The Battle of the Brandywine 1777 Refight (Again!)

In late 2022 and early 2023, I dug out my old 28mm American War of Independence collection, played a few games with the lads at the Carmarthen Old Guard, painted a few new units and even bought some more troops (my word, haven’t 28mm figures got expensive!).  However, it’s taken me a while to catch up, so here’s my much-delayed report from our refight of Cornwallis’ flank-attack at the Battle of the Brandywine, 11th September 1777, once again using my mate Eclaireur‘s superb British Grenadier! rules.  Eclaireur also wrote the scenario, which is taken from his first British Grenadier! scenario book.

This is a scenario I’ve played quite a few times before and I posted one of our previous refights of the scenario here in April 2019.  It’s a fun, straightforward scenario to play that pitches you straight into the action (follow the link above for the orders of battle).  For the British, you get the chance to put almost the entire British-Hessian Elite Corps onto the table, while for the Rebels, you get to watch truly enormous quantities of artillery ammunition fly down-range at the approaching redcoats…

Above:  The opening deployment as it appeared on our table.

Above:  Another view of the opening deployment, aligned with the scenario map above.  I would be commanding the forces of Freedom, Monarchy and Stability on this occasion, with Kirk French and Anthony Oakley taking the Damned Rebels.

Above:  My first problem was that Cornwallis (i.e. me…) has decided on this occasion to re-live his glory days as a brigadier instead of actually commanding the army and entrusting brigades to subordinates.

Above:  The Rebel right wing.  Woodford’s Brigade forms the first line; the 7th Virginia are nearest the camera, then a battery of 6-pounders and the 11th Virginia, with the 3rd Virginia skirmishing forward of the line, along with Spencer’s Regiment from Alexander’s Brigade.

I should add at this point that these are 28mm figures, being mostly Perry Miniatures or Wargames Foundry models.  For the most part these are from my own collection and were painted by me, though a few units (such as those green-shirted riflemen) belong to our NZ exile Jase Evans and Anthony Oakley also provided some units from his own collection (painted by Gareth Beamish of this parish) and also provided the lovely model house used to represent Birmingham Meeting House.

Above:  Opposite them is the British left wing, consisting of Cornwallis’ Advance Guard Brigade; the 16th Light Dragoons, the 1st & 2nd Light Infantry Battalions, the Hesse-Kassel Jäger-Korps and the detached Light Company of the 42nd Royal Highlanders (Black Watch).

Above:  Forming the second line of the Rebel right wing is Scott’s Brigade; the 4th Virginia are on the right flank, then a reserve battery of 6-pounders and a combined unit formed from Grayson’s and Patton’s Regiment.  The combined 8th/12th Virginia form a third line.

Above:  The centre of the Rebel line is formed by De Borre’s Brigade; the first line of which is formed by the brown-coated 2nd Canadian Regiment, the blue-coated German Regiment and yet another battery of 6-pounders, while the 6th Maryland are deployed forward in skirmish order and the 2nd/4th Maryland form a second line.

The centre is already in the process of being reinforced by Alexander’s Brigade; Spencer’s Regiment is already deployed forward as skirmishers, while the 3rd New Jersey, 3rd/6th Pennsylvania and 9th/12th Pennsylvania are marching past the Birmingham Meeting House.

Above:  On the Rebel left flank is Stone’s Brigade, consisting of the 1st/3rd Maryland, a battery of 3-pounders and the 5th/7th Maryland deployed as skirmishers.

Above:  On the British right flank is Meadow’s Brigade of Grenadiers, consisting of the 1st and 2nd Grenadier Battalions.

Above:  Surely nothing can withstand this glorious line of furry hats (and furry rucksacks)?!

Above:  To complement the furry-hats, here come the Hessian pointy-hats!

Above:  General von Donop leads his three grenadier battalions forward, along with a supporting battery of 4-pounders.  The battalions are each named for their Commanding Officer; from right to left, these are Lengerke, Minnigerode and Linsing.

Above:  In the centre of the British line, adding Tone to what would otherwise be merely a vulgar brawl, is Matthew’s Brigade of Guards, consisting of the 1st & 2nd Battalions of Foot Guards (these are actually composite units formed from detachments taken from the three Regiments of Foot Guards) and a very small Flank Battalion, which is deployed forward as skirmishers.

Above:  Well that escalated quickly!  The great concentration of Rebel artillery tears great lumps out of the approaching battalions of Redcoats, which slows the British advance quite considerably as they attempt to re-order their lines.  However, units are able to advance where the artillery fire is lesser.

Above:  Harassed by the Hessian Jägerkorps, the 7th Virginia, on the right flank of the Rebel line move forward to engage the enemy more closely.  The 2nd Light Infantry are having none of it and charge the impudent Virginians!

Above:  The 1st Light Battalion meanwhile, are taking a pasting from the Rebel artillery.

[The marker with three dots shows ‘Disruption Points’ (DPs).  In British Grenadier!, the first three hits (or disorder caused by movement) become DPs, which are then translated as negative modifiers on morale and combat.  Once 3 DPs have been accumulated, any further hits become casualties.]

Above:  Similarly, the Light Company of the 42nd Highlanders are losing badly to the skirmishing 3rd Virginia and Spencer’s Regiment.

Above:  The Guards Flank Battalion meanwhile, seems to be dishing it out pretty well to Spencer’s Regiment.

Above:  However, while the Guards skirmishers are shielding the 2nd Guards from enemy skirmisher fire, the 1st Guards are being hammered by the enemy artillery, who seem incapable of missing!

Above:  On the British right flank, the 1st Grenadiers have had a difficult approach march, being disordered by a tributary of the Brandywine Creek and then being further discomfited by a battery of Rebel 3-pounders and the skirmishers of the 5th/7th Maryland.

Above:  Back on the opposite flank, the 7th Virginia don’t fancy their chances in a bayonet-fight and instead break and run.  The 16th Light Dragoons show remarkable restraint as they canter forward, opting not to charge the fleeing Virginians, but rather to keep them running.

Above:  As the 16th Light Dragoons take over the pursuit, the 2nd Light Infantry wheel right to engage the main Rebel line.  The Jägerkorps follow up, hoping to extend the flank.

Above:  Ignoring events on their threatened flank, Woodford’s 6-pounders keep hammering away at the 1st Light Infantry.

Above:  With casualties rapidly mounting, the 1st Light Infantry open their files in an effort to reduce the effect of enemy fire.  At some considerable risk to himself, General Cornwallis is in the thick of it, taking personal control of the situation… But while Cornwallis relives his glory days as a Lieutenant Colonel, who is commanding the army?!

Above:  Meadows’ battery of Royal Artillery 6-pounders bangs away ineffectually…  The Hessian 4-pounder battery meanwhile moves to the flank, hoping to provide some badly-needed close artillery support to the two Grenadier brigades.  “Why can’t the cheapskate schweinhund buy us some verdammt limber team models?!”

Above:  On the far British right flank, the 1st Grenadiers also deploy into open order, to reduce the effects of enemy fire.  However, this will reduce the battalion’s impact when/if it finally charges the enemy line.

Above:  Stone’s Brigade makes every round count as the Grenadiers close the range!

Above:  A cheer ripples across the Rebel lines as General Washington arrives to take personal command of his most-threatened sector.

Above:  Alexander’s Brigade has now fully deployed in the Rebel centre, which from the British point of view, looks unassailable.

Above:  Washington reviews Alexander’s deployment.

Above:  With Alexander filling in the centre of the line, Scott is able to redeploy his brigade further out, to secure the right flank.

Above:  To further stabilise the right flank, Washington orders Weedon’s newly-arrived brigade (2nd/6th Virginia and 10th/14th Virginia) to deploy to that sector.

Above:  Reinforcements have also arrived on the British side of the battlefield; Agnew’s Brigade consists of the 33rd, 37th, 46th & 64th Regiments of Foot.

Above:  Agnew’s Brigade also includes a badly-needed battery of 6-pounders.

Above:  Conrwallis orders Agnew to march to the left flank, as that is currently where the only success is occurring.

Above:  Cornwallis meanwhile, personally pushes the 2nd Light Infantry up the slope and their charge succeeds in driving back the 4th Virginia!  However, the remaining Rebels manage to hold their ground and the 2nd Light Infantry are now subjected to murderous 6-pounder canister fire from Scott’s battery and a single section of guns from Woodford’s battery.  The Hessian Jägerkorps meanwhile, sprint out to extend the flank and engage the gunners with rifle-fire.

Above:  The 16th Light Dragoons meanwhile, complete their task in keeping the 7th Virginia running, but now come under accurate flanking fire from the newly-arrived 10th/14th Virginia of Weedon’s Brigade and are forced to withdraw out of range.

Above:  In the meantime, things are heating up on the opposite flank!  A fierce firefight has developed between the 2nd Grenadiers and the Rebel German Battalion, with losses being suffered on both sides.  De Borre rides up to steady his Germans, but a fiercely-accurate volley from the Grenadiers sees him fall wounded from his horse!

Above:  On the right flank, the 1st Grenadiers charge the 1st/3rd Maryland and throw them back!

Above:  Brigadier Stone is carried away by the retreat, but quickly manages to rally the Marylanders.

Above:  The 2nd Grenadiers meanwhile, are wavering and are refusing all of Meadows’ encouragements to charge the German Battalion!  De Borre meanwhile, binds his wounds, remounts his horse and continues the job of destroying the British Grenadiers.

Above:  The Royal Regiment of Artillery is truly living up to its motto today.  ‘Ubique’; which of course means ‘All Over The Place’…  Their counter-battery fire is consistently having no effect, as now Linsing’s Hessian Grenadiers can attest, having now become the latest victim of Woodford’s Rebel 6-pounders.  General Donop rides over to urge Linsing to get his battalion moving.

Above:  Agnew’s Brigade continues its deployment to the left flank.

Above:  The 2nd Light Infantry, their ranks shredded by canister fire but encouraged by the personal example of General Cornwallis, somehow manage to fire a disciplined, devastating volley into their tormentors.

Above:  Dozens of Rebel gunners are cut down around their pieces!  Brigadier Scott himself falls dead, but the surviving gunners heroically stick to their guns!  “Hurrah!  Onward, my boys!”  Cornwallis urges the 2nd Light Infantry on up the slope…

Above:  At last, Linsing’s column of Hessian Grenadiers arrive in the thick of the action, only to get a double-six of canister in the face…  The battalion is immediately broken and the Hessian grenadiers flee.

Above:  Minnigerode’s Hessian Grenadiers meanwhile, have been stalled by De Borre’s 3-pounder battery and Donop rides over to steady them.  Lengerke’s Grenadier Battalion continue marching forward in the wake of the British 1st Grenadiers.

Above:  However, things are slowly beginning to fall apart for the British…  The officers of the 2nd Grenadiers finally manage to urge their men forward with the bayonet, but the fire from the German and 2nd Canadian Battalions rises to fresh intensity and the Grenadiers are first halted, then routed!

Above:  The 1st Grenadiers are also coming under pressure, as Stone rallies his Marylanders and throws them back into the fight.  In the meantime, Muhlenberg’s Brigade (1st/5th Virginia, 9th Virginia, 13th Virginia and yet another battery of 6-pounders) has just arrived and is immediately ordered to support Stone on the left flank.  De Borre has also shifted his reserve battalion, the 2nd/4th Maryland over to the left, to cover his flank should Stone collapse.

Above:  Speaking of collapse…  Cornwallis’ Advance Guard Brigade suffers a disaster, as first the Hessian Jägerkorps are routed by the combined efforts of the 3rd Virginia and 2nd/4th Virginia and then the 2nd Light Infantry are broken by a final whiff of grapeshot from Woodford’s flanking gun!  The 16th Light Dragoons meanwhile, find their voluntary withdrawal suddenly turning into a rather more involuntary one…  Cornwallis somehow survives the mayhem and rides back to the decidedly-shaky 1st Light Infantry.

Above:  The 2nd Grenadier Battalion’s casualties are colossal and the battalion quickly loses all cohesion and flees the field!

[It will come as little surprise to know that the 2nd Grenadiers and 2nd Light Infantry were the two most freshly-painted units in the collection and were in their first game…]

Above:  Disaster follows disaster as the 1st Guards, having finally managed to push forward while Woodford’s guns found other targets, suddenly become the target once again!  Again suffering heavy losses, the 1st Guards can take no more and shamefully flee the field!  The skirmishers of the Guards Flank Battalion have also been destroyed.

Above:  With the departure of the 2nd Grenadiers, the Hessian Lengerke Grenadiers now find themselves in a bitter, all-German firefight with the German Battalion and the Hessians seem to be getting the worst of it.  However, Stone’s 3-pounder battery is also suffering losses from musketry.  In the meantime, the Hessian 4-pounder battery have managed to find a model limber (of sorts).  Wunderbar!

Above:  Stone’s charge against the 1st Grenadiers fails and Stone’s entire brigade breaks and runs, disordering Muhlenberg’s freshly-arrived brigade in the process.  The deeply-irritating 3-pounder battery is also now forced to pull back from the line, disordering the 2nd/4th Maryland as they do so.

Above:  George Washington rides over to steady the late Brigadier Scott’s Brigade, but actually finds the situation on the right wing much improved, with most of the British units on that flank broken or retreating.  Only the 2nd Guards are still engaged in a musketry firefight on this wing.  More British units are approaching, but Washington is confident that the right wing will hold.

Above:  The 16th Light Dragoons steady themselves following their precipitous withdrawal and the rout of the Jägerkorps and 2nd Light Infantry.  Agnew’s leading battalions begin to deploy nearby as Agnew’s artillery finally opens up on the Rebel lines.

Above:  Cornwallis prepares to repeat the same mistakes with the 1st Light Infantry…

Above:  Brigadier Matthew, with the 2nd Guards, has been locked in an unequal firefight with the 11th Virginia and 3rd New Jersey Regiments.  With the departure of the 1st Guards, the skirmishers of Spencer’s Regiment also now flank the Guards…

Above:  This is the last straw for the Brigade of Guards, which now completely breaks and runs!

Above:  On the British left flank, Agnew continues his deployment, but Cornwallis is already writing his letter of resignation…

Above:  Weedon, on the far right flank of the army, warily watches the distant Redcoats, wondering what’s going to happen next.

Above:  Cornnwallis collects hastily-written letters home from the officers of the 1st Light Infantry before ordering them forward in the same old way…

Above:  Grey’s Brigade (the 15th, 17th, 44th & 55th Regiments of Foot) have now arrived, but it’s all very much too little, too late.

Above:  By some miracle, Linsing’s Grenadiers have managed to rally.  Yay.

Above:  As Muhlenberg’s Brigade firmly slams the door shut on the 1st Grenadiers’ breakthrough and with the Hessians making no progress while rapidly losing a battle of attrition with their fellow Germans, Generals Meadows and Von Donop send urgent messages to Cornwallis, begging his permission to withdraw…

Above:  As the shattered remnants of Cornwallis’ ‘Elite Corps’ disengages, covered by the two fresh brigades, Washington watches with grim satisfaction at this fine victory and calls upon the commander of the artillery to award him a field promotion to Major General…

So another hoofing of truly legendary proportions and I am once again forced to ponder the question “Is this really the hobby for me…?”

With that in mind, we have another Napoleonic game coming up on Saturday and in order to avoid yet another defeat, I’m hoping to be able to assume my customary role of Holy Roman Umpire (“Neither Roman, nor Holy and least of all an Umpire…”)

Posted in 28mm Figures, American War of Independence, British Grenadier! Rules (AWI), Eighteenth Century, Games | Leave a comment

The Battle of Raab 14th June 1809 (The Game)

Following on from my revised scenario for the Battle of Raab, here’s my after-action report from our recent play-through of the scenario at W.A.S.P.

Andy James took the role of Archduke John, commanding the Army of Inner Austria, while I took the role of Archduke-Palatine Joseph, primarily taking responsibility for the coming cavalry battle on the Austrian left flank.

On the French side, Dave Llewellyn took the role of Viceroy of Italy, Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, while Gareth Beamish played General Baraguèy d’Hilliers, commanding the XII Corps and the various independent formations on the French left flank.

If you skipped the scenario or simply weren’t paying attention, the game was played using Napoleon’s Battles (4th Edition) rules, which is set at a ‘grand tactical’ level, where each unit represents a brigade or large regiment and the figure-ratio is roughly 1:100.

Above:  The overall view of the game, roughly aligned with the map above.

Above:  The French right wing, with Grouchy’s cavalry corps (Montbrun’s and Guérin’s Divisions) in the foreground and Grenier’s VI Corps (Durrutte’s & Seras’ Divisions) on their left, with Lecchi’s Italian Royal Guard in reserve.  Montbrun is understrength and is still waiting for Colbert’s Brigade to arrive.

Above:  The French left wing, with Sahuc’s Light Cavalry Division in the lead, followed by Pully’s Dragoons.

Above:  On the right of Sahuc’s light cavalry are Lauriston’s Baden Contingent and then Baraguéy d’Hillier’s XII Corps (Severoli’s and Pacthod’s Divisions).

Above:  A closeup of XII Corps in the French centre; Severoli’s white-coated Italian regiments are in the foreground with Pacthod’s Frenchmen bringing up the rear.  The Italian Royal Guard and Prince Eugène himself can be glimpsed beyond the village of Csanak.  On the left of the picture is Durutte’s Division of Grenier’s VI Corps.

Above:  So to the Austrian side.  On the Austrian left, Mecséry’s massive Left Wing Corps of regular and Insurrection hussars forms up along the Pandsza stream.

Above:  Another view of Mecséry’s magnificent mass of hussars.  They look pretty, but can they fight…?  Even by Austrian standards, Mecséry does have a massive problem in terms of command & control with so many sub-units to command.

Above:  Yet another view of Mecséry’s hussars.  You perhaps won’t be surprised to learn that I don’t have all that many Hungarian Insurrection regiments in my collection!  I only have two such hussar regiments, as they come in handy for the two such regiments that turned up at Aspern-Essling and Wagram (the ‘Primatial’ and ‘Neutra’ Regiments).  One of them is pictured in the foreground here and I profiled them on the blog a few years ago.  I’ve used two green-coated regular regiments to represent the two regular hussar regiments present with Mecséry’s force and the remaining regular hussar regiments in my collection have filled out the rest of the Insurrection regiments, along with a regiment of SYW hussars (it’s entirely possible that most of the Insurrection hussars were still wearing busbies in 1809, as their dress regulations had only recently changed to the shako).

Above:  The Austrian centre.  Colloredo’s Centre Corps is deployed around the Kis-Megyer Farm, while Jellacíc’s Right Wing Corps is deployed around the straggling Szabadhegy village in the foreground.  Frimont’s Reserve Corps is formed up to the rear on Szabadhegy Hill, though Frimont himself has absented himself.

Above:  A close-up of the Kis-Megyer Farm.  Ungerhofer’s Landwehr Brigade is holding the farm itself, while Lutz’s regular infantry brigade (IRs 61 & 62) deploys with a 3pdr cavalry battery to guard the bridge.  Beyond the farm are IR 27 ‘Strassoldo’ and Ghilyani’s Brigade of Hungarian Insurrection infantry.

Above:  Jellacíc’s Right Wing Corps takes up position around Szabadhegy village; Sebottendorff’s Brigade of regular infantry (IRs 32 & 45) takes up position in front of the village, with Markus’ Insurrection Infantry Brigade filling the gap between the village and Kis-Megyer Farm, while Legisfeld’s Landwehr Brigade takes up position in reserve to the rear of the village and their cavalry battery covers the bridge.  Grenze Infantry Regiment (GIR) 10 (1st Banal) is pushed further out on the right flank and deploys in skirmish order, screening the front of Frimont’s cavalry.

Above:  FML Frimont is the commander of the Army Reserve, but on this occasion has been ordered to take command of Jellacíc’s cavalry, as well as the cavalry of the Reserve, and deploy on the right flank.  Besan’s Brigade consists of a number massed regular dragoon, chevauxleger and hussar squadrons (they were mostly dragoons, so I’ve used a regiment of dragoons to represent the brigade), while Paszthory’s and Siegenfeld’s Brigades consist of yet more Hungarian Insurrection regiments (I used an actual Insurrection Hussar regiment for Siegenfeld’s Brigade, but I must confess that Paszthory’s Brigade is represented by the British 15th Hussars, as I’d run out of Austrians and their white-laced blue dolmans and red shakos look vaguely similar if you squint…).

Above:  The rest of Frimont’s Reserve Corps is left to its own devices on Szabadhegy Hill.  GM Gajoli commands the First Line, consisting of the regular Hungarian IR 19 ‘Alvinczy’ and his own brigade of light infantry (mostly Grenzer, but also including some Jäger and Freikorps detachments), plus a 12pdr position battery.  GM Kleinmayrn commands the Second Line, which consists of IR 16 ‘Lusignan’, Kleinmayrn’s own grenadier brigade and another 12pdr position battery.

Above:  Prince Eugène seems to have adopted the same plan I used in our first refight, which it has to be said, is the obvious one; push hard with Grouchy’s cavalry and Grenier’s corps on the right, force the commitment of the Austrian reserves to that sector and then strike on the opposite flank with Baraguèy’s corps, the Badeners and the Italian Guard.

Above:  Guérin brings the 1st Dragoon Division up, aligning with Montbrun’s right flank.  Grouchy meanwhile, has gone back to bring up Colbert’s brigade from Nagy-Barathy.

Above:  As the French right wing advances on the Pandzsa river, Mecséry orders the three units on his right to cross over the Viczay stream to extend the corps out to the left.  However, he has already made a fatal error in failing to defend the highly-defensible riverbank!

[Concerned about the strong French artillery support, I foolishly held back and decided to engage them after they had advanced and masked their guns]

Above:  Having discussed the need to maintain a strong reserve in the centre and not to move it until ABSOLUTELY necessary, Archduke Joseph gallops off to help Mescéry on the left flank, confident that his brother John will make the right decision as commander-in-chief…

Above:  “OK lads, my brother’s gone now… The Reserve Corps will wheel to the left!  Quiiiiiick MARCH!”

Above:  Concerned by the great mass of French infantry about to overwhelm IR 27 ‘Strassoldo’ on the riverbank, Archduke John moves the reserve 12pdrs to the Chapel Knoll, from where they can dominate the likely crossing-points.  The reserve infantry meanwhile, descend from the hill and march through the vineyard to plug the gap between Kis-Megyer and Mescéry’s cavalry.

Above:  Archduke John rides over to the other side of the hill, to assess the situation on the right…

Above:  … Where absolutely nothing is happening.  Frimont moves his cavalry battery forward to engage Sahuc’s cavalry at long range, but the French horsemen merely withdraw out of range.

Above:  However, it’s all now kicking off on the left flank!

Above:  Montbrun, leading Jacquinot’s light cavalry brigade across the Pandzsa, is immediately set upon by Gosztony’s brigade of Insurrection Hussars and the regular 2nd ‘Archduke Joseph’ Hussars.

Above:  The Hungarian charge ends disastrously for Gosztony’s Insurrectio, who are routed by Montbrun’s experienced troopers.  However, the French cavalry are matched by the regular Archduke Joseph Hussars and both sides fall back to lick their wounds.  Archduke Joseph himself meanwhile, attempts to rally Gosztony’s hussars.

Above:  As Montbrun and Jacquinot fall back to reorganise, Guérin crosses over with his dragoons and south of the river, Grouchy deploys Colbert’s newly-arrived light cavalry brigade.

Above:  As Archduke Joseph (out of the picture) attempts to rally Gosztony’s Insurrection Hussars, his own regiment of regular hussars fall back to their lines.

Above:  As Kleinmayrn’s grenadiers advance to the Pandsza and start to become embroiled in a firefight with Valentin’s 23rd Légère, Gajoli’s light infantry deploy to the Viczay stream, in preparation for when the donkey-wallopers inevitably lose to the French horse.

Above:  Archduke John has returned to the Szabadhegy Hill and watches with satisfaction as his 12-pounders begin to tear holes in the French infantry.

Above:  And not a moment too soon, as IR 27 ‘Strassoldo’ is starting to come under extreme pressure on the riverbank.

Above:  Ungerhofer’s Landwehr, defending the walls of the Kis-Megyer, watch the approaching Frenchmen with increasing nervousness…

Above:  Back at Csanak, Lecchi and his Italian Royal Guards (some of whom are proxied by the French Empress’ Dragoons) wait patiently for orders.

Above:  Things are heating up on the riverbank, with Valentin’s 23rd Légère and IR 27 ‘Strassoldo’ taking particularly heavy casualties.

Above:  Colloredo, not confident that Ungerhofer’s Landwehr will be able to hold the Kis-Megyer, orders Ghilyani’s Insurrection Brigade to relieve them and assume responsibility for the defence of the farm complex.

Above:  Meanwhile on the Austrian left, Mecséry is coming under ever-increasing pressure.  Supported by the effective fire of a battery of 8-pounders, Seras’ French infantry division is able to mount a successful assault across the Pandzsa, with Roussel’s 106th Regiment successfully capturing Mecséry’s defending cavalry battery.  Hadik’s Insurrection Hussar Brigade and the regular 5th ‘Ott’ Hussars attempt to intervene, but Moreau’s 53rd Regiment manage to form square and so to everyone’s surprise, did the raw youngsters of the Provisional Légère Regiment!  The hussars are beaten off and fall back over the Viczay to lick their wounds.

Above:  On the left flank, there is another fairly indecisive cavalry clash, as Mesko’s Insurrection Hussar detachment and the 2nd ‘Archduke Joseph’ Hussars have a go at Guérin’s Dragoon Brigade.  Although casualties are only light, the Austrian hussars are forced to fall back some distance, to avoid retribution from the fresh Italian dragoons and Colbert’s light cavalry.  However, the good news is that Archduke Joseph has managed to rally Gosztony’s previously-routed hussars.

Above:  As Guérin’s French dragoon brigade redresses its ranks, his Italian dragoon brigade (on the right flank) prepares to charge.  Grouchy meanwhile, personally brings Colbert’s Brigade forward to join the action.

Above:  Prince Eugène takes a close personal interest as Seras’ squares secure the north end of the bridge.

Above:  As the Austrian Reserve Corps secures the line of the Viczay, a new crisis emerges behind them!  IR 27 ‘Strassoldo’ has broken in the face of very heavy fire from Durutte’s Division and has fled to the vineyard!  Taking advantage of this new gap in the Austrian lines, Dessaix has pushed the 62nd Regiment across to secure a bridgehead right in front of Kis-Megyer!

Above:  Concerned for the security of the 12-pounders now that the Reserve Corps have buggered off, Colloredo pulls Lutz’s Brigade of regulars back from the river, with the intention of securing the guns.  Markus’ Insurrection Brigade (of Jellacíc’s Right Wing Corps) now assumes responsibility for this section of the riverbank (not that anything is happening here).

Above:  Wasting no time and disregarding the storm of shot coming from the Austrian 12-pounders, Durutte orders Dessaix to assault the farm!

Above:  Astonishingly, the Austrian gunners panic, aim too high and completely fail to destroy the impetuous French infantry!  Ghilyani’s Insurrectio also seem to have been supplied with damp cartridges as they also fail to stop the charge against their walls!

Above:  Fate is certainly smiling on the French, as at this moment, the supporting French 8pdr battery manages to smash a breach in the walls of Kis-Megyer, demoralising the Insurrectio just as the French 62nd Regiment storms the walls!  The French seem to have the luck of the devil, as Kis-Megyer falls at the first assault.  Ungerhofer’s Landwehr jeer in derision as the Hungarians flee up the slope.

Above:  With casualties passing through 25%, Kleinmayrn pulls his grenadiers back from the riverbank and prepares to mount a counter-attack to recapture Kis-Megyer.  Gajoli pushes the fresh Hungarian IR 19 ‘Alvinczy’ forward to continue the firefight with Valentin’s remarkably persistent 23rd Légère.  However, Gajoli’s light infantry are getting the worst of their firefight with Seras’ Division.

Above:  Archduke Joseph, on the far left flank, takes personal command of two of Mecséry’s rallied units; Gosztony’s Insurrection Hussar Brigade and his own 2nd Hussar Regiment.

Above:  Having taken personal command of Gosztony’s Brigade, Archduke Joseph is immediately set upon by a marauding bunch of Italian ruffians!  However, while they might be just a bunch of Insurrection Hussars, at least they’re not Italian… The Italians soon scurry back to their French mates… OK, it wasn’t exactly a crushing victory, but it was our first success of the day, so you’ll forgive us for gloating!

Above:  With Kis-Megyer having unexpectedly fallen, Colloredo halts the march of Lutz’s Brigade and leads them personally in a charge to recapture the farm complex while the French are disordered in the aftermath of their victory.  They are joined in the assault by Ungerhofer’s Landwehr.  However, General Grenier, commander of the VI Corps has just arrived and thanks to his personal encouragement, the 62nd Regiment successfully defend the walls after a tough struggle.  Both Austrian brigades fall back to reconsider their options.

Above:  Having crossed the Pandzsa while the Austrian gunners were busy with other targets and buoyed up by the success at Kis-Megyer, Pacthod gets a rough of blood to the sabre and leads the 52nd Regiment up the slope in a frontal charge on the guns!  Durutte follows on in support with Dessaix’s 102nd Regiment.

Above:  The 52nd suffer appalling losses, but heroically charge on through the storm of canister to take the guns!  Any gunners foolish enough to hang around are cut down without mercy by the vengeful bluecoats.

Above:  Appalled by this turn of events, Kleinmayrn is swift to exact vengeance and launches his depleted grenadier brigade over the knoll, into the flank of the jubilant, yet disordered 52nd.  In order to prevent any supporting fire from Dessaix’s Brigade, Kleinmayrn also launches the fresh IR 16 ‘Lusignan’ into the 102nd Regiment.

Above:  Kleinmayrn’s counter-attack is completely successful; IR 16 ‘Lusignan’ routs the 102nd Regiment and after a surprisingly difficult struggle, the Austrian grenadiers force the 52nd back over the Pandsza, with Pacthod only escaping by the skin of his teeth!

Above:  However, the French have completed their mission and have successfully removed one of the most powerful Austrian assets, the 12-pounder artillery reserve.

Above:  On the banks of the Viczay meanwhile, things are coming apart for Gajoli’s Brigade, as both the light infantry and IR 19 ‘Alvinczy’ suffer the worst of their firefights.

Above:  Bloodied and bruised, but not yet broken, the great mass of Austrian hussars awaits the next onslaught.

Above:  Happy to oblige, Grouchy orders his cavalry forward once again.

Above:  Over on the opposite flank meanwhile, the French horse are nowhere near as keen to get stuck in…

Above:  Frimont’s men meanwhile, sit around and wonder what all the noise is…

Above:  The Guard wonder if the Viceroy has forgotten about them…

Above:  To be fair, the Viceroy has been busy personally directing the battle on the eastern flank and thus far, hasn’t put a foot wrong.

Above:  The French cavalry come on in the same old way… On the flank, Guérin’s brigade of Italian dragoons has another crack at Gosztony’s Insurrection Hussars, while alongside them, Montbrun once again leads Jacquinot’s Brigade against the 2nd ‘Archduke Joseph’ Hussars.

Above:  The result is a disaster for the Austrians!  This time the Italians rout Gosztony, sending his hussars fleeing from the field.  Archduke Joseph, caught up in the melee, falls wounded but is rescued by his aides from the unfolding disaster.  His own hussar regiment meanwhile, is completely destroyed as they heroically cover their Inhaber‘s escape.

Above:  Skilfully maintaining control of their men, Montbrun and Jacquinot wheel the brigade to hit Mesko’s Insurrection Hussar detachment in the flank!

Above:  Mesko’s hussars are completely destroyed!  However, the French cavalrymen now have a blood-lust and Montbrun and Jacquinot fail to maintain control!  The brigade raggedly charges on into Andrassy’s Insurrection Hussars, but the stalwart, busby-wearing proxy hussars from the SYW manage to break Jacquinot and send his horsemen packing!  Montbrun narrowly manages to avoid death [through gratuitous deployment of the last re-roll markers!].  However, Guérin’s Italian dragoons also don’t seem to have much self-control, as having routed Gosztony’s Insurrection Hussars off the table, they immediately follow them in a chaotic pursuit and remove themselves from the battle.

Above:  Having halted Montbrun’s rampage, Andrassy manages to control his men’s temper and maintains their position in reserve of what’s left of Mescéry’s corps.  However, things seem to be rapidly falling apart in front of them as Gajoli’s entire reserve formation (Gajoli’s light infantry brigade and IR 19 ‘Alvinczy’) is broken by the fire of the French VI Corps.

Above:  At Kis-Megyer, Colloredo leads Lutz’s infantry brigade in a second heroic charge against the walls, but this valiant effort is comprehensively smashed, with Colloredo himself numbered among the fallen!  Colloredo’s Centre Corps has now been almost completely destroyed; only Ungerhofer’s Landwehr and the divisional cavalry battery remain.

In desperation, Archduke John (now joined by his brother Joseph, who has been patched up by the surgeon) now brings Jellacíc and the bulk of his Right Wing Corps (Markus’ Insurrection Brigade, Legisfeld’s Landwehr Brigade and Legisfeld’s Brigade of Hungarian regulars) over the hill to short up the collapsing left.  However, this will surely leave the right dangerously exposed while Davidovich’s recently-arrived (though very weak) corps of Hungarian Insurrectio takes over responsibility for the right wing.

Above:  Jellacíc’s move has not gone unnoticed on the other side of the field, however.  Lauriston’s uncommitted Baden Contingent is soon on the move, aiming to establish new bridgehead west of Kis-Megyer…

Above:  Severoli’s Franco-Italian Division is also on the move, with the same objective.

Above:  Even the Italian Guard are now on the move!

Above:  Sahuc’s and Pully’s cavalry, not so much…

Above:  The earlier assault by Pacthod’s and Durutte’s Divisions across the Pandsza may have been defeated by Kleinmayrn, but all French regiments have been rallied, are still present in considerable strength and sill represent a considerable threat to Archduke John’s rapidly-dwindling left wing.

Above:  With no hope of recapturing Kis-Megyer and with the position rapidly collapsing, Archduke John orders the fresh formations (Jellacíc, Frimont, & Davidovich) and what is left of Mecséry’s cavalry (which to be fair, has only been lightly engaged, as the French are not willing to attack across the Viczay) to cover the army’s retreat as he concedes the field to the French!

In game terms, the Austrians have lost eight formed units: HR 2 ‘Archduke Joseph’, Gosztony’s Insurrection Hussar Brigade & Mesko’s Insurrection Hussar Detachment from the Left Wing, IR 27 ‘Strassoldo’, Lutz’s Infantry Brigade & Ghilyani’s Insurrection Brigade from the Centre and IR 19 ‘Alvinczy’ & Gajoli’s Light Infantry Brigade from the Reserve, as well as one cavalry battery, two position batteries, Colloredo being killed and Archduke Joseph being lightly wounded.  The French have therefore more than fulfilled the conditions for a Partial Victory.  The destruction of only three more units would result in Total Victory.

The French meanwhile, have suffered the loss of no units whatsoever!  Most of Grenier’s infantry brigades, one of Pacthod’s brigades and Jacquinot’s cavalry brigade have suffered moderate casualties, but overall the French casualties have been relatively light, unlike the Austrians, who have been almost smashed!

Above:  “So how do you think the battle’s going…?”

[Davidovich’s Corps should actually be marching along the road at this point, but I didn’t bother bringing them on!]

A quick note on models, etc:  The figures are almost all AB 15mm figures (yes, I know that the kewl kidz call them 18mm…), with the Badeners being ancient Battle Honours Bavarian figures and the proxy unit of SYW hussars being Old Glory 15s.  Most of them were painted by me, though Jase Evans painted the Italians (he left his collection with me for safe keeping when he deserted to NZ) and Gareth Beamish painted a few of the French infantry units and the Baden infantry.  The Austrian flags are by Fighting 15s, while the French, Baden and Italian flags (aside from one Fighting 15s French flag carried by the Légère) were all painted by me in the days when we couldn’t get decent printed flags!

Thanks to Dave, Andy and Gareth for a great game and a thorough trouncing!  There’ll be more Napoleonics coming soon and I also need to catch up with my painted SYW units…

Posted in 15mm Figures, Games, Napoleon's Battles (Rules), Napoleonic Wars | 10 Comments

The Battle of Raab 14th June 1809 (Revised Scenario for ‘Napoleon’s Battles’)

Back in the mists of time, when dinosaurs roamed this blog (some say they still do), I posted a scenario for the Battle of Raab 1809, pitting Eugène de Beauharnais’ Army of Italy against Archduke John’s Army of Inner Austria in the heart of Hungary.  I also posted a game report from the time before this blog, when I refought the battle with my teenage Minions.

My original scenario was based largely on the account, orbat and map contained within Scott Bowden’s classic ‘Armies on the Danube 1809’ and proved to be a fun game, but damn-near impossible for the Austrians to have any chance of winning!  However, historical research has moved on since then and since reading John H Gill’s superb trilogy ‘Thunder on the Danube 1809’, I’ve been itching to have another go at the battle.

I won’t repeat the historical background again here, as it’s all in the original scenario if you just follow the link.

The main differences in this version of the scenario are some changes to the order of battle; particularly in terms of French unit strengths (which in many cases are rather weaker), French cavalry organisation (the original version had the majority of the cavalry grouped under Grouchy on the right flank), the Austrian cavalry group formed under Frimont, some additional units of Hungarian Insurrectio Hussars and a few ‘cosmetic’ changes, such as the names of brigadiers.

I’ve also added some optional reinforcements for the Austrians, in an attempt to balance things up a bit more and make it a better game for poor Archduke John.

We actually refought the battle at W.A.S.P. last weekend and it was a lot of fun.  That report will be posted here soon, but I include a few teaser photos here.

I should also add that the problems with WordPress seem to have been largely fixed, so normal blogging service should now be resumed…  And there was much rejoicing…

French Objective

You are to attack the army of Archduke John and destroy him or drive him from the field, with the intention of preventing him from linking up with Archduke Charles’ main army north of Vienna.  To achieve total victory, the Austrian Army must be pushed beyond its Army Morale rating.  A partial victory can be achieved if the Austrians suffer the loss of seven or more Morale Points.

Austrian Objective

You are to hold your ground and resist the assault of Eugène’s army, with the intention of inflicting sufficient damage on Eugène to force him to break off his pursuit of your army and allow you to link up with Archduke Charles north of Vienna.  In order for the French to claim total victory, the Austrian Army must be pushed beyond its Army Morale level before the end of the scenario.  The French may achieve a partial victory if the Austrians suffer the loss of seven or more Morale Points.  A partial Austrian victory may be achieved if the Austrians frustrate either French objective and a total Austrian victory will be achieved if the French Army is pushed beyond its Army Morale level.

Game Length and Sequence

The game lasts 17 turns, starting with the French 0900hrs turn and ending with the Austrian 1700hrs turn.  While there is still plenty of daylight left at that time of day, both armies will have ground to a halt due to fatigue.

Terrain

Each square on the map represents 1 square foot on the table, for a total table size of 6’x5′.

The Kis-Megyer Farm is strongly fortified with a +4 defensive modifier.  All other villages and farms have a +1 defensive modifier.

The Raab River is unfordable to all troop-types.

The Pandsza Stream is for the most part, deep, steep-sided, marshy and not fordable to artillery at any point.  Artillery is therefore limited to crossing at one of the four bridges.  Cavalry attempting to ford the Pandsza downstream (i.e. west) Kis-Megyer suffer a Fording combat modifier of -3 instead of the usual -2.  Infantry and Generals may ford the Pandsza at any point.  When fording, units class the Pandsza as 2 inches of Rough Terrain.

The Viczay Stream is fordable to all troop types, being classed as 1 inch of Rough Terrain.

The Szabadhegy Hill is high and reasonably steep-sided, though flat-topped and makes an ideal artillery position.  Artillery positioned on the hill may therefore fire over the Kis-Megyer Farm, Szabadhegy village and any units positioned on the lower ground.  Defenders gain a +1 combat modifier.

The eastern slope of the Szabadhegy Hill is described as being covered in vineyards, so I would class this area as Rough Terrain, providing infantry with an additional +1 combat modifier and a -1 cover modifier against musketry & artillery.  The extent of the vineyards is not shown on any map that I’ve found, so the shaded area on the map above is entirely arbitrary.

Note that there is a projecting spur or ‘knoll’ on the southern side of the Szabadhegy Hill, just to the east of Kis-Megyer Farm.  This actually had a small chapel on the crest, though this is too small to be represented at this scale.  This knoll was fiercely contested throughout the day, as it was in our refight.

Deployment

The position of troop-blocks on the map above is for illustrative purposes only and is only a rough depiction of each side’s historical deployment.  Each player may therefore deploy each division anywhere within the ‘deployment boxes’ shown on the map below.

If preferred, each side may opt for a ‘free deployment’, with the Austrians deploying their forces anywhere north of the Pandsza Stream and the French deploying their forces anywhere within 18 inches of the southern table edge.

French Order of Battle

L’Armée d’Italie

Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, Viceroi d’Italie
13”G(10)+1D
[5 Free Rolls]
[14M]

Right Wing (Corps Grouchy) – Général de Division Grouchy     8”G(5)+1 [2F]

1st Dragoon Division – Général de Brigade Guérin (vice Grouchy)     3”A(6)+0
Guérin’s Brigade (7e & 30e Dragons)     16 FrLC [8D]
Italian Dragoon Regiments     12 ItLC [6D]
Half Horse Battery     Fr4# (Half)

Reserve Cavalry Division – Général de Division Montbrun     4”E(8)+2
Jacquinot’s Brigade (1er & 2e Chasseurs à Cheval & 7e Hussards)     20 FrLC [10D]
Colbert’s Brigade (7e & 20e Chasseurs à Cheval & 9e Hussards)     20 FrLC [10D]
Half Horse Battery     Fr4# (Half)

VI Corps – Général de Division Grenier     9”G(7)+1 [3F]

1st Division – Général de Division Seras     3”G(5)+0
Moreau’s Brigade #1 (53e de Ligne)     16 FrLN [8D]
Moreau’s Brigade #2 (Légère IV Battalions)     16 FrPLT [10D]
Roussel’s Brigade (106e de Ligne)     24 FrLN [12D]
8pdr Foot Battery     Fr8#

2nd Division – Général de Division Durutte     3”G(6)+1
Valentin’s Brigade (23e Légère & IV Battalions)     28 FrLT [14D]
Dessaix’s Brigade #1 (62e de Ligne)     20 FrLN [10D]
Dessaix’s Brigade #2 (102e de Ligne)     20 FrLN [10D]

XII Corps – Général de Division Baraguèy d’Hilliers     8”P(4)-1 [3F]

1st Division – Général de Division Pacthod     3”G(5)+1
1st Brigade (1er de Ligne & III/8e Légère)     20 FrLN [10D]
2nd Brigade (52e de Ligne & IV/8e Légère)     24 FrLN [12D]
8pdr Foot Battery     Fr8#

2nd Division – Général de Division Severoli     4”G(4)+0
Bonfanti’s Brigade (2nd, 3rd & 7th Italian Regts and Dalmatian Regt)     20 ItLN [10D]
Teste’s Brigade #1 (1st Italian Regt)     16 ItLN [8D]
Teste’s Brigade #2 (112e de Ligne)     16 FrLN [8D]

Left Wing

Light Cavalry Division – Général de Division Sahuc     3”G(5)+1 [1F]
Debroc’s Brigade (6e & 9e Chasseurs à Cheval)     12 FrLC [6D]
Gérard’s Brigade (8e & 25e Chasseurs à Cheval)     16 FrLC [8D]
Half Horse Battery     Fr4# (Half)

2nd Dragoon Division – Général de Division Pully     4”G(6)+0 [1F]
Poinsot’s Brigade (23e, 28e & 29e Dragons)     16 FrLC [8D]
Half Horse Battery     Fr4# (Half)

Baden Contingent – Général de Division Lauriston     4”G(7)+1 [1F]
1. Leib-Infanterie-Regiment ‘Grossherzog’ & Jäger-Bataillon ‘Lingg’     16 BdLN [8D]
2. Linien-Infanterie-Regiment ‘Erbgrossherzog’     16 BdLN [8D]
Reitende-Batterie (-)     Bd6# (Half)

Army Reserve

Italian Royal Guard – Général de Brigade Lecchi     4”G(6)+1 [2F]
Italian Guard Infantry     16 ItGD [6D]
Italian Guard Cavalry & French 24e Dragons     8 ItGCV [3D]
1st Italian Guard Horse Battery     It6#

French Notes

1.  Colbert’s cavalry brigade arrives after the start of the battle (Game Turn 2).  They arrive in march column formation on the road at Point A and are assigned to Montbrun’s Division, Grouchy’s Corps.

2.  Marshal MacDonald (V Corps) arrived with Lamarque’s infantry division at around 4pm, when the battle had effectively finished, so these troops are not included in this scenario.

3.  A lot of the infantry brigades had various fourth battalions attached from various random regimental depots to beef up the numbers.  These were especially numerous in Moreau’s Brigade of Seras’ Division, so I’ve split them off as a Provisional Légère unit.  Elsewhere they are absorbed into the overall brigade strength.

4.  There was no designated overall commander for the Left Wing.

5.  Light and medium foot batteries are not normally represented in Napoleon’s Battles, being assumed to be an integral part of infantry brigades.  However, the 8pdr foot batteries deployed with Seras’ and Pachtod’s Divisions were critical in out-gunning the Austrian artillery at Raab and are therefore included here as separate batteries.  I’ve not included the 6pdr foot batteries.

Austrian Order of Battle

Armee von Innerösterreich

Feldmarschall Erzherzog Johann
11”G(10)+0
[5 Free Rolls]
[11M/12M]

General Wing Commander
General der Kavallerie Erzherzog Josef Palatin
9”G(6)+0

Reserve Cavalry Division – Feldmarschalleutnant (FML) Freiherr Frimont     3”G(8)+0 [2F]
Besan’s Cavalry Brigade (Dragoon, Chevauxleger & Hussar detachments)     12 AsLC [6D]
Paszthory’s Insurrectio Hussar Brigade     12 AsILC [10D]
Siegenfeld’s Insurrectio Hussar Brigade     16 AsILC [10D]
Cavalry Half-Battery     As3# (Half)

Right Wing Corps – FML Freiherr Jellacíc     4”A(6)+1 [2F]
Markus’ Insurrectio Brigade     16 AsILT [10D]
Sebottendorff’s Brigade (IRs 32 ‘Esterházy’ & 45 ‘De Vaux’)     16 AsLN [8D]
Grenze-Infanterie-Regiment 10 (1. Banalisten)     20 AsGRZ [12D]
Legisfeld’s Landwehr Brigade     16 AsLW [11D]
Cavalry Half-Battery     As3# (Half)

Centre Corps – FML Graf Colloredo     4”A(8)+1 [2F]
Infanterie-Regiment 27 ‘Strassoldo’     16 AsLN [8D]
Lutz’s Brigade (IRs 61 ‘St. Julien’ & 62 ‘Franz Jellacíc’)     16 AsLN [8D]
Ghilyani’s Insurrectio Brigade     20 AsILT [12D]
Ungerhofer’s Landwehr Brigade     20 AsLW [14D]
Cavalry Half-Battery     As3# (Half)

Left Wing Corps – FML Freiherr Mecséry     4”G(7)+1 [3F]
Husaren-Regiment 2 ‘Erzherzog Josef’ (Andrassy’s Brigade)     12 AsLC [6D]
Andrassy’s Insurrectio Hussar Brigade     16 AsILC [10D]
Gosztony’s Insurrectio Hussar Brigade     16 AsILC [10D]
Husaren-Regiment 5 ‘Ott’ (Gosztony’s Brigade)     12 AsLC [6D]
Hadik’s Insurrectio Hussar Brigade     12 AsILC [10D]
Elements, Mesko’s Insurrectio Brigade     12 AsILC [10D]
Cavalry Half-Battery     As3# (Half)

1st Reserve Line – Generalmajor (GM) Gajoli     3”A(6)+0 [1F]
Gajoli’s Light Infantry Brigade     16 AsGRZ [10D]
Infanterie-Regiment 19 ‘Alvinczy’     20 AsLN [10D]
12pdr Position Battery     As12#

2nd Reserve Line – GM Kleinmayrn     3”A(5)+0 [2F]
Kleinmayrn’s Grenadier Brigade     16 AsGN [6D]
Infanterie-Regiment 16 ‘Lusignan’     16 AsLN [8D]
12pdr Position Battery     As12#

Right Flank Corps (Optional) – Feldzeugmeister Freiherr Davidovich     4”A(5)+1 [2F]
Mesko’s Insurrectio Brigade #1     16 AsILT [10D]
Mesko’s Insurrectio Brigade #2     16 AsILT [10D]
Mesko’s Insurrectio Brigade #3 (Hussars)     8 AsILC [5D]
Cavalry Half-Battery     As3# (Half)

Austrian Notes

1.  Erzherzog Josef (Archduke Joseph) is a general Wing Commander and may command any division.

2.  Although Frimont was commander of the Reserve Corps, on the day of battle he took command of the reserve cavalry on the right wing.  I’ve therefore designated the two reserve infantry brigades (Gajoli’s and Kleinmayrn’s) as independent formations and have split the army reserve position batteries between them.

3.  A large part of Mesko’s Insurrectio Hussars had been transferred from Davidovich’s Corps in the Raab entrenchments to reinforce Méscery’s Left Wing on the morning of the battle.

4.  This is a very tough scenario for the Austrians to win.  As a balancing option, FZM Davidovich’s Corps, which spent the entire battle guarding entrenchments on the opposite bank of the River Raab, may be brought on as reinforcements from Turn 8.  They will arrive in March Column formation, on the road at Point B or Point C.  The Army Morale level becomes 12M once Davidovich arrives.

5.  The Austrian ‘corps’ are divisional-sized formations and are treated as such in game terms.

Unit Labels

 

Posted in Napoleon's Battles (Rules), Napoleon's Battles Scenarios, Napoleonic Wars, Scenarios | 4 Comments

‘Hannover Siegt, Der Franzmann Liegt’ (Part 12: More Hessian Reinforcements)

The build-up of forces continues to gather pace in western Germany and here’s the latest draft of reinforcements for the army of Hesse-Cassel.  This latest draft actually completes the entire Hesse-Cassel cavalry arm of four regiments of Horse (two squadrons apiece) and two regiments of Dragoons (four squadrons apiece).

However, I must confess that I’ve not included the Hesse-Cassel Husaren-Corps, as that only existed as a single squadron for the first half of the war and after expansion to a full regiment was never really engaged in any major battles (and in any case, I could happily proxy the Prussian ‘Zieten’ Hussars, who had a very similar uniform).

So with the Hessian cavalry, Jäger-Corps and general staff finished, I just need to do another four infantry battalions and a couple of guns to call the whole army finished.  The army had fourteen infantry regiments, plus a few militia regiments who occasionally took to the field, but the maximum number of infantry regiments ever concentrated in one battle was eleven (at the Battles of Hastenbeck and Bergen), so that seems like a good number to aim for.  I’ve presently got seven infantry regiments painted.

As it happens, I painted this first regiment over 18 months ago and then completely forgot to include it in my last Hessian update!

Above:  The ‘Prinz Ysenburg’ Infantry Regiment was first raised in 1687 as the ‘Prinz Carl von Hessen’ Regiment of Foot with Venetian subsidy to fight the Turks in southern Greece.  The regiment later fought in Germany during the Nine Years War of 1688-97 and then fought in the War of Spanish Succession, when it fought at the Battle of Blenheim.  During the 1730s the regiment was allocated for a time to the Reichsarmee and during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745-1746 the regiment was shipped to Britain and joined the pursuit of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army from Derby to Scotland, though didn’t participate in the Battle of Culloden.  After returning to Germany, the regiment passed in 1748 to the ownership of Prince Johann Casimir von Ysenburg.

At the start of the Seven Years War in 1756, the regiment embarked once again for England, as part of a British-subsidised German force to counter the threat of French invasion.  However, as the threat of invasion receded in 1757, the German contingent returned to the continent and the regiment fought at the Battle of Hastenbeck.  In 1758 the regiment was distinguished under the command of Prince Ysenburg at the Battle of Sanderhausen, though suffered very heavy casualties at the Battle of Lutterberg.  In 1759 the regiment fought at Bergen, where Prince Ysenberg was killed.  The regiment then passed to Major General J A F von Bischhausen and fought under this name at Minden.  In 1761 the regiment was passed to Colonel W A von Donop and fought under that name at Langensalza, Vellinghausen, Wilhelmsthal and 2nd Lutterberg.

After the war, the regiment passed to another Donop, Carl Ulrich.  My surviving reader might remember that I modelled that iteration of the regiment and Carl Ulrich von Donop himself in 28mm for the American War of Independence.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Ysenburg’ Infantry Regiment.  I covered the organisational changes of Hessian infantry regiments through the Seven Years War in Part 7, so won’t repeat myself here.  Suffice to say, I’ve modelled my Hessian army for the first half of the war, when the infantry regiments operated as single, large battalion units.  In the latter part of the war they were split into two weak battalions, but were essentially the same strength, so makes little difference in game terms.

The regiment wore the standard dark blue Hessian infantry coat, with lapels, cuffs, shoulder-strap and waistcoat coloured straw.  Tail-turnbacks were red, though they had been straw until the early 1750s and this colouring may have persisted as late as the Seven Years War.  Lapels, cuffs and cuff-flaps were piped white.  Buttons were brass.  There were two white lace buttonholes below each lapel.  Neck-stocks were red.  Breeches were probably white at this time, though I like the look of the dark blue breeches worn in the 1740s and early 1750s.  Hats were laced white, with a black cockade and straw pompoms.

After Landgrave Frederick II’s ‘Prussification’ of 1760, a straw collar was added, the white piping was removed and the lace buttonhole colour changed to yellow.  An additional pair of lace buttonholes was added to each cuff-flap and a single lace buttonhole was added to each side of the rear-waist.  The colour of neck-stocks changed to black.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Ysenburg’ Infantry Regiment.  Officers wore the same uniform colourings, though with gold lace buttonholes and hat-lace, a gold gorget and a silver sash shot through with red flecks.  NCOs wore gold lace edging to lapels and cuffs.  Hessian infantry drummers wore reversed colours until the early 1750s, but thereafter wore the same uniform as the rest of the regiment with the addition of red & white drummers’ lace decoration to the coat.

Prior to the reorganisation of 1760, each Hessian regiment would form a single company of 80 flank-grenadiers and these would be massed on an ad hoc basis into combined grenadier battalions.  When the army was reorganised in 1760, an additional 200 men were added to each infantry regiment.  These new men were largely absorbed by each regiment’s grenadier corps, which now consisted of two much larger companies.  These grenadier companies were then massed into Prussian-style semi-permanent grenadier battalions, each formed from the grenadiers of two regiments and known by the name of the battalion commander.

This regiment’s grenadiers were paired with those of the Füsilier-Regiment von Bartheld to form Grenadier-Bataillon ‘Papenheim’.  The title changed in 1761 to ‘Schmidt’ and again in 1761 to ‘Knoblauch’.  The regiment’s grenadiers wore the same uniform as the parent regiment, with Prussian-style mitre caps.  The cap’s bag, band and pompom were straw-coloured, laced yellow with a brass front-plate.

These figures are 18mm Prussian infantry by Eureka Miniatures, while the flags are by Maverick Models.

Above:  The Leibregiment zu Pferde was first raised in 1684 and fought in the War of Spanish Succession, the Austro-Turkish War of 1716-1717 and the War of Austrian Succession.  At the start of the Seven Years War it was the second-most senior of the six regiments of Hessian cavalry (three of heavy horse and two of dragoons).  During Landgrave Frederick II’s ‘Prussification’ of 1760, the regiment’s title was changed in 1760 to Gensd’Armes.

Christian Albrecht von Oheimb (in 1770)

The regiment’s Chef was Landgrave William VIII until his death in 1760, when the title passed to Lieutenant-General Georg Ludwig von und zu Urff and then again in the same year to Major General Christian Albrecht von Oheimb.  However, as a ‘titled’ regiment, it was always known by its title rather than by the name of its Chef.  The regiment fought at Hastenbeck, Krefeld (where it was distinguished against the French Royal-Carabiniers), Lutterberg, Bergen, Minden, Vellinghausen, Grüningen and Nauheim.

As with Hanoverian regiments of horse and most British cavalry regiments, the Hessian heavy horse were relatively weak organisations, consisting of only two squadrons, each of three companies and only 362 men at full strength (being expanded in 1760 to 422 men).  In Tricorn game terms, two regiments are therefore brigaded together to form a ‘unit’.

Above:  The Leibregiment zu Pferde initially wore a white coat with ‘red’ (probably more crimson) lapels, cuffs, collar, shoulder-strap, aiguillette and tail-turnbacks and brass buttons.  This was worn over a white waistcoat with red/crimson lace edging and straw breeches.  Belts were white.  Necks-stocks were black.  Hats were edged with yellow lace and had a black cockade, often decorated with a sprig of foliage.  Horse-furniture was red/crimson, edged in yellow lace and decorated with golden Hessian lions.  Cuirasses were declared obsolete before the start of the War of Austrian Succession.  There is some difference of opinion as to whether trumpeters wore reversed colours of just had the same uniform with musician’s lace; I’ve gone with reversed colours.

With the ‘Prussification’ of 1760, the uniforms of the heavy horse changed radically to a Prussian-style buff ‘kollet’ with poppy-red cuffs, collar, cummerbund and shoulder-strap, with buff tail-turnbacks.  The cuffs, turnbacks and front-seam were edged in red & white lace.  This was worn over a light blue waistcoat edged in the same lace and pale straw breeches.  Horse-furniture was poppy red with a double edge of yellow lace and was decorated with the Badge of Hesse-Cassel (a light blue disc, charged with the red & white striped lion of Hesse, edged with a gold wreath and topped with a crown).  Hats, belts, etc remained the same.  The Hessian heavy horse were now meant to be equipped with cuirasses, but these items do not appear to have been delivered until after the end of the Seven Years War.

Above:  The Cavalry Regiment ‘Prinz Wilhelm’ was the most senior cavalry regiment in the Army of Hesse-Cassel, being first raised in 1673 as the ‘Hornhub’ Regiment of Horse (that name sounds like it belongs to a dealer of ribald French lithographs…).  The regiment fought in the Wars of Spanish and Austrian Succession.  Prince Wilhelm von Hessen was appointed as Chef in 1753 and retained ownership of the regiment throughout the Seven Years War.  When Prince William’s father became Landgrave Frederick II in 1760, Prince William became the Hereditary Prince or Erbprinz and his regiment also therefore became known as ‘Erbprinz Wilhelm’ or simply ‘Erbprinz’.  The regiment fought in numerous major engagements of the Seven Years War; Hastenbeck, Krefeld, Lutterberg, Bergen, Minden, Fulda, Vellinghausen and Wilhelmsthal.

David Morier painted the regiment in 1748, when it was the ‘Prinz Maximilian’ Regiment

Above:  The Cavalry Regiment ‘Prinz Wilhelm’ wore exactly the same style of uniform as the Leib Regiment above, though with blue facings and yellow ‘metal’.  When it was re-designated as a cuirassier regiment in 1760, the regiment again followed the same scheme as the Leib Regiment described above, except that all regimental distinctive colourings were blue, including the waistcoat.  Lace was blue/white striped.  The trumpeters are known to have worn reversed colours.

For my Hessian cavalry I’ve used Eureka Miniatures 18mm Prussian Dragoons, which are a pretty close match for both the Hessian regiments of heavy horse and of dragoons.  For the standards I’ve used those produced by Maverick Models.  Each regiment’s 1st squadron carried a white standard, but I’ve used the 2nd squadron’s coloured standard for my regiments of horse, as it looks rather more interesting than a load of white standards.

Above:  The Leibdragoner-Regiment was first raised in 1688 as the ‘Wartensleben’ Dragoon Regiment, becoming the ‘Erbprinz’ Dragoons in 1695.  The regiment enjoyed a distinguished career during the War of Spanish Succession, famously capturing the French Marshal Tallard at Blenheim.  In 1721 Erbprinz Frederick was invited to become King Frederick I of Sweden, so the regiment was re-titled as the ‘König’ Dragoons (Frederick also became Landgrave Frederick I of Hesse-Cassel in 1730).  The regiment fought again during the War of Austrian Succession, being attached to an Austrian corps in the Western Theatre.

David Morier painted the ‘König’ Dragoons in 1748

With Frederick’s death in 1751 the regiment finally became the Leibdragoner-Regiment.  The regiment’s Chef was now the new Landgrave William VIII (Frederick I’s younger brother), but the regiment was always known by its title rather than the Chef.  During the Seven Years War the regiment fought at Hastenbeck, Krefeld, Bergen, Minden, Corbach, Langensalza, Grüningen and Nauheim.

Above:  The Leibdragoner-Regiment was one of two dragoon regiments in Hessian service, the other being the ‘Prinz Friedrich’ Regiment.  As with Hanoverian and French dragoon regiments, the Hessian dragoon regiments were roughly double the strength of their heavy horse counterparts, having four squadrons apiece, each of two companies, for a total of 662 men (increasing to 702 men in 1760).  Each Hessian dragoon regiment is therefore represented in Tricorn as a 12-figure unit in its own right.

Above:  The Leibdragoner-Regiment wore a Prussian-style sky-blue uniform, with lapels, collar, cuffs, shoulder-strap, tail-turnbacks, halt-pulls and horse-furniture coloured red.  Buttons were brass and the aiguillette, hat-lace and double-lace edging to the horse-furniture was coloured yellow to match the button colour.  The horse-furniture was also decorated with a wreathed and crowned ‘W’ cypher’ for William VIII.  Neck-stocks and hat-cockades were black.  Waistcoats were sky-blue and breeches were pale straw.  Belts were white.  Officers had gold lace buttonholes.

There was very little change to the uniform following Frederick II’s ‘Prussification’ in 1760; the colour of waistcoats changed to pale straw and the badge on the horse-furniture changed to a crowned ‘FII’ cypher without wreath.

Above:  The Leibdragoner-Regiment dressed its drummers in reversed colours, decorated with red & white ‘national’ lace.  Drum-borders were striped diagonally red & white.

As this is a larger unit than the heavy horse, I’ve given them the white Leib standard in addition to a coloured squadron standard.  Curiously, the colour of the squadron standard was blue, not red as you might expect.  However, the flag-staves were coloured red and the colour of the standards changed to red sometime after the Seven Years War.

Pictured below is the entire Hesse-Cassel cavalry arm on parade outside the walls of Cassel at the start of the Seven Years War.  They are shown in order of seniority from left to right; the ‘Prinz’ Wilhelm’ Horse, the Leibregiment, the ‘Miltitz’ Horse, the ‘Prüschenck’ Horse, the ‘Prinz Friedrich’ Dragoons and the Leib Dragoons.

Posted in 15mm Figures, Eighteenth Century, Painted Units, Seven Years War & War of Austrian Succession, Seven Years War Minor German States | 5 Comments

The First Battle of Bull Run (1st Manassas) 21st July 1861 (Fire & Fury Refight)

It’s been a somewhat slow start to my wargaming year, but I finally got down to the Wargames Association of South Pembrokeshire (W.A.S.P.) recently for a game.  I’ve been promising my my mate Al for the last year that we’d do another ACW game, as we had to postpone two games last year.  However, my troops were all still labelled up for the postponed First Battle of Bull Run (known as First Manassas to the Rebs), so that was the obvious choice!

This battle, the first major battle of the American Civil War, is the first scenario presented in the Fire & Fury 2nd Edition rulebook and is one I’ve wanted to play for a long time.  It’s a very famous battle and the history is very well covered elsewhere, especially on the battle’s Wikipedia page, so for once I won’t bother repeating all the historical guff here.  The scenario concentrates on the main part of the battle, being the fighting on the western flank, centred on the Henry House Hill, where General Jackson earned his famous nickname ‘Stonewall’.  Rich Hasenauer’s scenario map from the rulebook is shown below.

One of the ‘fun’ aspects of this scenario is that the overwhelming majority of the troops are barely-trained and badly-armed.  The ‘amateur’ aspect of the armies is also reflected in that a lot of the over-complicated layers of command have been removed and what generals they do have may only influence the action if they are directly attached to a brigade.  The Union side has the advantage in terms of weaponry (some rifled artillery and rifled muskets) and a very few experienced units from the regular US Army, while the Confederate side has the advantage of having quite a lot of talented brigade-leaders and offensive spirit.

Above:  It’s quite a complicated map, with lots of undulations in the terrain, woods and back-roads, but we did the best we could with what we had available.  The table here is oriented at 90 degrees when compared to the map, so the top (north edge) of the map is at the right of this photo and we’re facing west.  In particular, it was quite difficult to precisely define the edges of woods and course of roads and rivers, so there was a fair bit of referencing the map during the game, just to check that the tree-lines were in the right place.

Above:  On the eastern edge of the table, a detachment from Cocke’s Confederate Brigade (of Beauregard’s Army of the Potomac) is dug in, defending Lewis’ Ford on the Bull Run River.  Behind them, Hampton’s tiny infantry brigade (also from Beauregard’s army) splashes through the ford of the Hokum Branch and marches toward the Henry House Hill.

Above:  At the Henry House, an artillery battery from Johnston’s Army of the Shenandoah supports the forward Confederate positions.

Above:  Forward of the Stone House, the Confederate line is formed (from left to right) by Evans’ (including the famous Louisiana ‘Tiger Zouaves’), Bee’s and Bartow’s Brigades.  Bee and Bartow belong to Johnston’s Army of the Shenandoah, while Evans belongs to Beauregard’s Army of the Potomac.

[The individual officer figure indicates an Exceptional Brigade Leader, in this instance Evans.  The unit label also shows this with an ‘E’.  The Confederates have Jackson, Elzey, Stuart, Evans, Hampton and Early rated as Exceptional, while the Union side has only Sherman.]

Above:  In front of the Confederate line, Hunter’s Division of McDowell’s Union Army of North-East Virginia crests the ridge at the Matthews House.  The Bluebellies have brought a battery with them, which immediately takes Evans’ Brigade under effective fire.

Above:  Burnside’s Brigade forms up on the right of Hunter’s Division, with Sykes’ small brigade of regulars on the left.  To their rear, Hunter has arrived at the head of Porter’s Brigade (represented here by the 14th Brooklyn in their spectacular ‘Chasseur’ uniforms, which would earn them the nickname ‘Red-Legged Devils’), another artillery battery and Palmer’s tiny cavalry brigade.

Above:  Casualties quickly start to pile up in Evans’ Brigade, as the Union gunners find the range.  They won’t be able to stand much more of this!  The supporting Confederate battery on the Henry House Hill is simply too far away to provide any effective support.

Above:  Back at the Lewis House, Jackson’s Brigade of Johnston’s Army of the Shenandoah marches on to the field.

[The sharp-eyed will notice a few bases of blue-coated figures.  This is to indicate that the brigade contains troops in blue uniforms, which may cause confusion in the heat of battle.  The Union side also has some brigades with units in grey uniforms.]

Above:  Evans’ Brigade has suffered very heavy casualties to the crushing Union artillery fire and finally breaks!

Above:  Concerned by the possibility of Union units attacking via the Stone Bridge and/or Farm Ford, Jackson leads his brigade to take up position on the right flank, to defend against any Union move in that sector.  Johnston and Beauregard have also now arrived and ride to the sound of the guns.

Above:  Trundling along in the generals’ wake are two more Confederate batteries.

Above:  As the second Union battery takes post on the ridge, General Hunter orders Porter’s Brigade to form line on the reverse slope.  Palmer’s cavalry form up on their left.  Up on the ridge, the army commander, General McDowell rides forward to assess the situation for himself.

Above:  With two batteries now deployed, the Union artillery starts to make life miserable for Bee’s Brigade.

Above:  Bee’s Brigade doesn’t stand under fire for anywhere near as long as Evans’ men and soon breaks and runs for the hills!

Above:  General Beauregard arrives at the edge of the tree-line on the Henry House Hill, just in time to witness the spectacle of Evans’ and Bee’s men fleeing for their lives!  Undeterred, Hampton orders his tiny brigade to deploy at the edge of the woods, along with the first of the newly-arrived batteries.

Above:  With Evans and Bee gone and with a massive Union force building up in front of him, Bartow reads his tea-leaves and orders his brigade to withdraw to the relative safety of the Henry House Hill.  Protected from Union artillery fire by woodland and a crest-line, Bartow quickly forms his brigade into column and passes over the Youngs Branch river.

Above:  The leading elements of Heintzelman’s Union Division, in the form of Franklin’s Brigade and another artillery battery, now arrive at the Matthews House Ridge.

Above:  At the Stone Bridge meanwhile, General Johnston personally supervises the deployment of Jackson’s Brigade and a supporting battery along the stone wall adjacent to the Robinson House.

Above:  Bee’s Brigade meanwhile, doesn’t seem to want to stop skedaddling and keeps running, all the way down the Sudley Springs Road and off the table.

Above:  With their immediate front clear of Rebels, Hunter’s Division advances to the Stone House, accompanied by General McDowell himself.  Franklin’s Brigade and Palmer’s Cavalry Brigade advance in support.

Above:  The Confederate battery at the Henry House manages to withdraw to the relative safety of the tree-line, alongside Hampton’s Brigade, but not before the long-range Union rifled artillery find the range!  J.E.B. Stuart’s tiny cavalry brigade has also now arrived.

Above:  General Beauregard meanwhile, has ridden back to fetch the detachment of Cocke’s Brigade from it’s redundant position at the Lewis Ford.  He directs this detachment to take up position on Hampton’s right at the Henry House.

Above:  Jackson’s Brigade completes its deployment just as a column of Union troops appears from the direction of the Farm Ford.  As the column passes the Van Pelt House, Jackson’s supporting battery fires a ranging-shot, but does no damage.

Above:  The newly-arrived column is Sherman’s Brigade of Tyler’s Division.

Above:  Hunter’s Division is deployed on a very wide frontage as it advances across the valley of the Youngs Branch, though General McDowell rides forward to take personal control of Hunter’s left flank.

Above:  Back at the Matthews House, three batteries continue to fire in support of the advance, though the Confederates are now deployed at extreme range and the Union artillery fire is finally having little effect.  It’s time for the guns to move forward, to better support the advance.

Above:  Bartow’s Confederate brigade is making slow progress in crossing the Youngs Branch and for a time looks to be in danger of being caught by the advancing Union infantry!

Above:  However, the personal intervention of General Johnston ensures that Bartow makes it to the safety of the army’s new position along the tree-line on the Henry House Hill.  The detachment of Cocke’s Brigade has also now thickened the line and at long last, it’s starting to look like a tough nut for the Union Army to crack.

Above:  Additional forces are also now starting to appear on the Confederate left flank.  Kershaw’s Brigade from Beauregard’s Army of the Potomac advances along the Sudley Springs Road toward the Henry House.  This brigade is ideally placed to outflank any Union attack past the Henry House.

Above:  McDowell rides forward to lead Burnside’s Brigade, with Franklin’s Brigade in support, up the slopes of the Henry House Hill.  As soon as they crest the escarpment, the Bluebellies finally get a taste of their own medicine as the Rebel guns open up.

Above:  On the Union left flank, General Tyler has arrived at the head of Keyes’ Brigade.  They prepare to support Sherman’s attack on the stone wall position.

Above:  Jackson meanwhile, has shifted his position left along the stone wall to the Robinson House.  His supporting battery limbers up to move to the Robinson House, which seems likely to become the epicentre of the battle.

Above:  The Union artillery meanwhile, limbers up and moves forward to deploy on the knoll just north of the Stone House, from where it can sweep the Confederate positions behind the Robinson House.

Above:  Howard’s Brigade of Heintzelman’s Division has also now arrived and marches past the Matthews House.

Above:  General McDowell, ignoring the hail of fire from the Confederate batteries, leads Burnside’s Brigade forward over the crest, onto the plateau of the Henry House Hill.

Above:  However, McDowell and Burnside suddenly find themselves advancing alone, as Franklin’s men have had a crisis of confidence and refuse to push forward from the riverbank!

Above:  With a single Union brigade advancing in front of them, General Johnston spies a golden opportunity and orders his infantry to fix bayonets…

Above:  Over on the Union right flank, General Hunter pushes Porter’s Brigade out as far as the Bald Hill, while Wilcox’s Brigade (including the spectacular 5th New York ‘Fire Zouaves’) and Palmer’s cavalry deploy in support.

Above:  Stuart’s Virginian cavalry observe the Union flank and wait for an opportunity to strike.

Above:  Suddenly, the ‘Rebel Yell’ is heard for the first time in history, as the Confederates charged out of the tree-line against Burnside’s disordered brigade!  Both Confederate army commanders join the charge; Beauregard with the detachment of Cocke’s Brigade in the centre and Johnston with Bartow’s Brigade on the right.  Hampton’s Brigade on the left is judged not to need the personal leadership of a senior general!

[In game terms, the detachment of Cocke’s Brigade had been disordered by long-range artillery fire and needed to roll a 10 to ‘Rally with Elan’ and charge.  Al was not confident, as thus far his dice-rolling was true to form and he’d barely rolled anything higher than a 4… However, this time he rolled the required 10 and they charged!]

Above:  Union musketry is unsuccessful in stopping the charge, though they do manage to kill Hampton’s horse!  The Rebels, having suffered a constant stream of casualties from the powerful Union artillery, are keen for vengeance and get thoroughly stuck in!  Burnside’s men are thrown back through Franklin’s Brigade to the river.

Above:  General Heintzelman rides over to steady Franklin’s Brigade and quickly rallies them before leading them in a charge up the hill!  However, Rebel musketry stops the charge dead in its tracks.

Above:  Generals McDowell and Hunter both try to rally Burnside’s Brigade, which has now withdrawn as far as the Stone House.

Above:  On Henry House Hill meanwhile, the Rebels charge again!  However, this time Cocke’s Brigade decides that it has urgent business that needs attention back at the tree-line, while Hampton (having found a new horse) can’t persuade his tiny brigade (now missing one-third of its strength) to push forward.  Consequently, only Bartow’s Brigade charges,

Above:  Over on the Confederate left flank, Porter’s Union brigade has pushed down off the Bald Hill to engage Kershaw’s Rebels.  However, Kershaw quickly gains the upper hand in the firefight, leaving Porter’s Red-Legs disordered.

Above:  The Rebels are quick to take advantage of Porter’s discomfiture, as both Kershaw and Elzey’s newly-arrived brigade charge!

Above:  The Rebel charge is completely effective and Porter’s Brigade is thrown back over the Bald Hill!

Above:  Wilcox’s freshly-arrived Union Brigade and Palmer’s cavalry are disordered by Porter’s withdrawal, but now have to prepare to receive the Rebel assault.

Above:  But further problems have arrived on the Union flank, in the form of Juball Early’s Brigade.

Above:  Back at the Stone House, it seems that the combined efforts of Generals McDowell and Hunter have managed to rally Burnside’s shaken men.  Howard’s Brigade in the meantime, stands in reserve at the Stone House.

Above:  Up at the Robinson House, Bartow’s second charge has not gone well, thanks to the lack of support from the neighbouring brigades and the fact that Sykes’ Union brigade has now moved in to support Franklin.  Heavily outnumbered, Bartow is grudgingly forced to give ground.  However, fresh Confederate infantry have now arrived at the tree-line, in the form of the main body of Cocke’s Brigade.

Above:  Having re-established themselves at the Stone House Knoll, the Union artillery resume their bombardment of the Rebel lines, this time making life miserable for Jackson and his supporting battery.

Above:  Despite the battle raging to his left, Jackson remains firmly emplaced behind the stone wall at the Robinson House.  Someone on Johnston’s staff exclaims in disgust, “There is General Jackson, hiding behind that stone wall!”

Sadly, General Jackson was never able to shake off this unfair accusation of cowardice and remained known as ‘Stonewall’ Jackson until his dying day.

Above:  However, Jackson had very good reason to be concerned for this sector of the battlefield.  Everyone else seemed to have forgotten about Tyler’s Division (Sherman’s and Keyes’ Brigades), but they were now crossing the Youngs Branch and were within striking-distance of the Robinson House.

Above: Tyler had struggled to get his inexperienced brigades to move forward, so decided to ‘go Napoleonic’ and formed them into field columns.  This worked in moving them forward, but would make them juicy targets when they reached the Warrenton Turnpike.

At this point we had played eleven turns and with only three turns left to play in the scenario, our Mams called us in for our tea…

With Union forces largely stalled in the centre and with their right being driven back by superior forces, the only hope now for the Union side to complete the objective (the clearance of all Rebel forces from the tree-line on the Henry House Hill) was for Tyler’s Division to decisively defeat Jackson’s Brigade at the stone wall.  It was going to take at least two of the three remaining turns to reach that point (all three turns if they wanted to shake out into line or supported line formation before charging) and they would then have to inflict a devastating defeat on Jackson, while also somehow ejecting the remaining four brigades and three batteries from the tree-line.  This was clearly going to be an impossible task and so we called it a day and declared it to be a Confederate victory!

Just to satisfy our curiosity, we did however, ‘jump forward’ to see what would happen when Tyler charge the stone wall… Jackson’s musketry stopped both brigades cold and they failed to press home their charge.

My thanks to Al and Dave for a great game! 🙂

Models Etc

The troops are all 10mm Pendraken Miniatures from my own collection.  I use my own reduced ground-scale and basing-scheme for playing Fire & Fury, the details of which are linked here.  The buildings are a mixture of Pendraken and Timecast.  I would have put out fences, etc to decorate the table, but it was already very ‘busy’, so decided not to, as they only tend to get in the way.

Posted in 10mm Figures, American Civil War, Fire & Fury (Brigade), Games | 10 Comments

The Army of Augustus The Fat: My SYW Saxons (Part 2)

Prince Xaver of Saxony

As discussed in Part 1, I recently painted the first of two Saxon brigades that fought during the Seven Years War as part of Prince Xaver’s exiled Saxon Corps.  All the details of organisation, etc, can be found in Part 1, so go have a look if you haven’t already.

I still have to paint another nine battalions (plus some more artillery) to complete the corps with all its organisational permutations.  That’ll give me all the options for their battles during the Seven Years War.  However, I think I’ll probably HAVE to do the green-coated ‘Rochow’ Fusiliers and the red-coated Leibgrenadiergarde (on the right in the plate above) in their anachronistic pointy caps, rather than boring tricorns!  They only wore those caps up until the surrender of 1756, but I’m planning to expand the army and also use it for first two Silesian Wars of the 1740s, for which those caps are perfectly correct.

With the 1740s in mind, I’ll then add second battalions to all the single-battalion regiments, as well as six ‘pointy-headed’ grenadier battalions, five cuirassier regiments (plus one base of four figures for the Garde du Corps), four dragoon regiments and a load more artillery, so we can refight the epic Battles of Hohenfriedburg, Soor and especially Kesselsdorf.  I could also use four regiments of uhlans, but finding decent uhlan figures might be something of a challenge!  I might have to use hussars or cossacks, which will be a shame.

But coming back to the present, here are some more painted battalions.  These are all 18mm Austrian infantry figures by Eureka Miniatures, with flags designed by Frédéric Aubert of Ad Hoc Editions, printed on my own laser printer.

Above:  The ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ Infantry Regiment was one of the ‘New’ Regiments of Prince Xaver’s Saxon Corps.  The regiment was indeed a relatively new regiment, being first raised in 1742 as the ‘Stollberg-Rosla’ Regiment and having only fought in the First & Second Silesian Wars.  The regiment was re-titled ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ in 1752 and in 1756 it surrendered along with the rest of the Saxon Army at Pirna, being then conscripted into the Prussian Army.

Above:  The ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ Infantry Regiment, following the surrender at Pirna, was dragooned into the Prussian Army as the Fusilier Regiment ‘Hauss’ (IR 55).  The regiment’s grenadiers were absorbed into Grenadier Battalion ‘Kahlenberg’ (GB 52/55).  Interestingly, the ‘Hauss’ Fusiliers were one of only two ex-Saxon regiments to avoid disbandment and successfully remained in existence until the end of the Seven Years War.  They were also the only ex-Saxon regiment to see action as part of Prussian field armies, fighting at Kunersdorf, Meissen, Strehla, Doebeln, Teplitz and Freiberg.  The ‘Kahlenberg’ Grenadiers however, suffered heavily from desertion and were disbanded in August 1757.  However, as the regiment didn’t escape en masse, a whole new ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ Regiment therefore needed to be created for the reformed Saxon Army.

Above:  The re-created ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ Infantry Regiment in 1757 was classed as a ‘New’ Regiment and therefore consisted of a single battalion and a detached grenadier company.  However, as discussed in Part 1, the grenadier company was one of two such companies formed from ex-gunners and in 1758 was disbanded in order to create a new artillery company from donated French ‘Swedish’ 4-pounders.  A new grenadier company was formed in 1761, though it mattered little, as the grenadiers were always detached from the parent regiments as combined grenadier battalions.

Above:  The ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ Infantry Regiment wore a uniform that was basically identical to that of the ‘Prinz Friedrich-August’ Regiment discussed in Part 1; namely a white coat with yellow cuffs, collar and turnbacks, white shoulder-strap and no lapels.  The waistcoat was yellow to match the facings, though breeches were white (yellow for officers, which I got wrong!).  Neck-stocks were red and hats were decorated with white lace and yellow-over-white pompoms.  The only difference was that the regiment had white metal buttons and officers’ hat-lace.  Drummers had coats of reversed colours with white lace.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Joseph’ Infantry Regiment was another of Prince Xaver’s ‘New’ Regiments.  However, the regiment had very old origins, having originally been formed in 1673, becoming the ‘Prinz zu Sachsenhalle’ Regiment in 1689, ‘Schoning’ in 1692, ‘Bornstedt’ in 1693, ‘Königlicher Prinz’ in 1700, ‘Kronprinz’ in 1729 and Leib in 1733.  The regiment was combined with the Leibgrenadiergarde in 1737 to become the five-battalion Königliche Leibgarde zu Fuß, though the two regiments were split again in 1740 as the re-created Leibgrenadiergarde and ‘Königin’ (former Leib) Regiments.  During its existence, the regiment had been present at the Relief of Vienna and had fought in the War of the Grand Alliance, the War of Spanish Succession, the Great Northern War, the War of Polish Succession and the first two Silesian Wars.  However, in 1756 the ‘Königin’ Regiment went into the bag along with everyone else at Pirna.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Joseph’ Infantry Regiment.  When the captured Saxon regiments were conscripted into the Prussian Army, the men of the ‘Königin’ Regiment refused to swear an oath to King Frederick II of Prussia.  As a consequence, they weren’t simply re-titled and re-uniformed as a Prussian regiment and instead were split up across various units.  Needless to say, many of these men deserted from Prussian service and in 1757 were formed as a new regiment in exile.  However, the former regimental inhaber, Queen Maria Josepha died in November of that year and so the regimental title now passed to Prince Joseph of Saxony.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Joseph’ Infantry Regiment in 1757 was classed as a ‘New’ Regiment, being therefore organised as a single battalion and detached grenadier company.  This seems odd at first glance, as the regiment could trace its lineage back to 1673.  However, unlike the three ‘Old’ Regiments, it had not mutinied and marched out of Prussia service as a coherent unit and therefore had to be rebuilt from scratch, and was therefore classed as ‘New’.  The detached grenadier company was formed from former members of the Leibgrenadiergarde.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Joseph’ Infantry Regiment wore the standard Saxon white uniform coat, with cuffs, collar, turnbacks and shoulder-strap coloured ‘cochineal’.  Cochineal dye can be used to make everything from deep, dark reds, to various shades of crimson and pink and was the dye used to create the crimson facings of Polish units in Napoleon’s army.  It’s usually interpreted in this instance as being a deep pinkish crimson shade.  Waistcoats were a matching shade of cochineal and breeches were white (cochineal for officers, which I’ve again got wrong).  Buttons were brass.  Neck-stocks were red and hats were decorated with white lace (gold for officers and NCOs) and cochineal-over-white pompoms.  Drummers had coats in reversed colours, with yellow lace.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Clemens’ Infantry Regiment was another of Prince Xaver’s ‘New’ Regiments.  The regiment was originally raised in 1704 as the ‘Herzog Johann Georg von Weissenfels’ Regiment.  In 1705 it became ‘Prinz Johann Adolph von Sachsen-Weissenfels’ and kept that title until 1746, when the regiment passed to Prince Clemens of Saxony (who was also Bishop of Augsburg and Regensburg).  The regiment fought in the War of Spanish Succession, the Great Northern War, the War of Polish Succession, the Austro-Turkish War of 1737-1739 and the first two Silesian Wars, before finally surrendering along with the rest of the Saxon Army in 1756 and being pressed into Prussian service.

Above:  When transferred to Prussian service, the ‘Prinz Clemens’ Infantry Regiment became the Fusilier Regiment ‘Flemming’ (IR 58) and was assigned as the garrison of Halberstadt.  However, the regiment suffered heavily from desertion and was disbanded in October 1757.  The regiment’s grenadiers were absorbed into the Prussian Grenadier Battalion ‘Bähr’ (GB 50/58), which rapidly melted away due to desertion, being disbanded at the end of July 1757.

Above:  The re-created ‘Prinz Clemens’ Infantry Regiment, like the ‘Prinz Joseph’ Regiment above, was classed in 1757 as a ‘New’ Regiment, as it had to be reformed from scratch.  It therefore consisted of a single battalion and a detached grenadier company.  The detached grenadier company was drawn from dismounted former members of the Garde du Corps.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Clemens’ Infantry Regiment wore the usual Saxon white coat with ‘French blue’ cuffs, collar and turnbacks and white metal buttons.  Waistcoats were French blue and breeches were white (again, the officers had facing-coloured breeches, but I’ve got it wrong!).  Neck-stocks were red and hats were decorated with white lace (silver for officers and NCOs) and blue-over-white pompoms.  Drummers again had reversed colour coats with white lace.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Carl Maximilian’ Infantry Regiment (also known variously as the ‘Prinz Carl’ Regiment or the ‘Prinz Maximilian’ Regiment) was another of Prinz Xaver’s ‘New’ Regiments, but had actually first been raised in 1711 from two battalions of the Dresden garrison.  It’s not entirely clear who the inhabers were during the first few decades, though it seems to be referred to as the ‘Cosel’ Regiment in 1745.  In 1746 it became the ‘Friese’ Regiment and in 1755 became the ‘Prinz Carl Maximilian’ Regiment.  The regiment fought in the War of Polish Succession and the first two Silesian Wars, before finally surrendering at Pirna in 1756.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Carl Maximilian’ Infantry Regiment, following its surrender at Pirna, was absorbed into the Prussian Army as Fusilier Regiment ‘Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm von Preußen’ (IR 59), though as with so many of the dragooned Saxon regiments, they didn’t wear Prussian Blue for long!  The regiment was sent to garrison Wittenberg, then Leitmeritz, though suffered heavily from desertion and was disbanded at Pirna in August 1757.  The regiment’s grenadiers were  incorporated into Grenadier Battalion ‘Bornstädt’ (GB 51/59) and these too were disbanded in August 1757.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Carl Maximilian’ Infantry Regiment was re-created in 1757 was one of Prince Xaver’s ‘New’ Regiments and therefore consisted of a single battalion and detached grenadier company.  The grenadier company was formed from former members of the Leibgrenadiergarde.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Carl Maximilian’ Infantry Regiment wore the usual white Saxon infantry coat, with cuffs, collar and turnbacks in ‘Russian green’, white shoulder-strap and white ‘metal’.  Waistcoats were Russian green and breeches were white, though officers wore green breeches (which I’ve again got wrong!).  Neck-stocks were red and hats were decorated with white lace (silver for officers and NCOs) and green-over-white pompoms.  Drummers wore coats of reversed colours, with white lace.

Above:  Saxon Grenadiers.  As discussed in Part 1, Prince Xaver’s new Saxon Corps was born in 1757 with twelve grenadier companies (one for each regiment), some of which were formed from former members of the Leibgrenadiergarde, Garde du Corps, Cuirassier regiments and Artillery Corps.  The two companies formed from artillerymen were quickly disbanded in order to form two new artillery companies, leaving ten grenadier companies, which in the field were formed into two combined grenadier battalions.

Above:  Saxon Grenadiers.  I must confess that when I painted these, I didn’t have a clue about the origins of Prince Xaver’s grenadiers, so just decided to paint two grenadier figures for each regiment I was painting (not including ‘Lubomirsky’, as they were converted back to artillery)!  However, it’s entirely possible that the former members of the Leibgrenadiergarde, Garde du Corps and Cuirassiers did in fact wear white, infantry-style uniforms during this period, matching those of their new parent regiments.  White uniforms would certainly be a lot easier to source from Austrian stocks.

Above:  Saxon Grenadiers. When first formed, the new grenadier companies, instead of their old Prussian-style mitre-caps, wore cocked hats like the rest of the regiment, though these were decorated in ‘scalloped’ or ‘zig-zag’ lace.  In 1761 the hats were replaced by bearskins, variously-described as ‘French’ or ‘Austrian’ in style, with a hanging bag that was probably coloured to match the facing colour and tasseled (perhaps also piped) in the button colour.  Although my fellas are intended for the earlier part of the war (Lutterberg, Minden, etc), I decided to go with the later bearskins and used Austrian grenadier figures.

Above:  Saxon Grenadiers.  In 1761 the Saxon grenadiers were increased to twelve companies, organised into three battalions.  One battalion was designated as the Leibgrenadiergarde at this time and perhaps adopted the old scarlet uniforms with yellow facings (if they hadn’t already)?

So in a nutshell, this grenadier battalion is probably entirely wrong…

Posted in 15mm Figures, Eighteenth Century, Painted Units, Seven Years War & War of Austrian Succession, Seven Years War Minor German States, Seven Years War Saxon Army, Tricorn (18th Century Shako Rules) | 11 Comments

The Army of Augustus The Fat: My 15mm SYW Saxon Army

Elector Frederick-Augustus II of Saxony, also styled King Augustus III of Poland or ‘Augustus the Fat’

As mentioned before, I’m slowly painting my way through the order of battle for the Battle of Minden, which is serving as my ‘to do’ list for the armies in the West German Theatre of the Seven Years War.  However, I’ve also had occasional distractions along the way, including extra British cavalry, Highlanders, the Légion Britannique, French dragoons, Chasseurs de Fischer, Hessian Jäger, etc, etc.

But coming back to Minden, a significant portion of the French order of battle is Prince Xaver’s Saxon Corps.  The Saxon Corps was originally formed in 1757 from the thousands of Saxon deserters flooding into Poland, Austria and Hungary, having fled the Prussian regiments into which they had been conscripted following the surrender of the Saxon Army in 1756.

Prince Xaver of Saxony

In March 1758 the Saxon Corps was taken into French service and was initially formed into fifteen infantry battalions and two grenadier battalions.  The French also provided the Corps with 24x ‘Swedish’ 4-pounders, which had been purchased by the Dauphine and these were organised into two artillery companies which then provided the regimental artillery.

The Saxon Corps at this point did not include any cavalry, though as discussed in Part 1 and Part 7 of my previous articles on the Reichsarmee and Imperial Auxiliary Troops, five regiments of Saxon-Polish cavalry did manage to escape the surrender due to their being stationed in Poland.  However, these cavalry regiments remained as an auxiliary corps under Austrian command throughout the war and never served with the ‘main’ Saxon Corps.

Wargamers tend to have a poor view of the Saxons; primarily due to their mass-surrender at Pirna in 1756 and also due to their being kicked like a ginger step-child during the battles of the Second Silesian War; Hohenfriedberg (depicted the picture at the top), Soor, Hennersdorf and most notably at Kesselsdorf.  However, the Saxons generally fought well at regimental and brigade level; it was primarily their senior leadership (or lack of same) that was the problem.

During the Seven Years War, both Prince Xaver’s corps (with the French) and General von Nostitz’s corps (the five cavalry regiments with the Austrians) performed extremely well, aided in no small part by superb leadership from those two generals.  Most notably, Prince Xaver’s corps conducted a remarkably effective flank-attack against the Allied army during their first battle at Lutterberg and conducted a determined, though ultimately unsuccessful counter-attack at Minden.  They remained a solid and reliable force throughout the Seven Years War.

The Saxon Carabiniersgarde Regiment, which remained under Austrian command, as part of Nostitz’s Corps

The fifteen infantry battalions of the new Saxon Corps were initially organised into three two-battalion ‘Old’ Regiments (Kurprinzessin, Prinz Friedrich-August & Prinz Xaver) and nine single-battalion ‘New’ Regiments (Garde, Prinz Carl-Maximilian, Prinz Joseph, Minckwitz (which became Prinz Anton in 1759), Rochow, Prinz Clemens, Graf Brühl, Fürst Lubomirsky & Prinz Sachsen-Gotha).

Prince Xaver of Saxony, uniformed as a French Lieutenant General (1758)

Each regiment also included a single company of grenadiers, many of which were formed from former personnel of the old Leibgrenadiergarde, the Garde du Corps, the cuirassier regiments and the artillery corps.  However, the grenadier companies of the ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ & ‘Prinz Sachsen-Gotha’ Regiments, being formed from former gunners, were immediately removed again in order to form the two new artillery companies.  The remaining ten grenadier companies were formed into two combined grenadier battalions.

In 1761 the Saxon Corps was reorganised, with all twelve regiments now consisting of a single battalion and a grenadier company.  The grenadiers were then massed into a Leibgrenadiergarde Battalion and two Feldgrenadier Battalions.  A new cavalry regiment (of which details are scant) and a single company of hussars were also added at this time, while the artillery contingent was expanded to three companies and 30 guns.

The Saxon Corps was clothed and equipped largely according to the old Saxon dress-regulations and colourings, though the uniforms came from Austrian stocks.  Consequently, the Prussian-style mitre caps worn by the old ‘Kurprinzessin’ and ‘Rochow’ Regiments were replaced by cocked hats, while the mitre caps of the grenadier companies were initially replaced by cocked hats with scalloped lace and then from 1761 with Austrian-style bearskin caps.  The exact cut and colouring of uniforms probably varied from the Saxon originals, depending on what was available from Austrian contractors.  New regimental flags were issued, which conformed to the old ‘fiddly’ Saxon designs, but which were made more cheaply, being painted onto a single layer of silk.

Thus far, I’ve painted the eight battalions of the 1st Saxon Brigade; the ‘Prinz Xaver’ Regt (2 Bns), ‘Prinz Friedrich-August’ Regt (2 Bns), ‘Prinz Carl-Maximilian’ Regt (1 Bn), ‘Fürst Lubomirsky’ Regt (1 Bn), ‘Prinz Joseph’ Regt (1 Bn) & ‘Prinz Clemens’ Regt (1 Bn), plus a grenadier battalion and an artillery detachment.  The next phase will be to paint the rest of the corps (7 infantry battalions and one grenadier battalion).  After that, I intend to expand the army in order to play some of the 1740s battles, such as Hohenfriedberg and Kesselsdorf; I’ll start by adding 2nd battalions to the ‘New’ regiments and grenadier battalions in mitre caps, followed by a load more cavalry, artillery and generals.

To start off, here are the two ‘Old’ Regiments, and the artillery.  I’ll cover the rest in Part 2.  For the infantry, I’ve used Eureka Miniatures 18mm Austrian infantry figures; this seemed like a good idea, but I soon realised that these are modelled with a bunch of oakleaves behind the hat-pompom, which wasn’t really a feature of Saxon dress until after 1813.  I did consider filing them off, but life’s too short… Who’s to say that they didn’t use such a field-sign while allied to the Austrians…?

Above:  The ‘Prinz Xaver’ Infantry Regiment was actually a relatively new regiment, being first raised in 1723 as a garrison battalion to guard the royal residences.  Then in 1729 it became the Dresden garrison battalion and in 1730 was expanded to a full regiment as the ‘Sachsen-Weimar’ Grenadier Regiment.  In 1733 the regiment lost its ‘grenadier’ title and was re-titled as the ‘Prinz Xaver’ Infantry Regiment, for the infant Prince Xaver of Saxony, fourth son of Elector Frederick-August II.  Consequently, when re-formed as part of Prince Xaver’s Corps in 1758, it was classed as an ‘Old’ Regiment, as it was the C-in-C’s own regiment.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Xaver’ Infantry Regiment served in Poland during the War of Polish Succession and was actively engaged in the First and Second Silesian Wars (Saxony was an ally of Prussia during the First Silesian War and an enemy during the Second).  However, the regiment went ‘into the bag’ in 1756, when the Army of Saxony surrendered to Prussia at Pirna.  The regiment was then dragooned en masse into the Prussian Army, becoming the new Prussian Fusilier Regiment ‘Jung-Braunschweig-Bevern’ (IR 57) and being sent to garrison the fortresses of Krossen and Cottbus.  However, their Prussian service didn’t last long, as in late March 1757 the entire regiment mutinied and escaped to Poland, where they joined the rapidly-forming new Saxon ‘Army in Exile’ (the Prussians reformed IR 57 from new Saxon levies, but the regiment was lost for a second time in November 1757 and was not reformed).

Above:  The ‘Prinz Xaver’ Infantry Regiment, as mentioned above, became one of the three ‘Old’ Regiments of Prince Xaver’s new Saxon Corps.  The ‘Old’ Regiments were initially organised with two battalions (reduced to one battalion in 1761) and a detached grenadier company.  The regiment’s grenadier company was formed from personnel of the dismounted Garde du Corps.  Each battalion comprised four companies and with each company numbering around 125 men, this gave a rough battalion strength of 500 men.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Xaver’ Infantry Regiment wore white coats and smallclothes, supplied by the Austrians but apparently conforming to the previous Saxon regulations.  This style had buttons spaced 1-2-3-3 down each side of the breast and three buttons arranged vertically at the ‘trailing edge’ of each cuff.  The cuffs, turnbacks and collar were coloured a pale shade of blue known as bleu-mourant and buttons were brass.  The regiment’s uniform did not have lapels or lace and shoulder-straps were either absent or they were white to match the coat.  Neck-stocks were red.  Hat lace was white for all regiments, though was gold or silver for officers and NCOs, matching the button colour.  Cockades were white and pompoms were white with a central spot matching the facing colour.

One mistake I’ve only just noticed; the officers’ breeches should be coloured bleu-mourant, not white!

Above:  The ‘Prinz Friedrich-August’ Infantry Regiment was originally raised in 1701 and fought in the Great Northern War, the War of Polish Succession, the Austro-Turkish War of 1737-39 and the first two Silesian Wars.  At the start of the Seven Years War in 1756, the regiment surrendered at Pirna along with the rest of the army and was conscripted into the Prussian Army as the new Fusilier Regiment ‘Loen’ (IR 56), being sent to garrison Lübben and Guben.  However, like the ‘Prinz Xaver’ Regiment above, in late March 1757 the entire regiment mutinied and escaped to Poland, where it joined the Saxon Army in Exile (the Prussians reformed IR 56 from fresh Saxon levies and it actually became one of only two ex-Saxon regiments (the other being IR 55) to last the course of the Seven Years War).

Above:  The ‘Prinz Friedrich-August’ Infantry Regiment, as one of the three ‘Old’ Regiments, was initially organised as two battalions (reduced to one battalion in 1761), plus a detached grenadier company.  In this instance, the grenadier company was actually raised from the regiment’s own personnel.

I should mention that the lovely flags are by Frédéric Aubert of Ad Hoc Editions, printed on my own laser-printer (which, thanks to the high-quality flag pictures now available from people such as Frédéric, as well as David Morfitt at Not By Appointment and websites such as Kronoskaf, has now more than paid for itself in the savings made on buying printed flags).

Above:  The ‘Prinz Friedrich-August’ Infantry Regiment‘s uniforms were essentially the same as those of the ‘Prinz Xaver’ Regiment above, except the distinguishing facing colour was yellow.  Note that again, I made the mistake of painting the officers’ breeches white; they should be in the facing colour.  Note also that Saxon officers wore waist-sashes of mixed silver and red threads and had white neck-stocks.

Above:  The ‘Prinz Friedrich-August’ Infantry Regiment.  The drummers of all Saxon regiments wore reversed colours, in this case yellow coats with white facings.  Smallclothes remained the same as the rank-and-file, so a facing-coloured waistcoat with white breeches.  Hats were also the same.  The coat was laced in the button-colour with lace buttonholes on the breast (arranged 1-2-3 from top to bottom), swallows’ nests on the shoulders, upward-pointing chevrons and seams on the arms and edging to the cuffs and pockets.  In this instance, the lace is yellow on yellow, which is a god-send to those of us who are bone-idle! 🙂

Above:  The Saxon Artillery Corps had traditionally been one of the more effective branches of the Saxon Army, with well-trained gunners and some very innovative artillery designs.  Most notably, the Prussians had received a very bloody nose at the hand of the Saxon gunners at the Battle of Kesselsdorf in 1745, with the Saxon Artillery Corps being the just about only part of the Saxon Army to come out of that débâcle with any credit.  However, Prince Xaver’s artillery contingent was a shadow of its former self, with only just enough hand-me-down French 4-pounders to provide one or two battalion guns to each infantry regiment.

This situation improved slightly in 1761 with the creation of a third artillery company and the expansion to 30 guns, though that still only allowed each battalion (including the grenadiers) to have a pair of battalion guns and it doesn’t seem that they were used as position artillery.

Above:  The Saxon Artillery Corps wore a rather attractive uniform consisting of a green coat with brass buttons and red lapels, cuffs, tail-turnbacks, collar and shoulder-strap.  Smallclothes were straw.  Hats had yellow lace, white cockades and two small white-over-red pompoms in the corners.  Belts were white and gaiters were black.  I’ve used Eureka Miniatures 18mm British Artillery figures for these, though I’ve had to pick out the British artillery officer figure (who turns up in the random-pose mix at a ratio of 1:5), as he’s got a clearly-modelled sash over the shoulder.  I can use him for other things.

Above:  The Saxon Artillery Corps originally painted its gun-carriages black and had ‘yellow metal’ fittings, thus matching the black-and-yellow-striped armorials of Saxony.  It’s a matter of some debate as to whether the ‘yellow metal’ was brass or simply iron painted yellow.  I’ve gone with yellow paint, as to be honest, brass looks a bit rubbish and from a soldier’s point of view, would have been murder to keep clean and shiny.  It’s likely that the ‘Swedish’ 4-pounders supplied to Prince Xaver by the French would have retained their light blue paintwork with black ironwork, though if they were re-painted black, they wouldn’t have replaced the ironwork with brass!  That’s my excuse, anyway…

For the gun I’ve used a generic SYW gun from my massive stash of spare guns by Old Glory 15s.

More Saxons to follow!  Also the story of Prussia’s Great Victory over France in our 1870 Campaign! 🙂

Posted in 15mm Figures, Eighteenth Century, Painted Units, Seven Years War & War of Austrian Succession, Seven Years War Minor German States, Seven Years War Saxon Army, Tricorn (18th Century Shako Rules) | 23 Comments

The Battle of ‘Wanneminden’ 1759 (The Scenario)

Last time I posted my after-action report for our 2024 Christmas game, the Battle of ‘Wanneminden’, which was a half-scale or ‘bathtubbed’ version of the Battle of Minden, fought on 1st August 1759.  So by popular demand, here’s the scenario!  Yay.

As always, the scenario is designed for Tricorn, which is our own 18th Century variant of Shako rules.

Briefing for Field Marshal Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick

Prince Ferdinand of Brunbswick

Despite you having driven the French armies out of Hanover last year, they are now resurgent on the east bank of the Rhine and last month captured the vital fortress of Wanneminden, on the River Weser.  You have massed your forces to retake the city, but can do nothing at present, thanks to the presence of the Marquis de Contades’ army, encamped just across the Weser.

You need to tempt Contades’ army to cross the Weser and come onto ground of your choosing.  You have therefore dangled Wangenheim’s corps as bait in front of the walls of Wanneminden, while the rest of your army has withdrawn a discreet distance away, ready to strike the French left flank, once Contades commits himself against Wangenheim.

However, while the French have indeed taken the bait, the Prince of Anhalt (commanding your outlying picquets) neglected to inform you that Contades is already on the move!  You have therefore sent a flurry of orders, ordering your columns to march at once to Wanneminden Heath, where the French army will likely be forming up to attack Wangenheim and can only hope that you have not left it too late!

Allied Scenario Notes

The umpire will roll secretly for all changes of orders and inform you of the result.

The attack-arrows for ALL reinforcing formations must be drawn on the map before the start of the game (their entry points are listed below).

The game lasts until one army breaks or until the players lose the will to live, whichever comes first.

Order of Battle of the Allied Army

Field Marshal Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick
(Excellent – 2 ADCs)

Picquets – Lieutenant General Prince of Anhalt      (Poor)
1st Battalion of Picquets      [4/1]
2nd Battalion of Picquets      [2x Skirmishers MR 4]
3rd Battalion of Picquets      [2x Skirmishers MR 4]

First Column – Lieutenant General Lord Sackville      (Poor)
British Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)      [6/2]
Hanoverian ‘Breydenbach’ Dragoons      [5/2]
British 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards      [6/2]
British 3rd Dragoon Guards (Howard’s) & 2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons      [6/2]

Second Column – Major von Haase
Hanoverian Heavy Artillery Battery      [3/0]
British Heavy Artillery Battery (MacBean’s)      [3/0]
British Light Artillery Battery (Foy’s) [3/0]

Third Column – Lieutenant General von Spörcken      (Excellent)
British 37th (Stewart’s) Regiment of Foot (elite)      [5/2]
British 23rd (Royal Welch) Regiment of Fusiliers (elite)      [5/2]
Hanoverian Fußgarde Regiment      [6/2 – Large Unit]
British 51st (Brudenell’s) Regiment of Foot (elite)      [5/2]
British 25th (Home’s) Regiment of Foot (elite)      [5/2]

Fourth Column – Major General von Scheele      (Good)
Hanoverian Reden Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Hanoverian Stolzenberg Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Hanoverian Estorff Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]

Fifth Column – Colonel von Braun
Hanoverian Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Hanoverian Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Sixth Column – Lieutenant General von Wutginau      (Average)
Hesse-Cassel Leibgarde zu Fuß Regiment      [6/2 – Large Unit]
Hesse-Cassel Toll Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Hesse-Cassel Bischhausen Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Seventh Column – Lieutenant General von Imhoff      (Good)
Hesse-Cassel Grenadierregiment      [5/2 – Large Unit]
Hesse-Cassel Gilsa Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
I. Bn, Brunswick Imhoff Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
II. Bn, Brunswick Imhoff Infantry Regiment      [4/1]

Eighth Column – Lieutenant General Duke of Holstein-Gottorp      (Good)
Hanoverian Hammerstein & Leibregiment Horse Regiments      [6/2]
Prussian Holstein-Gottorp Dragoon Regiment (DR 9)      [5/2 – Large Unit]
Hesse-Cassel Miltitz Horse & Prüschenck Horse Regiments      [6/2]

Corps of Lieutenant General von Wangenheim

Cavalry Division – Major General von Grothaus      (Average)
Hesse-Cassel Prinz Friedrich Dragoon Regiment      [5/2]
Hanoverian Reden Horse & Heise Horse Regiments      [6/2]

Infantry Division – Lieutenant General von Wangenheim      (Average)
Hanoverian Kielmannsegg Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Hanoverian Spörcken Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Hanoverian Jung-Zastrow Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
Hanoverian Halberstadt Infantry Regiment      [4/1 – Large Unit]
British Grenadier Battalion Maxwell      [5/2]
Hesse-Cassel Grenadier Battalion Donop      [5/2]
Brunswick Grenadier Battalion Stammer      [5/2]
Schamburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Infantry Regiment      [4/1]

Artillery Division – Lieutenant General Count William of Schaumburg-Lippe
Hesse-Cassel Heavy Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Hesse-Cassel Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Allied Order of Battle Notes

1.  The ‘battalions of picquets’ are the massed duty detachments for that day, from all the battalions in the army.  There may also have been some dedicated light infantry (e.g. Hessian or Hanoverian Jäger) in this area, but information is scarce.

2.  Haase’s 2nd Column, Braun’s 5th Column and Schaumburg-Lippe’s Artillery Division class as Army Artillery and do not require orders, nor do they apply formation morale tests.  The MR of each lost army battery is counted against Army Morale when conducting an army morale test.

3.  The British Royal Horse Guards are classed as Cuirassiers.  The British Dragoon Guards, Hanoverian Horse and Hessian Horse are classed as Heavy Horse (this only matters in the event of a draw between opposing heavy cavalry with the same MR).

4.  As this is a ‘bath-tubbed’ scenario, battalion guns are counted as part of infantry firepower and are otherwise ignored.

5.  Many British, Hanoverian and Hessian cavalry regiments at this time were rather small, consisting of only two squadrons.  Therefore in game terms, a cavalry ‘unit’ might represent two brigaded regiments.

Allied Formation Breakpoints

Division                                             FMR    ⅓      ½      ¾
Anhalt                                                       12         4        6        9
Sackville                                                   23         8       12      18
Haase (Army Guns)                                9           –         –        –
Spörcken                                                  27          9       14      21
Scheele                                                      15          5        8       12
Braun (Army Guns)                                6            –        –        –
Wutginau                                                  21          7       11      16
Imhoff                                                        19          7      10      15
Holstein-Gottorp                                     18          6       9       14
Grothaus                                                    11          –        6        –
Wangenheim                                            39         13     20      30
Schaumburg-Lippe (Army Guns)         9            –        –        –

Army                                                  FMR      ¼      ⅓      ½
Allied Army                                            210         53      70    105

Allied Deployment

The following formations and units are on-table at the start (refer to the deployment map):

The Prince of Anhalt’s picquets start the game on table, contesting the village of Hahlen.

Haase’s British batteries are limbered and marching to support the Prince of Anhalt. MacBean’s heavy battery starts the game hidden from French view, so is not placed on table until after orders are written.  The Hanoverian heavy battery is still off-table and will arrive at the rear of Spörcken’s 3rd Column.

Schaumburg-Lippe’s three batteries are all deployed in earthworks on the extreme left flank of the army, near the River Weser, guarded by the Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Infantry Regiment from Wangenheim’s Corps.

Wangenheim’s infantry are deployed in a single line, extending west from the earthworks and in front of the village of Kutenhausen.

Grothaus’ cavalry are deployed on Wangenheim’s right flank, between the villages of Kutenhausen and Stemmer.

Allied Reinforcement Schedule

While you know where your columns are due to arrive, the confusion of the late orders and the night-march means that you have lost contact with most of the columns and don’t know exactly when they’ll arrive.  The umpire will inform you when the columns arrive and in what formation.

Ferdinand’s Headquarters arrives at Point G.

Sackville’s 1st Column arrives at Point A.

Spörcken’s 3rd Column arrives at Point B.

Braun’s 5th Column arrives at Point C.

Scheele’s 4th Column arrives at Point D.

Wutginau’s 6th Column arrives at Point E.

Imhoff’s 7th Column arrives at Point F.

Holstein-Gottorp’s 8th Column arrives at Point G.

Briefing for Maréchal de France Louis Georges Érasme, Marquis de Contades

Marquis de Contades

This year’s campaign has seen your army regain its honour following last year’s retreat from Hanover.  First the Duc de Broglie managed to blunt the Allied attack at Bergen and last month your army managed to capture the key fortress of Wanneminden, on the River Weser.

Your army has since adopted a defensive posture along the Weser, protecting Wanneminden from recapture while gathering in supplies and detached corps before resuming the attack into Hanover.  The Allied army of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick (now heavily reinforced by British troops) has maintained a watchful stance beyond the Weser, but has thus far not made any move against you.

However, it would appear that Prince Ferdinand has now withdrawn his main army from the immediate vicinity of Wanneminden.  Perhaps to find forage?  Whatever the reason for his withdrawal, he has left an observation corps commanded by the Hanoverian General von Wangenheim to watch the fortress.  Wangenheim’s corps would therefore appear to be isolated and ripe for the plucking!

You have consequently ordered the Duc de Broglie to cross over the Weser via Wanneminden and launch an immediate attack.  Your army’s engineers are presently building bridges over the River Bastau, to the south of the city and your army will therefore join the attack at the earliest opportunity.

French Scenario Notes

The attack-arrows for ALL reinforcing formations must be drawn on the map before the start of the game (their entry points are listed below).

The game lasts until one army breaks or until the players lose the will to live, whichever happens first.

French Order of Battle of the French Army

Maréchal de France Marquis de Contades
(Average – 2 ADCs)

Division of Lieutenant-Général Duc de Guerchy (Left Wing First Line)      (Poor)
1st Bn, Aquitaine Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Aquitaine Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Vastan Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Vastan Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Du Roi Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Du Roi Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
3rd Bn, Du Roi Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
4th Bn, Du Roi Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Chasseurs      [1x Skirmishers MR 3]
Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Saxon Division of Generallieutenant Prince Xaver (Left Wing Second Line)      (Good)
Lubomirsky Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Prinz Clemens Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Prinz Josef Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Prinz Friedrich August Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Prinz Xaver Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Prinz Xaver Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Prinz Carl Maximilian Infantry Regiment      [4/1]

Cavalry Division of Lieutenant-Général Duc de Fitz James      (Average)
Colonel-Général Cavalry Brigade (Poor)      [5/2]
Mestre de Camp-Général Cavalry Brigade (Poor)      [5/2]
Du Roi Cavalry Brigade (Poor)      [5/2]
Bourgogne Cavalry Brigade (Poor)      [5/2]

Cavalry Division of Lieutenant-Général Marquis de Poyanne      (Excellent)
Gendarmerie de France      [6/2 – Large Unit]
Royal-Carabiniers      [6/2 – Large Unit]

Division of Lieutenant-Général Duc de Beaupréau (Right Wing First Line)      (Average)
1st Bn, Touraine Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Touraine Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, D’Aumont Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, D’Aumont Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Heavy Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Division of Lieutenant-Général Chevalier de Nicolay (Right Wing Flank-Guard)      (Good)
1st Bn, Picardie Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Picardie Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
3rd Bn, Picardie Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
4th Bn, Picardie Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, La Marche Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Division of Lieutenant-Général Comte de Saint-Germain (Right Wing Second Line)      (Average)
1st Bn, Anhalt German Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Anhalt German Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Saint-Germain German Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Bergh German Infantry Regiment      [4/1]

Corps of Maréchal de France Duc de Broglie

Cavalry Division – Lieutenant-Général Prince Camille      (Poor)
Commissaire-Général Cavalry Brigade (Poor)      [5/2]
Penthièvre Cavalry Brigade (Poor)      [5/2]

First Line – Lieutenant-Général Marquis de Saint-Pern      (Poor)
1st Bn, Grenadiers de France Infantry Regiment      [5/2]
2nd Bn, Grenadiers de France Infantry Regiment      [5/2]
3rd Bn, Grenadiers de France Infantry Regiment      [5/2]
4th Bn, Grenadiers de France Infantry Regiment      [5/2]
Heavy Artillery Battery      [3/0]
Light Artillery Battery      [3/0]

Second & Third Lines – Lieutenant-Général Chevalier du Muy      (Average)
1st Bn, Piémont Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Piémont Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
3rd Bn, Piémont Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Planta Swiss Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Planta Swiss Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
1st Bn, Royal Deux-Ponts German Infantry Regiment      [4/1]
2nd Bn, Royal Deux-Ponts German Infantry Regiment      [4/1]

French Order of Battle Notes

1.  The French cavalry are all classed as Cuirassiers, but are mostly classed as ‘Poor’, so are reduced by one MR factor (5/2 instead of 6/2).  This only matters in the event of a draw between heavy cavalry of the same MR (e.g. the Gendarmerie de France or Royal-Carabiniers and most Allied heavy horse).

2.  As this is a ‘bath-tubbed’ scenario, battalion guns are counted as part of infantry firepower and are otherwise ignored.

3.  Most French cavalry regiments were absolutely tiny at this time, consisting merely of two weak squadrons.  A cavalry ‘unit’ in game-terms, therefore represents a brigade of several regiments and is named for the senior regiment in the brigade.

French Formation Breakpoints

Division                  FMR      ⅓      ½      ¾
Guerchy                        44         15      22      33
Prince Xaver                28         10      14      21
Fitz James                    20          7       10      15
Poyanne                        14          –         7        –
Beaupréau                    22         8        11       17
Nicolay                          23         8        12      18
Saint-Germain             16         6         8       12
Prince Camille             10         –          5        –
Saint-Pern                    26         9        13      20
Du Muy                         28        10       14      21

Army                        FMR      ¼      ⅓      ½
French Army                231       58      77     116

French Deployment

The following formations and units are on-table at the start (refer to the deployment map):

Marshal de Broglie’s corps is deployed in battle-formation, in preparation for the assault on Wangenheim’s left wing the entrenched artillery.  Saint-Pern’s division forms the first line, while the Piémont and Planta Regiments of Du Muy’s division form the second line and the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment forms the third line.  Prince Camille’s cavalry are posted in two lines on Broglie’s left.  The artillery is unlimbered.

Nicolay’s division has deployed into battle-formation and is marching to support Broglie’s left.  The artillery may be unlimbered or limbered.

Two battalions of Guerchy’s division, together with the Chasseur detachment, have occupied Hahlen.  They need not follow the orders set for the rest of the division.

French Reinforcement Schedule

All reinforcing formations arrive on Turn 1, in column/limbered formation.

Contades’ Headquarters arrives at Point C.

Guerchy’s division arrives at Point A.

Prinz Xaver’s Saxon division arrives at Point B.

Fitz James’ first line (Colonel-Général & Mestre de Camp-Général Brigades) arrives at Point C.

Fitz James’ second line (Du Roi & Bourgogne Brigades) arrives at Point D.

Poyanne’s division arrives at Point E.

Terrain Rules

Please note that the fortress in my pictures above is purely for decorative purposes!  Replace it with the French outer-works, consisting of a line of four entrenched positions and one all-round defence redoubt, as shown on the deployment map.  However, these can happily be ignored if you lack the models, as it’s highly unlikely that they will play any part in the game.

Terrain features are largely as per the standard rules, with these exceptions:

Entrenchments provide a -1 cover modifier and +2 mêlée modifier.

Woods provide a -1 cover modifier to smallarms, but nothing against artillery fire.  No mêlée modifier.  In order to claim rear support in woods, the supporting unit must be within 2 inches.

The River Weser is unfordable.

We’ve been playtesting a different method for villages in Tricorn that’s somewhat different to the standard ‘Built-Up Sector’ method used in Shako.  While there might be some advantages to deploying in villages, the disadvantages of urban fighting often outweighed the advantages and 18th Century armies would (usually) actively avoid defending villages.

  • We still use the Built-Up Sector method for fortified farms, redoubts, castles, churchyards and densely built-up areas in large towns, though villages are now treated as area terrain, like woods. 
  • Infantry battalions deployed in villages gain a -1 cover modifier against all types of fire and a +1 mêlée modifier (the mêlée modifier increases to +2 if the village has been prepared for defence, though none have in this scenario). 
  • Infantry battalions deployed in villages may not claim any rear or flank support modifiers in mêlée.
  • Infantry battalions deployed in villages suffer a -1 shooting modifier (this is not cumulative with the shooting modifier -1 suffered for being staggered).  
  • British and Hanoverian infantry battalions deployed in villages lose the +1 modifier for shooting at chargers.

Visibility through woods or villages is 2 inches.

Umpire’s Eyes Only

Allied Reinforcement Schedule

Turn 1:  Spörcken’s 3rd Column arrives at Point B.
               Ferdinand arrives at Point G.

Turn 2:  Sackville’s 1st Column arrives at Point A.

Turn 3:  Scheele’s 4th Column arrives at Point D.

Turn 4:  Braun’s 5th Column arrives at Point C.
                Wutginau’s 6th Column arrives at Point E.

Turn 6:  Imhoff’s 7th Column arrives at Point F.

Turn 8:  Holstein-Gottorp’s 8th Column arrives at Point G.

Special Scenario Rules

Sackville’s command will deploy into two lines six inches on to table and then adopt Defend orders, regardless of their pre-written orders/command arrow.  Sackville will then ignore all order-changes (hence the need for secret order-change rolls by the umpire), though may order units to charge as normal, should the enemy come within 12 inches.

Optionally, the umpire may permit Sackville’s orders to be changed in the normal manner if an Allied division breaks or if the French army becomes demoralised.

Posted in Eighteenth Century, Scenarios, Seven Years War & War of Austrian Succession, Shako Rules, Tricorn (18th Century Shako Rules), Tricorn Scenarios | Leave a comment

The Battle of ‘Wanneminden’ 1759 (Our 2024 Christmas Game)

As mentioned in the last few articles, our 2024 Christmas Game at W.A.S.P. was a ‘bath-tubbed’, half-scale version of the Battle of Minden, 1st August 1759. 

I’m not normally a fan of ‘bath-tubbed’ scenarios.  I like to see the actual order of battle on the table or if not, a set of rules being used that’s actually intended for a higher scale of warfare (e.g. Napoleon’s Battles, or Fire & Fury, where the basic unit of manoeuvre is the brigade).  However, I wanted to get a load of troops on the table and it occurred to me that I had passed the half-way point for the Minden orbat…  So this is NOT the Battle of Minden; we will eventually do that ‘properly’.  This instead, is the fictitious Battle of ‘Wanneminden’, which might possibly bear a passing resemblance to the Battle of Minden…  Here’s the full-fat map for Minden, based on the Prussian Greater General Staff history:

As can be seen from the map above; when I eventually get around to painting all the troops for Minden, it will be something of a ‘line them up’ slug-fest, as we don’t really have the time or space for a great battle of manoeuvre.  However, ‘Wanneminden’ does allow us to play out the advance to contact phase of the battle.  I’ll post the full scenario soon, but here’s a map showing the starting-positions.  As you can see, there is a far greater amount of space and tactical options for the development of the battle:

The rough outline of the scenario is that the French have once again invaded Hesse and have captured the fortress of Wanneminden on the River Weser.  Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick’s Allied army is unable to open a formal siege due to the proximity of the main French army, so Ferdinand has baited a trap; dangling the corps of the Hanoverian General von Wangenheim as a juicy worm to tempt the big French fish to come out into the open.

Sure enough, the French corps of the Duc de Broglie has come out of Wanneminden to engage Wangenheim, with the rest of the Marquis de Contades’ main French army following not far behind.  However, Ferdinand’s outposts have failed to promptly alert him of the French attack, so will Ferdinand’s army arrive in time to save Wangenheim and destroy the French army…?

Above:  The view from behind Wanghenheim’s corps, facing south toward the walls of Wanneminden.  If this were the Battle of Minden, the city would actually be just off-table and would be replaced by a line of earthworks and redoubts.

Above:  On Wangenheim’s left flank, hard up against the Weser, is Count William of Schaumburg-Lippe’s artillery reserve.  These batteries have been dug in and are defended by Count William’s own Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Infantry Regiment.

Above:  The centre of Wangenheim’s line is formed by four single-battalion Hanoverian infantry regiments (Kielmansegg, Jung-Zastrow, Spörcken and Halberstadt) and a battalion each of British, Hessian and Brunswicker grenadiers.  On the right flank is General von Grothaus’ cavalry division, consisting of the Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons and two massed regiments of Hanoverian heavy horse (the Reden and Heise Regiments).

Above:  The Duc de Broglie’s corps is deployed into three lines; the first line is formed by the Marquis de Saint-Pern’s Grenadiers de France, supported by a battery each of heavy and light artillery.

Above:  The Duc de Broglie’s second and third lines are formed from the Chevalier du Muy’s division, consisting of the Piémont Regiment, the German Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment and the Swiss Planta Regiment.  Prince Camille of Lorraine’s cavalry (the Commissaire-Général and Penthièvre Brigades) are stationed on the left.

Above:  Having judged Wangenheim’s position to be something of a tough nut to crack, Broglie pauses while he waits for the Chevalier de Nicolay’s division to move up in support.  Nicolay has five battalions from the Picardie and La Marche Regiments, together with a further battery of light artillery.

Above:  Some distance behind Nicolay, two more French infantry divisions are moving up in column (as indicated by the MDF arrows), past the hamlet of Finster-Reie.  The division of the Duc de Beaupréau, consists of the Touraine and d’Aumont Regiments, each with two battalions, together with a battery each of heavy and light artillery.  The blue-coated German division of the Comte de Saint-Germain comprises another four battalions from the Anhalt, Saint-Germain and Bergh Regiments.

Above:  The garrison of Wanneminden watches as the battle unfolds.  I should add that the fortress and its garrison are purely decorative and will play no part in the battle.

Above:  At the southern end of the battlefield, in the village of Hahlen, the French Vastan Regiment (from the Duc de Guerchy’s division) quickly find themselves under extreme pressure from the Prince of Anhalt’s picquets and are forced to fall back.

Above:  The rest of Guerchy’s division, consisting of the Du Roi and Aquitaine Regiments and a strong artillery complement (including some green-coated Saxon gunners), marches onto the field and deploys into line between Hahlen and Finster-Reie.  The artillery quickly goes into action, engaging Allied artillery and infantry emerging from the western woods.  To their rear, Prince Xaver’s Saxon corps (seven battalions from the Lubomirsky, Prinz Clemens, Prinz Josef, Prinz Friedrich August, Prinz Xaver and Prinz Carl Max Regiments) marches past, aiming to support the northern sector of the battlefield.

Above:  To the right of the Saxons, the Marquis de Poyanne heads his two elite cavalry regiments (the Gendarmerie de France in red and Royal-Carabiniers in blue) onto the field, while on their right, the Duc de Fitz James leads his four cavalry brigades (Colonel-Général, Mestre de Camp-Général, Du Roi and Bourgogne) northward.

Above:  The divisions of Saint-Germain and Beaupréau deploy into a single line between Finster-Reie and Malbergen.  Beaupréau’s artillery is soon in action, though quickly starts to suffer casualties from effective Allied counter-battery fire.  It soon becomes apparent that the French artillery can’t shoot for toffee

Above:  Another view of Saint-German’s and Braupréau’s divisions, with Fitz-James’ cavalry approaching from the south and the walls of Wanneminden behind.

Above:  In front of Beaupréau, the British-Hanoverian corps of General von Spörcken emerges from the western woods.  Major MacBean’s brigade of British heavy artillery is already in action on their right.  In the distance, Prince Ferdinand and his staff arrive to take control of the battle.

Above:  Spörcken’s corps consists of four British regiments; the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers, the 37th Foot (Stewart’s), the 25th Foot (Home’s) and the 51st Foot (Brudenell’s).  On their left stands the formidable Hanoverian Fußgarde Regiment.  All five regiments are brimming with confidence and don’t seem to be remotely concerned by the considerable force arrayed against them.

Above:  At the southern end of the battlefield, Lord Sackville’s corps of British and Hanoverian cavalry has arrived.  As he emerges from the woods, Lord Sackville spots the huge phalanx of Frenchmen and orders his cavalry to halt while he seeks clarification of his orders from Prince Ferdinand.

Above:  In front of Sackville, Major Foy’s Brigade of British light artillery is making an extreme nuisance of itself, despite being completely isolated and out-gunned!

Above:  Back at the northern end of the battle, the Duc de Broglie realises that his artillery is completely inadequate to the task at hand and instead orders the Grenadiers de France to decide the issue at bayonet-point!  Prince Camille’s cavalry meanwhile, launch a supporting, if somewhat suicidal, charge on the Hessian and Brunswicker grenadiers.

Above:  The brave, if somewhat foolhardy Grenadiers de France are shredded by canister fire from the Hessian and Schaumburg-Lippe batteries and their charge falters at the foot of the redoubt.  The Commissaire-Général Cavalry Brigade meanwhile, is utterly destroyed by the Brunswick and Hessian grenadiers.  The battle has not started well for the French.

Above:  Nevertheless, Broglie has every confidence in Saint-Pern and his Grenadiers de France, so instead of ordering du Muy to support the assault, orders him to wheel left and engage Wangenheim’s infantry in front of Kutenhausen.

Above:  To the west of Kutenhausen, Grothaus waits with his cavalry to see what develops.  Nicolay’s French infantry don’t seem to be as enthusiastic to get in amongst it and seem content to engage at long range with their guns.

Above:  The Marquis de Contades and his staff have arrived.

Above:  Undeterred by their earlier rebuff, the Grenadiers de France charge again!  This time however, the Allied gunners fail to stop the vengeful fur-bonneted grenadiers, who are soon swarming over the parapet!  Neither the gunners or the supporting Bückeburg Regiment are able to stop the grenadiers and they are quickly ejected from the redoubt, abandoning the guns to the enemy!

Above:  More Allied infantry appear in the centre of the battlefield; General von Wutginau’s blue-coated Hessians (the Leibgarde zu Fuß, Toll and Bischhausen Regiments) form the first line, while General von Scheele’s red-coated Hanoverians (the Stolzenberg, Estorff and Reden Regiments) form the second line and a Schaumburg-Lippe artillery battery deploys in support.

Above:  The Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Regiment have managed to rally in the second line of entrenchments.  Two battalions of the Grenadiers de France continue the assault, but the stalwart Bückeburgers this time manage to hold their ground.

Above:  The 2nd Brigade of the Grenadiers de France rally, having failed in their first attempt to destroy the Bückeburgers.

Above:  The rest of the Grenadiers de France wheel left, to join Du Muys’ attack on Wangenheim’s infantry.  The Stammer’s Brunswick Grenadier Battalion, on Wangenheim’s left flank, is quickly overwhelmed.

Above:  With Wangenheim’s position looking precarious, Fitz James is ordered to lead his cavalry to that sector, to exploit the success and roll up the Allied left flank.

Above:  Prince Xaver’s Saxons finally move into their allotted position, in support of Saint-Germain and Beaupréau.

Above:  Nicolay’s infantry meanwhile, are happy to stand and watch their artillery achieving the sum-total of ‘Rien’.

Above:  Poyanne’s elite cavalry wait in reserve to add some dash and tone to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl.

Above:  Guerchy meanwhile, is not content to wait and marches forward, thereby masking his own guns.  Guerchy’s aide asks “Are you sure that’s wise, Sir?”

Above:  Spörcken can’t believe his luck.  As the French artillery fire slackens off, his infantry advance on Guerchy.  Behind Spörcken, three batteries of Hanoverian artillery under Colonel von Braun and Major von Haase deploy and take the French artillery to task.

Above:  Spörcken of course, is working on the assumption that Lord Granby’s cavalry will be launching their own supporting attack on the right flank.  However, Granby has already ignored the orders brought to him by four ADCs…

Above:  At Hahlen meanwhile, the Vastan Regiment has finally been pushed out of the village by the Prince of Anhalt’s persistent, pesky picquets!

Above:  Guerchy’s gunners have finally re-established their guns in front of the infantry line, but Spörcken’s division is now very close!

Above:  Poyanne deploys his cavalry reserve into regimental lines and prepares to attack Spörcken.

Above:  Another view of the northern end of the battlefield.  Prince Xaver’s Saxons are completing their deployment, but are already taking casualties from ‘overs’, thanks to the large number of Allied guns being directed against Saint-Germain and Beaupréau.  One of Beaupréau’s batteries has already been knocked out by Allied counter-battery fire

Above:  Wutginau’s Hessians and Scheele’s Hanoverians have completed their deployment and prepare to attack Saint-Germain.

Above:  Fitz James’ cavalry march past Nicolay’s flank to deploy in front of Kutenhausen.

Above:  The Hessian and British grenadiers on Wangenheim’s left flank are under extreme pressure from de Broglie, but are still holding their ground.  Most of Wangenheim’s Hanoverian battalions have withdrawn into the limited cover afforded by the village.

Above:  At last, Spörcken’s division passes through the storm of canister and launches its charge on Guerchy’s line.  However, the 2nd & 3rd Battalions of the Du Roi Regiment hold firm and manage to halt the British 37th and 23rd Regiments through firepower alone.

Above:  On Spörcken’s left flank, the Hanoverian Fußgarde manage to weather the storm of musketry and charge home on the 1st Battalion of Du Roi.  However, they are counter-charged in turn by the Gendarmerie de France!  Nevertheless, the elite guardsmen earn their pay and manage to defeat both enemy units, throwing them back in disorder!

Above:  In the centre, Wutginau’s Hessians advance past the hamlet of Malbergen.

Above:  In front of them, the French and Saxon infantry are starting to suffer significant casualties from the persistent Allied artillery.

Above:  Wangenheim’s left flank meanwhile, continues to hold out.  Donop’s heroic Hessian grenadier battalion even manages to defeat a charge by the 3rd Brigade of the Grenadiers de France on its open flank!

Above:  Fitz James’ cavalry continue their deployment, but in so doing mask de Broglie’s guns.  

Above:  Fitz James was rather hoping that de Broglie would by now, have defeated Wangenheim and cleared away the enemy infantry!

Above:  To add to Fitz James’ woes, the previously-identified ‘clear space’ between the villages of Stemmer and Malbergen (which he’d planned to ride through in order to roll up the Allied flank) is now being filled by the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp’s Allied cavalry.

Above:  Holstein-Gottorp’s column is led by a brigade of Hessian heavy horse (the Miltitz & Prüschenck Regiments), followed by a brigade of Hanoverian horse (the Leib and Hammerstein Regiments) and Holstein-Gottorp’s own regiment of Prussian dragoons.

Above:  In addition, General von Imhoff’s division of Hessian and Brunswick infantry has now arrived (the Hessian Gilsa Regiment and Grenadierregiment and two battalions of the Brunswick Imhoff Regiment).

Above:  Spörcken charges again and this time succeeds in throwing back the 2nd & 3rd Battalions of the Du Roi Regiment.

Above:  The French might not be able to roll shooting and combat dice for toffee, but they do have a remarkable ability to rally every retreating unit!  The Du Roi Regiment and the Gendarmerie de France therefore halt their retreat and face the enemy once again.

Above:  At Hahlen, a vicious firefight develops between the Vastan Regiment and their tormentors.  The Vastan Regiment have taken heavy losses, but at long last are managing to damage the Allied picquets.

Above:  The formed main body of the Allied picquets moves forward to join the firefight, just as the Allied skirmishers, having taken too many losses, decide to flee the field. 

Above:  As Allied roundshot continues to bound through the French ranks, Prince Xaver pushes Saxon battalions forward to plug emerging gaps in the first line.  Beaupréau’s heavy guns are too busy engaging the approaching Allied infantry to conduct counter-battery fire.

Above:  Nevertheless, Beaupréau’s guns have only done marginal damage to the enemy infantry, who now close in for the kill.

Above:  Saint-Germain’s Germans and Prince Xaver’s Saxons fail to stop the Hessians through musketry, so the combat is resolved in the old-fashioned way.  The Saxon Lubomirsky Regiment somehow manages to destroy the Hessian Bischhausen Regiment, and the Fußgarde Regiment is halted by fire from the Bergh Regiment.  However, the Hessian Toll Regiment charges home and simply destroys Saint-Germain’s own regiment.

Above:  With the loss of two out of four German battalions, Saint-Germain’s division breaks and runs from the battle!  Thankfully, Prince Xaver’s Saxons are in place to plug the gap, but at present are somewhat widely-spread, having been used to plug gaps in the French line.  Prince Xaver, Beaupréau and Nicolay frantically order battalions to counter the Allied breakthrough.

Above:  At long last, Fitz James’ four cavalry brigades (with Prince Camille’s remaining brigade in support) ride out to meet the Allied horse!

Above:  Holstein-Gottorp forms up to meet them and will soon be joined by Grothaus’s division from the left.  Cavalry numbers are roughly equal, though the Allies have a slight qualitative edge.

Above:  Back on the southern flank, the Royal-Carabiniers have also had a go at the Hanoverian Fußgarde, but have also been beaten off and are now rallying under the walls of Wanneminden.  The Fußgarde are very vulnerable on the flank of the line, but they are the best unit in the army, so are just the lads you want holding the flank!  The Gendarmerie de France charge again, but now have the additional problem of the British 51st Foot (with the green colour), who have moved from the second line to support the left flank of the Fußgarde.  The additional musketry causes heavy losses to the Gendarmerie, who are finally broken when they charge home on the wall of redcoats.

Above:  At Hahlen, the Prince of Anhalt’s picquets have suffered very heavy losses, despite their tactical successes.  Determined to go down fighting, the Prince leads a desperate charge out of the village with his main body!  Astonishingly, this desperate act succeeds in breaking a battalion of the Vastan Regiment, though the picquets can take no more and soon join their comrades in fleeing the field.

Above:  The final removal of the threat at Hahlen is of small comfort to Guerchy, as his division is being taken apart by Spörcken’s British battalions!  The 4th Battalion of the Du Roi Regiment has broken following a protracted firefight with the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers, while two of Guerchy’s three batteries have been destroyed, while the third battery is forced to pull back.

Above:  The Royal-Carabiniers are rallying from their previous exertions, though as fugitives flee past them from the broken Gendarmerie de France, they too break and run to the safety of Wanneminden!

Above:  Spörcken’s division charges again!  On the extreme flank, the isolated British 37th Regiment is halted by fire from the Vastan and Aquitaine Regiments.  However, the Du Roi Regiment is simply destroyed.  With the loss of over half of Guerchy’s division, the remaining formed units (the Aquitaine Regiment, one battalion of Vastan, a light artillery battery and the massed Chasseur companies) are suffering a severe crisis of confidence!  Spörcken looks around, expecting to see Lord Sackville’s cavalry riding down the remnants of the French infantry, but the British horse are nowhere to be seen…

Above:  In the centre, Prince Xaver, Beaupréau and Nicolay desperately attempt to form a new line against the Allied infantry.  Beaupréau’s artillery are doing damage to the approaching lines, but it’s simply not enough.  The Allied artillery meanwhile, continue to hammer away and succeed in breaking up the two battalions of the Saxon Prince Xaver Regiment, thus weakening the new line.

Above:  On the extreme northern flank, the situation remains unchanged as Wangenheim’s grenadiers beat off assault after assault!  In the entrenchments, the heroic Bückeburgers continue to hold out against the Grenadiers de France.

Above:  As the French cavalry advance, the Penthièvre Brigade on the right flank, suffers casualties from the Hanoverian infantry lurking in the village.  Although only light, those casualties will put them at a slight further disadvantage in the mêlée.

Above:  The Allied horse charge to meet the French!  Although there are no disastrous failures, the French horse are beaten all along the line.  The groans of dismay can be heard from Contades’ headquarters…

Above:  In the centre, Wutginau’s surviving Hessians charge again, with Scheele’s Hanoverians in close support and Imhoff’s Hessians and Brunswickers in reserve.

Above:  The Saxons fail to stop the Hessians through musketry and somewhat inevitably, the Saxon Prinz Josef and Prinz Clemenz Regiments are broken by the Hessian steamroller.  With four out of seven battalions now broken, Prince Xaver’s remaining Saxons decide that they’ve had enough and are soon following their comrades in the general direction of ‘Away’.

Above:  With the first line of French cavalry in full retreat, the Prussian Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons exploit the situation and charge Prince Camille’s second line.  Once again the French horsemen are put to flight.  Nevertheless, all five French cavalry brigades rally and prepare to fight again.

However, with Guerchy’s, Saint-Germain’s, Prince Xaver’s and Poyanne’s divisions all broken and with little prospect of success, Contades orders the general retreat.  Most critically, the Marquis de Broglie’s corps is now over-extended and is seriously in danger of being cut off from their line of retreat through Wanneminden.  It will be a challenge to extricate them from the trap and the French horse will need to sell their lives dearly to hold off the enemy until that withdrawal can be executed…

However, we wouldn’t get to play that out, as the French players’ personal morale was broken and the pub was calling…

My thanks to the players; Kirk French and Dennis Lisle for the Allies and Dave Llewellyn, Jack Thomas, Bruce Castle and Tane Castle for the French.  Also to the W.A.S.P. Old Guard, Al Broughton, Mike Lisle and Gareth Beamish for hosting and providing the ‘touchline banter/abuse’, as always.

Sadly, our mate Andy pulled a sickie again, so missed the game and is keen to get another one organised.  I think it might be something Napoleonic next time…

Posted in 15mm Figures, Eighteenth Century, Games, Seven Years War & War of Austrian Succession, Shako Rules, Tricorn (18th Century Shako Rules) | 19 Comments

Jemima Fawr’s Review of 2024

Well, that was shit…

I hope that my remaining reader had a better year, but here at Fawr Towers, 2024 was pretty diabolical, primarily down to major health issues in the family, my ongoing eye trouble being the very least of it!  Thankfully, the end is now in sight, so here’s to 2025 being a far better year.

Needless to say, that did have a major impact on my wargaming and blogging, so this annual review is going to be relatively brief (stop cheering at the back)!

My sodding eyelids flared up with a vengeance, quite literally on New Year’s Day 2024, which meant I did absolutely no painting whatsoever until August!  Since then however, my painting-rate has been pretty good, though it’s been 100% 15/18mm Seven Years War and the overall totals are obviously well down on previous years.

So here’s what I’ve painted this year.  The links will take you to the relevant article, though I haven’t yet caught up with my photography and article-writing for the most recent units:

The first unit was one I actually started last New Years Eve, but had to abandon due to eye-trouble, so I finally managed to finish them in August, namely the Brunswick ‘Imhoff’ Infantry Regiment, along with a Brunswick artillery detachment and General von Imhoff himself:

Then I finished off the infantry of the Chasseurs de Fischer, by adding some skirmishers to the unit which I’d part-painted in 2023:

Intending to put on a refight of the Combat of Sanderhausen at a local club open day, I needed to expand the Hessian contingent, so added a few more infantry battalions, generals, artillery and the Jäger Corps.  I also had a varnishing disaster with the Hessian Foot Guards…

You can never have enough French infantry, so I added two more large regiments; the Regiment Du Roi and the Grenadiers de France:

Then it was time for more Hanoverian infantry, horse and artillery, as well as Freytag’s Jäger Corps:

Lastly, there are a few units for which I haven’t yet taken any decent photos or written articles, starting with the first half of the French Royal-Carabiniers (there are still another sixteen of these to paint):

For the Christmas Minden game we also needed a few more French cavalry, the Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg Artillery Corps and a pile of Saxons.  Sadly however, my painting-table photos are even worse than usual, due to my new Samsung S24 phone having a surprisingly poor camera for photographing models (it’s probably something in the settings, but buggered if I can work it out…).  I’ve therefore decided to keep my old Samsung i10 in reserve, purely to use as a camera for photographing models and games:

And last, but most certainly not least, I finally got around to getting myself a ‘proper’ fortress…

So to the scores on the doors…  As previously discussed, it was a late start and I only painted for five months, so numbers are well down on previous years.  I managed to paint 335x Foot, 56x Horse and 8x Guns, totaling £354.60 at current prices.  However, to that can be added 2x bastions, 1x ravelin, 1x lunette, 3x curtain walls and 1x gatehouse, which adds a further £144.00, bringing the total to £498.60-worth of stuff painted this year.

All of the figures came out of the Lead Dungeon, so my wargames expenditure this year has been limited to the fortress and two board-games (the excellent ‘Napoleon 1806’ and ‘Napoleon 1807’).  This pleases Mrs Fawr…  Paint, brushes, glue and books of course are essential household expenses, so don’t count… 

So aside from solo board-gaming (of which I did a fair bit when I was unable to paint), I managed to get a few games on the rare occasion I was able to get down the club AND gather a few suitably-interested people around me.  This mostly revolved around the Seven Years War, but in March I dragged part of the old Murfreesboro terrain out to once again play the northern flank scenario, this time at W.A.S.P.

In June I was at W.A.S.P. again, this time to test a draft scenario for the Combat of Sanderhausen:

In September, the Sanderhausen scenario got another run-out; this time at the annual open day of the Haverfordwest Gaming Club:

In October, our old mate and club-deserter Jase was back from New Zealand for a visit, so we managed to play another Seven Years War game before he buggered off again; the Combat of Corbach:

Finally last Friday, for our Christmas game we played yet another Seven Years War scenario, being a half-scale version of the Battle of Minden.  The game report is still to be written, but here are a few photos to be going on with:

So games were fairly thin on the ground for me this year, though in the meantime I’ve been fighting a ‘postal’ (e-mail, actually) campaign of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.  The campaign is masterminded by Barrie Lovell of Timecast Miniatures and he runs the campaign and fights the battles on his wargames table in Shrewsbury, while we send him orders. 

My role is the Chief of Staff of the Prussian-German 2nd Army.  I can’t say too much about it at the moment, as French eyes might be reading this, but to date we have managed to cross the River Saar and with some difficulty, eject the French army out of their fortified position around the town of St Avold.  3rd Army meanwhile, comprehensively defeated a rather bold French invasion east of the Rhine. 

Having forced the bulk of the French army back behind the walls of Metz, my 2nd Army managed to catch the French Imperial Guard Corps and V Corps in the open to the south of the city and finally gave them a well-deserved malleting!  3rd Army meanwhile did likewise to another French army at Luneville, which is now in full retreat through Nancy.  However, we now have reports of yet another rather rash invasion of Germany up near the Luxembourg border, so that’ll be a task for 1st Army to deal with. 

On to Paris!

Here’s a picture of Barrie’s wargames table, showing my 2nd Army giving the French Imperial Guard the good news outside Metz…

I was nowhere near as productive on the scenario, game report and general history-writing front as I’d hoped I would be this year (for the reasons mentioned above), though I still managed to get a few articles published, starting with my write-up of last year’s Christmas game, the Battle of Warburg 1760:

Then I finally got around to writing up my much-played ‘what-if’ scenario for the northern flank at Murfreesboro/Stones River 1862:

June was a pretty productive month, with two scenarios published.  The first was for the Battle of Kesselsdorf 1745, which ended the 2nd Silesian War and Prussia’s participation in the War of Austrian Succession.  I really need to finish that Saxon army and get on to playing this one (8 infantry battalions, 4 cavalry regiments and 1 artillery battery done, just a few more to do…):

The second scenario for June was the above-mentioned Combat of Sanderhausen 1758, pitting a Hessian rearguard against a superior French force:

It’s been a while since I posted anything relating to WW2 (despite having repeatedly promised more Burma stuff…), but in August I finally finished off a Normandy scenario I’d started in 2012.  Titled ‘No Longer Having a Go 1944’ this scenario covered the events of one of the darkest days for the 7th Armoured Division in Normandy:

Then it was back to the Seven Years War with the Combat of Corbach 1760:

Other stuff on the blog this year included catching up with a load of troops I’d painted at the end of 2023, starting with some more SYW French infantry regiments:

Then some more British Dragoon regiments:

And some British Dragoon Guards and regiments of Horse:

Then it was back to the French, with some more artillery and Swiss infantry regiments:

Rounding off the catch-up articles from 2023 was this profile of the Chasseurs de Fischer and the massed French Grenadiers and Chasseurs:

There was only one ‘also-ran’ article this year and that was prompted by a discussion elsewhere on 18th Century Spanish forts.  I posted a few photos of such things from my photo-albums of visits to the excellent Military Museum of the Canary Islands in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and then thought “That might actually make a good blog post.”:

The museum article was well-received, so I’ll probably do another in 2025 about the Italian Air Force Museum at Lake Bracciano, which I visited last March, as well as some of my Normandy battlefield tours of years past.

Another highlight of 2024 for me was my visit to Richard Youngs and his amazing wargames collection (see below)!  Richard is a fellow fan of AB Figures Napoleonics and Napoleon’s Battles rules, so I think it’s safe to say that there will be more Napoleonics (my first wargaming love) in 2025!

I don’t have too many plans for 2025 beyond hoping that my family members recover from what ails them.  From a wargaming point of view, I’d like to catch up with writing up my game-reports and would like to actually do some more wargaming this year!  As much as I love the 18th Century, it would also be nice to play some WW2, Napoleonic, AWI and ACW games this year and perhaps some other things as well.

Oh and I should add that this blog just clocked up over 100,000 visits this year (now on 100,932 at time of writing), which is the first time I’ve had over 100,000 (or even 90,000) in a single year! 🙂

Anyway, that’s me for 2024!  Have a very Happy New Year who/wherever you are (unless you’re Russian, of course)!

Posted in Annual Reviews | 21 Comments