Mike invited us over to his war-games shed today for another BP fix using his French and Russian forces. Steve C takes the role of his favourites, the French, I had the Russians, whilst Mike adjudicated and provided refreshments !
The table is laid - French on the left, Russians the right of this picture.
The French carabiniers on the right flank
French infantry and guns march onto the battlefield
They have Imperial Guard troops present as the Emperor is here
A line infantry brigade of three battalions and two guns.
A two battalion Russian infantry battalion and one gun are set up on the Russian left flank
Russian infantry in column with the task of taking the farm - part of a three battalion brigade
A Russian brigade of three regiments supported by two guns holds the centre of the line
The Russian hussars, flanked by cuirassiers and dragoons out on the right flank
These are the dragoons and cuirassiers
This farm is a key stronghold dominating left of centre from the Russian position
Alina Murriov has a quiet inn in the village near the farm
The Russian commander needs to be at the top of his game as he is up against Napoleon today
The French moved first and the Young Guard infantry of three battalions advances on the farm just as the Russian column rounds the corner and heads for the farm gateway - the French loose off a volley but the Russians suffer minimal casualties
The Russian general gets two guns set up and firing at the front of the cornfield as two infantry battalions move up ready to support their men who have dashed for the farm.
Meantime, the Russian infantry on the left of the farm charge the Young Guard infantry in the flank
Amazingly, the French win the first combat and despite being hit in the flank - the fight must continue. But the Russians have managed to occupy the farm.
We have moved the large tree to give a better view of the Russian attack !
Right at the outset, the French carabiniers had tried to charge the left hand Russian gun. They succeed on their second attempt but the Russian fire is so devastating they are blown away !
More Russian infantry charge into the infantry melee in front of the farm
The lead Young Guard unit now fighting on two sides crumples and flees the battlefield. Their supporting battalions retreat to reform.
The Russian guns in the centre have been pounding the French infantry which have appeared through the trees to their front
Two batteries at medium range hurts - the front French battalion goes and the one behind is nearly at its stamina limit
Time for the Imperial Guard cavalry to put in an appearance but before they can charge
rumbling tummies and dry throats led us to the Horse & Groom for a delicious lunch !
The bugles call and
The Imperial Guard cavalry advances towards the Russian horse
The Russian cuirassiers and dragoons counter charge
The Russian dragoons go and the cuirassiers fall back damaged - however, the Red Lancers have retreated with casualties
The Horse Grenadiers supported by the Empress Dragoons charge again and this time the enemy cuirassiers are broken - the Russian hussars will have to withdraw as the brigade has broken
On the left, Russian column advances on the Young Guard again
with their right flank now exposed and French cavalry roaming unimpeded, the furthermost Russian battalion forms square
the Red Lancers prepare to charge the Russian infantry
but before they can, the Russian attack on the left against the Young Guard succeeds and the Young Guard brigade breaks. This means that all the French infantry has gone, representing two thirds of the French army so the Russians have defeated them, the Imperial Guard cavalry will have to withdraw.
The Russian general enjoys a celebratory drink courtesy of Alina Murriov, the local innkeeper
The glory today goes to the Russian artillery - destroying a French infantry brigade before it could get into action and also killing the French Carabiniers. They even stayed to fight when the enemy got within 12" unlike at Brienne !
Thanks Mike for a great day.
Very enjoyable - thank you.
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