Vintage Waterloo (Part 4)

Although I took a lot of photos during the game I can see as I publish these posts that they mostly cover the first 4 or 5 turns. Apologies for any repetition but I thought you'd probably want to see them anyway. Here are my DK French heavy cavalry (combined cuirassiers and dragoons) advancing into the teeth of the rocket battery.

The French left flank at Plancenoit. Looks like a bit of a cavalry clash developing with cuirassiers and some guard light cavalry engaging Prussian lancers. The French cavalry are rated 'A' and 'A+' whereas the Prussians are rated 'B', this gives the French a decent advantage in melee.

More ex WHC troops from Roy's collection sporting a Peter Gilder flag - who knows, these lads might even have taken part in the 150th anniversary battle?

Silesian hussars move forward to support the infantry. The Prussians did seem to take quite a long time to get forward here, possibly because their ranks contained a fair few 'C' class Landwehr units.

Back on the main table we can see that one of Bylandts units has broken and D'Erlon has continued his advance. This must be turn 5 or 6 - about 3.00pm. In the distance a French unit has sensibly formed square as protection from the milling allied cavalry.

The position at La Haye Sainte is looking quite secure with plenty of reserves on hand.

At this stage the Duke appears quite confident as he chats with Picton and Uxbridge in his position safe behind the ranks of the 30th Cambridgeshires. "I say Uxbridge, do keep your legs tucked in old chap!".

The left-centre of the field from the allied lines. Wellington has committed several heavy cavalry units to stop the French from advancing and his tactics seem to be working.

Another view from Hill's position on the allied left flank. D'Erlon is pressing closer but Hill has substantial untouched reserves waiting in column behind the Scots while the Prussians attempt to roll up the French flank.

A view along the whole of the main table - I must say that all the Generals look very engrossed in the game!

At the end of turn 4 the French finally suceeded in ejecting the British garrison from Hougoumont. However, in a controversial umpiring decision (made by yours truly) the supporting Nassau Grenadiers managed to rush in before the French attackers could make it through the gate and Reille was back to square one!

The 1st Cuirassiers were on the extreme left of the French army. This is my most recently completed unit and the paint was barely dry on their bases. However, they were soon joined by a new addition to Roy's  forces - a unit of French Guard light cavalry that he actually based up and delivered to the table during the game!

French heavy cavalry is about to mix it with the Blues&Greys next to Hougoumont.

I think this is the last in my sequence of photos from Plancenoit. The Prussians seem to have the church firmly under their control.

Even more French cavalry pile forward - these are my combined guard lancers/horse grenadiers. I think though that I can hear a sort of ominous fizzing noise as the rocketeers on the hill light their fuses...

Controversial it may have been, but the Nassau Grenadiers are definitely in control of Hougoumont, although they do seem to have left the gate open!