FPW - Battle of Drouvile Part I

So Thursday night and we had a full complement of players to kick off the game. No need for any last minute re-shuffling of the commands, which was a bit of a relief. Both Commanders, Thom and Mitch were given five minutes to brief their Corps commanders and then the game to start.

It was a very cagey opening 4 moves. The French were showing a reluctance to move off their ridge, looking to protect the road to Nancy and obviously a source of any reinforcements. The Prussians advanced in 3 columns. The Bavarian I Corps on their left decided to skirt their way around the woods, allowing a French cavalry division the opportunity to retreat back to Drouvile. They did though quickly get their artillery deployed, learning from the last game and began targeting the French batteries on the ridge. In the centre the Prussian VI Corps, advanced cautiously, slowly pushing into the woods to their front, they began coming under fire from some chasseurs and Franc-tirreurs. Their own guns deployed and quickly got the better of their french counterparts, knocking out a number of batteries. On the right, XIV corps quickly identified that their flank was exposed to two french cavalry divisions which moved off the ridge at Valhey. New orders were received to re-direct their own cavalry division to intercept. However they weren't quick enough as french batteries around Valhey opened fire, destroying a regiment of hussars. The Wurtemburg Reiters were quickly sent to reinforce the flank. Meanwhile the infantry pushed on towards the french lines.

Despite taking a pounding, the french batteries did gain some successes, apart from the hussars, they inflicted casualties on a number of advancing enemy infantry regiments. They were not helped by a number of '10s' rolled, which reduced 90% of their artillery to low on ammo, hampering their effectiveness.

Baden Division of XIV Corps advancing

Bavarian I Corps swinging around the woods

XIV Corps and french XII corps exchanging fire

Bavarian I Corps, slowly getting into position

French III Corps defending Drouvile

French cavalry from XII corps rumble forward

Prussian and Wurtemburg cavalry move to intercept the french

Prussian VI Corps engaging skirmishers in the woods

French III Corps awaiting the Prussian assault

French cavalry re-deploying in Drouvile

So as the Prussians maintained their relentless advance, disaster began to befall the french. From the constant pounding from Prussian artillery both III and XII Corps had lost a number of batteries. Already outgunned at the begining of the battle, their defence of the ridge was about to become more difficult.

So we are poised for next week, with rumours of elements of the French I Corps moving to support the position between Drouvile and Valhey we should be in for an entertaining battle. The Prussians also have a small cavalry division about to arrive, supporting the Bavarians on the left flank.