Wednesday, 9 July 2025

A Big Bloody Napoleonic Battle

UPDATE: Since this was originally posted, I have added a bunch more photos provided by another player.

Last Sunday be played a big Napoleonic battle. There were nine players, four French divisions against two Prussian, one Bavarian and a British division, at some point a Russian force joined the Coalition forces. By my count there were 49 infantry battalions, 10 cavalry regiments and 9 batteries on the Coalition side. I assume that there were roughly the same on the French side - I was on the Coalition side and didn't see their order of battle.

The objective was the control of the roads exiting the French side of the table.

Above and below, the Prussian masses form for the attack


The British division

The full length of the table

The Prussian cavalry prepare to attack

In the centre the Prussian attack is building up a head of steam (above and below)


The British form up

The Prussian cavalry charge


And the infantry presses home the attack


A view of the French lines

The British end of the field

After initial success the Prussian central attack has stalled

To their left the other Prussian force is struggling to make headway

Here come the landwher...

The French prepare for the onslaught (above and below)


 A view along the table mid-action

The Bavarians arrive...

...and set the farm on fire!

The battle ended around 3:30 and was ruled in favour of the Coalition...although in my view the Coalition was soundly beaten...but who am I to argue...I was playing a Prussian.

UPDATE: These photos (added randomly) are provided by John L who played on the French side.


















 

20 comments:

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    1. Thanks Norm. It was a nicd set up...not too crowded and plenty of space to manoeuvre.

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  2. A spectacular looking game Mark. How were the forces composed? Is there a points system to ensure some sort of parity? Nice work by the Bavarians in setting the farmhouse on fire. One of the gamers in our group does that whenever there is a building anywhere near him, and it is very annoying.

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    1. The forces were set up by the organiser. He had set it up with basic forces, then there were reinforcements that were diced for at three points during the game. It was Barry who set the place on fire...a lucky artillery shot...and it forced the French out!

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    2. Real beautiful table and troops. Sounds like a good time. Impressive number of castings!

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    3. Thanks Joe. By my quick estimate there were around 2500 figures on the table.

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  3. I have just stumbled across your blog. What an array of lovely figures, outstanding scenery and beautifl buildings. I will spend some hours reading your posts.
    Bob

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  4. What a cracking game there Mark:)! Lots to enjoy and not too crowded either, which is good to see. Always nice to have some room to manoeuvre:).

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    1. Thanks Steve. It did get pretty crowded in the centre though!

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  5. That is a gorgeous spectacle! sounds like a great way to spend the day. 😁

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    1. Thanks Stew. Does that mean that you might turn to the dark side and start collecting Napoleonics?😏 You will be pleased, I'm sure, that the next big game is ACW.

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  6. Superb looking game, the table and figures are quite superb, top notch!

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    1. Thanks Donnie, it was a pleasure to plsy...even if most of my command was blown to pieces!

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  7. Lovely looking big game, sounds like fun! How big was the table out of interest?
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks Iain. We are blessed to have a table 4.8 x 2 metres (15 ft x 6.5 ft), and it has strong legs to support the weight of lead!

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  8. Don't question the GM/Umpire when he is awarding you victory, Mark!

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