Battle of Marcellin part 2

So the concluding part of our opening battle in the return to the Franco Prussian War. After last week, the Prussian 11th Division was slowly fighting its way into the village of Marcellin which had been bravely defended by French Chasseurs, supported by the 2nd Division on the heights above. On the other flank, the village of Saint-Symphorien was threatened by the approaching 12th division.

Eventually the Prussian columns drove off the Chasseurs in Marcellin and charged straight up into the redoubts above. The french infantry gave what can only be described as desultery fire (rolled a 1) and found themselves evicted. The Prussians quickly brought up a second column of infantry as they prepared for a french counter attack.

12th division approach Saint-Symphorien

The defence of Marcellin

The Prussian column advances through Marcellin

The attack goes in

The defence of Marcellin was not going well for the French. Forced from their redoubts, Montadoun, commander of the 2nd division personally led the counter attack. Despite 3 regiments, artillery and mitrilliause pouring in fire, the Prussians didn't budge, receiving the charge. In some brutal combat, ta french regiment was destroyed and Montadoun himself was captured. A big hole was starting to open in the defence. North of Marcellin, the french had some success as they drove off the Prussian 6th cavalry division. They respectfully retired out of range, giving up on their flanking maneuver.

Prussians securing Marcellin

Montadoun leads his counter attack from the heights above Marcellin

Disaster as the french are destroyed

Prussian cavalry begin to retire

On the southern flank, the remnants of Clerambaults cavalry were trying to extricate themselves from the woods, but with little success. They were slowly being worn down by the advancing Mecklenburgers. Eventually the division collapsed, exposing Saint-symphorien to even more pressure from the 20th Division. Meanwhile the Prussian 12th division launched their attack. At first the Chasseurs held them off, however witht the support of a second column, they smashed through the Chasseurs into the village and even evicted the French line regiment. Both villages were now in Prussian hands and the heights were now exposed to attacks on 2 fronts.

20th division driving off Clerambaults cavalry

The attack on Saint-symphorien

Prussian infantry driving through the village

The exposed french position on the heights

It was at this point that the French called off their defence and began to make a tactical withdrawal. Though they had prevented Prussian cavalry getting behind them to cut the railway line, they had lost both villages and the heights were under serious pressure.

So game one over. It could have gone better for the French, but Robbo's luck with the dice seriously deserted him. On multiple occasions he could have devastated Prussian columns and rolled a 1. In 2 or 3 weeks time we will move on to the second battle which will be between the Bavarian I Corps with a supporting cavalry division, up against the French I Corps and 6th cavalry division.  Just need to get the scenario designed.