Big Lee has been working hard on his War of the Roses Battle of Bosworth project and his recent hosting of the battle for the Rejects was a fitting tribute to his effort and attention to detail.
I will leave Lee's report: BigLee's 'Miniature Adventures': The Battle of Bosworth 1485 - A 6mm, Test of Resolve, Quick Strike Battle Report (blmablog.com) to discuss the background and armies.
Lee's armies are 6mm miniatures from Baccus. The rules he used were Test of Resolve.
The Lancastrians were played by Steve and Stuart. Poor Stuart was in charge of Stanley's troops so was compelled to wait before being able to act in the game.
The Yorkists were commanded by Ray (Richard III), Surjit (on the Yorkist right... I forget the name of the battle) and me on the left as Northumberland, who like Stanley was compelled to stand and wait.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpkM23iF3F279ndYnavkD1prVkg83cBozMNb_rhGkuUhzZCwmZ7IRRSUJxuByEs0HTvJixDW9d_2bIm8hSYuFxxFFXcEm-XHw_4ncIa8LCwXhiK3cSr9mOPg_2tvqIW1gd8I92bk_Lfo-5HTcC74iyKSXZJqvqEbilGSo0xbnmycpG-2gDsNmKQoCkvo/w518-h434/20240713_100524.jpg) |
A look down the battlefield. The Yorkist on the left. |
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The knights of King Richard III |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05HdkUVOVk2IPSIWE0rOn1Jfv1twOcR8T-pSRhqXStws4jF3NOY49Yd7F1i9plIVRdeN1f6s-JaiyK-Vv2oUXQ0jpUD1LUoAITKZXs_3W7EX_cnx2rjP-dfvyCQ-JUsMKrbPDVE56XJxLbug0UBKUO6zDm2QS0R6ZYwsF1mnob7AVOKMOot0SiZ4Lxe8/w529-h397/20240713_100655.jpg) |
This is where the suckling pig is being turned on a spit. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3uc4idCRzOYI5TnnAUWqxcJHEoi0c7reUGxDl0Ks6AmxR2VaRkLNfLOZihYjt_d-CvgAyZ4Z137712rYipKitmxZaWgHT-82bfWK6FN8Or4hWrKO6P-_KMg2YavxFwe-41bd-AacZSnPNTUaZHXEZqOlk5Yvno9Eo7qI9ds4Oc4HArckDQx-dtkpRg/w537-h403/20240713_105324.jpg) |
The Lancastrians advanced quickly across the battlefield to deny the Yorkists space. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ3oTmkk-KleuBK8wHy66f5HYD5Hvz5G6z0cYcLNPC-Tei3p9RcLUsw0U3rPqlw9L_OY0U00nz0WZ3Aa75X2xxhBClx7eK4j29e7au6MJA4fHZ0BKrtmooflmOcEzXDcyhWsD4r-IF81wfeK-bKvQ_o4bmwOTfMtjM8xKEgS-aUSl80IyRRlqlQxZmfc/w537-h403/20240713_110927.jpg) |
The centre of the two armies quickly face each other. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkdZ3BRsx7jXHL0_NxEZZtpQDxb3oKqeVQ5JEhyphenhyphenHcBILPPJV2to6VMVYEHzBRua0Z2hkXeuuL-naoeUCJ6BOhYCfg1EvRVSSLblU5No3zuxKDITYDenVsEJinQM0DjZGVUuJ2WJRk7jFOQvt48ZQYBJY-q5Qe40MTLgOhOIhoycRgLZ-dN1gs4RI_gNI/w538-h404/20240713_111655.jpg) |
Meanwhile, Northumberland (closest to camera) and Stanley stand waiting for events to allow involvement. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen6n9GsinvmvwaeKZVbGjMzt7K3YCwIwSIU0P1jxkYDDYQ0mpB1_V4arI7hmMUGI90t58OJNhbRfNfAItgYSiNVGdjnH5MiUi3yVLUNaV5Dzyk0MzqEKcZ8fKath5uLKdmgVAuWQsFTkjahq2I7GdfRKkEyPQkJ2AZs6DHseDn8Ks8xi3y0UODpfKgPc/w537-h403/20240713_114011.jpg) |
Lancastrian and Yorkist centres collide. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfsnGTkPmo4QZXnJ4BkDtkAJZLzawZqh1IkHN1gEIXaYt64vccQlA3GmN2TpfrhoIbWI1mG3TkP7m7slVUwIKX2QWl1TY6m3KiilYxmytr4oQNNbLIgKmEm-nHEQn6Qnn6pIiuPEf_k6fmOmwxyMhFnnYpBJVctSEpRyfNn8Zqe0shykK1N9mjlCLapU/w538-h404/20240713_120631.jpg) |
The initial outcome is mixed, with routs, destruction and continuing melees. Clearly, this is going to be a hard slog rather than a swift decision. |
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Looking down the line. At last Northumberland's battle slowly lumbers forward. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-w0AAan5esuDkIdp3TesQ-2ei1ToDSC_3fqPi8G2geaqvNddUuaDxeu_NQP9VRE2tIKqxavXTakD_BfTVIZ6CzpU3YrHeTt75o9ouL6hyJ0umME0yRenPkA16cjPnOiwo3OrjPMDYwOXyzdtrAfsVI1Ybzkx8ttEg56Xm0khPCWPq3iZm7XZVUAHsMs/w512-h384/20240713_124812.jpg) |
All the action and attention is dominated by events in the centre as Steve and Ray continue to square up toe to toe like boxers. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsqT470S5F3Svkp7OTK1O9qgdO9Qe7gzN5llAnHIdHhUSSQFpRaHTaA1Xj924aSQKWN6TQ0_osuu1AoRbj0Bz3jbyRKuTmp_2FArVi9xuDNHI-gmVFo24LlPEGELS7b8JaDzWsxro9BOwms98CMEwVCumhqFrvx0fxKRW1Viwel1dce2rKroFaiWwK-k/w436-h581/20240713_141214.jpg) |
As the centre resembles more like a rugby scrum, the battles on the far right flank of the Yorkist lines clash. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS0DeHv6JPF8PnS0u83GCzkBI-AdrUjDnmUIfKaMWlgY3bHSZXFBEYZCbAAumpf9dBU-4Wv3fm6EqtH27qmzbSoA7KsZXdsHJVJJeP_VCroGrfMk62mzAiaXsvTah2MXW_PNEHNZ_sFPyYBLca5ihqjlQCdgJcrEDkx-uMf0WvLSub6VT4fzHEVeC8Z8/w441-h588/20240713_143810.jpg) |
As both Lancastrian and Yorkist troops in the centre start to thin, Richard III decides to move in for the kill and disperse the opposing battle. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uYu5eO9Ci2fpSY7VMKgagS0ZgzJ6kbEULvIzRooRqx_3xa2Li0meZqNGtmYuasiXZ94sVo3SR_7UNooV_zMWw9eNTa-RRcyLNuGj01djaqpQLPMP9b9nKk15FUEkwS6QRyfD-99FBKQTrQEbr2DNRGhrx8-QtcZCH47iTdTGzXqZPp1_8SwCQ0K3T_I/w534-h359/20240713_154354.jpg) |
At last Stanley is permitted to move down from the hill... |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMOLZHVJhRja_BNudYJv2EOwmI3UycaVpc34Obql8JuE2aPtmIUao44m88ognmu0wiAPg57r0v7pGF_ACWNHHQSzPxXnOlZ1KcBElXGV6FlFCxfq_gE4w9nh_-usjmf4qeHBm7TvEFcNzNjUHqERSS4On5A7EPv-vqTW1IhcmLfWMveKo_aDetQwG0XU/w547-h272/20240713_160930.jpg) |
... too late to effect the game. Henry Tudor launches his knights at those of Richard III. With incredible ease, the best of the king's knights are cut down. Richard is captured. No doubt a traitors fate awaits him! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfi7yy7TamAzIX285-KH8FV2IcqJd3HfrGQee2HBaGUbCubeAIp6oNqVUj4CzKP5W9Y951UHy-E-r5TKmfcMzGRdiOfv26nHbLJSJFFYOufSGMrcSXfsPBxhqOrtZUq8COsSbmuACJPYm8rUTIye3WT1V6egVEF6ARe2DyRYvpF6MfQf3yG6Yasz8ocQ/w461-h346/20240713_162113.jpg) |
If that wasn't enough, the Yorkist right collapsed leaving their flank wide open. |
Final Words
From someone who played little part in the game, I can still say that the game was fun to watch. The Test of Resolve rules worked really well. There were no major rules queries or disagreements. The only minor observation is that matters slowed when there were a large number melees to settle. However, this could be said of many rulesets.
An excellent and entertaining game. Kudos to Lee for executing an enjoyable day and a lovely looking table to match his well painted and based armies.
A great looking game
ReplyDeleteLee did a fine job and should be proud of himself.
DeleteLee knocked it out of the park with this project, battle, and game refight. Super job and congratulations to Lee for presenting such a handsome spectacle. Which WotR battle will be up next?
ReplyDeleteToo bad that Northumberland did not see action but still good that you enjoyed the game.
I'm working on a follow up game, this time a what-if scenario set a few days earlier. The premise is plausible and would make an interesting historical alternative which could have happened under slightly different circumstances.
DeleteLee certainly did Jonathan. Not just that, he also successfully umpired the Rejects in the shed... not always an easy job.
DeleteThat looks spectacular Richard and really gives the impression of masses of troops pressing forward. The 6mm figures look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lawrence. Lee deserves such praise.
DeleteThat's looking epic!
ReplyDeleteCertainly is Michal.
DeleteLovely looking game Richard - this is certainly a great advertisement for the advantages of the smaller scaled figures!
ReplyDeleteSometimes good things do come in tiny packages.
DeleteLooks great! I think I must have playtested every WotR scenario for Test of Resolve over zoom during the pandemic in 2020 - 2021. ToR does what it sets out to do very well. I am running Tewkesbury at Historicon this evening,... just with my 25's.
ReplyDeleteLee will be pleased to hear that. We all liked the rules and look forward to playing them again.
DeleteThank you Richard. A great write up of the game. I have a follow up game in mind (just hammering out a what-if scenario) and I promise you'll get more action next time!
ReplyDeleteExcellent. Really looking forward to the next one.
DeleteWas a great great game, shame you and Postie really didn't get to play much. Hopefully that will change in the next game?
ReplyDeleteI hope so too.
DeleteThat is a cracking game to behold and 6mm really does give the look and feel of a large battle. I think this period and earlier medieval battles do tend to fall into an early slug fest, until units start breaking and gaps appear, to hopefully be exploited...
ReplyDeleteYou're right Steve. It is what it is. Point the troops in the right direction and charge.
DeleteYou fellas put on such excellent games and this is no exception!
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Lee certainly did himself proud.
DeleteYour games are the next level. I loved the post. Makes me think 6mm might be my next move!
ReplyDeleteThanks John. The scale is good for the big battles.
Delete