Saxon invasion

It has been a while since we saw my dark age collection in a big battle and at the end of last week the weather was god enough for a battle in the outdoor shed.

The scenario saw my Romano-British suppoted by Welsh allies take on the Saxon invaders with mercenary Picts. (Really all just an excuse to get as many figures on the table as possible) 

The set up, the objectives for both sides to attempt to take the enemy camp and capture and hold the Iron Age fort in the centre. Both armies have four elements, arriving from random positions. The stream is crossable along its length. There is a Druid figure protecting the hill fort who will move around random,y and target the closest unit each turn

The Saxon camp

First turn and all units get a double move to get things going

The second wave of cavalry for both sides arrives, plenty of space for them to manoeuvre at this stage

The Romano-british move away from the village and spread out, but leave a small force to hold the village as they are not sure where the Saxon reserves may arrive from.

The Saxons cross the stream heading for the hill fort

But the British are entering from the far end, as well as moving down the stream

Then the third wave of British arrive, welsh mercenaries who move immediately towards the Saxon camp !

The Saxons also have mercenaries Picts, so these are directed to defend the Saxon camp against the welsh

Some of the Picts are sent along the stream with their war dogs

The Saxon camp with the Picts running down towards the stream

A lone Saxon unit holding the stream crossing

The Saxons are now forming a defensive line, and although they are currently holding the hill fort, the British are bringing superior numbers of troops to recapture the fort

The Picts reach the stream by the camp and start to see off the welsh reserves

Picts stand shoulder to shoulder with the Saxons but Romano heavy cavalry is approaching them

The final welsh are chased down and are eventually wiped out

The British are finally bringing up all their reserve force

With their camp now safe more troops are sent forward

A desperate struggle on the fort, but the Saxons are exhausted

Unit by unit the Saxons are being beaten back with large gaps now appearing in their line

The final conflict takes place in the fort, where the Saxons are outnumbered. Both camps have been secured, but the British have managed to take control of the hill fort for the win. A splendid game full of twists and turns the scenario forced both side to be a little cagey which isn’t my normal style but was and interesting change. Nice of course to get lots of figures on a big table.

I have managed a little painting this last week although not much

I completed some 15mm heavy German armour which had been waiting its turn, 2 Panthers

A massive jagdtiger

2 jadgpanzer IV’s

The weather mid week was fantastic before the thunderstorms so a trip out into the central lakes 

This is Great Gable a very famous mountain in the central fells

One of the many stunning views looking south towards the sea

At the start of last week I had a trip down to George’s for a run through with Johnny Reb 2 using his extensive ACW collection. A good learning test out of the rules, which were fairly easy to pick up.

The Rebels hold the line in the trees

But then to get the most of the learning I decided to surge forward and in the process drove the Union back for a win, before the Union troops could settle down, aggression sometimes works ?

Plenty going on with another game in the North East on Tuesday this week and then we are away on a family holiday to ‘sunny’ South Wales all being well some castle will make the agenda.

Thanks as always for checking by

Matt ♥️