Campaign Eckmuhl 1809

Marshal Lannes

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So - I have learnt that you can only attach 10 files to an individual thread post. Hence the new one. :rolleyes: .

After going for some groceries ; I popped into a homeware store and lo and behold ; an exact size dice rolling wooden tray was found- at least that is what I am using it for. I can now make my very own, bespoke, plush velvet lined dice rolling tray.
My motto is ,... Only the best for the best ...

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1815 Campaign - Ney vs Wellington

" All is in readiness, Sire ; the map-sheets have been gummed down, units have been bagged and individually labelled. We await better weather conditions and your orders !".

100 + small plastic baggies for Quatre- Bras; 200 for Ligny and 200 for Waterloo - a logistical quagmire. :rolleyes:


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🐰.................................................................................👍..............................................................................................................🐰


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1815 Campaign - Ney Vs Wellington

Headquarters at Frasnes - night 15th June - morning 16th June


Along with the artillery, using small 6mm metal figures ; I will also be using Italeri 1/72 figures for the main commanders in the 1815 Campaign to give it a cool 3d feel. Fortunately the French Imperial General Staff figure box have Napoleon and as shown; what is a dead ringer for Michel Ney and even a hatted Grouchy. I forgot I also had the Allied General Staff which has Wellington , Blucher and other Prussian officers to choose from to represent Thielemann at Wavre or whatever. Will have to be painted up eventually. These little things add to the immersion and experience.

There is also no reason why the Battle of Quatre-Bras cannot start an hour or two earlier. We know that three written orders were given by Soult between 6.00 and 11.00am, with one verbal order direct from Napoleon via Flahaut of which the content is unknown but can be inferred to have arrived well before 11.00am.....regardless; Ney could move out from Frasnes at 10.00am to take the crossroads and begin formal battle at around 1.00pm or slightly before without being too ahistorical. " La " !.............:).

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Winter's Victory - New England Simulations.

Acquired..
...👍.........the Deluxe version which contains above accessory pouch and is slightly more pricey than the regular version but since there is a total print run of only 500; I am guessing that this version is only 100 copies which worldwide makes it more coveted in value terms.

Nothing to whine and whinge about here.........a luxury treat for Nappy fans. I take back what I said earlier about the woods graphics. With an actual copy and close up examination - they are fine. Some will whinge about the thin paper maps, especially if you have big stubby fingers which would make a cave troll proud. Respect the game and it's contents and it will respect you......

Similar to the 1815 Incredible Courage games - the buildings graphics are top down roof views which I prefer to hobbitown building graphics. The counter colours are very good and stand well to the maps bluish and white snow-scape hexes.

Game system based on the original Frank Davis - SPI Wellington's Victory - this is definitely the supercharged version...........with extensive modification; skirmish companies have 2 steps as with artillery , so , no stupid one hit wonders or over reliance on large stacks.
Weather and wind play a strong part and lots of extra goodies packed in.

The overall map is big.........a bit bigger than I thought it would be..........so a small dining room table is a no go..........Good production value and very nice to have.......worth the dough. Happy Bunny times!..........I hope another battle is covered...😀. Aspern-Essling will do.............?

( P.S. - the back of the box lists counter content of 2592 counters which is a misprint ; there are 11 counter sheets with a total of 2300 counters ).
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Addendum - Clarification - I swear these goobers read my posts and deliberately update/change the info on their website - the print run is possibly 800 based on sticker label on a box cover. The deluxe edition could still be 100 though.

There is also an errata of counters sheet on the Boardgame geek website .......:rolleyes:. Not too extensive but a bit naughty nevertheless.
 
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Marshal Lannes

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Evening in southern Belgium countryside...................................................................................................................🕧.


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( Dbl Click to enlarge ).

Evening of 15th June 1815. Frasnes. 6.00pm.

General Lefevrse- Desnouettes approaches the town of Frasnes from the south-east heading along the main road towards the crossroads at Quatre-Bras. He is in command of 5 squadrons of The Imperial Guard Lanciers. Initial scouting shows some Dutch - Belgians still occupying the North-eastern section of the town with a further enemy force arrayed in line before the Balcaque farm further north. This initial scenario is 7 turns long- 6.00pm t0 7.00pm. The Dutch - Belgians have to defend the Delsot farm which is a mile further behind their main line while the French have to take the crossroads at Quatre - bras for a Decisive Victory.

In your dreams- my objective is to cause maximum casualties to the Belgian turncoats. :) .

I still have to reread the rules for the umpteenth time and find out from this scenario how effective lancers are and what is the best force weighting to use......i.e. ; how much damage can a single lancer squadron inflict relative to 2, 3 , 4 or 5. With new system rules - you have to learn as you go along. I also get to use Fog of War in the first turn by using red counters until I have a unit next to the enemy or attack them.

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Rorke's Drift Hospital Building - assembled. The furry effect/thatched roof is worth it's weight in gold....it looks really cool. ( If you want to set it alight - it will burn realistically ) :). I do not like the outer staircase edging in the other store room building but it can be modified. It also has second level roof space for the evacuation by ladder from the side; which is historically accurate. There are also delineated wall sections inside that were cut through by the defenders and bullet holes in the outside walls. Also looks like the brickwork facade needs to be redone in light grey or sandstone colour for a more rugged look......................... Coming along nicely !. :) .

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As for terrain - I have a shoe box full of the trees above which are more than adequate. You can buy different colour undergrowth in any hobby shop. Unfortunately the cows I got are a bit small and do not have horns and will have to be painted light/dark brown and considered juveniles. I do have 3 sets of wagons that are pulled by horned cattle and they are bigger ; so it will be a mix. :) .


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Got some rocky terrain; and will probably need more for Isandhlwana recreation. I managed to buy some odds and ends Napoleonic cavalry and infantry in a job-lot bag very cheap, simply because I wanted to use them for testing paint colours and coverage. Found the above early Russian Imperial officer amongst them who will stand in nicely for Lord Chelmsford - he had a big hat at his side which I cut in half and will have to be chiselled down and replaced with either a white pith helmet or a map. ( although it looks a bit like a map at the moment from the front ). :) .



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" Yoose reddneks had bitter skidaddle owt ........ov heer. ......Zooloooos !.... ......... thousands of em; .... hedding diss waay..........if you staay,.....yeel be fur.......... der chop . !..."..


I have an actual 1879 Henriy Martini rifle bullet that was used at Rorke's Drift. ( hence the missing lower cartridge ). Cooool !........my middle name. :giggle: .


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Adding some map sections from The Ligny game so I do not feel hemmed in. Unfortunately , I cannot join them properly as they need to slide under the Quatre- Bras maps which are gummed in place.

I have only checked the components of the Ligny game and will only bag and label the counters when I have finished the Quatre - Bras playthrough.
The good news is that I can fit the entire Ligny map space on my table or Quatre- Bras and two thirds of Ligny. Lots of ahistorical options available with the extra battle space. :) .

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Ha Ha ! :) , My Boer infantry arrived yesterday - 56 figures will do for the battle of Isandlwana. Also will be used for the Cattle ranch scenario , wherein the wife of a Boer cattle rancher is the sister of a prominent member of the British Parliament and so a detachment of British rednecks have to be sent to escort her and her children out of harms way .

The local Zulu chief know about it as well; as it could be good leverage for them in future negotiations.

Really want to change the Storehouse stairs to a wooden trellis effect because dog-dooism must be kept to a minimum. 💩 .



This has only been uploaded last week... The Battle of Ulundi - 9000 regular infantry and 7000 others.......Lord (Custer) Chelmsford learned his lesson it seems....and even two gatling guns along with 1 bunch of artillery pieces. Even Chard is involved............would have thought they would have given him leave for a week. Maybe Lord Chelmsford thought he might be eradicated as his esteem was already eclipsing his own after Isandlwana............ " God Bless Queen Victoria ! "...

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Marshal Lannes

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I was not going to do the Rorke's Drift bridge but it is iconic and adds a sense of theatricality. Need to get some large round timber posts for the main uprights; some tight string for roping and I have a number of plastic ( grey ) bits for the side handrails. Bought a small section of river but it is not wide enough; as with all products available, so I am going to use a large painting white canvas , which I already have and paint the river which has to be at least 22 inches wide to look even remotely realistic for 1:1 scaling.

Also solved the problem for the wooden staircase to the store-house as you can buy a castle mdf cut out; it is 2 steps too high but can be easily cut down to size. 👍.

" All right then ,.....nobody told you to stop working ! ".

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" There laid out before us is Lord Chelmsford's army,.............What a marvellous adventure,........What a jolly spree,...............jolly japes will be had by all until our guts are hanging out of our bellies in the noon day sun ! ". ☀ .

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Lord Chelmsford's 3rd Column is bivouacking a few miles south of the Buffalo river. In the morning; they will march towards the Rorke's Mission Station and there cross the river into Zululand and take the road to Isandlwana.

The next phase is painting the Zulus..... " a thousand of em. ".....:rolleyes:. or at least the base paint.

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Managed to get some paint canvas stuff which are lighter and cheaper than normal painting canvas boards, even bigger in size - they have a 5mm foam insert and are double-sided, so you can use either side for different terrain color.
There is a yuutub video which shows you how to do DIY wargame rivers and you can get stuff which makes the paint shine and glisten like the surface of real water; so will have a go at that. I have only done the base paint for the camp stuff which has increased in size......again; dog-dooism has to be mitigated. Still, fairly long term project..............no rush. The canvas stuff will also be used for landscape background, sky and clouds which I have seen other people use to good effect.

The good news is that this is not going to be a complete crock as I thought it might be.....I am not a figure person/wargamer but have painted a house inside and out about 6 times or so; which is some experience..........

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Winging its way to me......super duper bargain price..............388 pages...................Tick !... 34 Books.....:).

Quite a chunky book - I think they used a heavier paper type as it is heavier than others of the same size. Lots of B & W illustrations ; perhaps too many. The battle map colour plates are a bit dull and basic which does not do this tome justice. There are 60 pages devoted to Orders of battle at the back.

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I have been away from La Bataille games for quite a while. Did not realize that this site existed..... ( la bataille.us ). You can pick up a lot of Free stuff related to the games and contributor made maps and counters for battles that are not commercially available.
A bit rough and ready but good base for doing your own improvements. Aboukir battle map as well as Vimeiro counters seem to be faulty to download.

Marie Louise rules are also available. Freeeeeeee !.

Do not forget about the ( Napoleon series ) for free articles too. 👍 .

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Marshal Lannes

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The Rorke's Drift river is coming along nicely. This was a make or break moment as getting or achieving the right colour is very important. I am quite pleased with the preliminary result. This is phase one and there will obviously be improvement with stippling effect using pva adhesive and toilet paper and beyond that - the surface application of the water glistening material. ( I might leave this out as acrylic painting alone is acceptable ).

The embankments can easiliy be built up with cut out cardboard and filler for gradating terrain which will be overpainted and topped off with flock material and arid grass vegetation and rocks etc.

I have put a figure in for scaling - the river is roughly 14 inches across which is better than the commercially available junk which only goes to about 4 or 5 inches at best and is in small strips and is not fit for the purpose required.

" All right then ,.....nobody told you to stop working ! ".


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Actual 1879 Roster Roll Sheet for men stationed at Rorke's Drift
 

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More theatricality - which does actually work very well. Got some figure flags for opposing armies. Very rich in colour and add a bit of 3D seasoning to things. Will have to make bases for them and possibly put commander figures on as well. They work fine by themselves. A monumental 1815 Campaign deserves some embellishment.

The small French flag is the actual replica flag for the Imperial Garde Lanciers a Cheval, 1815.

( Point of note - the 1st Squadron ( A ) was with Napoleon at Elba ); hence nicknamed , " the Elba Squadron.......".
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( Napoleon after Aspern - Essling - from an 1894 book ) .


I still have not gone through the Napoleonic collection of old books I bought cheap on disc. Those that were printed about the 1900's. Need to trawl through for interesting pics and info........:).......................................................add that to the endless list of things to do.

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What has brought this on - you may ask......Well ! - Martial Enterprises has currently sold out of La Bataille de Heilsberg and is currently selling La Bataille de Eggmuhl 1809, which is the only one in print.......( Booooring ! ). All previous games have sold out - especially one or two that I would like to have.
But there is a policy of no reprints and a puny print run. I suggest that the only reason Heilsberg went OOP was because it was the only thing really available. Not much choice............there.

To cap that; one of the games I really want ( OOP ), has 3 copies currently selling online for almost 4 times their original purchase price....which is freakin' ridiculous.

The quality of these products is somewhat lesser than COA games............and these Board-game speculators are rubbing their greeasy ,plump fingers with ravenous glee while genuine Nappy fans have to put up with this bloated flatulence. It just gets on my nerves.................! Apart from that - these bloated prices do not really sell and only encourage a more reasonable Nappy fan to ask more than is acceptable for a game in pricing which also puts people off buying.......in essence; nobody wins. " LA ! ".
Liberte , Egalite , Fraternite for all and not for the few......................( Mr Angry from Lyons ). : :mad: .

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Grognard Simulations - Wavre

Here we have the mini scenario map-sheet for the March to Waterloo from Wavre - the reverse side has more specific details of unit deployments, etc. The placing of units by pictographic hex area rather than by hex co-ordinate numbers seems to work- it only saves a few brain cells though. You can still write them down for future plays.

I have said it before and I'll say it again - the main battle-maps are super doooper. :) .

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The scratching never stops.......I was not going to get another board game until Xmas or thereabouts. The price was too good to resist. Much less than an unpunched copy. Cheep ! Cheep ! Cheep ! . 🐦 .

My only reservation was the map design. I was pleasantly surprised on receipt that it is not as bad as I thought it would be.........I am definitely not going to get the complete set of games on the Battle of Austerlitz. This will be a stand alone purchase as it portrays Davout's attack along the Goldbach stream which to my mind is the most interesting part of the battle. My previous AAR on this section of the battle confirms this viewpoint.

Nice that they colour code the dice; this, like Quatre - Bras is a very compact battle but with a quite high unit count. Small enough but big enough at the same time.

As I have the 1815 Campaign ; I can use the updated markers. :) .

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Battle for Gros-gorschen. ( Battle for Lutzen Solo - 72 turns) Game Turn 10. French Human vs Prusian A.I.
French cavalry north-east of Gros-gorschen held for quite a good while but became disordered. Isolated, regrouped regiment chase down enemy supply wagons and attempt to take out some enemy gun batteries which will have some effect. Commendation for the 10th Hussars.

Continuous enemy forays against the French wall defences are driven back . Unfortunately by GT.6.; one French battalion routs and three others are low on ammunition.

The Prussians have blocked the road from Rahna.........replenishment of ammunition is now not possible, hence the desperate attempt to hunt down enemy supply wagons which denudes valuable horsemen from the area, north of the village . Situation perilous....... Napoleon has arrived on the northern map edge.........continuous stream of French reinforcements from the west.

Very good battle map size compared to La Bataille de Lutzen board-game which stops at edge of Sarstedt.

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Can you do better in French defence by GT10. ? .

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There are 3 scenarios in the Telnitz game. Each consisting of 66 turns. Starting at 7.00am and ending at 5.50pm ( 10 minute turns ) or whenever you choose.

Viewing online - there seems to be a rulebook glut which may or may not be factual depending on interpretation and the lazy mindset of some players. Another good reason for the ability to use the more streamlined 1815 campaign rules set. :) .

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( Attack on Shevardino ).

I have for quite a while been scratching on the possible purchase of the La bataille de la Moskowa 200th Anniversary edition board-game; which is very annoying but that said, the Tiller PC version of the battle has got to the stage where it looks a more polished and enticing prospect for the recreation/simulation of the battle, so I now have no need to.

La bataille takes a secondary role and as I already have the PC version; an extra big ................Hooray ! :) . La Bataille can only tempt me to a degree...........I am almost cured of Batailleism :giggle: .

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Marshal Lannes

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Here we have the area of Braine L'Alleud - north-west of Hougomont as portrayed on the Incredible Courage Waterloo ( Company level ) game map.

Stationed here were two brigades of Dutch-Belgians.

Two outlying settlements and a nearby large farm are included and named unlike in Wellington's Victory where a cluster of brown rectangles are surrounded by white hexes.

A convert - you betcha !.......................:).

Also noticed that the counter sheets are starting to bend a little bit, so will have to label and bag everything pretty soon , 5700 +counters or so. I have started to use baggies liberally as you can store the game boxes vertically which prevents creasing and even squashing and if you drop the bugger , a chunk of counters do not fly out as with trays.

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...................................." They will chain you, like Prometheus to a rock , where the memory of your own greatness will gnaw you ! "....................................
 
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Marshal Lannes

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" Ha Ha , Ho Ho , Hee Hee ! ".

I have finally found my 24th regiment flag. It went missing for over 5 months. Dammit !. :mad: .

Also got an original Film score cd of the Zulu film....that will be listened to while painting. Yes ; I can listen for free on the Internet but I do not have to listen to the computer fan as well.

Still have not decided whether to use coins or cut out cereal box bases for figures........no worries , as the cereal box cut-outs make good grip for painting purposes.

Winging it's way to me is an extremely fine Army Painter brush for super intricate detailing. Niiice !..................................................... Uzzoooo !.

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Winging it's way to me.. ....an epic canvas of Austerlitz. This has been on the maybe buy list for over 6 years.........Not anymore. ! :) .The evil consumer itch finally beat me down and caught me unawares after a miserable weekend.. :(.............all it takes is a simple mouse button........Click !........and you have a smile on your face and a dent in your wallet;................... " wallets are incapable of emotions " ( John Paul Getty )..........:).

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Whoop Whoop Whoop !......Received the Napoleon at Austerlitz canvas today. Not the really big one ; but a really good size. Unlike my Napoleon crossing the Alps pic which I am 100% happy with - I am only 95% happy with this , as the coloration is slightly darker , especially the cloud background. It is still mega cool though and will go nicely in my wargames room. :) .

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Marshal Lannes

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La Bataille de La Souffel - 28th June 1815. French Victory of General Rapp ( 20,000 - V Corps) over the Austrian army commanded by Prince Eugen ( 60,000 ).

Under modern scoring standards: -
Ligny - French Victory - 2 points.
Quatre - Bras - Draw - French 1 point- Allies 1 point.
Waterloo - Allied Victory - 2 points.
Wavre - French Victory - 2 points.
La Souffel - French Victory - 2 points.

1815 Campaign Total : French 7 points - Allies 3 points. :) . I demand a historical re-write based on referee adjudication.

So in terms of wargaming ; what is available to chipmunk brainers.......surprisingly not absolutely zilch.

OSG Games has the battle included in it's operational level game of Napoleon's Last Gamble. You can also apparently download the map and counters at a regimental level at the Geek.

Surprisingly - Scourge of War ( Steam ), did release it with it's older version of the Waterloo Campaign and there is no reason why they should not do so again with the remastered version............this may be a distinct temptation to get into the Scourge games...................................for this rarity. :) .

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🎼 Schubert / Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D. 485 🎼 , is good to listen to while Napoleonic wargaming..........he was in Vienna when Napoleon was rampaging in his 1813 Campaign. :) .

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Just recently bought an older Strategy & Tactics magazine with game. No.116 - Manchu. Two reasons for this.

Firstly; this item is within the heyday parameters of the magazine's output which to my mind was between issues 61 to 122. Quality games and immersive related articles. What the Hell happened after that..............soul -less tat was produced on an ever diminishing scale; especially with the game content. 😢 . Never mind - you will not catch me buying anything which is not in this designated time frame parameter.

Secondly; I wanted the Campaign scenario which links the Napoleon and the Archduke Charles at Abensberg and Eckmuhl games set-up. I did not know this existed when I had the original games before. Also got the errata from the Geek, which is also handy....there also seems to be an attempt to improve the counters there which is a good idea.

And I am going to put in a thirdly as I have recently been reading and viewing a bit about the Taiping rebellion and there is a good amount of well presented and visually interesting info on this in the magazine.

( Another for the tick box because otherwise, I will forget it for another 5 years or so ). :rolleyes: .

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Nappy factoids..............................................................................................................................................................................................................:) .


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Napoleon is dead in Russia - Guido Artom 1970. - Tick ! ... 35 Books......

I did have a library version a long time ago..................definitely a very strange story; and it almost worked...............shadowy figures.............forged documents and sheer audacity/hubris on the part of the main protagonist, General Malet............but the result was the execution of 10 of the conspirators. I have very few pre 1996 Napoleonic books, I made an exception for this. :) . ( Cheeeep ! ) .

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Battle of Marengo - 1800. Is it possible for Victor to cross the fiume stream and trash the Austrians badly.....rather than deploying on the right side as historically.

At the moment he has caught them with their britches down; routing 5 units; capturing a supply train and flanking in force.

The Austrian A.I. has been bushwhacked...........................................and bamboozled !. :) .


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Losses a bit heavy for the French.............main loss Gen de Brig. Champeaux, ( Wounded-shot in the leg ). Austrian cavalry attempted some counter attacks but were beaten off by disciplined French lines. Austrian dead litter the main road to Marengo. :) .

Can you do better ?......



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First combat/engagement of the humungous company/squadron level Waterloo Campaign 1815. ( 15th June - Frasnes scenario ).

Game Turn 1 .6.00pm


The 1st Squadron of the Garde Lanciers debouch from an orchard on the east side of the buildings of Frasnes. They form up quickly into line and advance at a trot for 50 metres, and then spur their horses forward to a gallop. Their lances are dropped with the ease of repetition and experience; their target a formation of enemy infantry deployed in a furrowed field before them.

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The Garde Lanciers move one hex from an orchard into clear terrain and then change facing to the west, ( Cost 1 MP ). They then initiate a charge against a company of Nassau infantry who are deployed within a field before them. The Garde lanciers only have to traverse one more hex to make contact withn the enemy. ( Cost - 1 MP ). In line - they have 8MPs.

The Garde Lanciers gain a +1 impetus marker for the one hex charge distance. ( It is possible to get up to +3 impetus in a charge ).

The Nassau infantry company roll to see if they stand before this charge. They roll a 2 which means that they lose 1 Level of Order. They go from 5 to 4.
This simulates their readiness and discipline level....which has now been reduced a bit.

The Nassau infantry cannot form square in a field - I am not 100% happy with this rule; and I might change it in future, once I have guaged it's overall effect. It may just be a case of rolling a 50/50 to account for fields that are less problematic than others.

Since the Nassau infantry have stood; they now have a defensive fire attempt. In line ; they have a firepower of 6 and a die roll of 3 is made. Their fire is innefective. They fire somewhat wildly and have managed some minor wounds on the horses and men riding them. No casualties.

The 1st squadron of Garde Lanciers press home their attack. The combat strength of the lanciers , ( as printed on the top of the counter is 15, they get a +1 for the charge impetus marker and a +3 because the enemy infantry are not in square which gives a total of 19 ).

The Nassau infantry company have a combat strength of 5 which is their initial level of order, but they have it reduced to 4 by the lancer charge effect. So ; the combat ratio rounding down is 4 : 1. A die roll of 7 is made which gives a result of, 1/r2.

This means that the lancers have lost 1 Level of Order ( They go from 7 to 6 ), and the Nassau infantry company have lost 2 and are forced to retreat 3 hexes. They now have only 2 Levels of Order left.

At the end of the turn phase ; the Nassau infantry can regain 1 Level of Order while the Garde Lanciers can regain up to 3.
Losses will be more determinate at the end of the hour phase......when actual eliminations are forever taken and the degree of return to fighting effectiveness of combatants is assessed. Losses to both sides are for the moment minimal and not worthy of strength point chitting.

So, ..............let's say, that the Nassau infantry company is fired at by a French unit and loses another 2 levels of order....it would be eliminated from play , and here is the interesting part - it may at the end of the hour, be returned to play. It'slevel of order ad loss has made it no longer combat effective but it may regroup stragglers, wounded, lost to a certain extent, with variable other factors involved.

It does take a bit of mind space to get round the level of order/ attrition model - you are in fact taking losses but these are cumulative and dependent on various mitigating factors, which allow for more variance in attributes and combat potential of a unit above and beyond it's incremental loss as portrayed in step or number chit loss gameplay.
Added to this is the variable strength tables, ( which I am not using at the moment ), for different units, which simulates the fact that sometimes weak units can out-perform or elite units can under-perform on a intermittent basis...........which nicely precludes counter game baboonites who will mathematically inspect every assault ratio with forensic precision to appease their dummy sucking mentality.........war has never been a case of precise numbered ratios. Hmmmm !.

This system definitely lends itself to solo play as announced on the back of the box, as there are a lot of variables, ( which I have not gone into ), beyond the usual , how many strength points does that unit show and what is the quick odds ratio done automatically in my head. The choice to make an attack is immediate, whereas here , you are presented with a degree of unknowing which is always the case in real life combat.....which you could say , simulates things better.

So , the first combat was successful for the Garde Lanciers but could have been better or slightly worse, dependent on die roll. :) .

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Points to Note - You can move cavalry and initiate a charge whenever you please in your moving of the unit counter on the map; and even change facing, which in a lot of other games is prohibited, as well as starting a charge at a specific hex. Opens up a larger vista of possibility.

As described in the game Designer Notes - a single company can form square ,as it is regarded as a small huddled mass of soldiers in a ring rather than a formal straight-sided square. Since the Nassau company and it's sister Voltiguers company are a long way from the other units of it's battalion; this is acceptable but if units of the same formation are in close proximity to each other they all have to go into squarte if one chooses to do so, barring disqualifying terrain. That is how I am going to do it.

Yes ; I did notice that I could have moved the 1st Squadron of Garde Lanciers immediately to the right and then changed facing and got a +2 impetus marker to the two hex charge; or even two hexes for a +3.

The squadron commander was too hot -headed and eager to engage the enemy............ I will have a word with him after the day's events,........... at dinner. :) .

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30461


General Colbert hearing the clatter of musketry fire due north of his position, makes the decision to send the 4th Squadron of Garde Lanciers to support the Ist Garde Lanciers. Scouts have already assuaged the position of a group of enemy voltiguers a hundred metres north-west of his main position. The 2nd and 3rd Squadrons are dispatched to engage them. The 5th Squadron has moved to the left.

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Two Squadrons of Garde Lanciers move one hex forward. Their target is a group of 80-90 voltiguers in general order formation. The voltiguers make a defensive fire. Firepower is 9. Their die - roll is 7. Die roll modifier is -1, as the cavalry is in partial orchard cover and +2 as the cavalry is in column formation which gives a result of 8. The Garde Lanciers lose 2 LoO ( Levels of Order, which reduces them from 7 to 5 ).

Melee is initiated - two squadrons have an attacking combat strength of ( 2x15 = 30 ). This is adjusted to 28 as they have lost 2 LoO. The defender combat strength is 9 ,so the odds ratio is 3:1. A die-roll of 10 is made and the result is 1r2. ( Attacker loses another LoO reducing it to 5 and the defender retreats 3 hexes and loses 2 LoO making it a 3 LoO ).

Basically, the same result as the 1st Squadron Garde Lanciers charge attack except 3 LoO have been lost by the lancers.

After the Allied turn, ( End of GT.1 ), both sides will recover LoO ( combat effectiveness ). The enemy infantry will recover only 1 LoO and the Garde Lanciers will recover 3 LoO ; however the 1st Squadron Garde Lanciers will only recover 1 LoO as they have charged and their horses are blown.

End of French 6.00pm turn.

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Major Normann can readily hear the sound of firing coming from the northern outskirts of Frasnes. Not long after; he can view streams of his own men running at pace towards his line. A bugle call is made to recall all the soldiers from Frasnes. This is closely followed by the sight of a formation of horsemen with lance penants appearing on the left side of Frasnes. He quickly orders his remaining four companies to double up while a section of Bijeveld's horse artillery battery is hurriedly ordered to limber up and remove itself to a secondary position at the Delsot farm.

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30463

Major Normann can readily hear the sound of firing coming from the northern outskirts of Frasnes. Not long after; he can view streams of his own men running at pace towards his line. A bugle call is made to recall all the soldiers from Frasnes. This is closely followed by the sight of a formation of horsemen with lance penants appearing on the left side of Frasnes. He quickly orders his remaining four companies to double up while a section of Bijeveld's horse artillery battery is hurriedly ordered to limber up and remove itself to a secondary position at the Delsot farm.

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The Allied Turn has comprised solely of movement; namely the fleeing of two companies to their main line. The voltiguers company has just about made it to the gun line and have recovered 1 LoO as have the Nassau company who have used the main road to move further back.

There would have been an attempted artillery fire at the 5th Garde Lanciers which would have given a low probability of effect and so was not a chosen option.; the guns moving away.

The 1st Garde Lanciers will also gain 1 LoO of recovery at turns end. The 2nd and 3rd 3 LoO to raise from 5 to 7 although the counter is showing 5.

Points to Note - the 4th Garde Lanciers Squadron is now within charge distance of the enemy.......the voltiguers company had to go up a slope after immediately exiting Frasnes and just about made it back to their own lines but is facing in the wrong direction.

Frasnes is clear of the enemy.......... " Vive L'Empereur !".

End of Game Turn !. ( 10 minutes ).

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30464


So - if you were playing the engagement at Frasnes with La Bataille de Quatre-Bras. You would have one counter representing the Garde Lanciers and one counter representing the 2/28ON Dutch-Belgian battalion and one counter representing Bijleveld's horse battery of six guns and possibly one detached company. The company facing a regiment of lancers would be wiped out immediately and the Dutch- Belgian battalion would not last long.; the choice of whether to stick it into square formation is a no-brainer- a one dimensional chipmunk brainer 🐿 choice and reality............ ...tactical nuance/replayability is minimal; losses will always be too heavy, which is not realistic or historical and the map interface is chronically simplistic....................I will not , NOT , NOT be a chipmunk brainer 🐿 anymore.............I have moved on and gained Napoleonic enlightenment 🙏..........................................................I am at peace with the universe..............La ! :) ......

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30471

Game Turn 2 - 6.10pm.

Heavy cloud cover is forming and daylight is starting to diminish at a faster rate.
The 1st and 4th Squadrons of Garde Lanciers have moved forward and joined together in line formation. The 2nd and 3rd Garde Lanciers also move ahead to a position behind the ferme La Roux. The 5th Squadron aligns with their front behind the hamlet of Le Telqedue. General Colbert sends his adjutants left and right with further orders.

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French turn is primarily moviement. Ooops ! I made a mistake with the cavalry melee attack by the 2nd/3rd Lanciers against the enemy voltiguers company. Cavalry strength is halved when not charging. So; the melee strength should have been 15 not 30, and the odds ratio, only 1.5/1. The result , interestingly enough is still the same, (1r2 ) but it could have been different , so I have increased the LoO of the voltiguers company from 4 to 5 as recompense - so it is back to full combat readiness.

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30502

The retreat from Frasnes, evening of 15th June 1815............................................................................................................................................

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30507

The first section of Bijleveld's horse battery along with the demoralized Nassau company have arrived at the Delsot farm. Major Normann has sent the second section in the same direction. His nerves are fraught and he can only hope that the French lancers afford him more time to withdraw. Captain Muller commands the voltiguers who are stationed on the right with the remaining gun section. An impromptu small square deploys to the right.

The last two guns of Bijleveld's battery let off a defiant booming salvo which then turns into an uneasy silence.

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A bigger square could have ben formed with 4 companies but that would have left a smaller defensive area coverage and to all intents and purposes, pinned the greater part of Major Normann's defensive capability; even allowing the lancers to sweep past and harass the escaping guns, and cut off the road to the rear.

End of Game Turn 2.

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Rant of the Day ! ......

So ; I received a couple of wargame magazines yesterday; extremely cheap. I won't say which ones......just that they are from the 1980's. I already have one beaten up copy. Lo and behold ! , they came in separate plastic sleeves.......so I start to peruse them and what was striking was their condition....nice and crispy and the center staples only had a bit of tarnishing ; they look as if I had bought them second hand a couple of years after they were printed.

Compared to the one I already have.....they stand out, so I am wondering that maybe because someone has put them and keptthem in ziploc plastic sleeves ...they have stood the test of time and do not look as if a dog 🐶 has slept and liberally pee-eed on them for a number of decades.

I am not really too non-plussed about old worn magazines, especially if they are dirt cheap................but it serves as a reminder that being a bit more diligent and respectful of what you have in wargame terms can readily transfer further up the ownership chain.

Don't be a poochi 🐶 fied game slob......................................that goes for magazines too. :p .

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30518

Another Marshal Lannes Napoleonic Nut Award has been given to Incredible Courage at Austerlitz. This behemoth consists of 3 sections.

Telnitz - 5 map sections - 1000 counters.
Pratzen - 16 map sections - 1300 counters.
Santon - 6 map sections - 1100 unit counters.

A Grand total of 3400 counters and going by my experience of the Waterloo Campaign games , that will be an underestimate of around 740, give or take.

A Grand total of 27 half map sections which is 7 more than the " titan " Ligny game.

Intimidation level for Chipmunk-brainers 🐿 - 9.8/10. :) .

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30523

Another recent purchase..............definitely an impulse buy.......I am not a seasoned model painter but that will change over time, no doubt. It comes with two heads, so you can have him helmeted or not,................nice touch. :) .

" For God, the Cid , and Spaaaiiin ,..........Spaaaiiiin,........................ Spaaaaiiiiiiin ! "...................................

Wargame Christmas Santa list will be sent off sooner rather than later.............................Difficult choice this year...... :unsure: .


Coooooooooooooooooooooooool !.................................................................................................................................

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30531

30532

This one has been itching for way too long.......Ppprrrrrrr...rrrr !


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30628

Attention Chipmunk brainers 🐿 - if you have the Strategy & Tactics Magazine games of the battles of Abensberg and Eckmuhl 1809. Why not upgrade the counters; these are free to download on the Geek.

They had ones in the picture section which are not that great and I initially thought that they were the downloads version but the actual downloads are brilliant, compared to the original counter design.

You could easily convert these games into battalion level treatment with a little tweaking of the counters before you print them. 👍 .

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30740

The first part of Santa's 🦌 sack has arrived. One mintoid copy of " La Bataille de Dresde ". Internet pictures do not do it justice....a complete luxury cavalcade of components. The map is excellent and easy on the eye and surprise, surprise ; Rick Barber did it....those are definitely his trees and there is subtle green color for the clear hexes which blend nicely with the woods.
The counters hark back to the La bataille de Preussisch Eylau game but are slightly less chunky and less glary which is good.

Definitely worth the dough.......................................only a small discount here.

The second part is winging it's way to me.............Santa 🦌 is being very generous this year as he knows that I have been extremely good..........:p....................

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I never understand this penchant for Board wargame developers to make a rough estimate available of the counters involved in a game. Dresde states that it has over 1000+ counters on the back of the box - It has 1680 counters of which 46 are blank/spares.
-
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30759

The second part of Santa's 🦌 sack has arrived - a copy of " Death Ride Salerno - 16th Panzer Division ". This is the base game for the Operation Avalanche - salerno landings battle 1943. There are 3 more games to the series which together create a monstrous sized recreation of the battle. I am dipping my toes in the water for this one.............................if I like it ; then I will get the others.

I am not a great fan of the map but that might change as it uses neutral coloring and is easy on the eye. The counters are Ok but again as in other GS games, suffer from having small lettering and the unit designation on the side. ( Frickin , Frackin , Freakin ! :mad: ).

It's good points are that it is big and intricately detailed.......................... Makes GDW's version look like a game for toddlers. 👼 .

A stocking filler is also on it's way.............................to round things up......................:)..............................for a bumper Christmas 🌠.

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30760


Hooray ! ......Santa's 🦌 delivery elf arrived.........................delivering a platoon of 10 German Panther tanks which are well painted in southern European camouflage and even have the tank unit designation decal numbers on the side of the turrets - which do not show up because my phone picture focus apparatus is crap..........3d theatricality for a 2d game............................................................................................................ ( Just letting the 45th US Infantry Division know what they are up against ). :) .

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30769

The End of Empire - George Nafziger P/B version - Tick ! - 36 Books !........

( arriving later today apparently - it was supposed to come a while back - not really an Xmas present but I will stick it in Santa's 🦌 sack anyhow ! ). Chunky Discount !.

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Chunkified it is - 508 pages of narrative and 226 pages of Orders of Battle. As usual; lots of B & W pics........and very nice it is. :) . I will add it to the conveyor belt of stuff to read.

Definite lack of tactical board-games on the 1814 Campaign.........................which is not good. And I will not get excited at a possible , featureless terrain adaptation of the La bataille series....................... No ! .

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Death Ride Salerno - 16th Panzer- As the base game, you get a lot of card charts and tables incliding OOb's , Unit supply charts, Command and Control chart , Minefield entry and exit chart; Paradrop chart/scatter, six smaller set-up maps; Air support track, etc etc.

Now for the meat on the bone: 30784

1) Eight 11" by 17" maps which are stacked two together vertically, giving a conflict area of 22" at the base and 68" vertically long, which is a whopping 68 Inches tall.

2) Day turns are one hour and night time two, giving 120 turns for the five days of 13th Sept onwards.

3) There are a total of 1080 counters of which 123 are blanks/spares.

Remember, this is only one quarter of the Battle of Salerno..............We are eventually looking at circa 3500 counters and 30 11 by 17 map-sheets................Niiiiice !.

I have seen whining and whingeing that states that it is too intricately detailed and filled with a myriad of minutiae combat stuff................ Bring it on ! .

The days of adding up attack combat factors and comparing them to a defence factor/s only are for the age of " dinosaurus chipmunkus. "........:) .

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Marshal Lannes

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30949


Death Ride Salerno - 16th Panzer Division.

Here we have the 2nd Panzer Regt. ( 29 units including the HQ ).. The Germans seem to be in platoons and the Americans in companies/platoons. Map hexes are 330 metres across and are slightly larger than the Napoleonic games.

The top of the counters show figures from left to right:
Secondary weapon factor/ Primary weapon factor/ Defense factor; and the bottom figures;
Secondary weapon range/ Primary weapon range/ Movement factor.

Looking very interesting.................unlike in the Napoleonic games, where you lose levels of order, ( LoO ) between 5 and 7 per unit depending on status; here you take suppresion points as losses and if you lose a total of 5, then the unit is eliminated. It goes into the Holding box and may return if reconstituted with replacements or reconfigured. The suppresion markes can go from green to red and vice versa to signify certain combat effects and recovery during movement and combat phases.
So, there is a deeper level of interactivity for both sides/players within a Turn Phase.

You can counter battery fire with artillery and there are ship gun counters for naval barrages.

As well as defensive and opportunity fire for the defenders ; there is also an overwatch firing phase for the attacker which reacts to such fire.

It looks as if this is the updated version as the Intro and Designer Notes specify the improvements made and the additional/supplemented rules which are now highlighted in purple and yellow text.

You can also initiate patrol mode for units/ especially at night.....extensive Command and Control stuff........a seperate expansion for more detailed Supply and logistics effects.


Other stuff - Barbed wire set-up. Hard and medium target specification. Tracked and wheel movement. Fluid ZOC's. Maintenance/ repair and medical rules etc etc.

Overall; there are no major complaints and the only minor complaint is the unit designations on the side of the counters but they are at least not italicized like the Napoleonic games. :) .


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30958

Another option for added 3d theatricality is to use 6mm figures. I am surprised that it has worked so well. Obviously my crappy phone camera does not do it justice - the green flock material for basing blends in nicely with the maps.

( Learnt that you can buy specific basing glue......). 👍 .

I was initially thinking of green grass flocking small wooden blocks and putting the flags on them but they look much better just laid flat on the map. The Adc figures will be used for getting orders from higher echelon superiors which is part of the rules system and is a good 3d visual reminder that orders are being dispatched or attained, rather than a counter which can get lost in the huddle of hordes of other counters.

Still have not ruled out 25mm figures for the Major Commanders...............just testing things out and how it looks. Always good to have options, anyhow. I have to get used to basing stuff for when I do all my Zulu figures

" Vive le quick drying basing glue ! "...... :) .

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30960

Now we're cooking - rather than painting the wooden block sides black and tediously painting fancy gold stuff which will never look as good as a picture; why not print out a design on sticky backed label paper and then stick it on the four sides of the Wellington figure block..................TICK !......🎯 .

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This is exceptionally well done ( in graphical terms - give it some love ❤ )......................I guess it is overlooked by the Epic History version which has 4.5 million views.

Very atmospheric and more than fitting for the " great one's " , exhultation................................:) .

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31124


Death Ride Salerno - 16th Panzer Expansion :

As it's my birthday 🎂 soon; notched up another in the Salerno battle series. This one pits the 15th Panzergrenadier Division against the British 56th Infantry Division. The maps show more blue coastline , ( again, an additional 6 and a half feet by two feet to add to the original game map; already monstrous in size but still only half way through to completion of the series.

It says on the back of the box that there are approximately 800 counters. Pinocchio is a fictional character...............there are 1092 counters of which 111 are blanks/spares. :) .

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31283


My Panther tanks look even better on the Decision Games Goss style maps. Luckily ; I have enough for all the panzer divisions involved, including what -if's deployment.

Also just re-realised that the WDS, updated Bulge game has a complete company level treatment called Hebs something. It has Kampfgruppe and regimental commanders named and more historically accurate placement and specific gruppen composition.

The extension to the map north and south adds some bite; especially the north, which will take some watching. Only done one turn but it is more intense than battalion level and looks like it will give more realistic /historical casualty results.............................................a single turn takes ages to do. ......Just dipping my toes..........:) .

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Game Turn 3 . 6.20pm.

All squadrons of the Garde Lanciers regiment move towards the le balcque plateau to engage the enemy defensive position.

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31317

Game Turn 3 . 6.20pm.

First Attack.

The 1st and 4th Lanciers squadrons charge against the right hand enemy square comprising two companies of infantry.

The defenders make 2 defensive fire attacks with a firepower of 9 which results in a 2 LoO and 1 LoO loss for the attacking cavalry.........who then melee the square.

Cavalry combat strength is 2 x 15 = 30. LoO loss of 3 negates the Charge Impetus bonus of +3 which gives a total of 30.
The two enemy infantry companies have a combat strength of 9 x 2 = 18. Final odds ratio of 1:1. ( The lancers suffer a -2 die roll modifier for attacking a square ). A Die roll of 5 is made which gives a 3 result which reduces the French by 1 LoO.

This attack has cost the French a total of 4 LoO. The enemy performed well; especially with disciplined musketry fire under duress.

Second Attack.

The 2nd and 3rd Lanciers squadrons charge against a lone enemy infantry company supported by a section of 2 guns.

A roll to stand is made for the defenders who get a -3 to their LoO, so the defending infantry company is reduced from 5 to 3 LoO.

The lancers close to melee and are fired upon. The infantry with a firepower rating of 3 result in a miss. The two gun section fire at close range with canister. They have a firepower rating of 2 and get a +12 modifier for range and canister which gives a result of 1 LoO loss for the French lancers......who immediately melee.

Their combat strength is 2 x 15 = 30. They get a +3 Charge Impetus bonus and a +2 die roll modifier for the Leader counter; and a +3 as the defenders are not in square
Combat strength is 33.
Defender strength is a measly 2 for the guns and 3 for the infantry which totals 5. Combat odds ratio is 6:1.
Die roll is 7 with +5 drm which gives a result of 1/r3.

The artillery make a successful roll to limber up and retreat and the enemy infantry company are retreated are down to 2 LoO. from an initial 5.

Third Attack.

( The charge attack by the 5th lanciers squadron is no longer viable as the defenders have retreated in disorder and have used up their movement points anyhow and cannot change facing once charge is declared....which kind of lets you know that a cavalry unit could initiate a charge and wait for another charge to result and then swoop in for the final kill of a disordered unit - note to self made ).

This attack has cost the French 3 LoO and the Dutch-Belgians 3 LoO. Albeit they had to retreat in disorder.

The Dutch - Belgians were very lucky with the dice rolls overall; especially for their artillery which should have been eliminated.............................Dammit !.

I am growing fonder of this game system as it has a lot of nuances and variability in the combat system and most importantly ; has the capacity for additional variation/modification......more about that later........possibly after the whole Quatre -Bras game completion..............:).
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( P.S. I did make a Major Normann counter from the spares with an Orange - Nassau flag frontage....for cosmetic purposes ).

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31372

Allied Turn 6.20pm.

The successful routing of the last Dutch - Belgian gun section along with it's accompanying support infantry has put paid to any further serious attempt to hold the Le Balcque farm. Major Normann moves his two companies back and forms square on the right side of the sunken road; watching as the remaining square clears the northern edge of the terraced field to his south-east. The French horses are blown and will need time to regroup/rest.
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The Nassau company ( in line ) has gained 1 LoO while 4 guns have now unlimbered on the right of the Delsot farm. The Disorder marker on the retreating guns and infantry has been removed but in doing so they are unable to regain any LoO which remains at 2. At LoO 1 , they are automatically disordered and eliminated at LoO 0.

( Infantry squares can move 2 hexes in this game system............).
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Game Turn 4 - 6.30pm.

General Colbert quickly reorders his nearest blown lanciers squadrons, who form up in record time. Looking to his left, he notices Captain Soulac of the 5th Lanciers squadron agitatively prancing his horse from left to right while standing upright in the saddle, looking directly at Colbert. His intention is clear..........Colbert pulls off his hat and then points it in slow motion towards the enemy. Captain Soulac recieves the message............


31399


Apart from the 5th Lanciers squadron - all French horses have charged. The 1st and 4th squadrons regain 3 LoO as do the 2nd and 3rd are now back to full combat readiness.

The 5th Lanciers attack towards the enemy voltiguers. They initiate a charge 3 hexes away; so gain +3 impetus. The voltiguers in line successfully roll to form square, and then make a defensive fire which has no result.

The 5th Lanciers melee them with a strength of 15 +3 for the charge bonus giving a total of 18 Combat strength. The voltiguers have a combat strength of 6 which is reduced by 1 for having 1 LoO which gives them a combat strength of 5. 18:5 equals a 3:1 ratio. A -2 DRM for lancers vs square.

Another crappy die roll (1) adjusted by -2 is still (1) is made by the French which gives a 1 Loo loss for the Lanciers.

( Point to note - a cavalry unit with 3Loo or above is only allowed to charge ).

Things are still , very inconclusive - no major loss to either side. :mad: .

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31428

Allied Turn 6.30pm.

Major Von Normann continues his retreat movement to the Delsot farm. Two 2 company squares are in good order. The voltiguers square has fired upon the 5th Garde Lanciers bringing down a few horsemen. All of Byjeveld's guns are unlimbered but only one section has a line of sight and fires at just above medium range to no effect.

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The 5th Garde Lanciers have lost 1 loO due to defensive fire from the voltiguers square. Although two Dutch- Belgian gun sections have a line of sight to the Lanciers ; I have disallowed one fire attempt as the target Lanciers are at the start of a sunken road and so are one to three feet below visibility level.

The artillery rules are very interesting, as you first have to cross reference the range to the target unit with the initial gun range on the counter; refer to a table to modify your gun combat strength and only then , use the Fire Combat Results Chart. Also nice that the relevant charts are all on one of the play aid cards and are well designed. :) .

The two squadron stacks of Garde Lanciers have recovered 3 LoO as they are Guard units.

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31435

Game Turn 5. 6.40pm.

General Colbert throws forward 4 of his Lanciers squadrons to try and break the enemy squares.

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First Attack - the 1st and 4th Garde Lanciers melee the outside Dutch - Belgian square. They lose 1 LoO to defensive fire. They have a modified combat strength of 31 versus 18 for the defenders, yielding a 1.5:1 ratio. The Combat melee result is 1r2, with the defenders reteating 3 hexes.

Second Attack - the 2nd and 3rd Garde Lanciers along with General Colbert melee Major Von Normann's square. TThey lose 2 LoO due to defensive fire. Melee at 29- 18 which again gives a melee ratio of 1.5:1. The result is 1/-; the Lanciers losing an additional 1 LoO.

Both attacks have failed to break the squares.

The 5th Garde Lanciers squadron disengages from the enemy Voltiguers square and losses 1 LoO to opportunity fire.

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There is another turn to this scenario but darkness has fallen and any further attempt to capture /eliminate the enemy guns has been lost. Therefore General Colbert withdraws his tired troopers back to Frasnes with the 5th Garde Lanciers squadron deploying picquets at the Le Balcque farm.

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Victory Conditions : A Draw , slightly in the Allies favour. By sheer coincidence, the Allies are in the same position as historically, at the Delsot farm.
Both sides have not taken/suffered any counter loss; so the actual historical engagement results will apply.

The French have lost 69 dead and wounded and the Dutch- Belgians 39 dead and wounded.
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End of Frasnes engagement - evening 15th June 1815.

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31436

7.50am 16th June 1815....Marshal Ney - Duc de Elchingen, Prince of the Moscowa........................................... arrives at Frasnes.


" Vive Le Rougeaud ! ".................." Vive L'Empereur ! ".............................................

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31479


" Destiny urges me to a goal of which I am ignorant. Until that goal is attained , I am invulnerable; unassailable.

When Destiny has accomplished her purpose in me, a fly may suffice to destroy me ! ".


Napoleon Bonaparte......

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31524


Easter bunny 🐰 has called early this year. A copy of Incredible Courage at Elchingen. Covering the battle against the Austrians in 1805 , ( part of the the Ulm encirclement ) which gave Ney his first epithet.

The game is very manageable with only 4 half-map sections. There are 864 counters of which 72 are blank/spares. The map hexes, as with the Telnitz game , are slightly bigger than the Waterloo Campaign games. There are 3 scenarios with a maximum of 43 turns to finish the whole engagement.

One of the cheapest of the game series, with a read it in the book and now surprisingly available to experience and play at the tactical level..............an unusual and more or less obscure treat for Nappy fans.......................................... Happy 🐰 bunnies 🐰all 🐰 round...... :) .

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31548

Clarification : I did reference in a couple of combats in the Action of Frasnes , comparing the attackers Combat Strength to the defenders LoO.... this is wrong.......the LoO reduces the Combat Strength for either the attacker or defender respectively.

Another important thing to get into the brain noodle is that every unit in a hex is affected by LoO loss due to enemy fire or melee. ( Whoops ! I only reduced the top Lancer unit in combat but the combat ratio, was the same anyhow ).So if you have one unit or five in a hex , they all suffer the appropriate LoO ( combat cohesiveness ) loss. This does not mean that a hex with 5 units when reduced to Loo of zero are all eliminated......the top unit is eliminated and if fired on again , the hex loses another or maybe 2 or 3 dependent on the LoO loss level. You also have to remember that units with LoO 3 or less cannot melee attack but can defend normally.....

As mentioned before , because of the scope for positive or negative Die roll modifiers; it is easy to factor in situations that are anomalous. For instance ; I had a Garde Lanciers unit attacking along a side road with buildings into a main street with only a building/village penalty applied; a small side street would by definition, limit cavalry attack potential down to about 2 or 3 troopers moving abreast, which can readily initiate a negative die roll modifier, which can easily be done.

There is also the potential for medium range artillery fire. It is a bit peculiar that an infantry or cavalry unit can move say 6 or 8 hexes towards an unlimbered battery with no fire from the guns until they are directly one hex in front. Definitely used to PC game artillery fire being initiated by movement and facing change. This has to be modified

I am still not experienced enough in this game system to make formal modifications, but that will change by the time I have finished the entire battle of Quatre-Bras.

It is stilll too early to determine whether the loss parameters and rate will be lesser than in battalion level games but I have the feeling that it is so.

I like the idea of playing this battle, knowing that the losses translate directly to the Battle of Waterloo. This tempers the Gung Ho attitude of a stand alone battle treatment. I guess that is why you also get the unit straggler and wounded return to battle after each hours turn end.

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The Battle of Quatre-Bras.

I have decided that this will be more of a meeting engagement. I am not particularly fond of the specific scenario starting positions of the French and of course , the formal 2.00pm start time. There is no reason for the battle to not begin earlier at 1.00pm and no reason why some skirmishing cannot begin to occur at noon. T
he initial positions for both sides also follow a strict , wholesale south-west to north-west orientation which encourages action along this hex vertice line which can skew things a little; especially as North to south hex vertice orientation is readily available to use.

The original positions of the Allied troops will be used with Command Control orders in place for them by 12Noon.

D' Erlon's 1st Corps will not arrive to help Ney and there is a good chance that the Imperial Guard cavalry will be fully available to Ney.

" Wellington will be quaking in his own boots...........................................................................as it should be ! "......:) .

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31585

Courage Marshal Ney - James Mace - 262 pages - Tick ! - 37 Books. !

As cheap as toenail clippings, so what the hell.....................have come across this notion a few times, so time to dive in.....as I am in Marshal Ney mode at the moment. :).

" This book is about what we would today call a “conspiracy theory,” although the events in question actually predate the use of the term “conspiracy theory” by several decades. It’s based on the idea that Marshal Michel Ney, one of Napoleon’s greatest officers, faked his execution and fled to America, where he lived under the name Peter Stuart Ney until his real death in 1846.

The book examines, in great detail, how this might have happened and what it would have required in order to be true. In broad outlines, it paints Ney’s supposed escape as a slap in the face to the restored Bourbon King by the Duke of Wellington, in retaliation for the king’s ingratitude to England’s Iron Duke "
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31780

The Elchingen game would be a good initial dip your toes into this game system series. The unit designations are not italicized; so are somewhat easier to read. There are 3 scenarios and the white Austrian counters blend well into the game map.

Will have to make a little sticker showing the St. Peter and Paul church , ( Upper Elchingen ) in it's full glory, as the map illustration just shows a small white cottage with a cross on top. 🤢 .

Nice touch that the French OoB also includes Dupont's 1st Division which was deployed nearby and so can be used as a, " What if " ; just like D'Erlon at Quatre - Bras.

An Austrian flag is winging it's way to me as I now have two games involving Austrian forces; which makes it more viable to own. :) .

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