Somewhere in Surrey, Spring 1875....AAR 2, page 3...!

[Malamute]

After the victory at Little Snoring the Prussian high command surprised the British did not put up much of a fight decide to press the attack and move imediately to seize the signal box and train track at Effingham Junction.
The British anticipating this attach have sent a company of regular troops from the 31st Regiment of foot to hold the position until relieved along with the remnants of the Guildford Cricketers and the Second Royal Surrey Regiment of Volunteers. The Dorking Volunteer artillery have managed to secure another light gun, this time a 4pdr to replace he one lost at Little Snoring...

The battle lines: The British to the left holding the level crossing and signal box.The Prussians advance from the right this time supported by a unit of hussars.



The Second Royal Surrey Volunteers and the 31st Regiment of foot guard the train line with a command unit adjacent and the Guildford Cricketers guarding the signal box.



Narrowly escaping capture hours earlier ILN reporters Archibald Harris-Hampton, Jean Paul Biro and photographer Stanley Still stand by to record the days events.



The Prussians waste no time in moving forward, the Jaegers take up a position behind a low stone wall and open fire on the British barricades, whilst in the distance the 3rd Brandenberg (Zieten) Hussars ride out on the flank.



Stanley Still and Jean paul Biro decide the church tower will provide a better vantage point to record the battle.



Being a dashing Hussar in a splendid red uniform does have its advantages, Miss Iona Trimbush the vicars daughter stops to say hello not realising these red coats are the enemy...!



To be continued...

[Sterling Moose]

Beautiful!!! Cracking looking campaign tables, and VSF too!  10/10   

[Constable Bertrand]

Those hussars do look dashing indeed, no wonder the Vickers daughter poped out for a looksey.

Wonderful terrain Malamute it looks rather beautiful and seamless.

[Malamute]

Those hussars do look dashing indeed, no wonder the Vickers daughter poped out for a looksey.

Wonderful terrain Malamute it looks rather beautiful and seamless.

Thanks Bertie, although I cant take credit for the buildings and the railway they are the work of that twisted genius OSHIROmodels. The terrain boards are mine as are the walls and the bridge from the previous scenario. Trees and hedges from Debris of War.

[Malamute]

The 31st regiment of foot open fire on the Prussians. This is the first time they have received disciplined volley fire from enemies who are their equal and the British regulars are equipped with better rifles having a longer range!



Nevertheless the Prussians begin the frontal assault confident in their martial prowess!





Both Prussian companies face withering volley after volley from the British, so the second Company seeks shelter in the church yard.



Meanwhile the Hussars ride around the church and attempt to cross the walls and hedges to attack  from the right flank.



The battle rages on and for a minute the balance shifts in favour of the British as the Prussian infantry attack falters, one company is so shot up it breaks and flees, one of the two jaeger companies are killed to a man, although the remaining jaeger unit manages to take out the gun crew and temporarily forces the British regulars to retire......

TBC.

[flatpack]

Fantastic stuff.
Lovely AAR’s.
Lovely presentation.
Keep up the great work.

[Romark]

"force the regulars to retire " 
Surely it was a strategic withdrawal ? 
Great stuff Nick 

[Malamute]

"force the regulars to retire " 
Surely it was a strategic withdrawal ? 

Depends upon your perspective

[Romark]

Depends upon your perspective

[Yankeepedlar01]

Marvellous tale and splendid pictures.

[Malamute]

The battle continues, the Prussian infantry now down to one company of infantry and one Jaeger unit dig in behind solid stone walls and begin a protracted firefight with the British regulars who are gradually being worn down.

The 3rd Brandenberg Hussars are yet to be tested and having flanked the British line  launch a glorious charge along the railway line and hit the Guildford Cricketers who are defending the signal box.



Surprisingly the Cricketers put up a spirited defence, never has a white picket fence looked so daunting and the hussars are thrown back. But the Hussars weren't giving up, having won the next initiative they charged again. This time the Cricketers were overwhelmed and were declared all out.



Now the balance shifts back in favour of the Prussians, the British command terribly exposed, standing in the open, having just seen the gentleman cricketers put to the sword, lose the initiative again and are charged by the Hussars!



The remains of the 31st Regiment of foot and the 2nd Royal Surrey Volunteers turn to their flank to meet the threat posed by the Hussars:



But to their horror they witness their command cut down by expert sabre wielding horseman:



At this point the thin red line collapses and the remaining infantry retire leaving the field to the Prussians....

But what has become of Stanley Still and Jean Paul Biro stranded in the church tower?




No doubt their adventures and the fate of England will be determined soon...

[Romark]

Excellent batrep,looking forward to lots more 

[Silent Invader]

“The British command terribly exposed, standing in the open….”

Standing in the open? What madness is this? 

[Malamute]

“The British command terribly exposed, standing in the open….”

Standing in the open? What madness is this? 

Well, you know who their senior office is....

[OSHIROmodels]