Marengo 2025 Again Part One

I am lucky to have a collection of players (collective noun needed) to play this game while it is all set up (the labels being the major chore after sorting out the figures).

For this round Stefan was the Austrians and Simon the French.  I umpired, interfered and also took over Lannes command.

Same set up, but this time I deployed the 1,800 men of the 24th Demi-brigade legere 

in Marengo as well as the artillery of Victor's corps.

The Austrians start off horribly congested.

1030 and Napoleon has arrived (top left-hand corner).

The Austrians have kept away from the centre, moving the bulk of their army towards Castel Ceriolo. 

This adds to the congestion as Otto is heading that way as well, but Lannes is almost ready for them.

The first clash has occurred with O'Reilly's cavalry charging the French (top right-hand corner).

Zack's Grenadiers go into action at Castel Ceriolo, trying to drive off the French

before they can have time to fully deploy.

O'Reilly's cavalry had bounced off the French square,

but his Grenzers are about to get revenge.

Until Napoleon arrives Victor and Murat have problems

getting their units in command.

Zack keeps pushing with his grenadiers at Castel Ceriolo,

But it all goes horribly wrong for him.

The Austrians cross the Fontanone and attack Chambarhac's troops.

The Austrians commit cavalry to the attack,

taking advantage of Murat's command difficulties

that have left the French cavalry unable to react.

But Napoleon gets Murat moving and a major cavalry melee develops.

However, it fails to produce any decisive results.

The end of the 1200 turn.

Ott is still deploying before Castel Ceriolo, now held by Lannes.

Zack's grenadiers have rallied, but are effectively hors de combat, being very close to dispersal.

Elsnitz's cavalry are across the Fontanone, with Melas bringing up infantry in support.

O'Reilly's formation is fatigued.

To be continued...