Jemima Fawr's Miniature Wargames Blog

The Battle of Salamanca 22nd July 1812

Following the French retreat from the Lines of Torres Vedras in 1811, Wellington once again secured the Allied position in Portugal with the capture of the Spanish border fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz.  Wellington then captured the city of Salamanca and pursued Marmont north to the River Douro.

However, Marmont was able to concentrate his forces and steal a march on Wellington, thereby threatening Wellington’s flank.  Nevertheless, Wellington reacted with astonishing quickness and the two armies spent several days marching south, parallel with each other and at times even within cannon-shot.

At last on the morning of the 22nd day of July, Wellington noticed that Marmont’s army was rather more strung out than usual and decided to take advantage of the situation.  Concealing the bulk of his army in dead-ground behind the village of Arapiles, he ordered Packenham’s 3rd Division to ambush and then drive in the head of the French column.  The rest of the army would then follow up by launching a general attack on the French centre…

The game starts with the Allied 0800hrs turn and ends with the French 1900hrs turn.

Rules used are ‘Napoleon’s Battles’ (4th Edition) and each unit represents a brigade at roughly 1:100 ratio.

Allied Order of Battle

General Sir Arthur Wellesley, Earl of Wellington

Cavalry Division – Lieutenant General John Stapleton-Cotton
Le Marchant’s Brigade (Heavy Dragoons) [12 figures]
C Anson’s Brigade (Light Dragoons) [12 figures]
MacDonald’s Troop RHA [6pdr]

1st Division – Lieutenant General Hugh Campbell
Fermor’s Brigade (Guards) [16 figures]
Wheatley’s Brigade (Highlanders) [20 figures]
Löwe’s Brigade (KGL Line Battalions) [16 figures]
Sympher’s Troop KGLHA [9pdr]

3rd Division – Lieutenant General Edward Packenham
Wallace’s Brigade [16 figures]
J Campbell’s Brigade [16 figures]
Power’s Portuguese Brigade [20 figures]
V Alten’s Brigade (Light Dragoons & KGL Hussars) [12 figures]
D’Urban’s Portuguese Cavalry Brigade [12 figures]
Bull’s Troop RHA [6pdr]

4th Division – Lieutenant General Lowry Cole
W Anson’s Brigade [16 figures]
Ellis’ Brigade [16 figures]
Stubbs’ Portuguese Brigade [24 figures]

5th Division – Lieutenant General Leith
Greville’s Brigade [24 figures]
Pringle’s Brigade [16 figures]
Spry’s Portuguese Brigade [20 figures]

6th Division – Lieutenant General Clinton
Hulse’s & Hinde’s Brigades (combined) [24 figures]
Rezende’s Portuguese Brigade [24 figures]

7th Division – Lieutenant General Hope
Halkett’s Brigade (KGL & Brunswick Light Battalions) [16 figures]
De Bernewitz’s Brigade (Light Infantry) [16 figures]
Collins’ Portuguese Brigade [16 figures]

Light Division – Lieutenant General Charles Alten
Barnard’s Brigade [16 figures]
Vandeleur’s Brigade [16 figures]
Bock’s KGL Brigade (Heavy Dragoons) [12 figures]
Ross’ Troop RHA [6pdr]

Spanish Division – General Carlos de España
Spanish Infantry Brigade [20 figures]
Lanceros de Castilla [12 figures]
Horse Battery [4pdr]

1st Portuguese Independent Brigade – Major General Dennis Pack
Pack’s Portuguese Brigade [24 figures]

2nd Portuguese Independent Brigade – Major General Thomas Bradford
Bradford’s Portuguese Brigade [16 figures]

Notes:

1. Stapleton-Cotton is the overall Allied cavalry commander and may take control of any British, KGL or Portuguese cavalry brigade or horse battery within his command span, even if they are temporarily attached to other divisions at the start of the battle (see below). He may not take command of Spanish units.
2. V Alten’s and D’Urban’s Cavalry Brigades plus a horse battery from the Cavalry Division are temporarily attached to Pakenham’s 3rd Division.
3. Bock’s KGL Dragoon Brigade plus a horse battery from the Cavalry Division are temporarily attached to Von Alten’s Light Division.
4. An additional 6pdr battery has been manhandled on to the North Arapile and is under Cole’s command. It may not be moved from this position, though it may pivot on the spot.

French Order of Battle

Maréchal Auguste de Marmont, Duc de Raguse

1er Division – Général de Division Foy
Chemineau’s Brigade (Light Infantry) [20 figures]
Degraviers-Berthelot’s Brigade [24 figures]

2ème Division – Général de Division Clausel
Berlier’s Brigade [28 figures]
Barbot’s Brigade [28 figures]

3ème Division – Général de Division Ferey
Menne’s Brigade (Light Infantry) [24 figures]
2^nd Brigade [24 figures]

4ème Division – Général de Division Sarrut
Fririon’s Brigade (Light Infantry) [28 figures]
2^nd Brigade [16 figures]

5ème Division – Général de Division Maucune
Arnaud’s Brigade [24 figures]
Montfort’s Brigade [24 figures]

6ème Division – Général de Division Brennier
Taupin’s Brigade [24 figures]
2^nd Brigade [16 figures]

7ème Division – Général de Division Thomières
Bonté’s Brigade [24 figures]
2^nd Brigade [16 figures]

8ème Division – Général de Division Bonnet
Gautier’s Brigade [28 figures]
2^nd Brigade [28 figures]

Division de Cavallerie Légère – Général de Division Curto
1^st Brigade (Hussars & Chasseurs) [12 figures]
2^nd Brigade (Chasseurs) [12 figures]
Batterie à Cheval [4pdr]

Division de Cavallerie Lourde – Général de Division Boyer
1^st Brigade (Dragoons) [12 figures]
Carrié’s Brigade (Dragoons) [12 figures]
Batterie à Cheval [4pdr]

Reserve Artillery
Batterie à Cheval [4pdr]
Batterie à Pied [12pdr]
Batterie à Pied [12pdr]

Notes:

1. While an accurate order of battle for the French artillery at Salamanca does not exist, we do however have an accurate record of the number and type of guns lost, so our ‘educated guess’ is based on this.
2. An additional 8pdr battery has been manhandled to the top of the South Arapaile and is under Bonnet’s command. It may not be moved from this position, though it may pivot on the spot.
3. The two reserve 12pdr batteries start the game on the march with Ferey’s Division.

After-Action Report

1. The battlefield of Salamanca. In the centre are the ‘Arapiles’ – in reality, two steep-sided, rocky hills that formed a bastion in the centre of each side’s position.

2. The battlefield of Salamanca, showing the position of all divisions and independent brigades (white for the Allies and blue for the French). Aside from the 1st, Light and 4th Divisions, which were placed in obvious positions on the high ground, Wellington had hidden the bulk of his army in the dead-ground behind Arapiles village.  The French were strung out, attempting to march around what they believed to be Wellington’s right flank.  However, Packenham’s 3rd Division was lying in wait at Miranda de Azan.

3. The battlefield as seen from the rear of Wellington’s army: On the left, the Light and 1st Divisions, with Bock’s KGL Heavy Dragoons, make a demonstration against the French rearguard. The 4th Division holds the Lesser Arapile, with Pack’s Independent Portuguese Brigade in reserve.  The 5th Division holds Arapiles village, with 7th Division forming a second line and 6th Division in reserve.  On the right, Bradford’s Independent Portuguese Brigade, the Spanish Division and the bulk of Cotton’s Cavalry Division (Anson’s Light and Le Marchant’s Heavy Brigades) guard the flank.  In the distance, the 3rd Division, with Alten’s and d’Urban’s Cavalry Brigades, ambushes Thomières’ Division, at the head of the French column.

4. The right flank of Wellington’s army, with Bradford’s Portuguese out in front, supported by Cotton’s Cavalry Division and d’España’s Division.

5. A closer look at the Allied right flank.

6. D’España’s infantry – resplendent in British-supplied blue uniforms.

7. They might be a bit rubbish, but d’España’s cavalry do have a certain panache.

8. Wellington establishes his headquarters next to Clinton’s 6th Division, which consisted of Hulse’s and Hinde’s British Brigades and Rezende’s Portuguese Brigade. The two British brigades were woefully understrength, so are here combined into a single unit for game purposes.

9. A close-up of Wellington’s centre, showing Leith’s 5th Division in and around Arapiles village, with Hope’s 7th Division in support and Clinton’s 6th Division at the rear. On their left (our right), Cole’s 4th Division holds the area of the Lesser Arapile, while Pack’s Portuguese stand in reserve to the rear.

10. A closer look at Leith’s 5th Division at Arapiles village: Greville’s Brigade holds the village itself, while Pringle’s Brigade and Spry’s Portuguese Brigade provide support.

11. Pack’s Portuguese parade in front of Wellington.

12. Another view of Wellington’s centre.

13. A close-up of Pack’s Portuguese Brigade and Wellington’s headquarters.

14. A close-up of Clinton’s 6th Division: Hulse’s & Hinde’s Brigades (combined unit) in front, with Rezende’s Portuguese to the rear.

15. Yet another view of Wellington’s centre: The British unit with the green colour is De Bernewitz’s Brigade (7th Division), while the British unit with the blue colour is Ellis’ Brigade (4th Division). The Portuguese unit with the red colour is Stubbs’ Brigade (4th Division).

16. Here we see elements of Campbell’s 1st Division and Alten’s Light Division, on Wellington’s left flank.

17. An overview of the western end of the battlefield. On the right we can clearly see Packenham’s 3rd Division attacking Thomières’ French 7th Division.

18. Wallace’s Brigade leads the attack on Thomières, closely followed by Campbell’s Brigade and Power’s Portuguese Brigade. On the flank, d’Urban’s Portuguese Cavalry and Alten’s British/KGL Light Cavalry Brigade engage Curto’s French Light Cavalry Division.

19. The view from behind French lines: From left to right in the front line are Thomières’ 7th Division, Maucune’s 5th Division, Clausel’s 2nd Division and Bonnet’s 8th Division (on the Greater Arapile). Curto’s Light Cavalry Division marches to support the left flank, followed by Brennier’s 6th Division.  To the rear of the Greater Arapile stands Boyer’s Dragoon Division, with Ferey’s 3rd Division, the reserve artillery and Sarrut’s 4th Division approaching, though still strung out on the march.  In the distance, Foy’s 1st Division holds the rearguard at Calvarisa de Arriba.

20. Another view of the French centre and left: The divisions of Clausel, Maucune and Bonnet, with Curto’s Light Cavalry, Brennier’s infantry and Boyer’s Dragoons in support.

21. Boyer’s Dragoon Division, with Marmont’s headquarters and Ferey’s Division, plus artillery reserve approaching.

22. An overview of the eastern end of the battlefield: On the left, Ferey’s Division marches toward Marmont’s headquarters, while on the right, Foy’s Division face off against the British 1st and Light Divisions, plus Bock’s KGL Heavy Dragoons.

23. A close-up of Ferey’s division on the march.

24. As Packenham’s flank attack goes in, Wellington’s entire right wing advances into the plain.

25. As the Allies advance, Clausel’s Division moves forward to better support the left flank of Bonnet’s Division on the Greater Arapile.

26. Somewhat surprisingly, Packenham’s Division and the supporting cavalry get the worst of the initial clash and Thomières is able to pull back, covered by Curto’s cavalry. However, d’España’s Division is rapidly marching to Packenham’s aid.

27. After the initial clash, d’Urban’s Portuguese Cavalry steady their ranks and steel themselves for the next charge.

28. Thomières trades space for time, though the bulk of Wellington’s army is rapidly bearing down on him.

29. Bonnet’s Division waits on the Greater Arapile to see what develops.

30. As Anson’s Brigade watches from the Lesser Arapile, the rest of Cole’s 4th Division crosses the valley, making a bee-line for the Greater Arapile. Guns positioned on the two Arapiles start to duel.

31. Cotton’s Cavalry Division and d’España’s Spanish begin their advance.

32. As the range closes, the Spanish horse artillery unlimbers and gives supporting fire to Packenham’s left flank.

33. The Spanish infantry and Bradford’s Portuguese advance on Thomières.

34. As the infantry close to contact, the Spanish cavalry looks for an opportunity.

35. At Calvarisa de Arriba, Foy suffers early losses to the British and KGL artillery, with his supporting artillery being crippled by Allied fire. However, Ferey moves up to support the Greater Arapile position, bringing with him a battery of 12-pounders. Wellington judges that Ferey is the greater threat and orders Campbell’s 1st Division, Alten’s Light Division and Bock’s Dragoons to deal with him, while sending Pack’s Portuguese to contain Foy at Calvarisa de Arriba.

36. Leith’s 5th Division surges forward from Arapiles village, with Greville’s Brigade and Spry’s Portuguese out in front.

37. Cole’s 4th Division moves forward on Leith’s left, though Ellis’ Brigade starts to attract unwelcome attention from the French artillery. Very soon, casualties are beginning to mount and Cole’s attack stalls long before it reaches the foot of the Greater Arapile.

38. The British 6th & 7th Divisions move up past Arapiles village, in close support of the developing attack.

39. On the Allied left, Campbell’s 1st Division, followed by the Light Division and Bock’s Dragoons, moves forward to meet Ferey. Pack’s Portuguese move up to watch Foy’s flank-guard.

40. Fermor’s Guards Brigade leads 1st Division’s attack, followed by Wheatley’s Highland Brigade, Löwe’s KGL Brigade and Bock’s KGL Dragoons. Barnard’s and Vandeleur’s Light Infantry Brigades follow on.

41. A close-up of Fermor’s Guards Brigade, with Sympher’s KGL Horse Artillery in close support.

42. An overview of the entire battlefield showing the initial movements.

43. An overview of the initial movements in the centre.

44. An overview of the initial movements around the Arapiles hills.

45. Ferey’s Division, with a 12pdr battery in close support, forms up to meet the advance of Campbell’s 1st Division.

46. Cole’s 4th Division staggers forward, under heavy fire.

47. Anson’s Brigade, stationed on the Lesser Arapile, also starts to suffer from the remarkably accurate French gunnery.

48. Leith’s Division also now starts to suffer casualties from increasingly heavy French fire. However, in the distance, the Spanish cavalry make their first charge of the day, pinning French infantry in squares and making them easy targets for the Allied gunners.

49. As Campbell’s infantry close with Ferey, Bock’s Dragoons look for an opportunity to charge. In the distance, Ellis’ Brigade finally reaches the foot of the Greater Arapile, though comes under ever-increasing quantities of French artillery fire and is soon broken.  The survivors flee to the protection of Stubbs’ Portuguese.

50. The scene a little while later: In the foreground, repeated attacks by Packenham’s 3rd Division, d’España’s Spanish Division and Cotton’s Cavalry Division have destroyed Thomières’ Division. Brennier and Curto attempt to shore up the crumbling left flank, but rapidly suffer heavy casualties.  Further along the French line, Maucune seems to be holding the ridge, though under increasing pressure from Leith’s 5th Division.  Clausel meanwhile, has lost one its brigades and is coming under fire from Hope’s 7th Division.  The situation for the entire French left wing looks grim and Marmont forms a strong reserve with Sarrut’s Division and Boyer’s Dragoon Division.  However, Bonnet is holding his own on the Greater Arapile and his artillery has halted a second attack on the position.  In the far distance, Foy’s Division has sallied out of Calvarisa de Arriba, intending to strike at Wellington’s left flank.

51. A close-up of Wellington’s right wing; Wellington closely supervises the assault as Packenham and d’España roll up the French left flank as Hope and Leith keep the French infantry pinned down. Cotton’s cavalry rally following their charges against the French left flank.

52. A close-up of the eastern flank of the battle; On the right, Foy sallies out of Calvarisa de Arriba against the exposed left flank of Alten’s Light Division, though Pack’s Portuguese Brigade moves to intercept. Campbell’s 1st Division engages in an artillery duel with Ferey’s 12pdrs.

53. A close-up of the valley; Cole’s 4th Division attempts to keep the attack on the Greater Arapile going, though to no effect, as the French artillery fire is just too strong. With Ellis’ Brigade already depleted to dangerously low levels, Stubbs’ Portuguese Brigade is also now disordered by the French guns.  Supporting fire from the Lesser Arapile is largely ineffective.

54. A close-up of the centre; The leading brigade of Leith’s 5th Division (Greville’s) manages to break one of Clausel’s brigades at the foot of the ridge. However, Greville is now disordered, is flanked by a 12pdr battery and is perilously close to threatening French infantry.  The rest of 5th Division struggles to make headway, but help arrives on Greville’s right flank, in the form of Halkett’s German Light Infantry Brigade (7th Division).

55. Clinton’s 6th Division, Wellington’s main reserve formation, moves up past Arapiles village and Cotton’s cavalry.

56. Having already mounted some limited attacks in support of the assault on the French left flank, Cotton’s cavalry brigades (Le Marchant’s Heavies and Ansons Lights) take some rest while they can.

57. Wellington closely observes as Bradford’s Portuguese Brigade and Hope’s 7th Division go into action.

58. A close-up of the action on the flank: Packenham’s 3rd Division and d’España’s Spanish Division overrun Thomières’ former position and also push back Brennier and Curto.

59. The scene in the centre a short while later; Greville’s Brigade has somehow managed to hold on and has rallied from disorder, despite being isolated right in front of the enemy-held ridge. Hope’s 7th Division, Bradford’s Portuguese and the Spanish, plus artillery support, are really starting to damage the crumbling French left flank, paving the way for further attacks by Packenham’s 3rd Division.

60. The overview from behind the French; The French left might be crumbling, but it’s hard work for the Allies, as the wooded and boggy river valley prevents any serious outflanking moves.

61. Nevertheless, the Allies continue to roll back the French left; Here we see Halkett’s German Light Infantry Brigade (KGL & Brunswickers), together with the Spanish Infantry Brigade, rout one of Brennier’s brigades, thereby clearing the high ground of French infantry

62. However, the Allies do not have it all their own way, as Greville’s beleaguered brigade has finally succumbed to the weight of close-range French fire brought against them. Anson’s Light Cavalry Brigade attempts to intervene, though is beaten off by Taupin’s French infantry and is unable to save Greville.

63. With Greville’s Brigade destroyed, the Portuguese Brigades of Spry (5th Division) and Collins (7th Division) now become the focus of French animosity. However, they give as good as they get and the centre becomes a battle of attrition.  However, with the Allies able to feed in more reserves and successfully rolling up the flank, there can only be one eventual outcome.  In the distance, Cole has brought his remaining fresh brigade (Anson’s) down off the Lesser Arapile in a further attempt to take the Greater Arapile.

64. As the Allies recover from their latest attacks, Marmont desperately feeds rallied brigades back into the battle for the centre and mounts some limited counter-attacks in an attempt to regain the initiative, though all are beaten off.

65. On the southern slope of the ridge, Curto’s cavalry makes one last-ditch attempt to throw back Packenham’s advance. Wallace’s Brigade and Alten’s Light Cavalry suffer casualties and are thrown back in some disorder, though the French horsemen are decisively halted by Campbell’s Brigade, Power’s Portuguese Brigade and d’Urban’s Portuguese Cavalry.

66. The heroic Spanish Infantry Brigade once again withstands all French counter-attacks. They are disordered, but still in command of the high ground.

67. Anson’s Light Cavalry charges once again. Unable to form square due to the close proximity of the KGL Light Infantry, Taupin’s brigade is broken and Brennier’s Division is destroyed along with it.  The French have now lost three entire infantry divisions on their left flank.

68. Another view of the centre.

69. The central battle of attrition continues.

70. On the far eastern flank, Alten turns part of the Light Division to face the renewed threat from Foy’s Division, which is sallying from Calvarisa de Arriba. Vandeleur’s Light Infantry and Ross’ Horse Battery engage in a close-range fire-fight with one French brigade, while Bock’s KGL Heavy Dragoons charge the other brigade.  However, the French manage to form square in time and Bock’s Dragoons are repulsed.

71. Meanwhile, Alten’s other brigade (Barnard’s) is suffering under a hail of French fire. To make matter’s worse, Sympher’s 9pdr battery is silence by Ferey’s 12pdr guns.

72. Ross’ battery too is silenced by French fire, though Vandeleur’s infantry return the complement and disorder the French infantry.

73. With Foy’s infantry either disordered or trapped in square, they are now ripe for the plucking. Vandeleur’s Brigade prepares to charge.

74. An overview of the situation on the eastern flank; Campbell’s 1st Division, with Cole’s 4th Division on its right, struggles to make headway against the strong French divisions of Ferey and Bonnet. However, Alten’s Light Division, assisted by Bock’s KGL Dragoons and Pack’s Portuguese Brigade, would soon make short work of Foy’s counter-attack on the flank.

75. Despite Barnard’s Brigade floundering in front of them, Wheatley’s Highland Brigade make a fine spectacle as they advance on Ferey.

76. In concert with Pack’s Portuguese, Vandeleur’s Brigade launches itself at Foy’s Division. Foy’s boys are soon routed with Bock’s Dragoons in hot pursuit and the threat to Wellington’s left flank is ended.

77. Despite the reverses on both flanks, Bonnet still feels secure on the Greater Arapile.

78. Still unengaged, Clinton’s 6th Division moves up to deliver the coup de grace to Marmont’s left wing.

79. Similarly fresh, Bradford’s Portguese and Le Marchant’s Dragoons move forward to complete the destruction of the French left.

80. In a last gasp of defiance, Curto’s surviving cavalrymen make yet another charge against Packenham’s infantry, though are intercepted by d’Urban’s Portuguese Cavalry and are annihilated.

81. Seeing the writing on the wall, Marmont orders Boyer to be prepared to mount a rear-guard as the army withdraws from the field.

82. An exhausted but victorious Packenham orders Power’s fresh Portuguese Brigade forward to sweep away Curto’s few remaining horsemen.

83. Scenting victory and an opportunity for loot, the Spanish Cavalry Brigade moves forward to be in at the kill.

85. Bonnet’s Division has been sitting pretty on the Greater Arapile for the entire battle, but now prepares to withdraw. Behind them, Sarrut’s Division and Boyer’s Dragoons prepare to become the rearguard for the army.

86. Rallied fragments of the French left wing, aided by the ever-superb French artillery, continue to resist and even succeed in dispersing Spry’s Portuguese Brigade. With the loss of its second brigade, Leith’s 5th Division finally grinds to an honourable halt.

86. With grim satisfaction, Wellington and his staff watch as the last elements of the French left wing are overrun. Strong elements of the French army still remain and will have to be dealt with, though this is nevertheless a resounding Allied victory!

The Battle of Raab in Hungary, then part of the Austrian Empire, was the culmination of a three-month campaign fought in 1809 between Napoleon’s adpoted son, Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy, and Archduke John, younger brother of Emperor Francis of Austria.

In concert with the thrust into Bavaria by his older brother Archduke Charles, Archduke John’s smaller army had invaded French-occupied Italy, defeating Prince Eugène’s scattered Franco-Italian forces in a series of battles.  However, the Austrians were never able to inflict a knockout blow and as he fell back into Italy, Eugène was able to concentrate increasing numbers of men against the Austrian attackers.  Napoleon in the meantime, had counter-attacked in Bavaria, inflicting a series of reverses on Archduke Charles.  Bavarian forces also managed to defeat Chasteler’s Austrian division in Tyrol, thus releasing more forces for Eugène and exposing John’s right flank to attack from the Tyrolean Alps.

Archduke Charles ordered John to retreat back into Hungary, to combine his forces with the Hungarian Insurrection under Archduke Joseph and then reinforce the main army near Vienna. However, John was harried all the way by Eugène and was eventually forced to fight a defensive battle at Raab.

While the numbers were fairly equal, Archduke John’s army was largely made up of German and Italian ‘Landwehr‘ militia and Hungarian ‘Insurrection‘ troops, so lacked the quality and training of the French and Italian veterans facing them. However, they were in a strong position behind a stream, with the strongly-fortified farm of Kis-Megyer at the centre of the position, backed up by high ground and strong reserves.

Above:  The Battlefield of Raab, as it appeared on our wargames table.  The city of Raab is just off the left-hand (northern) edge of the map and is on the far bank of a wide and unfordable river, which roughly follows the northern edge of the map.  Each map square represents approximately 1km or 12 inches on the table.

The Pancza Stream, flowing south to north across the Austrian front line, is fordable only by infantry for most of its length, though is also fordable by cavalry south of the point where a minor tributary joins it south of Kis-Megyer farm.  The tributary itself is insignificant and may be ignored for game purposes.  The Pancza is crossed by three bridges.

All built-up areas have a defensive modifier of +1 in Napoleon’s Battles, except for the Kis-Megyer Farm, which is a considerable fortified structure, with a +4 defensive modifier.

Above:  On the southern edge of the battle, the Pancza stream was shallow enough for cavalry to ford with ease. Consequently, Mescery’s Austrian cavalry (two regular hussar regiments and three Hungarian Insurrection brigades) formed up near the bridge, ready to receive the inevitable charge by Grouchy’s massed French and Italian cavalry – the divisions of Montbrun, Pully and Colbert.

Above:  A closer look at Mescery’s Austrian hussars. A cavalry battery has deployed near the bridge, ready to engage anyone who attempts to use that easy crossing.

Above:  On Mescery’s right, Colloredo’s Centre Division deploys in and around the Kis-Megyer. The stream here is too deep for cavalry or artillery to cross. The walls of Kis-Megyer are thick and loopholed for musketry – defence against centuries of raids by bandits and marauding Turks, but also ideal for keeping out Frenchmen!  To the rear of the farm is a large hill, upon which sits Frimont’s Reserve Division, comprising regular Line Infantry Regiments, a brigade of elite Grenadiers, a regiment of Grenzer light infantry and two batteries of 12pdr heavy artillery.

Above:  On the northern (right) flank of the Austrian line is Jellacic’s Division; a very mixed bag of German Landwehr, Hungarian Insurrection infantry, Insurrection cavalry, regular infantry, regular cavalry and Grenzer light infantry.  They have the vital task of holding the two bridges on the northern half of the battlefield – the stream here is unfordable by cavalry and artillery.

Above:  On the French southern (right) flank is Grouchy’s Cavalry Corps, which comprises Montbrun’s Franco-Italian cavalry division, Pully’s French dragoon division and Colbert’s French light cavalry brigade, as well as a couple of batteries of horse artillery.  This impressive force has a slight advantage in quality over Mescery’s Austrian cavalry, as well as a considerable command & control advantage, but will that be enough to win the day?

Above:  On Grouchy’s left is Grenier’s VI Corps, which comprises the divisions of Seras (nearest the camera) and Durutte – a total of five infantry brigades and two small cavalry detachments.  To Grenier’s rear is stationed Eugène’s reserve – the Italian Royal Guard Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery, under General Lecchi.

Above:  On the left of Eugène’s army is Baraguéy d’Hilliers’ XII Corps, consisting of Pacthod’s French division and Severoli’s Italian Division – a total of three French and two Italian brigades.

Above:  On the extreme left of Eugène’s army are two formations that have just arrived from Germany, having been sent by Napoleon – General Sahuc’s French light cavalry division and General Lauriston’s contingent, comprising two infantry regiments and a horse artillery battery from the German state of Baden.

Above:  Eugène’s plan is relatively simple: to mount a strong, but ultimately diversionary attack on the right with Grouchy’s and Grenier’s corps, destroying Mescery’s cavalry and force Archduke John to commit his reserves to holding that flank. Then, with the Austrian reserves committed, launch the main assault against the Austrian right wing with Baraguéy d’Hilliers’ corps, supported by Lauriston’s Badeners, Sahuc’s cavalry and Lecchi’s Italian Guards.

Above:  As the two cavalry formations glower at each other, Seras’ infantry division moves forward to take the bridge.  However, he quickly runs into extremely stiff fire from the Austrian cavalry battery and the two reserve heavy batteries stationed on the hill.  French infantry casualties are unexpectedly heavy and the French horse artillery gallop forward to even the odds.

Above:  Some of Mescery’s hussars fall back from the threat of the French guns, but maintain a close watch on the riverbank.

Above:  As the battle begins on the southern flank, in the centre the Italian Guards deploy their artillery and commence a bombardment of the Kis-Megyer fortress.

Above:  At the southern bridge, Seras’ division receive a pasting from the Austrian guns. The Austrian gunners really did earn their pay on this day!

Above:  On the northern flank, Lauriston’s Baden infantry and Sahuc’s light cavalry have arrived.  The Baden horse artillery deploys and proceeds to make life miserable for a brigade of Hungarian Insurrection infantry on the eastern bank.

Above:  On the southern flank, the French cavalry have finally charged across the stream with mixed results; one regular Austrian hussar regiment and an Insurrection brigade have been routed, with the other regular hussar regiment being thrown back in some disorder.  The second line of Insurrection cavalry holds firm however, and the French cavalry fall back behind the stream to rally for the next assault.

Seras’ infantry meanwhile, are being cut to pieces by the Austrian guns.  Grenier moves his small cavalry detachment forward against the Austrian cavalry battery, but that too becomes a target.

Above:  Another view of the action on the southern flank of the battle.  The French cavalry ready themselves for the next assault.  The Austrian battery at the bridge meanwhile, starts to feel very isolated!

Above:  In the centre, the Italian Guards occupy a small knoll overlooking Kis-Megyer and start to reduce the defences of the farm.  With the Austrian artillery committed elsewhere, there is nothing the defenders can do to respond.

Above:  The Hungarian Insurrection infantry are definitely not used to this sort of thing, but hold their ground!

Above:  With things looking increasingly bad on the left, Archduke John moves Frimont’s reserves to face Mescery’s crumbling flank… Thus doing exactly what Eugène hoped he would do…

Above:  With their horse battery providing supporting fire, the Baden infantry advance to control the northernmost bridge.  Sahuc’s cavalry stand by, ready to take advantage of any opportunity.

Above:  Very quickly, the combined Baden artillery and infantry fire finds its mark and a brigade of Hungarian Insurrection infantry is routed!

Above:  With the Insurrection infantry out of the way, Sahuc’s cavalry quickly cross the bridge and deploy into line.  Sadly missed by our camera, the Austrian regular cavalry brigade launches a charge, but comes off worst and recoils.  However, Sahuc’s men become disordered and fall back across the bridge to rally and try again…

Above:  Back on the southern flank, Grouchy again masses his cavalry and lauches an even more powerful assault against the massed Insurrection Hussars.  The brave cavalry battery is overrun and it surely looks as though the French horsemen are going to sweep away the remnants of Mescery’s hussars…

Above:  A close-up of Grouchy’s charge: The forward line is largely made up of French dragoon brigades belonging to Montbrun’s and Pully’s divisions, with a brigade of French Chasseurs a Cheval and Hussars on their left.

Above:  Colbert’s French hussars provide close backup for Montbrun’s dragoons… Perhaps a little too close…

Above:  Near the southern bridge, the Italian dragoon brigade follows Montbrun’s charge, forcing the French gunners to cease fire as they mask their targets.  Beyond the bridge, one of Seras’ infantry brigades has been broken up by Austrian artillery fire and the other is seriously damaged.  As the battered infantry division pulls back, Durutte’s division moves forward, ready to cross the bridge and exploit Grouchy’s successes.

Above:  Things look desperate from Mescery’s point of view.  In the foreground, two hussar brigades (one regular and one Insurrection) remain routed and are in need of rallying, while the remaining three hussar brigades (one regular and two Insurrection) look about to be swept away.

Above:  Archduke John looks on apprehensively from his hill top and turns Frimont’s reserves, ready to face the coming onslaught from the south.

Above:  Prince Eugène meanwhile, positions himself near his Italian Royal Guards, as they push their artillery closer to Kis-Megyer.

Above:  Somewhat astonishingly, the French cavalry completely failed to break through the heroic Hungarian Insurrection hussars!  With friendly cavalry following on so closely behind, the disordered French cavalry are milling about in confusion when the Hungarians launch their counter-attack!

Above:  The view a few moments later…  Most of the French and Italian cavalry was thrown back across the Pancza, save for a single brigade of dragoons!  However, it was to be a pyrrhic victory for the Austrians – Mescery was killed at the head of his men and the two heroic brigades of Insurrection Hussars charged on to destruction, leaving a single regiment of regular hussars still in the fight and soon to be overwhelmed by vengeful Frenchmen.

Above:  An overall view of the southern flank, following the great cavalry battle.

Above:  With the Austrian reserves now committed to holding the Austrian left, Eugène launches his master-stroke and hurls XII Corps against the Austrian right wing.

Above:  Lauriston’s Badeners and Severoli’s white-coated Italians quickly engage the Austrians in a firefight across the Pancza and soon gain the uper hand.  Sahuc’s cavalry once again cross the northernmost bridge and threaten the Austrian right flank.

Above:  Once again, the Austrian regular cavalry brigade charges Sahuc’s French cavalry as they cross the northern bridge, but this time come off much worse and are routed, thus beginning the collapse of the Austrian right wing.

Above:  With the French, Badeners and Italians winning the firefight, they soon launch an assault across the Pancza stream and roll up the Austrian right wing.

Above:  In the centre, the Italian Guard Horse Artillery continues to whittle down the defences of Kis-Megyer and the elite Royal Guard Grenadiers prepare to launch an assault on the farm.

Above:  With the last of Mescery’s hussars swept away by Grouchy’s cavalry, Durutte’s French infantry cross the southern bridge and mount a demonstration in front of Frimont’s reserve division.  Their purpose here is not to attack – just to keep the Austrian reserves pinned in place and unable to intervene against the real attack on the opposite flank.

Above:  Frimont has little choice but to deploy his reserves in response to Durutte’s threat.

Above:  Sadly the last photo, but here we see Lecchi’s Guards as they continue to pound Kis-Megyer.  Soon afterwards, with his left wing destroyed and his right wing crumbling, Archduke John wisely decided to disengage from the battle, thus keeping his centre and reserves intact for another day.  Following this victory, Prince Eugène’s army would go on to reinforce Napoleon’s army at Vienna and would play a decisive role in the Emperor’s great victory against Archduke Charles at Wagram.

Models and Rules Used

Most of the models are AB Figures 15mm from my own collection, with some Austrians from the collection of Martin Small and the Italian infantry from the collection of Jase Evans.

Rules used are Napoleon’s Battles 4th Edition which is a grand-tactical ruleset, where the smallest tactical unit represents a brigade or large regiment and each base of figures represents approximately 400 men.

As discussed in my last article, in 2015 we put on a public demonstration game of Waterloo at our local museum for the 200th anniversary of the battle.  However, as this was a single day in the middle of the week, we couldn’t really do the game justice, and so we packed it all up and took it 15 miles down the road for a ‘proper’ 2-day refight at W.A.S.P.

Above: The starting positions at 1100hrs, 18th June 1815.  Red = British, Pink = British Guards, Orange = Netherlanders, Green = Nassauers, Yellow = Hanoverians, Black = Brunswickers, Blue = French & Light Blue = French Guards.

The rules used were Napoleon’s Battles 1st Edition by Avalon Hill, with some minor house rules regarding interpenetration of units and combat in built-up areas (our house-modified version of 1st Edition is strangely similar to the new 4th Edition).  Napoleon’s Battles is a ‘grand-tactical’ ruleset, where the smallest tactical unit is a brigade or large regiment and each base of models represents 580 infantry, 360 cavalry or a single battery of guns.  Since this game we’ve graduated to the 4th Edition, which resolves all of the minor issues we had with the 1st Edition and is a damn fine set of rules.

The terrain for the game was built by myself, Martin Small, Carwyn Savins, Oli Crees and Will Poole.  The troops are all from my own collection and are mainly AB Figures 15mm, with a few Old Glory 15s (mainly Hanoverians, KGL, British Light Dragoons, Brunswick artillery and Dutch-Belgian light cavalry) that I got before AB Figures produced appropriate models for the 1815 campaign.  Gareth Beamish of Aide De Camp Painting painted some of the units (mainly the Hanoverian Hussars, KGL Line Infantry and some of the French infantry).  The fortified farms and La Belle Alliance are by Tiger Terrain.  Other buildings are a mixture of buildings by The Drum, Hovels and scratch-built buildings by Gareth Beamish.  Trees are Woodland Scenics kits, built and supplied by Martin Small.

Thanks to all who took part: Gareth Beamish, Will Poole, Martin Small, Chris Simmonds and Jase Evans.

1. Having conducted a review of his troops, the Emperor returns to his field headquarters at the inn of La Belle Alliance.

2. As the mud dries, the Army waits for orders from the Emperor.

3. La Belle Alliance is licensed to sell beer, wine, spirits and a variety of bar snacks.

4. To the Emperor’s left stands Reille’s 1st Corps. Bachelu’s division stands on the right of the corps, nearest La Belle Alliance, with Foy’s division on their left, nearest the camera.

5. Prince Jérôme Bonaparte’s Division stands on the left of Foy, opposite the fortified farm of Hougoumont, while Piré’s cavalry division takes outpost position on the extreme left flank of the army. In rear of Reille’s corps is Kellermann’s 3rd Cavalry Corps and in the 3rd line is Guyot’s Guard Heavy Cavalry Division.

6. On the Emperor’s right stands D’Erlon’s 2nd Corps, with four infantry divisions (from left to right): Quiot’s, Donzelot’s, Marcognet’s and Durutte’s. Jacquinot’s light cavalry division is on the extreme right flank, near the farm of Frichermont. To the rear of D’Erlon’s corps stands Milhaud’s 4th Cavalry Corps, with Lefebvre-Desnouëttes’ Guard Light Cavalry Division in reserve to their rear.

7. As the mud starts to dry, 6-pounder horse artillery batteries begin to move forward, taking position on an low intermediate ridge between the French and Allied lines, from where they can closely engage the Allied troops. The heavy reserve 12-pounder batteries are also moving forward.

8. Donzelot and Quiot prepare to move their infantry forward in concert with the guns.

9. To the Emperor’s rear, Lobau’s 6th Corps and Drouot’s Imperial Guard infantry wait in reserve as the 12-pounder reserve batteries move forward.

10. Across the valley, the Duke of Wellington and his staff observe the French deployment.

11. Wellington in close-up.

12. In front of Wellington, the farm of La Haie-Sainte is fortified by elements of Ompteda’s KGL Brigade. Ompteda’s Brigade forms part of Von Alten’s division, which lines the eastern half of the Allied ridge. The western half (i.e. to the right of the road in this photo) is occupied by Picton’s division.  To their rear stands the bulk of Uxbridge’s cavalry reserve, as well as Colläert’s Netherlands cavalry division.

13. To Alten’s rear, a great mass of reserves await orders – Clinton’s division, Dörnberg’s and Arendschildt’s light cavalry brigades, the Brunswick Corps and Von Kruse’s Nassauers all wait in the dead-ground behind the ridge.

14. On Alten’s right stands Cooke’s 1st Division, consisting of Byng’s and Maitland’s Foot Guards Brigades. Elements of Byng’s Brigade are deployed forward, occupying the fortified farm of Hougoumont. On Cooke’s right, Grant’s Cavalry Brigade, Mitchell’s Brigade (part of Cole’s absent division) and Chasse’s 1st Netherlands Division hold the extreme right-flank.

15. A little after 11am, the French make their move. As the first guns open fire, Foy’s division moves forward to attack the eastern side of Hougoumont. Bachelu’s division meanwhile makes a demonstration against La Haie-Sainte.  Behind them, the heavy artillery deploys and begins to fire on the Allied lines.

16. On the French left, Jérôme’s infantry begin to skirmish with Byng’s Guards in Hougoumont. Concerned by the Allied strength behind Hougoumont, the Emperor moves Guyot’s Guard Heavy Cavalry to reinforce Piré’s light cavalry.

17. On the eastern side of the battlefield, Marcognet’s and Durutte’s divisions move forward to engage Saxe-Weimar’s Nassauers near Papelotte. Donzelot’s division meanwhile moves forward to protect the forward gun battery near La Haie-Sainte.

18. The French artillery quickly dislodges Bijlandt’s exposed Netherlands brigade (with the white flag), which flees to the safety of the orchard behind Mont St Jean farm. The French 12-pounders then make short work of an RHA battery and generally make life miserable for Picton’s 5th Division on the Allied left wing. Concerned by the weakness of the left, Wellington sends the Prince of Orange, with the Netherlands cavalry, Kruse’s Nassauers and the Brunswick Corps, to reinforce that sector of the battlefield.

19. Among the hedgerows near Papelotte, the 2nd Nassau Regiment’s position looks increasingly precarious as the mass of French infantry approaches.  However, despite heavy fire, the Nassauers successfully beat off Marcognet’s first attack.  The French attack is then thrown into chaos as Marcognet is captured in the melee!

20. However, a mass of French horse artillery is building up on the right flank, which soon takes the 2nd Nassau Regiment under fire. The Orange-Nassau Regiment meanwhile, is holding its own in Papelotte-La Haye, despite determined attacks by Durutte’s Division.

21. Seeking to cut the Nassauers off from reinforcement, D’Erlon moves Jacquinot’s cavalry around the flank. The Emperor orders Lefebvre-Desnouëttes’ Guard Light Cavalry to reinforce Jacquinot’s flanking action.

22. Now fully deployed, a grand battery of four 12-pounder batteries proceeds to crush Picton’s division under lethally-accurate fire. A further two 12-pounder batteries take Cooke’s division to task, while 6-pounders hammer La Haie-Sainte at close range.

23. Bachelu’s division waits to take advantage of any sign of weakness among the garrison of La Haie-Sainte..

24. Batteries (including Whinyates’ Rocket Troop) are deployed from the reserve to replace knocked-out batteries, though they can do little to respond to the French 12-pounders.

25. The batteries supporting Alten’s and Cooke’s divisions do somewhat better, doing some damage to Bachelu and Foy’s divisions, though they can do nothing to stop the storm of shot from the French Grand Battery.

26. Despite the fire from the ridge, Foy’s division breaks into the Hougoumont estate and launches its assault on the chateau.

27. Marshal Ney personally leads Jérôme’s two Légère Regiments in an assault on the South Gate.

28. Undeterred, the Guards pour a withering fire into the attackers.

29. On the extreme eastern flank of the battle, Vivian’s and Vandeleur’s light cavalry brigades launch a charge on Jacquinot’s approaching cavalry.

30. The view a few minutes later: Jacquinot’s cavalry were thrown back across the stream in disorder, though the British cavalry got a rush of blood to the sabre and charged on into the Guard Chasseurs à Cheval… The Chasseurs defeated the ragged charge with ease, though unlike the British cavalry, managed to maintain their order, launching a coordinated charge into Van Merlen’s Netherlands cavalry brigade, who were also then routed, along with a Dutch horse battery. The Guard Chasseurs were finally stopped by Tripp’s Netherlands Carabinier brigade. Both sides withdrew to either side of the ridge to lick their wounds and prepare for the next charge.  Nearby, the 2nd Nassau Regiment had finally been routed from their isolated position among the hedgerows, while the Orange-Nassau Regiment still held fast in Papelotte-La Haye.

31. Jacquinot’s cavalry and the Guard Chasseurs rally on the southern bank of the stream, covered by the Guard Lancers.

32. The Prince of Orange and Uxbridge frantically rally the routed British and Netherlands cavalry brigades.

33. At the other end of the battlefield, the Guards hold Hougoumont by the skin of their teeth (and a couple of re-roll markers)! Marshal Ney rallies the repulsed infantry of Jérôme’s division.

34. On the eastern side of Hougoumont, Foy rallies his greatly-depleted brigades. The Guards cheer themselves hoarse, though they too have been grievously reduced and it was by no means certain if they could repulse a second assault of that magnitude. To add insult to injury, the French artillery now renews its bombardment of the chateau.

35. Picton’s and Lambert’s divisions are really starting to suffer from the incessant long-range bombardment. Wellington orders them to withdraw behind the ridge.

36. Seeing the enemy withdraw, Milhaud orders his cuirassiers forward to glory! D’Erlon also moves Donzelot’s and Marcognet’s infantry forward, though Quiot and Durutte are still busy trying to take Papelotte-La Haye. The Grand Battery now turns its attention to the eradication of La Haie-Sainte.

37. Another view of the advance of the French right wing.

38. At last, under intense pressure, the Orange-Nassau Regiment finally breaks and Papelotte-La Haye falls to Durutte’s infantry. Buoyed up by this success, the cavalry moves forward once again to engage the Allied left.

39. Major Bäring’s garrison of La Haie-Sainte is similarly coming under intense pressure and surely can’t hope to hold out much longer.

40. To the western side of La Haie-Sainte, the French mount a demonstration in an effort to dissuade the Allies from moving more reserves to the left. The French artillery meanwhile, is now starting to take a toll of the Allied artillery on the western side of the ridge.

41. Once again, the woods, gardens and orchards surrounding Hougoumont fill with French infantry as Foy and Jérôme have another crack at the farm.

42. The time is now 2pm and one of Jacquinot’s scouts brings a prisoner to the Emperor… The Emperor swears… “I made one mistake; I should have burned Berlin!” Yes, Blücher’s Prussians are approaching!

43. In response to the new Prussian threat, the bulk of Lobau’s 6th Corps is moved east to hold the high ground south of Frichermont. The 3rd & 4th Regiments of the Old Guard meanwhile, are ordered to occupy Plancenoit.

44. Things are looking bad for the Guards as a massive weight of fire whittles down their numbers. Some points of the defence start to waver and Byng pleads for reinforcements…

45. In the nick of time and just as the Guards start to fold, Du Platt’s KGL brigade thickens the defences of Hougoumont.

46. Having handed their positions over to the KGL, the few, shattered survivors of the Guards’ garrison withdraw through the North Gate.

47. Things are really starting to heat up on the eastern half of the ridge. With Papelotte-La Haye taken and La Haie-Sainte contained, the bulk of D’Erlon’s infantry is now committed to the assault on Picton. The Prussian threat now gives added urgency.

48. Napoleon decides that he needs to decisively smash the weakened Allied left in order to separate them from the approaching Prussians. To that end, he orders Kellermann to transfer D’Hurbal’s heavy cavalry division over to the right wing.

49. Seeing an opportunity, Milhaud personally leads forward the cuirassiers in a charge which breaks the two Hanoverian brigades on Picton’s left flank. However, the cuirassiers quickly run out of steam and are unable to exploit their small victory. Luckily for them, the Allied cavalry are still largely milling about in disorder and are unable to respond.

50. This limited attack is soon followed up by a much heavier assault, as the Guard Light Cavalry surge over the ridge, accompanied by part of Durutte’s and Marcognet’s infantry divisions.

51. Scenting victory, the Emperor orders the Young Guard forward to exploit the breakthrough.

52. From Wellington’s viewpoint at Mont St Jean Farm, the situation looks desperate! With the Hanoverians already routing on the left, they are soon followed by the British and Netherlands light cavalry and the Nassauers, trapped in their squares while beset by French infantry, look set to break. The French are also closely following up with horse artillery, with the intention of blasting the survivors at close range!  “Give me Blücher or give me night!”

53. But then a miracle… Tripp’s Carabiniers, having already halted one French cavalry attack, now spotted an opportunity. The French Guard Lancers, having broken Van Merlen’s light cavalry, had themselves become disordered in the melee… Tripp’s Carabiniers now charged, scattering the Guard Lancers like chaff! Maintaining their order, the Carabiniers charged on… through the Guard Chasseurs… Through both of Jacquinot’s cavalry brigades… Through a French infantry brigade… on the the limbered Guard Horse Artillery batteries and finally crashing into the massed French infantry on the ridge, who frantically attempted to form squares in response!  Stunned at the disaster unfolding in front of him, General Delort led Farine’s cuirassiers forward in a desperate attempt to save the guns.  Sadly, he too was defeated and the guns were lost!  The Carabiniers had finally shot their bolt and withdrew, exhausted, with the cheers of the Allies ringing in their ears!

54. Once again, the western ridge becomes no-man’s land as both French and Allied cavalry rally. Durutte’s infantry, alone and isolated, suddenly feel very lonely…

55. Another view of the aftermath of the Carabiniers’ charge. The situation is still desperate for the Allies, with many of these units routed or disordered, though the Carabiniers have won them breathing-space and more time for the Prussians to link up with them.

56. Another view of the aftermath: compare this with 52 above!

57. With the Prussians approaching, Lobau is reinforced by his second division and a couple of 12-pounder batteries withdrawn from the Grand Battery. He is confident that he can hold Blücher long enough for the Emperor to win the battle.

58. “There they are!” The Prussians emerge from the Paris Wood! Led by Prince William’s cavalry, the infantry ‘brigades’ (i.e. divisions) of Losthin (on the right) and Hiller (on the left) move forward to engage Lobau.

59. However, Lobau is ready and meets the Prussians with artillery fire. Near Frichermont, Subervie’s cavalry moves forward to engage the Prussian dragoons.

60. Losthin’s brigade approaches Frichermont.

61. Brolly firmly in hand, Sir Thomas Picton leads Dennis Pack’s brigade in a daring counter-attack against D’Erlon’s infantry along the sunken road! “Forward, ye rascals!”

62. On Picton’s right, Ponsonby’s Union Brigade launches itself at the next French brigade. However, the French manage to form square in time.

63. Another view of the Union Brigade’s charge.

64. “Scotland Forever!”

65. “Come on, Scots Greys!”

66. While Picton’s attack is successful, Ponsonby’s dragoons are repulsed by the French squares and Picton’s Highlanders soon draw unwanted attention from Marshal Ney, Vial’s cuirassiers and the Young Guard!

67. Pack’s brigade is broken and the survivors flee to the safety of Mont St Jean Farm. Against all odds, Picton survives.

68. Wellington takes personal control of the left wing as the situation once again looks desperate. The Brunswick Corps and the survivors of Perponcher’s Netherlands division now take over the defence of that sector from Picton’s shattered division.

69. On the western flank, things are also becoming unstuck for the Allies, as Du Platt’s KGL suffer heavy casualties in Hougoumont. Pleas for reinforcement this time go unanswered…

70. As Guyot’s Guard Heavy Cavalry move east to join the assault on Picton, Jérôme’s and Foy’s infantry once again assault the walls of Hougoumont.

71. This time, the defenders’ resolve fails as the French infantry smash their way in through doors, gates and windows.

72. Hougoumont Falls!

73. The back of the KGL defence is broken as Foy’s men break in from the gardens. A horrified Lord Hill, expecting a fresh assault on the Allied right flank at any moment, organises a new defence line with Clinton’s division, Mitchell’s brigade and Grant’s hussar brigade. He pulls Chassé’s Netherlands division in from its remote position at Braine l’Alleud to form a reserve around Merbe-Braine.

74. Back in the centre meanwhile, Specht’s Brunswick Line Brigade mount a limited counter-attack on D’Erlon’s infantry (now forced into square, thanks to the Scots Greys), though are beaten off.

75. The Young Guard surge over the ridge, defeating the Brunswick Light Brigade with ease and smashing into Bijlandt’s Netherlanders.

76. “They’re coming on in the same old way.” The French cavalry mount another attack on the Allied left, though are clearly starting to weaken. The heroic 2nd Nassau yet again form their squares and again beat off a cuirassier charge.  However, Vandeleur’s Light Dragoons are routed by the Guard Chasseurs à Cheval (again), who charge on, routing the Brunswick cavalry, destroying a Hanoverian brigade and finally coming a cropper against the Dutch light cavalry, who finally send the Guard Chasseurs packing for a third time!

77. In the centre, Marshal Ney leads Blanchard’s Carabinier brigade to glorious destruction. The Carabiniers are shot to bits by British artillery and ROCKETS (the shame…) before finally being destroyed by the Household Cavalry Brigade. Milhaud’s cuirassiers meanwhile, dash themselves to pieces against the Nassau squares.  To add insult, Milhaud is captured by the Nassauers…  However, the Young Guard continue their glorious advance; routing Bijlandt’s brigade and the remains of the Brunswick Corps and almost capturing Wellington.

78. “Come and see how a Marshal of France dies!”

“But Sir, I think you’ll find that since the Emperor’s return, you’re a Marshal of the Empire again, not a Marshal of France…”

“Shut up Capitaine Le Pédant!”

79. With boundless energy and not a little desperation, Wellington organises Lambert’s brigade, the 2nd Nassau and the remnants of the Brunswick Corps into a new defence line against the Young Guard.

80. Finding themselves fighting alone, the Young Guard appeal for reinforcements. However, the remnants of D’Erlon’s Corps, Milhaud’s Cavalry Corps and the Young Guard Cavalry are still rallying and can offer no immediate help. The Emperor orders the Guard Heavy Cavalry Division and the Old Guard forward…

81. La Haie-Sainte falls! At last, the farm falls to an assault by Bachelu’s division! Bachelu pushes through to threaten the Allied centre.

82. More Prussians arrive; Bülow’s artillery reserve follows Losthin’s brigade, while Hacke’s infantry brigade follows on behind. Ryssel’s infantry brigade seems to have got itself lost…

83. Losthin’s 18th Infantry Regiment occupies Frichermont-Smohain without resistance. However, a desultory and ineffectual exchange of fire soon develops across the stream with Durutte’s infantry in Papelotte-La Haye.

84. Meanwhile, back at the ranch… Foy’s division attempts to advance from Hougoumont, though runs straight into Grant’s hussars. Successfully forming square, the French infantry deliver volleys into the hussars until they go away.

85. An overview of the situation on the western flank.

86. The first clash against the Prussians results in a minor French victory! Subervie’s light cavalry charge Prince William’s dragoons, routing them along with two brigades of Landwehr Cavalry. Regaining control of his men, Subervie withdraws in good order to the safety of Lobau’s infantry lines.

87. The French Guard Lancers, rallying near Papelotte following the cavalry battle on the ridge, are most surprised to come under fire from their rear! The accurate massed Prussian 12-pounder artillery causes carnage among the lancers and renders them hors de combat.

88. Near Plancenoit, Domon’s horse artillery manages to cause significant damage to the approaching Prussians. The Prussian infantry therefore take to the woods, moving to outflank Domon’s cavalry and the irritating horse battery.

89. As the artillery opens fire on the approaching Prussians, Lobau’s infantry are content to wait for Blücher to come to them.

90. Hiller’s Silesian Landwehr take advantage of the cover provided by the woods to work their way within musket-range of Domon’s gunners.

91. In the Allied centre, Maitland’s Guards still stand firm and wait for the French to attack from Hougoumont.

Sadly that’s the last photo I took (idiot), though we had reached the end of our playing time (at around 1830hrs game time).  At the end of the battle, the situation was as follows:

• D’Erlon’s Corps had suffered heavy casualties and was no longer battle worthy.  Jacquinot’s cavalry had been eliminated.  It was no longer capable of carrying on offensive action against the Allied left.
• Milhaud’s Cavalry Corps was hors de combat.
• Kellermann’s Cavalry Corps had suffered heavy casualties, though still had one fresh cuirassier brigade.
• Reille’s Corps had suffered moderate casualties, though faced the strongest part of the Allied line, which was mostly still fresh, though lacking in artillery. Piré’s cavalry division had lost one of its two brigades.
• Lobau’s Corps had suffered only light casualties, though was facing ever-increasing numbers of Prussians.
• The Guard Light Cavalry Division was hors de combat.
• The Young Guard had suffered only light casualties, though was isolated and facing increasing organised opposition, with little hope of rapid support.
• The remainder of the Guard was still fresh – the Middle Guard was holding Plancenoit, while the Old Guard and Guard Heavy Cavalry were moving to reinforce the Young Guard’s attack.
• The Allied left wing (Picton’s Division, Lambert’s Division, Perponcher’s Division, Vivian’s Cavalry Brigade and Vandeleur’s Cavalry Brigade) had suffered very heavy casualties, though was still holding on (just).  Lambert’s brigade in particular, was still virtually unharmed and was in a position to launch an effective counter against the Young Guard.
• Kruse’s Nassau Reserve Contingent, which had been moved to the left, had suffered only moderate casualties.
• The Brunswick Corps, which had been moved to the left, had suffered moderate casualties, though was largely routed.
• The Netherlands Cavalry Division had suffered heavy casualties and was virtually hors de combat.
• Aside from the loss of the La Haie-Sainte garrison and most of its artillery, Alten’s Division had suffered only light casualties.
• Cooke’s Division had lost Byng’s Brigade and most of its artillery, though Maitland’s Brigade remained fresh.
• Clinton’s Division had suffered heavy casualties in Du Platt’s KGL Brigade and artillery, though otherwise remained fresh.  It had shifted its position to face the new threat from Hougoumont.
• Mitchell’s Brigade had suffered light casualties, though had withdrawn, under the command of Lord Hill, to the safety of Clinton’s Division.
• Chassé’s Netherlands Division remained fresh, though had been pulled in to create a reserve at Merbe-Braine.
• Uxbridge’s Cavalry Reserve was a mixed bag: Vivian’s and Vandeleur’s Brigades had suffered heavy casualties, Ponsonby’s Brigade had suffered moderate casualties, Grant’s Brigade had light casualties and the rest were still fresh.
• While Prince William’s cavalry had been repulsed in the initial clash, Prussian casualties were still very light.  Their numbers were rapidly increasing and they would soon have overwhelming numbers with which to push back Lobau.  Ryssel’s infantry had finally arrived (late) to reinforce Bülow’s 4th Corps, closely followed by the advance elements of Pirch’s 2nd Corps.  Additionally, the advance elements of Zeithen’s 1st Corps had arrived early on the Ohain road, relieving Colläert’s Netherlands Cavalry Division.

So the Allies were battered but far from beaten – especially not on their right.  The loss of the farms meant relatively little, as the French still had to take the main position on the ridge beyond.

A further push on the Allied centre-left by the Guard and the surviving heavy cavalry could probably have won that sector of the battlefield, though they would then have Zeithen’s Prussians at their back and would still have to take on the strong Allied right wing.  While he still held Papelotte-La Haye, D’Erlon had virtually nothing left and his only possible course of action would be to attempt a delaying action against Zeithen in the Papelotte area.

An all-out attack by Reille would depend upon sheer luck to succeed, though was possibly the only option left to Napoleon.  The Emperor would also have to hope that Lobau and the Middle Guard could hold off the Prussians long enough for Reille and the Guard to do their job…

Napoleon wasn’t confident!

A shame we had to end it there.  Once again, this game proved that wargames always expand to fill more than the time allocated to play them!  With luck we might be able to play out the final act in the future.  Just for once I’d like to get the Prussians properly rolling!