Freshly Painted Revolutionary Infantry

Just off the painting desk (ie the dining room table) a unit of French light infantry, carabiniers, for the Revolutionary Army in Italy.

The figures are all Trent Miniatures.

The pictures are not as crisp as I would like, but here goes.

I've been priming a load of FPW infantry, but next up for the brushwork are Revolutionary Wars Austrian infantry.

A Happy Recipient

I was indeed a very happy recipient when Jonathan at Palouse Wargaming Journal, knowing my interests, very kindly and generously sent me a package.

The first item was French Revolutionary Wars Austrian infantry.  These 28mm figures from Eureka Miniatures will fit in nicely with my own collection.  Effectively they will add either one large unit or one with some spares.  Either way, I am thrilled to have them and will be shuffling the painting queue accordingly.

The figures representing Austrian infantry up to about 1798 when the Kaskett was replaced by a helmet.

Image courtesy of Osprey Publishing.

Knowing that I have an interest in and collection for the Franco-Prussian War, Jonathan correctly thought that I might enjoy reading through the rules set, 1866 by Bruce Wiegle.  I strongly suspect that Jonathan is trying to ensnare me into starting this as a project.

Well, he has touched a nerve there.  I can't promise anything, but temptation levels are high.  Plus, already being in possession of a Prussian army, half the hard work has already been done... mmm this sounds like I'm talking myself into it... we'll see, I already have more unpainted figures than I can reasonably expect to paint in my lifetime.

As for the rules, I have read them through a couple of times.  I can't say that they are my cup of tea.  There are plenty of mechanics to give the period flavour, but don't excite me personally.  However, the chronology, contextual information and especially the scenarios are a pearl of great price all by themselves.

Whatever I do, I will have fun contemplating and reflecting.

Thank you Jonathan.

AAR - Battle of Provins 4th February 1814

Last weekend, Postie hosted a monster fictional game set in the context of Napoleon's defence of France in 1814.

An army commanded by Marshall Victor was set the task of defending a line of hills against an Austro-Prussian-Russian force of superior numbers.

Surjit, Steve and I commanded the French.  The allies were led by Dan, Lee and Mark.

The French were deployed on the right. The allies on the left were poised to attack.

You will excuse me if most photos and comments refer to my command at my end of the table... and if my recollection is incomplete.

Dispositions at the start of turn 1.   The far flank had cavalry facing each other.

Allied infantry advanced all along the line. Slowly bringing them into artillery range. Whilst on the far flank, the cavalry jockeyed for position before the inevitable charges.

The situation at the end of turn 1.

Opposing cavalry face each other and seek to gain position for advantage in the charge.

My heavy battery opens up as the Russian infantry draw into effective range. At columns the effect is devastating causing a unit to recoil in disorder.

The advancing allies approach so that they can bring their numbers to bear as they prepare to assault the French positions on the hills.

The positions at the end of turn 2.

The cavalry now seem poised to hurl themselves at each other.

With the infantry closing up, close range musketry fire rippled up and down the line.

My division bring up columns to break up any Russian charges.

Meanwhile, the far flank resounds to the thunder of pounding hooves as sabre and flesh clash.

The red arrows indicate cavalry units in retreat or rout.  The black arrows represent pursuit or breakthrough charges.

As you can see from the images from the Boney-drome, honours were vaguely even.  Perhaps to the Austro-Prussian advantage.

However, after much standard winning and losing (honours definitely to the allies here) both sides' front line cavalry were somewhat depleted.  It always strikes me that in most games we play large cavalry actions rarely end up with anything except an indecisive conclusion.

Lots of empty space where now lie the remains of many troopers and their steeds.

Back on my flank, having gained the initiative I decided to take the fight to the Russians rather than await their assault.  So, off the hill my brave lads flew at the advancing columns. 

French success was more forthcoming as a number of the Tsar's columns were thrown into disorder and rout.

But all was not so gloomy for the French on the cavalry flank as Surjit's cuirassier brigades coming out of reserve appeared to shore up the flank and induce some nervous tension.

With the winter sun now setting, the fighting died down leaving both sides to reflect on the engagement.

The positions at the end of the game.

The French had kept control of the line of hills despite being outnumbered.  When Postie had finished totalling the victory points he gave the French the laurels.

Analysis.

This was a BIG game.  So, it was just as well that the two sides were set up to enable them to engage quickly and up and down the line.

The Austrians in the centre weren't quite able to get their grenadiers into the fray.  Possibly thanks to a spoiling action by a couple of Surjit's infantry units that were thrown forward.

Steve, in charge of the French horse, played for time sufficiently to charge with the best prospects and to allow the reserve cavalry to reach the flank.

I think the decision to take the fight to the Russians on my flank stalled and broke up their formations.  Plus, some deadly artillery and musketry helped.

With another one or two turns the Austrian centre may have caused some serious trouble.  However, their losses somewhat addressed their initial numerical advantage.

A very bloody, hard and entertaining game.  Well done Postie.