Napoleonic Game Report - Russians vs French

[Cacadores]

Allies vs. French


AIMS

This is a typical games evening but with an atypical large game for us: this one had 6 of us playing 3 a-side using Dave Brown's General de Brigade rules. Once again it gave Paul a chance to show off a tiny part of his little 20mm collection!

Not that I know how to use GdeB - I only threw the dice and decided what to do. The problem for the Russkies (on the left hand side) was to defend their line even though they had their backs up against that snakey river. There were victory points for occupation of the buildings. We deployed in two stages - first to indicate positions of divisions and then the rest. Each time the Russians deployed first.

DEPLOYMENT

In the picture, you can make out something of the deployment. I was nearest on the left. With some promise of re-enforcements later, it was suggested by our erstewhile commander (taking the middle position between the two houses) that I should advance in order to unhinge the expected enemy's attack in the centre. You can see they're already making some moves in that direction (the French are on the right). And a sugggestion from our commander, is akin to an order. Especially as it was his round later.

So on the left, nearest, you have me with infantry, some of which is in the nearest house. In the centre is all our artillery under the main man, deployed to resist the expected main attack. And beyond the second house is Paul. With all our present cavalry. He was in for a surprise later.

So basically, we on the left deployed in three separated parts, that is from foreground to background: infantry - artillery - cavalry. Combined arms? Pah - that's for wimps.

As you probably know without me even mentioning it (!), my leading line infantry includes a regiment from Kiev

and a guards regiment
which I decided to use to secure my flank in the foreground copse.

Now, you'd think that was pretty safe, wouldn't you?
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[Tardis]

so that's your crowd skulking in the wood?

[Cacadores]

Well, I've got all the men from the wood to the first house. It all seemed pretty logical at the time!

[Cacadores]

Unfortunately..........John opposite, decides to deploy some infantry.

Rather a lot of them.



My lot are feeling a little less [Brighton rock]-sure.

[Cacadores]

And meanwhile, Paul at the far end, finds his little troop of cavalry..........


opposed by what looks like a whole grinning Corps of French Cavalry.


Still, we've got these: they look pretty nifty, don't they?

[Tardis]

that's not very fair you added even more material after my comment to make more sense...

Looks like you is goin to get whooped unless you've got good generals

[Cacadores]

Tim in the centre gets our artillery ready:



This battalion (above) I've got backing up the building - Pernov Musketeers?


These are my Kiev contingent flanking the wood:


To be honest I'd leave them there - they have a perfect position, they're protected and I could put all my effort into mainting the (foreground) copse as a threat to the French flank. And the buildings should break up any French attack. But will our commander listen?

Nooooooooo. Attack he says! And that means move forward till I get into musket range. Uh oh.

More later
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[Cacadores]

[uriahheep2000]

way hay nice one
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a war gamer who actually war games a holder of 4 world record for war gaming

[Terry37]

Very nice. Great looking figures and a fun looking game. Hope to see more! Terry

[Peeler]

Hey, top notch there Cacs! Getting some pratice in? What figures are they? Nice looking stuff.

[Giles]

Lovely - lots of troops getting stuck in. I echo Peeler - what are the figs? I thought I saw a couple of Perry French in there...?

[Cacadores]

E-bay figures! Paul gets them instead of going on holiday. I think someone mentioned Dixons.
Now you're not allowed alcohol in the hall. But that can does look a little suspicious below.

Anyway, on the right, I'm ordered to attack, so attack I must.
Meanwhile it starts to rain. Actual shot:


So no good using skirmishers: muskets out of action.
The pictures are taken from behind the entire Russian line, moving from right to left. Below, my guard battalion advances through the wood flanking my right with the Kiev lot taking centre. As you see, my opponent isn't exactly standing still. I think he's preparing some surprise for me the other end of the wood.


Still we have to move on. Bucketing it down now.


This is our centre. Tim's cannon try firing.......


And hit nothing.............while his support infantry on the left take the wood.


This is the leftward extent of Tim's grand battery, with a line battalion giving support. In the distance you can see the French have moved their artillery forward behind a cavalry screen.


This is our left flank. Paul's little cavalry group in the foreground on support orders is bravely facing rather a lot of French bearing down on him.......

[Cacadores]

Meanwhile, back on the right....aw hell. The French opposite me sound the Pas de Charge.......

[uriahheep2000]

i must admit i do like the look of a russian army i may just have to purchase again one day
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a war gamer who actually war games a holder of 4 world record for war gaming