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.