The Battle of On Alti - A Russo-Turkish 18th Century Battle

Continuing the 18th century theme of recent remote games, Surjit and I got together to fight a fictional encounter between a Russian army and an Ottoman Turkish force at a field of battle called On Alti.

Now, my ownership of 18th century armies is limited to an Austrian and a French collection.  I have have no intention of buying or painting any other armies for this period, and certainly not for playing via Zoom.  So, for the sake of flexibility, I painted up MDF bases into red and blue armies... and BOOM! I now have whatever horse and musket army I want.

I know that this particular development may be offensive to some.  For me, this is a logical step in remote gaming for these reasons:
1. The players are not really going to enjoy the aesthetics of the painted figures via Zoom.
2. Experience has shown that even with figures, remote players often need regular updates on which unit is which.
3. The important scale in wargaming is the base, not the figure.
4.  All wargames bases of figures are essentially very aesthetically pleasing counters.  So, why worry about the figure when that aesthetic cannot be enjoyed.

Anyway, enough justification, onto the game.

The rules used are my hex adapted version of Koenig Krieg.
The armies were constructed from my adaptations of army lists from the Age of Reason (1st Ed.).

The Red army are the Russians, the Turks are blue.

The Ottoman army (played by me) consisted of:

5 units of Janissaries

1 unit of Levy

2 units of skirmish troops (Seyman and Azab)

4 regiments of Akinji light horse

4 regiments of heavy armoured cavalry (including 2 Guard Visierial regts)

2 medium and 1 heavy artillery.

The Russian army (led by Surjit):

7 units of line infantry

1 unit of Grenadiers

1 unit of militia

1 unit of Jagers

2 regiments of Dragoons

2 regiments of Hussars

1 regiment of Cuirassiers

1 unit of Cossacks (skirmishers)

4 medium guns and 2 heavy guns

This was an intriguing clash of assymetric forces.  The Ottomans holding a heavy cavalry advantage, while the Russians had strength in infantry and artillery.  Much of the Russian army being regular, but the Turks containing many irregular troops potentially prone to running back at the first sign of trouble.

The Russians slowly edged forward.  Clearly intending to bring their artillery advantage to bear, and to deploy their horse to try and counter the Turks.  Both sides were seeking to push out on the flanks.  The Ottoman armoured cavalry flew forward on the left flank.  Meanwhile, the Akinji moved out onto right, hoping to avoid shooting from the Russian jagers now holed up in the village.

The Ottoman plan was simple.  Keep the infantry at a distance and let the heavy cavalry defeat the Russian horse and turn the flank.  The light horse on the right were to perform and occupy enough Tsarist infantry to stop them overwhelming the Janissaries in the centre.

The Russian infantry brushed aside the Turkish skirmishers, but were yet to make their artillery advantage tell.
Meanwhile, a big cavalry showdown was developing on the left.

Surprisingly, the Ottoman commander was able to seize the initiative in the charges.
From L to R: Armoured Spahi vs Hussars; Armoured Spahi versus Hussars; and two Armoured Grand Visierial regiments charging the flank of a Cuirassier unit and the front of Russian Dragoons.

The outcome was suitably bloody.  The lighter Russian horse were unable to withstand the armoured lances.  Hussars and Cuirassiers were thrown back in disarray and a unit of Dragoons was destroyed.

The Ottoman's were not going to let this moment slip and proceeded to exploit the situation.  With most of the Turks realigning themselves, one Visierial unit ploughed straight into an already damaged Dragoon unit and despatched them without quarter.

The Russian flank was now open and the infantry cruelly exposed.

The Russian commander was asked the question at this point, "what would you do now, if this was part of a campaign?"  His response was, "I would retreat and leave the field to the Turks."

Nonetheless, we played on just a little longer.

The Ottoman's, with new found confidence, made a general advance.
The Russians desperately turned infantry and artillery to protect their open flank.  However, the Turkish cavalry slammed into them before they had the chance to form square or any other such defensive action.

A view of the battlefield looking towards the exposed Russian flank.

At this point, we had to call time on the game.

We agreed that this was an Ottoman victory and that the Russians would not want to hang around to see what would happen next.

After thoughts

That was a lot of fun.  It was very interesting having these very different armies square up to each other. 

There were a lot of artillery exchanges in the centre with casualties being taken by the Turks.  However, the dice rolled kindly and kept the Ottoman irregulars in place long enough for their heavy cavalry to do their job.

The Russians couldn't quite get all of their artillery into the fight and never quite made their foot advantage tell.

The use of the red and blue blocks worked a treat.  There was no confusion about what each unit was.  In fact, Surjit was able to follow his units clearly as cavalry and infantry were easier to identify than my 6mm troops.

I'd be interested to hear how much of a wargaming heretic you think this makes me.

The next 18th century remote game I'd like to do is a SYW battle in India.

Battle of Zallaqah, 1086 - AAR

Jonathan (Palouse Wargaming Journal) and I got together to fight this engagement from the Spanish Reconquista.  Having performed abysmally in the game as one of the Rejects, I was hoping for at least a glimmer of sensible of tactical ability and perhaps the even application of the laws of probability.

I took charge of the Christian army.  Jonathan controlled the Muslim forces.

The Christian army deployed with all the knights out front.

The view towards the Muslim army.  There were quite a few long spear units with archers attached.

My plan, as far as I had one, was to nullify or at least delay the Muslim light cavalry on my right from harassing my flank.  Then, go all out with the knights while forming all my spear units into a block.

... let's see what happened.

With the initiative, I threw my right wing light cavalry straight into the Muslim light horse on the hill.  Their success was stunning.  Two enemy units were beaten and chased back to the rear of the own army.  First job for the Christian army done!  No irritating light cavalry to worry my right flank.

Now for the right wing knights!
With the Muslim skirmishers failing to evade, they were quickly despatched leaving the enemy spear units exposed.  The knights did the job in beating and throwing those dangerous units back, but failed to pursue.

 It was now the turn of the left wing knights. Their charge forward meant more skirmishers were trampled before another Muslim spear unit was decimated but not destroyed.

The Christian cavalry had inflicted significant damage to their opponents and pushed the Muslim front line back.  However, they had failed to pursue and deliver a fatal blow.

The space gained by the knights allowed the following infantry to slowly trudge forward...

...and form a solid battle line.
The battle now went through a bit of a lull.  Charges and melees occurred, forcing the right wing knights to retire, but more energy was devoted to redressing the lines. 

As the Muslim forces organised themselves and advanced, the knights showed signs of wear and tear.  It was becoming clear that the early impetus and advantage of the Christian king was gone.

The Muslim army crept forward as the Christian forces braced themselves.

In concert with their medium cavalry, the Muslim spears threw their weight against the right wing knights.  Unable to resist, the cream of Spanish chivalry was annihilated.

Right wing crossbow countered the Muslim cavalry threat to the infantry flank.

It was evident that the moment of crisis was approaching and that both sides needed to win the initiative and take decisive action.

Alfonso was first out of the blocks.  The remaining knights pounded forward on the left and caused havoc on the Muslim right.  However, it came at great cost as one unit of armoured cavalry was destroyed and the other failed to capitalise on its initial success.  Nonetheless the Muslim right was now substantially damaged.

The engagement was now going to be decided in the centre by the infantry.
Sensing the urgent need to confound the Muslim spears and anticipate their assault, the rightmost Christian spear block charged.

This was the start of a titanic clash of flesh and metal to win the battle - this was the start of the "do or die" climax.

With great fury, the Christian spears dealt out out death.  Decimated by the attack, the Muslim spears were forced to retire.  However, the effort left the attackers unable to pursue.
Having set the example, the next unit of spearmen leapt forward and charged the isolated Muslim spears.

After a savage engagement in which the Muslims suffered greatly, the defenders were compelled to retreat.  But this time the Christian spears did not let the the advantage slip and charged again.

... and in wiping out the remnants of the unit, the Muslims decided it was time to retire from the field.

The last struggle in the centre was vital.  With both armies hanging on the verge of collapse, success here was a matter of survival.

So... the result!  We agreed that with both armies so close to collapse by the end, a draw was the right decision.  Even if one could argue a Christian victory, the truth was that both sides were so damaged that any victory would have to be considered hollow, or pyrrhic.

After thoughts
The game took exactly two hours of playing time.  That was the greatest fun.  So much action.  So many decision points.  The evening was an absolute blast and I left it buzzing!

The battle started with amazing Christian successes.  The Muslims then recovered and reorganised; taking the fight back to the Christians.  The initiative was evenly distributed throughout.  I would also say that the dice treated both Jon and I evenly and fairly overall.

Jonathan was a gracious host, fair and honest umpire, and a worthy opponent.  Great work, great time.

The Battle of Vingt-Zwanzig

Whilst taking advantage of my better half being out on Saturday morning, Surjit and I got together via Zoom for a mid 18th century clash between Austrian and French forces.  This was entirely an entirely fictional engagement. 

I've been working on army lists to use with Koenig Krieg (Hex Version) based loosely on those in Age of Reason rules.  For this encounter, both Surjit and I constructed 20 point armies.

The armies deployed.

Surjit played the French, while I commanded the Austrians.

Both of us adopted fairly standard deployments with cavalry on the wings.  Each holding a cavalry brigade in reserve.

The Austrians quickly threw their cavalry wings forward.  Perhaps trusting in their superior weight and morale.

The southern flank saw the first big cavalry clash.  One of the Austrian cuirassiers had taken a lot of fire from French infantry and artillery.

Nonetheless, the French horsemen were forced to retire.  Unfortunately for the Austrian heavies, they had only inflicted light casualties on their Gallic counterparts and would be back.

Meanwhile, on the northern flank, the Austrian cavalry commander had been too impetuous and left an exposed flank which the French dragoons were all too happy to fall upon.

Sweeping away one cuirassier unit, the dragoons then ploughed into the next.

Within moments the cream of Austrian horsemanship had been dispersed.  However, the successes of the dragoons left them out of control in the pursuit. 

Just a photo to show the battle lines.
In the centre, Croats and Chasseurs a Pied contested the ground.  All the while both lines slowly crept forward while exchanging artillery fire.

The cavalry clashes made the flanks uncertain for both sides.
On the Austrian left, the cuirassier brigade swung in to threaten the French infantry line.
On the right, both sides started bringing reserves out to continue the contest on that flank.

On the Austrian left (southern flank), the French cavalry rallied and returned to the fray to challenge the Teutonic horse and protect the infantry. The centre continued to close and inflict artillery casualties on each other.

In the north (Austrian right), reserve cavalry from both sides swiftly crossed the field in a fierce charge.  

The Austrian reserve cavalry wrought great carnage on the French horse.  Following through quickly, they attempted to run down a grenadier unit, but were halted by their controlled and effective musketry.
Nonetheless, the French commander was now feeling some anxiety about his left flank.

However, the south flank saw a complete and catastrophic reversal for the Austrians.  With one cuirassier unit destroyed and the other retreating in disarray, the French proceeded to induce a similar anxiety in the Austrian commander.

Result
With both flanks in danger, we ran out of time and called a halt.  We were happy to call this a draw.

Afterthoughts
This was a thoroughly entertaining couple of hours. A lot of fun.  Koenig Krieg remains my personal "go to" rules. for the 18th century.

This was a narrower table than I would usually use.  However, it had the virtue of getting us into action from the start - no cautious manoeuvring for ages before any contact.

As for the army lists - so far, so good.

The Battle of Swanage Bay, 1471- A War of the Roses AAR

Postie summoned the Rejects to his shed to fight a fictional War of the Roses engagement, the Battle of Swanage Bay.

The context for the game was that, after the Battle of Barnet, Margaret of Anjou returned with an army and treasure to assist the Lancastrian cause.  Storms had driven her fleet to land on the peninsular at Swanage Bay.  King Edward, aware of Margaret's arrival rushed to "greet" her.

Lee and Surjit commanded the Lancastrians.  Colin commanded the bulk of the Yorkist troops while I led the Yorkist left against the town.

This would turn into a game dominated by exception (extraordinary!) dice rolling.

The Lancastrian occupied the town and the left of the field.  Two Yorkist battles faced the disembarking Margaret, while the third (commanded by me!) faced the Lancastrian right flank anchored on the town.

Surjit's battle defending the town.

Colin's two battles ready to drive Margaret back into the sea.

Two Lancastrian battles disembarking.  These were controlled by Lee.

The left of Edward's (Colin) troops.  The plan was to expose the gap between the town and the Lancastrian troops by the ships and force them apart.

Hastings' (me) battle facing the town.

This is going to be a tough nut to crack.  Archers behind hard cover defending the town.

Hastings' troops start their slow advance.  The defending archers shoot with deadly effect against my longbowmen.

... and so the exceptional dice rolling begins.

First, despite the Yorkists having an edge on initiative, the Lancastrians gain it to move and shoot first.

As Edward's men began their slow trudge across the field.  The Lancastrian obtained the hills and rained arrows down on the Yorkists.

Second, Completely defying all rules of probability.  The Lancastrian archery wiped out about a third of the Yorkist bowmen before they could reply.  In these rules, if you move first you shoot first.  Then the return shooting is based on what you have left to shoot with.  In response, the Yorkist longbows could barely scratch a barn door.

Hastings continues his advance.  The defenders' missile fire cripples a retinue bow unit.

Further down the field, Edward's men are dropping like flies.

Third.  Yet another chance distribution curve defying moment.  Edward's troop can't move without being mown down.  Causing Colin to have to make his first of a number of Battle morale checks.

Lancastrian shooting drives the retinue bowmen back.  However, the Yorkist shire bowmen unleashed a good volley to destroy a defending unit of archers.  This was shock enough for the whole defending battle in the town to recoil and leave their positions.

Hastings now took the opportunity to get his remaining archers to the barricades and shoot into the rear of the Lancastrian billmen.

Meanwhile, the other two Yorkist battles were struggling against mounting losses from the enemy archery.

So devastating and targeted was the missile fire from the Lancastrians that one of Edward's battles had to take another morale test and failed.  This led to a rout off the table...

... Game over.  A great and emphatic Lancastrian victory.

After thoughts
Well played by all involved.  Games of this period never permit tactical finesse and manoeuvring.  In that sense, nobody played a good or bad game.  The table was lovely to look at and the figures gorgeous.

Lee's dice rolling was phenomenal.  He was scoring hits in numbers that was incredible and utterly unbelievable unless you saw it with your own eyes.  It would be true to say that such extraordinary dice rolling made it impossible to play against Lee.  It made the game almost unplayable for anyone opposite Lee.  Kudos to Lee.

We actually started playing the game at about 10.30am.  It was over by 1.00pm!  Probably the quickest game that I've ever played in the shed!

On the plus side, it meant that we enjoyed a pleasant, chatty and leisurely lunch.

For a fuller report, have a look at Lee's blog when he posts it.

The figures were all 28mm and the rules were Stuart's own.