Today’s game, the last for the year, was a Retreat from Moscow game, where the five each each took command of a single unit (in some cases two units) of retreating French, while I played the Russians. The details of the scenario can be found here.
It was a fun four or five hours on a lazy summer’s day. Rather than describe the action in detail I will just add a number of images here in no particular order.
 |
| Unit of militia are intercepted by two French units, while Napoleon’s sled passes behind on the road. |
 |
| A closer view of the militia |
 |
| The infantry close in around the Emperor |
 |
| One of Marbot’s sleds races through the snow |
 |
| A French unit prepares to fight off some militia |
 |
| The Russian Jägers face off against the French infantry |
 |
| The French cavalry |
 |
| The French see off the Jägers and militia cavalry |
 |
| The starting positions of the French |
 |
| The French cavalry in full retreat |
 |
| The Jägers, supported by some militia artillery prepare to advance |
 |
| The Emperor is escorted from the town |
 |
| The Emperor makes for the bridge |
 |
| Three of the French units (plus the Emperors) have crossed the bridge |
 |
| The Cossacks, the militia cavalry and the peasants are nipping at the heels of the French rearguard. |
In the end the Emperor escaped along with most of the French. Only the French cavalry were lost.
You got that report up in record time Mark. I remember the scenario from Tarawera, which was a lot of fun. it looks pretty much a reprise of the same set up.
ReplyDeleteIt was almost Identical to the Tarawera set up, but I managed to leave three units of Cossacks at home and they might have made a bit of a difference.
DeleteGorgeous and atmospheric, love the militia and the sleds...Well, nice to see the Emperor escape as well!Beautiful report Mark!
ReplyDeleteThank you Phil. Indeed it was good to see the Emperor escape. A few shots came close, but failed to hit him.
DeleteThat's a great looking game Mark. The figures really do look like they are freezing cold and huddled up against the elements as best they can. I liked the Russian militia and couldn't be sure (I blame me eyes) as to whether they had muskets with bayonets on or just spears, but I think the latter is the case?
ReplyDeleteLuckily the temperature here was not reflected by the figures - it was a pleasant 24 deg C. The militia are armed with short pikes that appear to be fastened to musket stocks.
DeleteThanks for the feedback Mark:). I can see a similar unit being fielded in my planned Vendee campaign, once the figures arrive of course.
DeleteWe have played some fantastic Vendee games over the years, you will have fun with them.
DeleteNice ‘chilly’ looking post, an intriguing and very do-able scenario, good way to end the year. Thanks for a year of interesting posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Norm. While the setting was chilly, the actual location was a typical Auckland summer’s day, although rather humid for the time of year.
DeleteI remember your Tarawera report and this looks like a lot of fun. Did you use your usual Napoleonic rules for the scenario? It seems like a perfect game for Sharpe's Practice.
ReplyDeleteI just used the usual rules, with some simplification and the ability to recover status so that the French units could last all the way to the end.
DeleteHard to remember it is summer for you. Great table and figures. I took a look at your earlier AAR, looks like both games were fun. Thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous summer’s day today. Those games are ones in which no one loses…guaranteed fun really.
DeleteA lovely cold looking game Mark…
ReplyDeleteI’ve always been tempted by winter games… and of course this isn’t helping.
All the best. Aly
I can recall some snowy games you have held, wasn’t that there Drinky first appeared?
Delete