Waterloo 205 Anniversary

We had a game planned for Thursday evening so it seemed like a good (rare) opportunity to my old Napoleonic figures out for a skirmish/battle. I didn’t have time to plan anything to historical, and this would be another down the line virtual game so a simple scenario would be best. I don’t get these figures out very often as they are an odd mix we modified Rebels and Patriots so we didn’t have to learn any news rules. They seemed to work fairly well and gave a fun and close battle. That is more than can be said for Blogger which is giving me real problems ? If I disappear from the bloggersphere you will know why 😢 

The British march forward, the scenario (entirely fictional) involves capturing two bridges outside the small town on the Belgium border

The French coming on in there usual way 

Both forces are mixed but with Line infantry a small element of cavalry and artillery

British light infantry move up into the woods

..... and the Guards move into the orchard

The young guard advance and gain a bonus unit of Cavalry (Double 6’s were very plentiful on the French side !)

British heavy cavalry is pushed back by the French cannons

French light infantry advance on their left flank

Holding the wall line whilst the Hussars are sent forward 

French Dragoon’s charge recklessly over the bridge, at this stage the French did appear to be heading for a comfortable victory, the British already struggling and pushed back...

The dragons just fail to charge the Guards regiment in the orchard

The Scots greys decide to also through caution to the wind and gallop forward

But looks what’s waiting for them !

They manage to wipe out one regiment of the young Guard but then are wiped out themselves 

The French heavy cavalry had been notable by its lack of backbone and when they take a full volley in the flank from the Back Watch in the trees they high tail it to the rear !👍

But more french infantry assault the bridge

And advance in the centre ..........no Prussians coming to save the Brits today !

The highlanders are having none of it and assault the Young Guard on the bridge ......desperate hand to hand fighting

Meanwhile another volley sends the French light infantry packing as well, the battle is possibly turning

Give them the bayonet lads.....hoorah !

.....and again, the Black Watch live upto their reputation but when the remaining french flee they are mercilessly cut down by grape shot, paying for the bridge with their lives

The British commanding officer moves on to the bridge, before also being unhorsed

But finally the battle is up, both sides have worn themselves out, the French cannons have been devastating, but there are just enough British infantry to hold and claim the bridges.

A very close game, not taken too seriously. It does make me think i should do more Napoleonics and I have thought for a while that I could modernise and expand my collection with suitable 20mm figures....perhaps a project for another day ?

And still the weather has been good so my holiday week has seen a lot of time outdoors walking int he Lake District 

Blencathra

Sheep (the dark ones are Herdwick’s which are very famous highland sheep in the Lakes)

The beautiful northern fells.

So assuming this isn’t my last post ! And blogger settles down take care and see you soon 🙂