This is where we left off last week, the French 2nd Division assaulting Picton's lads over on my right.
While I, as the Prince of Orange, lead the remains of Bijlandt's brigade to safety.
The French 3rd Division is staggering towards the Hanoverian Landwher which makes up the rest of Picton's command.
The French 2nd Division is repulsed!
The French 3rd Division is blasted by my Dutch-Belgian horse artillery.
The Household Cavalry go in to slaughter the remains of the French 2nd Division.
Ably assisted by the British infantry.
On go the Household Cavalry!
The few remaining French scurry for safety, while the British cavalry halt exhausted.
I inform von Muffling that the battle is won and that he should instruct Blucher to head to Paris.
The French 3rd Division meet the fate of the 2nd, this time at the hands of the Hanoverians.
Time to check on reality.
Meanwhile on the Anglo-Allied right things look a bit hairy.
As the French 3rd Division recoils and starts to retreat, the French 13th Cavalry Division approaches.
I get my men into square. One of the British cavalry commanders points me out.
The Prussians have arrived. They look a bit tardy, but I'm informed they have a plan...
The unlucky French 13th Cavalry Division is being roughly handled by my artillery (and my ability to roll sixes). My troops have all formed squares and are hidden behind the crest line (which is marked by an attractive display of shrubbery)
The massed artillery of the Guard is deployed, but has no targets. Messengers can be seen hurrying across the front bearing new orders.
The thin red line, with a bit of green, holding on in the centre right. The congestion and table edge is cramping our style.
Some more brave Dutch-Belgians moving up on the far right.
The French are sweeping round the Hougoumont, although perhaps not as quickly as they thought.
And here we leave it. End of turn 9 which makes it around 4pm.
Will my new orders arrive in time?
Will we be able to link up with the Prussians?
How will we deal with the massed Guard artillery?
Next installment in two weeks time.
Very good Mark - "reality" had me checking if I had missed reading something 😃
ReplyDeleteVery entertaining mate.
Well, it is just such a stunning view. But after I posted I realised there was a link to the performance of the Hanoverian Militia which had James shaking his head. However they were uphill, supported and without casualties or causes of disorder, unlike their isolated attackers.
DeleteBut it is also to remind us all that there is a world out there.
Marvellous Mark.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be enjoying these posts almost as much as rolling those 6s (and 5s)!!
As you point out, depleted command, hiding to nothing. Delort's men will have some fun though, I warrant...
If the rule is you have to see your target to charge there maybe fun.
DeleteIt is, of course as you well know and have used to considerable effect. I sense that I see a glimpse of blue and even red moving. The perfidious islanders will have to move their *rses if they are to assist their germanic brothers...! :)
Delete:)
ReplyDeleteEpic Stuff
Thanks, it really is special.
DeleteIt was a really excellent day, and I was only sorry, as Blucher, that the gallant French were so unlucky with their die rolls, whilst you as the Dutch-Belgians had a magnificent run of 6s and 5s just when you needed it. It's hard to see how Napoleon can win this now, but onward to the 19th...
ReplyDeleteNot sure. Delort has to work with the Guard artillery to pin the Anglo-Allied left flank while Jacquinot and Durutte hold off the Prussians.
DeleteThat leaves Napoleon with the Guard and substantial cavalry to win the day. There are still at least 10 turns to go. The interesting thing is how far can the Guard move in that time? They are a long way away.
Looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks - I can't take any credit (accept for the sixes). The ANF put it all together.
DeleteOne of the truly delightful things (apart form the company, nostalgia and view) is the ability to play out the whole game. At this stage it is very much in the balance.