the town.
It had to be done now, before the British cavalry to be too near.
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The Prussian infantry emerge on the crest of the hill and the Prussian heavy artillery start pounding the town and the entrenchments.
The French commander holds his light guns until the Prussian lines to enter in canister range.
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The French hussars posted at the extreme right, hidden behind the small woods join the rest of the cavalry falling back to the town.
British cavalry and infantry advancing to secure the convent.
The French line infantry and the grenadiers, ready, waiting for the Allied onslaught.
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The French cavalry regiments cross the bridge. The French commander ordered the skirmishers to stay in the town.
The Prussian lines advancing determinedly
The British infantry scouring the convent enclosures for ambushing French.
The French Hussars keep in safe distance the British cavalry, crossing the obstacles of the convent enclosures.
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First French canister fire and one Prussian battalion falls back with four hits to reform!
The Prussian heavy guns continue to pound the town and the fortifications, with no significant results, for the moment.
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The British continue their advance against the town
The French cavalry brigade cross the bridge. The Hussars are passing through the town road and they will soon join them.
Two in the bag (two units crossed the bridge) and, for the moment, all seems easy for the French commander...
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The British advancing.
Three batteries pounding the fortified town.
Luckily, the Grenadiers have received only one hit till now.
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Second Prussian attack!
The small French battalions defend doggedly, they don't flinch an inch!
(Ok, the dice performed miracles :D)
Canister and melee cause one Prussian battalion done for and another to retreat with four hits!
Now that the Prussians have been repulsed for a second time and gun ammo depleting, the French C-in-C decides that it is time the line battalions to start an orderly retreat. The leftmost French battalion forms column. Also one of the two light gun batteries is limbering.
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Von Munden gives orders for a third Prussian attack!
One Prussian battalion is repulsed again with four hits!
Ce sont fous ces Français! o_o
(My dice luck went skyhigh)
The battalion column and the limbered battery find time, protected behind their colleagues still fighting, to make their way towards the town
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Artillery pounding the town from one side, the British battalion makes a supported assault on the town!
Here, the French player made a liiiittle mistake. 8)
He had decided to withdraw the skirmishers aiding to the town defense.
The Grenadiers de France manage to repulse the British with four hits but take also four hits and they abandon the town!
The town is undefended! If the British capture the town, the rest of the French units will find their way to the bridge blocked, will be trapped and the French will meet a disastrous defeat!
Waiting the start of the next round who will take the move initiative!
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The British elite fusiliers capture the town!
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Some great looking games with fun scenarios. Planning on doing the bridge demolition one soon.
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While the Grenadiers de France try to reform, the French are compelled to retake the town! One small battalion assaults the elite fusileers!
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Some great looking games with fun scenarios. Planning on doing the bridge demolition one soon.
Thank you!
Now we come to the peak of the action, please stay tuned!
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The French left is in a total mess!
The batteries limbered, battalions already having taken some hits, the leftmost battalion stepping back to cover the retreat from the oncoming Prussian infantry and a brave battalion trying to retake the town...
The dice gods were French again! In an epic fight, both battalions receive five hits and are done for!
The town is a no man's land again!
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The French battalion in full rout, passes through other friendly units causing hits! Comte Dinois stayed nearby the Grenadiers de France and at the end of the turn one hit is healed. But the grenadiers are still not in condition to march against the town...
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Next round the move initiative goes to the French and the Chasseurs de Fischer are in the town!
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One more battalion with four hits manage to cross the bridge (1/2 point for the French)
The Grenadiers are still recovering.
One light battery unlimbers to unleash its last round.
The other battery has already spent its ammunition and the best it can do is to leave the table.
The left flank is disorganised and the enemy is coming from three sides!
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Having just unlimbered, the light battery receive a pell-mell attack by a column of Prussian hussars!
The canister fire caused them two hits.
In the ensuing hand-to-hand fight, the brave French cannoneers manage to repulse the hussars with four hits, but they died defending their cannons... One French battery is lost.
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At the same time, the French du Roi battalion receive a withering fire from two Prussian battalions and must retreat with four hits!
The French are very near to lose the battle!
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The Grenadiers de France will save the day?
While the Chasseurs de Fischer do their best to keep busy the British surrounding the town, the Grenadiers have fully recovered and ready to return to battle!
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The Grenadiers de France reenter the town!
The remaining French battery makes a safe passage to the other side of the river.
The Prussian infantry are closing, too!
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4 and a half in the bag!
The French need 1 and a half unit point to win the game!
But their two remaining active units are defending the town and the enemy is coming from three sides!
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The British, enraged, make a last assault, aided by the Prussian jagers.
In the ensuing firefight the Chasseurs de Fischer receive four hits and have to retreat... They managed to cross the bridge so half more point to the French.
Also four hits to the jagers who have to retreat.
Will the Grenadiers live to see victory? Or they will die heroically selling their skin dearly in a last stand?
Oh! The French die gods have overdid it!
In a fierce melee the British infantry is done for, but the grenadiers are still standing in the town!
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Now, it is the time for the Prussians to test their chance against this bloodied town...
A fierce melee... Fighting in the streets and from house to house!
The clinging of bayonets, the cries of the wounded, the officer's commands, the flash of a musket shot and all is covered by a thick black smoke...
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...and...
MIRACLE!
The Prussian battalion is done for and the Grenadiers de France remain masters of the town!
Von Munden admits that a new attack is futile...
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Drums beating and banners flying the Grenadiers de France cross the bridge to safety!
The sixth winning point for the French!
La victoire est a nous!
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Now that was an exciting AND WONDERFULLY cinematic game. You captured the flow of combat splendidly with a fine narration & all those beautiful photos. It brought back memories of games & friend of long ago. VERY WELL DONE!
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Now that was an exciting AND WONDERFULLY cinematic game. You captured the flow of combat splendidly with a fine narration & all those beautiful photos. It brought back memories of games & friend of long ago. VERY WELL DONE!
Thank you! This battle was full of excitement and joy and I am extremely glad that I managed to convey a portion of this!
Thank you that you took the time to read the text - I always tend to be a chatterer :D
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Sounds like a well-balanced scenario!
I really like the "convent". It's a simple but elegant idea, and works beautifully.
Aris K.
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Sounds like a well-balanced scenario!
I really like the "convent". It's a simple but elegant idea, and works beautifully.
Aris K.
Thank you Aris! It was a conventional idea, I may say lol