Napoleonic Bash Part 1

So the first game to start the year was a big Napoleonic bash. I sort of based it upon the battle of Leipzig. I spent the weekend organising the game for 7 players, 4 for the Allies and 3 for the French. The aim of the game was for 2 French Infantry divisions to hold a town and Church against a superior enemy force of British, Prussians and Austrians.Both sides also have a number of brigades held off table in reserve, predominantly cavalry, though the French have a full division of infantry they can hopefully call upon.

The rough map above was supplied to each set of players. The French were defending points D and E. A large British division was advancing from point A, a Prussian division from point B and the Austrians with 2 full divisions from point C. All set for a big clash the disaster struck. Work commitments and the flu bug going around I lost 4 players, all 3 that were due to command the French. So after a quick discussion with the remaining players, we decided to still continue with the game. We still needed to finish setting out the armies and the first few turns would be mainly maneuvering. Hopefully the other players will be available next week. My role switched from umpire to now commanding the French. So with me commanding I didn't get much chance to produce a report, but plenty of pictures to tell a story.

Westphalian's awaiting the Austrians

French infantry holding the center

Austrians begin deploying for battle

The British steadily advancing

2nd Westphalian brigade setting up a second line

Austrians can be seen in the distance

French guns fire on the Prussians

2nd Austrian column advancing

Austrian infantry capture the Westphalian guns

Prussian's advancing (eventually)

British quickly get across the river

Austrians and Westphalians exchange musketry

The British are coming!

Westphalian right flank looking towards the Austrians

The small Polish brigade awaits the British on the outskirts of a village

Austrian battle line

Westphalians holding the line

Prussians finally getting into action

The British engage the Poles

So far the French forces are holding the line, we managed to get in 12 turns. On the French right flank the Westphalians have had the better of the exchange with the Austrians. Their 1st brigade in particular taking heavy punishment. The loss of the artillery though is a disaster. Still the Austrian commander can be heard repeatedly asking where his 'bloody cavalry is'. 

The Center between the French and Dutch against the Prussians is just beginning to heat up. It took a while for the Prussians to get into action. Despite having the shortest distance to cross, they have been hesitant to do so.

Over on the left though, the ominous advance of the British towards the Polish brigade has been measured. The Poles have already stepped back a few turns to keep the British at bay, but now they need to fight. 4 battalions against 11 is not going to be pretty. It was at this point we called it a night to continue next week. The French need to shore up the left flank quickly before disaster strikes and may need to commit either the French or Neopolitan brigade held in reserve.

There are also alarming reports of Austrian and Prussian light cavalry to the north and north east, ready to support their infantry. The British can also call upon a brigade of Hanovarian infantry as well as both light and heavy cavalry brigades in reserve. Hopefully next week will be a cracker and I can return to umpiring.