1809 Somewhere in Germany part 3 the re-inforcements

Well on Thursday Neal and I made the short trip to Dave's for the third instalment of our battle. We were both instructed to bring some extra troops for the other to use. Obviously we were both gentlemanly about it and no under hand tactics were involved. I supplied Neal with my Austrians and Brunswick troops and he supplied me with some French line units.

The Austrians continued to press their advantage against the woods on my right flank which was recently vacated by my Hessian brigade. First the Austrian Jaegers then artillery were brought up to begin the contest for the church. My light Infantry brigade deployed their skirmishers to face off against the jaegers and provide some cover from the artillery that began to pound my position.

Austrian massed battery commences firing

The broken Hessian's flee through my lines

On my left Flank the first of my reinforcements began to arrive. Four battalions of French infantry were soon followed by a small brigade of two Westphalian battalions. Both brigades with orders to reinforce the position occupied by my cavalry brigade to allow them to retire to cover any other emerging threats. Meanwhile on the opposite side of the table Neal was reinforced by and Austrian infantry brigade and a Brunswick brigade led by the Black Duke himself. They also brought up an extra battery of artillery and a small regiment of Brunswick Hussars.

French Infantry reinforcements

Austrian Infantry brigade and Hussars

Brunswick Infantry brigade and artillery

In the centre the Austrians once again launched an assault on my lines and once again accurate musketry from my line battalions repulsed their attacks. This was to be repeated for a number of turns until Neal changed tack and got involved in a protract musketry duel in which t he Austrian were gaining the upper hand. With pressure now on the centre and my right flank casualties were beginning to mount. Neal's poor dice from a week ago were gone replaced with lots of 5 and 6's.

Austrian pressure on my centre/right flank

My centre under pressure

Now it would be a race to see whose reinforcements would get into position quicker. The Brunswick brigade was already bearing down on my centre obviously urged on by the Black Duke, while the Austrian were more slowly advancing. My French  brigade had taken up position allowing my cavalry to reform while the Westphalian's were on a quick march to my centre to help shore it up.

Battlefield view from my left wing

Battlefield view from the Austrian left wing

Well I'm now looking forward to next weeks instalment. I'm really enjoying this game as it hangs in the balance. It also has a good Napoleonic feel to it. Just enough troops to keep feeding into the line. Fantastic

1809 somewhere in Germany part 2

On Wednesday Neal and myself got over to Dave's for the continuation of our battle. This time I managed to take more photos. Most of the action concentrated on my left flank with the cavalry duel. On my right flank Neal continued to probe against the Hessian's while waiting for his centre to bring more pressure on to my lines.

From the first move of the day I committed my cavalry brigade, Lancers, Dragoons and Hussars straight into the thick of it. Somehow my Elite unit of mounted Grenadiers turned their nose up at the thought of hitting some Austrian Hussars in the flank.

French cavalry charge

The results didn't all go my own way. My lancers got severely mauled by some Austrian Dragoons, but elsewhere the French began to get the upper hand, slowly driving the Austrians back before eventually breaking the brigade.

Austrian hussars flee

Austrian cavalry begin to fall back

Eventually even the mounted Grenadiers got in on the act, smashing into the Austrian dragoons and shattering them. I must admit at this point that Neal's dice wally when it came to morale rolls.

Grenadiers in on the action

Austrian cavalry have fled

Across in the centre the Austrian infantry began there advance towards the road junction. The 2 fields began to hamper advance. As they got closer 2 batteries of Hessian artillery began to pour heavy fire into the columns. Casualties were slowly mounting when the Austrians made their first assault driving back the voltiguers. They were then stopped by French musketry, allowing the voltiguers to get back into a position to protect the lines.

Austrian view of the French lines

Austrian columns slowed by the fields

Austrians drive off the voltiguers

French musketry halts the Austrian advance

On my right flanks things remain pretty much as they had throughout the game. Austrian Jaeger's and artillery exchanging fire with the Hessian brigade. It was becoming quite worrying as casualties began to mount among the Hessian infantry and artillery. Then disaster struck. one of the Hessian batteries was destroyed causing panic in the lines. Then one of the infantry battalions fell back under pressure causing the whole brigade to retire. At this point time was up until next week. I'll need to use my Elite infantry brigade to plug the gap on the right after the Hessian's had faltered.

Dave has also mentioned that next week both sides will be reinforced, possibly an infantry brigade per side. I'll need to bring along my Austrian brigade for Neal to use and he'll bring some French for me. Also my 2 new Westphalian battalions may get a run out. Until next week. 

1809 Somewhere in Germany

On Wednesday night I managed to get over to Dave's who was putting on an 1809 game in has garage. After much deliberation I decided to take the French for a change. The rules we were using were General De Brigade, a very good set but I'm still trying to get used to the different nuances in the rules.

The game revolved around the French (me) holding the road junction against an Austrian attack (Neal). I decided to deploy the Hessians into the wood on my right and my main infantry brigade would advance onto the junction. A smaller brigade including the grenadiers were held back to attack as a reserve. My cavalry were out on the open flank to my left facing off against an Austrian cavalry brigade.

 

 

Initial deployment with Austrians threatening the flank

French cavalry deployment

Hessians occupy the wood

SO far the initial moves have seen the Austrians begin to exert some pressure on the Hessians. The French reserves have finally arrived to occupy the grounds of the church. Another 2 Austrian brigades of infantry have finally deployed on the table and began their advance towards the junction. The cavalry brigades on both sides are facing off, just waiting to see who commits to the charge first.

Cavalry face off

French infantry in position

Austrian reinforcements

Looking forward to next week for the follow up moves. Think we will start to get stuck into each other. There s also the prospect of additional reserves for both sides. Better get those Westphalians finished on time.

Napoleonics Update part I

Following up on my last post I seem to have my painting mojo back and have been cracking on with some more figures for my Napoleonic project. For the Brunswickers I have painted up some more infantry and the command stand of the Duke of Brunswick with his Aide-de-camp.

First up the 2nd Line Battalion. Once again these figures like the rest of my Brunswickers are all from QRF. Very nice figures these, so much so that I have order some Hussars and a more infantry for them.

2nd Line Battalion

2nd Line Battalion

Next up the Sharpshooters followed by the Duke of Brunswick. I enjoyed painting these Sharpshooters in their green jackets, adds a bit of colour to a Brunswick force.

Sharpshooters

Sharpshooters

Duke of Brunswick

In addition to the Brunswickers I have also did some work on the Austrians, another unit of Landwehr and a couple of mounted Brigadiers. Like the last unit of Landwehr these are also from AB miniatures. This time I went for the Duchy of Mahren and Schlesien Landwehr in their Brown coats.

Mahren and Schlesien Landwehr

Mahren and Schlesien Landwehr

Lastly the 2 Brigadiers I painted are from the Fantassin range. I have also just completed another unit of infantry from this range that are in need of their bases finished before I post pictures of them. I'm not too keen on the horses but they seem to have painted up okay.

Austrian Brigadiers

To increase the strength of my Austrians I have ordered some Dragoons and Jaegers from Fantassin. Also I've put in an order with Warrior miniatures for some artillery as well as the first 2 units to be used as Westphalians (using their French infantry).