Great Northern War AAR

This was the first battle of a campaign against Mick using our Great Northern War collections. We have both built 3 armies, all of Mick's are Swedish while I have a mix of Danes, Saxons, Russians and Poles. To fight these games Mick has produced a whole bible full of hex maps based upon real battles from the WSS, SYW, GNW and later. I had first choice and chose Fontenoy. I would also be using my Danish army with a handful of Saxon allied horse.

I based my plan around capturing and defending the towns and villages between the River Scheldt and the Rossior stream.

The game began with a general advance. My Saxon Dragoons won the race to enter the town of Antoing before the Swedes. They were followed up by a Infantry brigade and my Saxon cuirassiers. On the right I advanced forward across the stream to take Cens de is Pree. Though my Guard infantry decided to take their time. This became a boon later in the day.

Danish troops sweep through Vezon

The Swedes made an advance between Fontenoy and Antoing. Using the slope to shield their movements.

Danish infantry

The Swedes advance

It was at the village of Vezon where the first clash occurred. A brigade of Swedish Dragoons, supported by Cossacks had emerged from the woods. My Danish cuirassiers waited no time before crashing into them. It took a few turns of heavy fighting before superior numbers of Danish horse drove the Swedes back.

The first cavalry clash

The Danish infantry eventually managed to struggle over the Rossoir stream and captured Bourgon before the Swedes. Now the Swedish advance was covered on three sides. One brigade of Swedish infantry tried to move East past Fontenoy but were driven back by the advancing Danish horse and Guard infantry who had decided to move.

Danes capture Bourgon

View of the field

Advancing Danish horse

In the Centre the Swedes made an attempt to breakthrough the encirclement. As they advanced with pikes lowered the Danish infantry stepped forward to give them a volley. This checked the initial assault but the Swedes came on again, slowly driving the Danish infantry back.

Battered Danish center

It was now the timely arrival of the Danish Guards pushing into Fontenoy which eased the pressure on the center. It forced the Swedes back to protect their flanks. Meanwhile the Danish horse crossed the Rossior stream to support the center. On the Danish left the Saxon horse also moved into position to threaten to the Swedish right flank.

The battered Danish center

Danish horse cross the Rossior stream

With the Swedish infantry being threatened on both flanks, they slowly began to fall back. It was at this point we called it a day. Mick was in the tricky position of wanting one more crack at the Danish centre, but worried about the fresh Danish troops on both flanks. He decided on discretion to keep his army intact. A very enjoyable game to start our campaign. Next game is on the field of Fraustadt.