British Guards and French Middle Guard

Some new Napoleonics have been added to the collection. First up is a battalion of British guards. I had originally done one battalion using all elite figures. I just couldn't allow that to remain the case, so I picked up two boxes of British center companies. This will allow me to field two guard battalions of 40 figures and then perhaps one or two smaller line battalions.

I also picked up a box of French middle guard. I was able to make up two battalions from this; one of grenadiers and the other of chasseurs, each of 30 figures.

Middle Guard chasseurs

Middle Guard chasseurs

Middle Guard chasseurs

Middle Guard grenadiers

Middle Guard grenadiers

Middle Guard grenadiers

British guards

Quatre Bras After Action Report

I was joined by four fellow gamers today for a General de Brigade recreation of the opening of Quatre Bras back in 1815. Three of our number are seniors in high school and lovers of military history. It was a joy to interact with them. They courteous and well spoken young men.

The game started out with the French going on the attack across the board. The very first shot fired was a French battery rolling a double six against a Dutch battery. Not a good beginning for the allies!

Turns 1-5

Turn 1- The French left advances towards the farm and the wood.

Turn 2- The allies advance their cavalry to slow the French advance.

Turn 2- A Dutch battery that was driven off by counter battery fire.

Turn 4- The French general advance continues. French chasseurs a cheval fail to close to contact. This would have major consequences for the rest of the game on this flank.

Turn 4- From behind the allied right.

Turn 5- Pressure mounts on the farm. Dutch hussars defeat the stalled chasseurs and drive them back with loss.

Turn 5- Intense action in the farm. No, it's just bad photography.

Turn 5- The Dutch battery is back in the action.

On the French right, the Materne pond was a tactical problem that altered the battle considerably. Also, the Dutch Jaegers did a good job of making things difficult for the French battalions.

Turns 6-8

Turn 6- The French infantry finally drive back the Dutch jaegers, and the French lancers get past the stream and in position to do some major damage.

Turn 7- A French lancer regiment catches a Hanoverian battery in the open and destroys it. This exposes the right flank of Picton's infantry.

Turn 7- From behind Picton's line.

Turn 7- The allies win some critical melees on their right.

Turn 8- The allied center is in distress as the jaegers and a battalion of Hanoverian line have been routed from the field.

Turn 8- A French regiment moves up in support.

The game was winding down. It appeared the allies had the edge, but things were still very much up in the air. The last couple of turns would be of critical importance.

Turns 9-12

Turn 9- The French drive off a Nassau battalion in the wood, but another is in position behind it.

Turn 10- A lone Hanoverian battalion remarkably is able to halt an attack by French lancers. The allied center is saved, at least for the moment.

Turn 11- Two small French battalions desperately try to turn the allied left flank. But the elite 95th Rifles are able to hold the vital hill.

Turn 12- Picton counter-attacks to check the French

Turn 12-  A lull in the middle.

Turn 12- The Dutch/Belgian cavalry is stopped. The French have gained very little ground on their left flank.

Turn 12- A very strong allied line stands between the French and the village of Quatre Bras.

It was a great day of wargaming.

Here is a link to my YouTube video, taken after the battle was over:

YouTube video

Set Up for GdeB Game on Saturday

We are having another General de Brigade game this Saturday here at my house. There are four of us planning to participate. We will do the opening of Quatre Bras. A French corps of one cavalry and two infantry divisions will go up against Picton's 5th Division and a division of Dutch/Belgians. Picton's brigades are arriving as the battle begins, so the Dutch/Belgians will be hard pressed to hang on and buy time for the rest of the army to deploy around the little village of Quatre Bras and its vital cross roads.

The battle field from the east

Gemioncourt, defended by Dutch militia

Jagers defend the stream east of Gemioncourt

The French right

Nassau battalions defending Bossau Wood.

Materne Pond

Close up of Gemioncourt and its defenders

Massed French formations ready to assault.

French Corps artillery deployed

The allied position from the south.

From behind the French right.

Dutch hussars

Belgian light dragoons

Belgian line infantry supporting a battery.

Picton's lead brigade arriving.