30 January 2024: English Civil War

New gaming group will be running an exhibition game at the end of the year. As title states, it will be an English Civil War. Now, this has always been an attractive period to me but I had several already other engaging interests occupying my time and interest back then so never really got into it. But with this new gaming group, I may build a small ECW army (Royalist of course) and run a few games to familiarise myself with the rules. Hoping to be part of that game so there's that as an incentive to "build" my next army.

Rules are sorted out. Cheers.

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Addendum: Looks like I will be raising a New Model Army. 

29 January 2024: World of Warships

Just a quick mention of my current online PC gaming obsession (or addiction) - World of Warship.

The current Santa crate event is about to end in a few days. My playing goals for all of 2023 were two:

1. Reach Tier X for all nations Tech tree line ships. Just surface ships (destroyers, cruisers, and battleships). Excluded CVs and submarines because they are OP and have ridiculous capabilities that belong in fantasy. Achieved target goal just before Update 12.11 (Santa event). 
2. Reach 500 ships in port. Achieved before year's end. Currently sitting on 517 including three Superships (Tier IX unofficially).

Bonus: Invited to join new Australian-based WOWS clan after I left my old inactive Canadian-based clan. Very friendly and welcoming mob. And, best of all, they are active. 

2024 goals are (1) Reach 600 ships, (2) Play in Clan battles, (3) Play in a competitive tournament. HOWEVER, no longer dedicated, as in playing nearly day in the past three years. Weaning oneself off this addiction should be interesting but it seems to be working so far. Cheers.

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Addendum: As at 30 January, acquired Japanese destroyer supership Yamagiri. And the European Unique commander Jerzy Swirski; now I have all the Unique commanders. For now (trust WG will add new ones later on). 

27 January: Gallery of Random Photos

The Handley Page bomber in imagined colours. Ready for its striping. Bold or muted? Hmmm.....

Hope to finish it in time for next game of Canvas Eagles. Cheers.

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27 January 2024: In Her Majesty's Name

Pretty warm day today. Took a short break to work more on the Scotland Yard company for IHMN. Wanted to create cobblestone effect for the base. Started off with the Doctor Watson figurine which looked like so:

Not quite I intended. But by the fourth figure, I had started to head in the right direction. Still some ways to go before it's perfect, but for now it's decent enough. 

Group photo. Still final detailing on the figures to complete this group. 

Once done, just the Thule Society left to go. I think. Cheers.

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27 January 2024: Borodino Refight - Turn 7 French Part 1

TURN 7 - FRENCH (Part 1)

(0900 - 0930)

Got sidetracked by other activities today so post is confined only to the activities at Table 2. Turn opens up with the French and Poles assaulting the Russians near Utitsa. Arrows in the photos below denote who the attacker(s) are and respective target(s). Attacked from two sides, the Russians are in square can only really stand and fight. They open fire on their attackers but cause no serious harm. 

Meanwhile the Polish light cavalry brigade who performed brilliantly in the previous turns attempt to charge the wavering Russian light infantry. But the light infanry are able to repel the impending threat with good defensive fire aided by their comrades - also in square - to their immediate left. The Poles beat a retreat as a result in disorder.

On the Mound, the Allied commander there opts to continue pursuing the Cossack unit chased off by the Polish light cavalry who have reformed and advance upon the Mound. But their determination seems short-lived because they automatically evade when faced by the threat of more enemy cavalry action.

Back near Utitsa, the Russians infantry in square receive the double assault (see below). In the ensuing melee the Russians try hard but finally drop to Wavering. They do not break though which is good news for them.  

The French cuirassiers pass through and immediately smack into the lead units of Duka's cavalry division.

The French cuirassiers pass through and immediately run into the lead brigade of Duka's division newly arrived on the scene. The struggle is tense to which the Russians, to their credit, recover from their surprise and a hearty beef-up ensues. Surprisingly both formations are lost - the Russians forced to retreat off the table while the Westphalians/Polish heavies are Broken. 

Situation after the Recovery Phase. Half of Duka's command is left. The Russian infantry are still in combat with the Polish infantry. The rest of Tuchkov's infantry are left in square due to the threat of the Polish light cavalry. Atop the Mound sits Lorge with the rest of his heavy cavalry - Westphalian cuirassiers and Saxon heavies. Roszniecki's light brigade are racing round to support Lorge. But no other infantry are available to Poniatowski however. Should he request assistance? For what is basically a feint designed to tie down Tuchkov?

Started the activities on the main table but got caught up with other activities. Tomorrow hope to finish this off. Cheers.

====================

26 January: Borodino Refight

Took me a while to pick up from last year. But I got there in the end. 

TURN 6 - RUSSIAN

(0830-0900)

Turn developed into three distinct "sectors" of activity. 

• Table 2 - Utitsa. Tuchkov's AO
• The fleches
• Grand Redoubt

Part 1: Table 2 - Utitsa

Duka's heavy cavalry division finally arrive to help out Tuchkov. His remaining infantry units are able to take on the Polish cavalry with accurate musketry. The Cossacks regroup and maneouvre to retake the Mound. 

Photo above shows the situation at the end of the Recovery phase. On the Mound still stand the Polish cavalry. Meanwhile, the Cossacks are regrouping and preparing to retake the high ground. Duka's heavy cavalry have arrived and will take on the advancing French and Polish heavy cavalry. Around Utitsa the remaining Russian infantry are able to halt the successful Polish light cavalry from causing more havoc.

Part 2: The attack on the fleches

The French 61st Line having entered the redoubt are now faced with the Russian counterattack by Voronstov's grenadiers. The assault is fiercely countered by the French who inflict heavy casualties upon the Russians who break and flee the battlefield. But they cause the French to abandon their newly-gained prize. 

Photo above shows the now-empty fleche. Voronstov's grenadiers have routed off the table. The other two fleches are still in Russian hands however. Meanwhile little is happening near Semenovskaya village which is now defended by one of Borozdin's brigades. But the French are setting up for their attack.

Grand Redoubt

The Russians await the French advance relying on defensive fire to cause further problems. But the effort is almost pathetic with the French suffering hardly a scratch. The reinforcements from the Russian right continue to make their way south to assist Tuchkov. 

Siever's cavalry corps has lined up ready to tackle Ney's advancing cavalry. 

View from behind the Grand Redoubt. Firing there yields poor to absymal results. In the foreground, reinforcements from Baggavout's corps continue southward. 

Victory Points

French are leading thus far because they've completed their initial goals - capture Borodino village (1 point) and seize the New Post road bridge over the Kolocha (1 point). And they've caused casualties on the Russian defenders earning several more points - routing several infantry and artillery units. The Russian however have also scored victory points. 

Have the French done enough though to earn outright victory? Not sure. Seems too early for that. Will see how it goes tomorrow when I play out Turns 7 & 8. Cheers.

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22 January 2024: ACW - Character Profiles

Still using the "imaginary" 53rd Corps as my experiment using Mr. Empson's interesting tables and rules mechanisms. I've randomly generated the entire command elements of the 53rd Union Corps right down to regimental level. Note: I've simply named them all Pennsylvania units and used sequential numbering for now. For convenience while I recreate my Union forces proper. I will add their "assigned" names and numberings later on. I've also named those Infantry regimental commanders that are either Exceptional or Political. I have however named all the artillery commanders because I can. An Exceptional commander represents someone being very good while a Political appointee commander is generally not so good. And as the list will show, the majority of commanders slotted in-between these two extremes. 

53rd Corps (Maj-General Evans - Average)

    Corps Artillery (Col. Harrison - Exceptional)

    8th Infantry Division (Brig-General Taaffe - Average)

        1st Bde (Col. Jacobs - Average)

            73rd Penn. Inf. (Col. Aspley - Exceptional)

            74th Penn. Inf. (Dullard)

            75th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            76th Penn. Inf. (Dullard)

            77th Penn. Inf. (Average)

        2nd Bde (Col. P. Smith - Average) 

            78th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            79th Penn. Inf. (Whitney - Political)

            80th Penn. Inf. (Darlberg - Exceptional)

            81st Penn. Inf. (Dullard)

    8th Division Artillery (Maj. Tomlinson - Average)

            4 x 10lb Parrot (Yates - Average)

            4 x 12lb Napoleons (Fealey - Political)

            6 x 12lb Napoleons (Wilkes - Exceptional)

            6 x 3" Rifle (Venning - Average)

    9th Infantry Division (Brig-Gen. Williams - Political)

        1st Bde (Col. van Kinsbergen - Exceptional)

            82nd Penn. Inf. (Average)

            83rd Penn. Inf. (Average)

            84th Penn. Inf. (Dullard)

            85th Penn. Inf. (Mohler - Exceptional)

            86th Penn. Inf. (Zietsen - Exceptional)

        2nd Bde (Col. Garson - Political)

            87th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            88th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            89th Penn. Inf.  (Average)

            90th Penn. Inf.  (Average)

        3rd Bde (Col. E. M. Hall - Political)

            91st Penn. Inf. (Mason - Political)

            92nd Penn. Inf. (Average)

            93rd Penn. Inf. (Average)

            94th Penn. Inf. (Average)

        4th Bde (Col. Rolleston - Average)

            95th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            96th Penn. Inf. (Hickstone - Political)

            97th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            98th Penn. Inf. (Average)

        9th Division Artillery (Maj. Beal - Average)

            4 x 10lb Parrot (Quinn - Average)

            4 x 12lb Napoleon (Zimmerman - Average)

            6 x 3" Rifle (Boxton - Dullard)

            6 x 10lb Parrot (Keinmer - Average)

            6 x 3" Rifle (Dobson - Average)

    10th Infantry Division (Brig-General Browning - Average)

        1st Bde (Col. O'Loughlin - Average)

            99th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            100th Penn. Inf. (Dearborn - Exceptional)

            101st Penn. Inf. (Average)

            102nd Penn. Inf. (Kirkpatrick - Exceptional)

            103rd Penn. Inf. (Average)

        2nd Bde (Col. Pasquale - Average)

            104th Penn. Inf. (Col. Thornton - Exceptional)

            105th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            106th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            107th Penn. Inf. (Average)

        3rd Bde (Col. Dalton - Political)

            108th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            109th Penn. Inf. (Nillson - Exceptional)

            110th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            111th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            112th Penn. Inf. (Average)

        4th Bde (Col. Talley - Dullard)

            113th Penn. Inf. (O. Jackson - Exceptional)

            114th Penn. Inf. (Average)

            115th Penn. Inf. (Dullard)

            116th Penn. Inf. (Average)

        10th Division Artillery (Major Clapperton - Dullard)

            4 x 3" Rifle (S. Hall - Average)

            4 x 12lb Napoleon (Bergson - Average)

            6 x 10lb Parrot (Prentiss - Exceptional)

            4 x 3" Rifle (Phillips - Average)

    Corps Artillery Reserve (Maj. Anderson - Dullard)

            4 x10lb Parrot (Merryweather - Average)

            4 x 12lb Napoleon (H. J. Simpson - Exceptional)

            2 x 10lb Parrot & 2 x 12lb Howitzer (Barfleur - Exceptional)  

            6 x 12lb Napoleon (Rawling - Average)

            6 x 3" Rifle (Theodore - Average)

            4 x 10lb Parrot (Oswalt - Average)

    Corps Cavalry (Brig-General Talbot - Average)

        1st Cavalry Bde (Col. Mawley - Average)

            51st Penn. Vol. Cav. (Average)

            52nd Penn. Vol. Cav. (Mortimer - Exceptional)

            53rd Penn. Vol. Cav. (Abbot - Political)

            54th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Dullard)

        2nd Cavalry Bde (Col. Travis - Average)

            55th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Average)

            56th Penn. Vol. Cav. (T. Wise - Exceptional)

            57th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Average)

        3rd Cavalry Bde (Col. Schiller - Average)

            58th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Average)

            59th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Average)

            60th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Garrison - Political)

            61st Penn. Vol. Cav. (Dullard)

        4th Cavalry Bde (Col. M. Davis - Average)

            62nd Penn. Vol. Cav. (Dullard)

            63rd Penn. Vol. Cav. (Ribbel - Exceptional)

            64th Penn. Vol. Cav. (Average)

By "Dullard" what is probably meant from reading the notes and comments in his tables is that the commander has reached their ceiling level. They are capable and often experienced but they lack the necessary skillset to succeed at the next level. Quite a common thing and does not mean they are stupid as some might read by looking at the word. 

The next section goes more into the character profile by adding more detailing in creating new commander profile (5.5.2). I recreated the simple Excel spreadsheet and can now "flesh" out my characters in a simple manner. I have yet, however, to explore further the impact that migrants and first-generation migrants had regarding CPS. Maybe next post.

Yes, there are definitely gaps - pieces that are missing - or omissions (deliberate so I've figured which makes sense) that can be "filled in" by whomever is using these tables to create their own "house rules" version. Which is always the fun and challenging part. Reverse engineering? Not really but at least I can put together something that is doable tabletop-wise. 

There is so much more to this which Mr. Empson has generously provided with his tables and mechanisms. It reminds me so much of how much detail I instilled within my campaign narrative back in the late 90s. Cheers.

======================

Addendum

Found a writing site that listed around three hundred and fifty character traits. Perfect for my spreadsheet. One hundred and fifty negative and one hundred and fifty positive. Just some tweaking of some of the traits (such as changing romantic to robust) to make it more amenable to my needs. Refined the spreadsheet so that I get a randomised selections of traits befitting any character's profile. So, for example, an Exceptional commander will more likely have more positive than negative traits. Just working out a suitable die roll to match my aim.

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Postscript

Will plough on regardless because I am very interested to know if I can somehow come up with a workable set of ACW rules based on Mr. Empsons tables and mechanics alone. Somehow that's never going to happen (spreadsheet for character traits for instance) but if I can generate a playable set incorporating various rules I've used in the past then I will have achieved my goal set. Cheers.

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21 January 2024: Adapting Mr Empson's tables for a solo game

So, to get me started, I decided to utilise Mr. Empson's interesting solo wargamuing mechanisms and tables sheets I downloaded recently by creating two imaginary army lists - one Union and one Confederate. As I was rolling dice though I got worried at first because the formations and units rolled ended up being quite large. In other words, army-size large. 

This then led me to consider scale ratio. I noticed in Mr. Empson's Index of sources he listed Terry Wise's Airfix Guide to ACW. Memory reminded me that Mr. Wise used 1:33. But it gives numbers that did not quite sit well with me. So I switched to 1:45. Why? Well, I noticed that the unit figures listed in Tables 2.1 and 3.1 (Union and Confederate respectively) share a common value - being multiples of 5. And 1:45 is large enough to enable fielding large-scale action. 

ActuallyI could have easily chosen 1:25 or 1:35. Both will enable fielding lower-level formations (divisions and brigades) - the kind commonly preferred in modern-day gaming. But 1:45 seemed, to me, suffice for corps and army level. 

In rolling for the Union force, I ended up with 3 corps formations which I have arbitrarily numbered 51st, 52nd, and 53rd Corps. The Confederates meanwhile rolled and received only the 1 corps formation which I have temporarily numbered the 1st CSA Corps. The dice rolling for formation structure is designed to give an unbiased (or un-influenced) composition without unconscious bias from the gamer, so Mr. Empson explained. The results though are just the infantry. I had yet to roll for both artillery and cavalry. 

Eventually I came up with the following structure for both sides. But because they are quite large I am going to focus on utilising on part of each list for my eventual playtesting in the coming weeks (or months depending on how I'm progressing with my major Makeover Project). 

The following below is the structure and composition of the 53rd (imaginary) Corps:

• 4 infantry divisions including divisional artillery of between 4-5 batteries each
• Corps artillery - a reserve of six batteries
• Corps cavalry comprising four brigades of between 3-4 regiments each

I have gone as far as defining each unit within their respective corps as far as rating their quality and experience. Example below is the composition of the 1st Division from the same Union 53rd Corps.

    1st Division (2 infantry brigades and divisional artillery)

        1st Infantry brigade

            1 Elite, 1 Veteran, 2 Seasoned, 1 Green regiments

        2nd Infantry brigade

            2 Elite, 1 Veteran, 1 Seasoned regiments

        Divisional artillery

            2 x 4-gun batteries

            2 x 6-gun batteries

In contrast, the 1st Division from the 1st CSA Corps looks like this:

    1st Division (5 infantry brigades plus divisional artillery)

        1st Infantry brigade

            2 Veterans and 2 Seasoned regiments

        2nd Infantry brigade

            1 Elite, 2 Veterans, 1 Seasoned, 2 Green regiments

        3rd Infantry brigade

            1 Seasoned, 3 Green regiments

        4th Infantry brigade

            3 Veteran, 2 Green regiments

        5th Infantry brigade

            3 Veteran, 2 Seasoned regiments

        Division artillery

            3 x 4-gun batteries

As shown, Confederate formation were generally larger than Union ones although the numbers lay with the Union for the most part. And the Confederates were generally more adept at war than their Northern counterparts for some reason. Especially their cavalry. 

The term "regiment" for me has a modified meaning to the normal meaning. I prefer to append the name "regiment" to a unit that has variable strength, i.e. not necessarily full-strength. And full-strength was only ever a rarity (at least by 1863). This is due to the losses incurred over time plus lack of sufficient reinforcements to bring numbers up to their deemed combat effectiveness. And paper strength is different to actual campaign strength as any ACW wargamer will tell you. So although it looks imposing written down, the actual numbers are much less impressive.

I have not started on commander profiling which will happen next. I am contemplating re-using my 1999 campaign commanders but locating that information may take some time. If unable, I will happily generate "new" commanders.

Cheers...

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Addendum

Mr. Empson has basically provided sufficient material for me to generate my own simple set of rule variant, stuff like ground scale and weapon ranges (except artillery) can be worked out later. I believe that's the intent and therefore won't be pursuing hopes of ever locating the full ruleset. 

Already I've started "fiddling" with what's given, i.e. using 1:45 figure scale for instance. Next post should include simple commander profiles for everyone from top to bottom using his charts, dice, and cards. And weapons per unit such as breech loading carbines, rifled muskets, etc.

16 January 2024: ACW - Refighting the Red River campaign as a solo game

Having settled on an ACW historical campaign to recreate on the solo gaming table some months back, I was stuck on what suitable ruleset to use. Wasn't sure at first so left it for a while. Having for so long settled with using first Donald Featherstone's basic set found in War Games (1962) and then Airfix Magazine Guide 24: American Civil War Wargaming by Terence Wise (1977), I never really bothered with other - often more popular - ACW rulesets. 

But good fortune would lead me today to Mr. Graham L. Empson's brief yet interesting solo wargames ruleset. Over fifty year's worth of playing experience went into their development so that's more than good enough for me. The rules caters to both historical and imaginary scenarios. So, using it to run the Red River campaign of 1864 just seems ideal. 

It was a conversation with one of the lads at last Saturday's Napoleonic game that reignited my interest in regaming the ACW period which, to be honest, I seriously thought I was done with. At least I had no intention of ever replaying it again. However, and this is the sole reason for reigniting interest, is that it allows me to finally finish off the minis properly as part of my grander 2024 Makeover Project.

What I've read of Mr Empson's rules thus far is proving both interesting and appealing. It is much more than the usual beer-and-pretzel type of game so flavoured these days. It should be, it's written by a solo wargamer. It looks well researched judging by details such as geographical locations and terrain types. There are loads of other complexities that will appeal to those who find such detailing equally essential to playability. The rules addresses that major bias that always arises in any solo game pretty well, so I reckon. Which therefore leave me eager to run a few games very soon. If only to playtest the rule mechanics.

Cheers.

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Addendum

The "ruleset" are basically a set of tables allowing one to customise armies for both sides rather than a full set of rules (scales, base sizes, etc) as originally thought. So you get unit type, quantity, classification, commander profiles. The author however gives enough with his tables  though to "fill out" one's ambitions for the game. The rest are basically minor details which any solo wargamer can generate without too much effort.

Link to ruleset: Complete Rule Sets – Lone Warrior (lonewarriorswa.com)

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13 January 2024 - Napoleonic batrep #1 - Valour & Fortitude

Met up with the gaming group (or three of them) from the local Train Exhibition a few months back. 2-on-2 introduction game to Valour & Fortitude, a brigade-level Napoleonic game that is a rules collaboration between the Perry brothers and Jervis Johnson. French versus British. Time period is circa 1815. Scenario created by host and is loosely based on the Battle of Quatre Bras.

FRENCH

(Ney) - Army HQ + ADC

    + Foot artillery battery

2nd Infantry Corps (Ney)

1st Bde (Legrande) + ADC

    57th Line (3 Bns)

2nd Bde (Vandamme) + ADC

    9th Line (2 Bns)

    45th Line (2 Bns)

3rd Bde (Moreau) + ADC

    4th Line (3 Bns)

    6th Light (1 Bn)

Cavalry Bde (Lefebvre) + ADC

    3rd Hussars

    4th Dragoons

    + Horse artillery battery

Cavalry Corps (Bessieres)

    +ADC

1st Brigade (d'Hautpol) + ADC

    1st Cuirassiers

    10th Cuirassiers

    6th Dragoons

2nd Brigade (Nansouty) + ADC 

    7th Cuirassiers

    1st Carabiniers

===============

ANGLO-ALLIED

(Wellesley) - Army HQ + ADC

    + Escort

Cavalry

Union Bde (Ponsonby) + ADC - due to arrive Turn 2

    Dragoon Guards

    Royal Dragoons

    RNB Dragoons

Household Bde (Somerset) + ADC - due to arrive Turn 4

    1st Lifeguards

    2nd Lifeguards

    Royal Horse Guards

Light Bde (Uxbridge) + ADC

    11th Light Dragoons

    15th Hussars

Infantry

Guards Bde (Cooke) +ADC

    2/1 Foot Guards

    3/1 Foot Guards

    3/95th Rifles

2nd Bde (Picton) + ADC

    42nd Highland Infantry (Black Watch)

    92nd Highland Infantry (Gordon Highlanders)

    71st Highland Light Infantry

    1/95th Rifles (skirmish)

3rd Bde (Adam) + ADC

    28th Line

    69th Line

    88th Line (Connaught Rangers)

    51st Light Infantry (skirmish)

King's German Legion (Alten) + ADC - arrive Turn 5

    5th KGL Line

    8th KGL Line

    5/60th Rifles (skirmish)

Hanoverian Bde (Pack) + ADC - arrive Turn 5

    Lauenberg Bn (Hanoverian)

    Calenburg Bn (Hanoverian)

    Verden Bn (Hanoverian)

    52nd Light Infantry (skirmish)

Artillery 

    RHA batteries: Bull, Ross, Ramsay

    Foot batteries: Ibert, Hutchesson

    Rocket battery: Whinyates

===================

THE GAME

I was assigned control of all the British cavalry while my companion was overall Army commander Wellesley who also oversaw the infantry. There were three objectives with the crossroads the most valuable.

Our side (British) won the initiative die roll which thereafter determined who would go first every turn. Sequence of play took some getting used to and there were times when we played out of sequence. But all good; just learning game anyway. 

View from behind British lines looking south/south-east. As my first cavalry units would not enter until the next turn, I happily helped out by deploying one of the infantry brigades - Adam's 3rd brigade consisting of 28th Line, 69th Line, 88th (Connaught Rangers) Line, 51st Light Infantry (skirmishers) making for one of the objectives. Accompanying the infantry would be a Foot artillery battery (either Ibert or Hutchesson). 

 

Wellesley would accompany both Picton and Cooke's brigade as they made for the main objective which was control of the crossroads. Cooke's guards brigade would be in the van while Picton came next. The bulk of the French, meantime, entered diagonally from the south-east corner and quickly moved to control the nearby heights (not far the 95th). Meanwhile one of the French heavy cavalry brigades surprised us by riding down the road heading straight for the advancing British infantry.

The action by the French cuirassiers on the road caused a rethink on objectives for Ponsonby's cavalry which initially had been to plonk themselves behind the partially obscured woods (photo above) to their left as reserve. Adam's infantry brigade was still moving towards the low hill objective to their immediate front and would reach it soon enough. This left Wellesley to concentrate on the approaching threat posed by the French main advance toward the crossroads. Cooke's brigade failed to activate leaving them stranded in march coloumn on the road. Picton's Scots, meanwhile, moved off-road in a south-westerly direction (see on photo below to the left) to support Cooke's left flank. While the British are experiencing movement issues d'Hautpol's heavy cavalry brigade circles around the field, bypassing an objective, in preparation for a smashing ride into the inevitable squares about to be formed.

By splitting up and placing the brigade units of the French cavalry corps on opposite flanks it forced the British commanders to change their initial plans and counter the new developments. Behind the main front line (road running north-south) one objective would soon be in British hands. 

The photo above is a couple of turns later. Cooke's brigade is able to weather the initial French firing and assaults made on them as their advance stalled. French attacks were eventually repulsed. Nansouty's heavy cavalry brigade are pounced upon by Ponsonby's Union brigade. The French are forced to flee the table leaving the now British right flank free from interference. The French soon regroup and realign their front line (top centre) to cover the one remaining objective left to them. A grand battery is soon atop that low hill ready to defend where possible. Over on the British left, Uxbridge's command had finally arrived after being delayed by our opponent playing a Fate card. His cavalry corps comprise both Somerset's Household cavalry brigade and Uxbridge's own Light cavalry. 

Situation (above photo) close to the finish of the game. The threat posed by d'Hautpol's brigade facing the British left saw one unit from Somerset's Household brigade lost in early combat as they try to hold their sector. Uxbridge also loses a unit of light dragoons right of Somerset as they are able to thwart Lefebvre's light cavalry attempt to push through to the Picton's squares. Picton's Scots are able to hold and maintain their line although they lost their most forward square - the Gordon Highlanders - to telling French musketry and artillery fire. 

The final two turns (it was decided finish on Turn 9 or 3pm whichever came first) saw the arrival of further British reinforcements in the shape of Alten's King's German Legion and Pack's Hanoverians. The victory points accumulated by now meant it was a clear British victory. 

Post-game comments

Quick, fast-paced are my initial thoughts. It was my first brigade-level game in a very very long time. First time playing V&F II. I will say that many times both sides forgot to draw Fate cards which may have helped during the firing and melee phases. Next time, I suppose. A positive to emerge though was that play tended to focus more on tabletop tactics rather than navigating and familiarising oneself with a new ruleset. And this was from the very start. So hats off to V&F. Beer-and-pretzel game? Definitely.

I will leave our host to comment on what we found with the game after our first play-through (for three of us at least; the host had play-tested it several times).  

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=575933

Finally, big thanks to Daniel (Bessieres), David (Wellesley), and our host Donald (Ney) for an entertaining yet casual wargaming day. And the lunch put on by Donald's wife, Marie, was superb, especially that homemade ice cream. Good fun with your Lion Rampant 2 game on Monday. 

Cheers

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