Jemima Fawr's Miniature Wargames Blog

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!

In early 2015 I was feeling ‘the urge’…

I had fallen out of love with Napoleonics some 12 years earlier, following my involvement in producing a series of Napoleonic mega-games, first for AB Figures’ Wargamers’ Weekends and then with the General de Brigade crowd at the National Army Museum.  I was all Napoleonicked-out and hadn’t played a Napoleonic game or painted a single Napoleonic figure since 2002 (the gap being filled chiefly by 15mm WW2 and 28mm American War of Independence).

However, with the approaching bicentennial, the sap was rising and I decided that I was going to play Waterloo on the day of the anniversary!  However, I still needed quite a few troops and a lot of terrain!  I tentatively tried painting a unit of KGL Hussars from the mound of 2,000-odd unpainted AB Figures’ Napoleonics that had composting in a corner since 2001… Could I still paint them…?

The answer was YES, but the first thing I noticed was that my eyesight was a lot worse than it was when I last painted them! Nevertheless, found that I actually enjoyed it and despite the pile of unpainted lead, a massive order was soon winging its way to Fighting 15s for all the 1815 stuff that had been released in the intervening years (which was A LOT!) [edited to add that AB Figures are now sold in the UK by Eureka Minaitures UK].  Another order went to Tiger Terrain for their incredible series of ‘scale-adjusted’ Waterloo buildings.

At this time, my local town museum in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, were looking for some way of commemorating the bicentennial of Waterloo and highlighting the local men who were known to have fought there (including Sir Thomas Picton), so my offer of doing the anniversary game at the museum was eagerly snapped up by the curator.

In the meantime, polystyrene was bought and the ultra-messy process of carving polystyrene contours was soon underway with the help of my good friend Martin Small and my Minions Carwyn Savins, Oli Crees and Will Poole.

12 weeks later, we’d built and painted a 10×6-foot terrain board, three farm complexes and a pub, 250 infantry, 180 cavalry, 30 guns and 120 gun-crew, re-based around 500 figures, re-mortgaged, sold the kids and almost got divorced…

Above: The Duke of Wellington and his staff observe French movements from the centre of the Allied line.

Above: The Allies are drawn up along a low ridge straddling the Charleroi-Brussels highway. Forward of the ridge are three fortified farm complexes, which will serve to obstruct any French assault on the Allied lines. In the west (foreground) is Hougoumont, in the centre is La Haie-Sainte and in the east (distance) is Papelotte-La Haie.

Above: Another view of Hougoumont, as seen from General Picton’s position on the ridge. The regimental colours of the British Foot Guards make a brave show. In the foreground, the Light Infantry of the King’s German Legion prepare to defend La Haie-Sainte.

Above: A view of the Allied centre. Nearest to the camera stands General Picton’s 5th Division, with Bijlandt’s Netherlands Brigade (from Perponcher’s 2nd Netherlands Division), in a somewhat exposed position in front of the line. On the other side of the crossroads is Alten’s 3rd Division, with the bulk of Lord Uxbridge’s Cavalry Reserve Corps.

Above: Our local hero, Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Picton stands resplendent in a distinctly non-regulation frock coat and top hat, while brandishing a brolly. A tough, extremely capable and proven commander, Picton was Wellington’s second-in-command at Waterloo though was suffering the effects of two ribs, broken by a French musket ball at Quatre Bras two days earlier. Historically he was shot through the head while leading a counter-attack, though he would survive our battle, despite the near-destruction of his division.

Above: On the Allied right, we again see Alten’s 3rd Division, with Clinton’s 2nd Division, Kruse’s Nassau Contingent and several British and German cavalry brigades in support. Mitchell’s Brigade (detached from the absent 4th Division) is stationed west of Hougoumont and Chassé’s 3rd Netherlands Division is on the extreme right flank.

Above: The time is now 11.30am and the ground has finally dried out sufficiently, following the night’s heavy rain, for the guns to open fire without burying themselves in mud. The Emperor Napoleon (just visible on his white horse, next to the inn of La Belle Alliance) watches as his Grand Battery opens a devastating cannonade on the Allied centre.

Above: The astonishing weight of fire from the French artillery quickly silences the Allied guns stationed along the eastern half of the ridge. Picton withdraws his division to the relative safety of the rear slope. Perponcher’s Netherlanders meanwhile, are quickly driven from Papelotte-La Haie. The French surge forward to attack the weakened Allied left.

Above: As the infantry of General d’Erlon’s 1st Corps advances through the corn, the armoured Cuirassiers of Milhaud’s 4th Cavalry Corps gallop forward. Galloping with them are several horse artillery batteries, who move forward to engage the Allies more closely. In the distance, the Emperor waits with his massive reserve (Lobau’s 6th Corps, Kellermann’s 3rd Cavalry Corps and the three infantry divisions of the Imperial Guard) to see what develops.

In the west, General Reille decides that Hougoumont, defended by the British Guards, is simply too tough a nut to crack and instead decides to isolate and by-pass that particular fortress. He orders Prince Jerome Napoleon (the Emperor’s brother) to mount a diversionary attack, along with Piré’s cavalry, around the western flank of the Allies.

Above: Chassé’s 1st Netherlands Division move forward from Braine-l’Alleud to support Mitchell’s beleaguered brigade near Hougoumont. The Netherlanders feel secure on their hill, though their confidence is soon shattered by Piré’s lancers, who break them with ease! This French attack succeeds in drawing Allied reserves right, when they would have been more useful on the left!

Above: As Picton withdraws from the crest of the ridge, Milhaud’s Cuirassiers surge forward! The Grand Battery also now turns its attention to the isolated German garrison of La Haye-Sainte.

Above: One of Picton’s brigades (Kempt’s) suffers terribly from the French artillery fire and starts to waver. Seeing an opportunity, Milhaud orders Wathier’s Cuirassiers to charge! In reply, Ponsonby’s ‘Union Brigade’ of Dragoons (represented here by the ‘Scots Greys’, which was one of the three regiments present in the brigade) launches a counter-charge. Regrettably, Ponsonby’s men suffered a storm of shot and shell from the keen-eyed French artillery and are sent reeling back to their own lines. The jubilant Cuirassiers scatter Kempt’s infantry and charge on, almost capturing Wellington himself! Their rampage is finally halted by Somerset’s Household Cavalry Brigade.

Above: Unrecorded by our camera, the French Guard Light Cavalry Division also had a field-day on the extreme eastern flank; they sabred and lanced their way through two brigades of Hanoverian militia, two British light cavalry brigades, three horse batteries and the entire Netherlands Cavalry Division before retiring back to Papelotte.

Above: Unperturbed by the collapse of their allies on either flank, Lambert’s British brigade stands like a rock in the midst of the unfolding disaster on the Allied left wing.

Above: The situation on the Allied left wing, as seen from the French side; In the foreground, Kellermann’s 3rd Cavalry Corps is moved forward to exploit the success on the French right. In the distance, the survivors of Picton’s 5th Division and Perponcher’s 2nd Netherlands Division rally near Mont St Jean, while the ‘Black Brunswickers’ move up to hold the line.

Above: As if things couldn’t get any worse for Wellington; a huge cheer erupts from the French as La Haie-Sainte falls!  However, Napoleon has now received reports of Marshal Blücher’s Prussians marching to engage his right flank! However, they are still some three hours’ march distant and he is confident that he can break Wellington first!

Above: Despite the deteriorating situation on the Allied left (and still no sight of Blücher’s Prussians!), the Allied right remains 90% intact, with considerable reserves that could be moved to support the right. However, Napoleon anticipates the danger and orders Marshal Ney forward with 6th Corps to assault and pin the Allied right.

Above: In the foreground, Foy’s uncommitted French division continues to threaten the Guards in Hougoumont. the rest of Reille’s 2nd Corps meanwhile moves around either side of the farm to join Ney’s assault on the Allied right. The Imperial Guard meanwhile, polish their best uniforms in preparation for tomorrow’s victory parade in Brussels.

“On to Brussels!” “Vive l’Empereur!”

Above: The time is now 2pm. With his left in danger of collapse and with still no Prussians in sight, Wellington considers his options: With the bulk of the army still intact, he could mount an effective rearguard, allowing the army to withdraw on Brussels and then to evacuation at Antwerp, should that be necessary. The other option is to continue the defence, at ever-increasing cost, in the hope of relief by Marshal Blücher. If relief does not arrive, the army will surely be destroyed… What to do…?

‘Smug-Face’

Sadly, it was time for the museum to close and time for our re-fight of Waterloo had run out and we could only speculate what might happen next.

Would Blücher arrive to save the day? Possibly…

But for now, The Emperor Napoleon was master of the field of Waterloo!

I should add that during this game we were visited by BBC Radio Wales and I was forced at bayonet-point to do a radio interview… This was then picked up by BBC1 TV, who then rang the museum to invite us to come on the One Show (the BBC’s flagship daily magazine programme) that evening, to appear next to Dan Snow and describe the battle using our game!  Sadly, it would have taken about an hour to dismantle the game, five hours to get to London and two hours to set it all up again and the programme was due to broadcast within four hours, so we had to decline!

But that’s not the end of the story, as the game was shipped down to W.A.S.P HQ for a ‘proper’ two-day re-fight over the following weekend, so there are more Waterloo Witterings to follow…

As yesterday was the 203rd anniversary of the Battle of Quatre-Bras, I thought I might post up a report from a refight I did with the Minions back in March of this year.  Napoleonics has always been my ‘first love’ when it comes to wargaming and this game was an attempt to ‘corrupt the young’, as they players were aged roughly 13-15.  Some were less ‘corrupted’ than others, but we had a good game and most of them seemed to enjoy it, despite the constant distraction caused by their mates playing ‘Fortnite’ in the next room!

Rules used were Napoleon’s Battles (4th Edition) by Partizan Press.  At W.A.S.P. we’ve played the 1st Edition since they were published by Avalon Hill in the early ’90s, with various house modifications.  We never even knew there was a 2nd and 3rd Edition, but saw an advert for the 4th Edition last year, just as my 1st Edition was starting to disintegrate into dust.  We were pleased to find that ‘great minds think alike’, as they seemed to have independently included all of our house modifications!

Napoleon’s Battles is a ‘grand tactical’ ruleset, in that the smallest tactical unit is a brigade (or large regiment) and each base of models represents 480 infantry, 360 cavalry or one battery of horse artillery or heavy artillery (light and medium foot artillery is factored into the infantry factors).

Further information on Napoleon’s Battles 4th Edition can be found at http://napoleonsbattles.org/

Scenario Outline

To save boring you with the history, here’s the Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Quatre_Bras

The scenario starts at 1400hrs, with the Prince of Orange overseeing the defence of Quatre-Bras crossroads by Perponcher’s 2nd Netherlands Division.  Perponcher’s troops have been steadily falling back to this position in the face of Marshal Ney’s advance and are still somewhat dispersed.  Perponcher has two large brigades (Bijlandt’s and Saxe-Weimar’s) and these are each split into two units for game purposes: Bijlandt’s Brigade is split into Line Infantry and Militia portions, while Saxe-Weimar’s brigade is split by regiment (the 2nd Nassau-Usingen Regt and the Orange-Nassau Regt).  The Prince of Orange has the option of adjusting the starting deployment slightly by repositioning each unit within it’s ‘goose-egg’, as shown on the map below.  Bijleveld’s horse battery may be deployed anywhere within one of the ‘goose-eggs’, while Orange and Perponcher themselves may be placed anywhere on the table.

The French II Corps, commanded by General Reille and overseen by Marshal Ney, starts in the positions shown, deploying into battle formation as they clear the town of Frasnes.

Each red/black division on the map-border indicates 1,000 yds, or 1 foot on table.  As our table was only 4.5 feet wide, we had to chop the eastern fringe off the map, including the villages of Sart-Dames-Avelines and Thyle.

The Prince of Orange is clearly on a sticky wicket at the start, but Allied formations are marching to the scene from the direction of Brussells and Nivelles.  Coming from Brussells are elements of Uxbridge’s Reserve Cavalry Corps (1 Netherlands and 1 Brunswick Light Cavalry Brigades), Picton’s 5th Division (2 British Infantry Brigades), The Brunswick ‘Black’ Corps (3 Infantry Brigades) and Kruse’s Nassau Reserve Contingent (1 Infantry Brigade).  Coming from Nivelles are Cooke’s 1st Division (2 British Guards Brigades), Alten’s 3rd Division (1 British and 2 Hanoverian Infantry Brigades) and elements of Cole’s 6th Division (1 Hanoverian Infantry Brigade).  The Duke of Wellington meanwhile, will arrive on the Somreffe road on Turn 1, having returned from his meeting with Blücher.

Ney and Reille have 3 Infantry Divisions (Foy’s, Bachelu’s and Prince Jerome’s) and 1 Light Cavalry Division (Piré’s), for a total of 6 Line Infantry Brigades, 1 Light Infantry Brigade and 2 Light Cavalry Brigades.

Reinforcements for the French include Kellermann’s III Cavalry Corps with 2 Heavy Cavalry Divisions (L’Héritier’s and Roussell D’Hurbal’s), with a total of 1 Carabinier Brigade, 2 Cuirassier Brigades and 1 Dragoon Brigade) and possibly Lefèbvre-Desnoëttes’s Guard Light Cavalry Division, with 2 Guard Light Cavalry Brigades.

The Game

Once again, this was an ‘away’ game and depended upon my extremely shabby terrain and bad photography, so my apologies for the poor quality of the photos!

Above: The Prince of Orange takes control of the situation at Quatre-Bras.

Above: The regular army half of Bijlandt’s Brigade occupies Gemioncourt Farm, closely supported by Bijleveld’s Horse Battery on the high ground to the east.

Above: Saxe-Weimar’s Brigade (the Orange-Nassau Regt in blue and 2nd Nassau-Usingen Regt in green) redeploys to a more concentrated location on the southern edge of Bossu Wood, overlooking Grand-Pierrepont Farm.  In the distance, Bijlandt’s Militia can be seen massing near Quatre-Bras and the Prince of Orange.

Above: With Marshal Ney out in front, Reille’s II Corps deploys into battle formation as it emerges from Frasnes.  Nearest the camera, Bachelu’s division forms to the right of the road, with Piré’s cavalry covering the right flank.

Above: Foy’s division takes up position on the left of the formation, while Prince Jerome’s division and the reserve artillery keep to the road.

Above: Piré’s cavalry move swiftly past Pireaumont Farm, in an attempt to seize control of the bridge at Thyle.

Above: However, Lord Uxbridge has arrived with Van Merlen’s 2nd Netherlands Light Cavalry Brigade, the Brunswick Cavalry Brigade and Van Pittius’ Horse (half-strength) Battery and also recognises the importance of seizing the river crossing.  Neither side gains the upper hand and sit glowering at each other across the Materne Pond (or in our case, the Materne Bog, because I don’t have a model pond).

Above: Bachelu’s Division, with the bulk of the French artillery in support, moves up to bombard Gemioncourt Farm, in preparation for an assault.  In the distance, Foy boldly ignores the presence of Saxe-Weimar’s troops in Bossu Wood and makes a bee-line for Quatre-Bras.

Above: Foy’s gamble may well have paid off, as Saxe-Weimar’s boys initially had a serious command & control problem.  However, with the arrival of Wellington to take command of the army, the Prince of Orange now has the freedom to gallop over and personally take control of Saxe-Weimar.  Galvanising the Naassauers into action, the Prince leads them against Foy’s exposed flank.

Above: Back at Quatre-Bras, the Duke of Wellington is now in firm control of the situation and the previously-isolated Dutch Militia find themselves massively reinforced by Picton’s 5th Division (Pack’s Highland Brigade and Kempt’s Brigade, plus the 9pdrs of Sympher’s KGL Horse Battery).

Above: Further Allied reinforcements arrive in the form of the Duke of Brunswick’s ‘Black Corps’.  The Brunswickers are ordered to reinforce Bijleveld’s Battery, on the high ground to the left.

Above: As Bachelu’s Division deploys in front of Gemioncourt, their supporting 12pdr artillery begins to whittle down Bijlandt’s defending infantry.  However, Bijleveld’s Horse Battery is similarly causing much havoc among the packed ranks of Bachelu’s right-hand brigade (Campi’s Brigade).  A French horse battery attempts to deal with Bijleveld, but does not have much luck.

Above: Recognising the danger presented by Saxe-Weimar’s Brigade to the French left flank, Ney orders Jerome to immediately attack and drive off the Nassauers.  However, Bauduin’s Brigade immediately runs into a hail of fire from the 2nd Nassau and is stopped in its tracks.  Soye’s Brigade (consisting of two units – the 1st & 2nd Regts of the Line) hurries forward to support Bauduin.

Above: The view from the Prince of Orange’s position with Saxe-Weimar’s Brigade.  The Prince has lost his opportunity to drive in the French left flank, but has succeeded in drawing off the French reserves, thus giving time for the Allied centre to strengthen its position.

Above: Back at Quatre-Bras, the Duke of Wellington, Duke of Brunswick and General Picton consolidate their grip on the crossroads.

Above: Lord Uxbridge’s cavalry take up position near Thyle Bridge.  Van Pittius’ Battery takes a few pot-shots at the French cavalry, but does no damage.

Above: An overview of the battle at approximately 1600hrs.  In the centre, the French artillery continues to batter Gemioncourt as Bachelu’s infantry wait for the order to assault.  On the French left, Jerome is attempting to strike back at the Nassauers. while Foy attempts to continue the advance in the face of stiff fire from Picton’s division, which is rapidly forming a solid line between Gemioncourt and Bossu Wood.  Nearest the camera, the opposing light cavalry have essentially cancelled each other, though the Brunswickers are moving forward and might be able to tip the balance on that flank.  In the distance, the leading elements of Kellermann’s III Cavalry Corps (Guiton’s Cuirassier Brigade and a horse battery) have arrived, while the head of an Allied column has appeared on the Nivelles Road.

Above: With the Allied left wing stiffening along stream and high ground east of Gemioncourt, Piré attempted to disrupt the Allied manoeuvres by launching a charge across the stream.  However, Specht’s Brunswick Line Infantry Brigade (with the sky blue and yellow flags) was able to form squares and beat off Wathiez’s lancers, who quickly scurried back across the stream, to the safety of Piraumont Farm.  To add further insult, Bijleveld’s Dutch Horse Battery then managed to knock out the opposing French horse battery and Heinemann’s Brunswick Horse Battery was also now inserted into the line to further discomfit Bachelu’s Division.

Above: On the Allied right, Picton’s division had now formed a solid line flanking the Dutch Militia and now had further reinforcements in reserve, as well as forming in Bossu Wood on their right flank.  However, Kempt’s Brigade was starting to suffer casualties to accurate French artillery fire coming straight up the road.

Above: Cooke’s 1st Division (Byng’s and Maitland’s Guards Brigades, Kühlmann’s KGL Horse Battery and Beane’s Horse Battery) arrives at Quatre-Bras and is placed in reserve by Wellington.  They are closely followed by Best’s Hanoverian Militia Brigade (from Cole’s 6th Division).

Above: Jerome, now recovered from the initial clash and reinforced by a brigade from Foy’s Division, starts to turn the tables on Saxe-Weimar’s Nassauers.

Above: Marshal Ney, frustrated at Jerome’s lack of progress, arrives to take control of the situation and leads the division across the stream.  However, Ney is shocked by the tenacity of the Nassauers and comes VERY close to being beaten off.  Nevertheless, after  hard-fought fight, the Orange-Nassau Regiment is completely dispersed and the 2nd Nassau, accompanied by the Prince of Orange, flee for the safety of Von Alten’s Hanoverians.

Above: With the left flank secured, Foy’s division resumes the advance, now accompanied by Guiton’s Cuirassiers.  Piquet’s Dragoon Brigade and Lefèbvre-Desnoëttes’ Guard Light Cavalry Division have also now arrived.  The massed French guns are now causing massive casualties in the Allied lines; mainly on Kempt’s Brigade and the Netherlanders defending Gemioncourt Farm.

Above: With the walls of Gemioncourt being beaten down and the defenders demoralised, Bachelu finally throws Husson’s Brigade against the thick farm walls.  Bijlandt’s men are swiftly ejected and the Allies can only look on in horror as the keystone of their line falls to the French!  Nevertheless, the Dutch and Brunswick horse artillery continue to hammer Campi’s Brigade.

Above: Battered first by French artillery and now by close-range fire from Husson’s French infantry in Gemioncourt Farm, Kempt’s Brigade is rapidly becoming combat-ineffective.

Above: Guiton’s Cuirassiers move forward with the intention of taking advantage of the effective French artillery fire, but the mass of French horsemen immediately attracts the attention of Sympher’s 9pdrs and the Cuirassiers are quickly thrown back in disorder.

Above: Alten’s 3rd Division moves past the Prince of Orange and the rallying 2nd Nassau and moves into the Bossu Wood to shore up the Allied right flank.  Behind them, Best’s Hanoverian Militia form up, ready to support Alten’s advance.

Above: It is now around 1700hrs and the remainder of the reserve cavalry have arrived.  In particular, the Guard Chasseurs à Cheval insert themselves between Foy’s Division and Gemioncourt Farm, in preparation for a charge on Kempt’s disintegrating brigade.

Above: anticipating the collapse of his centre, Wellington forms a second line with the two Guards Brigades and the Brunswick Cavalry Brigade.  This is fortuitous, as at that moment, Kempt’s Brigade collapses and Sympher’s Battery is silenced by the superb French gunners!

Above: Timing their charge perfectly and led by Lefèbvre-Desnoëttes himself, the Guard Chasseurs à Cheval smash into Bijlandt’s Dutch Militia!  The Brunswick Cavalry Brigade counter-charges, but the Guard Chasseurs contemptuously brush them aside and then rout them with ease, along with the Dutch Militia and Sympher’s KGL gunners!  Seeing a line of redcoats to their front, the Chasseurs charge on into Byng’s Foot Guards.  In the ensuing pandemonium, General Picton finds himself in the path of the rampaging French horsemen!  He and his staff succeed in cutting their way out of the maelstrom, but Picton is seriously wounded in the process and is carried from the field to have his wounds treated.  This is a serious blow for Wellington, who considered the Welsh war-horse to be indestructible.

Above:  The Guards, being made of somewhat sterner stuff, coolly form squares and send the Chasseurs packing!  Disaster narrowly averted, the Guards form the new Allied front line and prepare to receive the next assault.

Above:  The situation at around 1830hrs: The battle pauses following the French cavalry charge, as the French infantry advances to contact on the left wing.  Routed elements of Picton’s, Perponcher’s and Brunswick’s Divisions rally around the crossroads, while Kruse’s 1st Nassau Regiment arrives from Brussells.

However, once again our mums had called us in for tea at a critical point in the game!  It didn’t help that the Fortnite-fest going on next door was a massive distraction for my teenage players, but full marks to those who stuck to their guns and enjoyed somewhat more cerebral gaming!

So we had to stop short of a clear conclusion, but the general opinion of the players was that while the French had knocked holes in the Allied centre and right flank, the Allies still had plenty of infantry and artillery and were in a strong position.  The nature of the terrain also made it very difficult for the French to exploit their massive cavalry advantage.  In campaign terms, the French judged that they would find it very difficult to further push their attack without suffering unacceptably high casualties.

Personally, I think that Jerome could have pushed back Kielmansegge’s Hanoverians in the woods with relative ease, while Foy’s two brigades, in concert with some heavy cavalry, could have mobbed Pack’s Highlanders in very short order, while the massed French guns and cavalry harassed the Guards… This might be a scenario to revisit in the future, kicking off from this final situation…

Thanks to all who played!

The models are all from my own collection, being mostly AB Figures, with a few units of Old Glory 15s (namely the Dutch Light Dragoons, the Brunswick Horse Artillery and the Hanoverian infantry).