Friday 22 July 2016

The Battle of La Rothière

You’ve probably already seen Matt’s report on this battle here but I thought it was high time I wrote up Napoleon’s take on events. The game was fought a few weeks ago over at Roy’s place using troops from his collection, my own forces remained in camp for this one.

Matt had control of the right flank of the French army - this is part of his command near the centre of our line.
The Guard infantry were deployed in the town supported by the reserve artillery on the road.
Straight out of Miniature Warfare Magazine 1969c? No, this is Roy's wargame table 2016 - here come the Russians!
Stuart had a LOT of guns and they were lined up hub to hub directly opposite Matt. This was not the best introduction for Matt to my Muskets & Marshals rules.
The view down the table on the French side. The troops nearest the camera are under Matt's capable command, from the town onwards they are mine under the guise of the emperor.
Napoleon contemplating Roy's rather nice church model.
As the action commences Matt takes the wise decision to move obliquely left away from the enemy guns on the ridge.
Our left flank is immediately threatened by the Bavarians so I shift some guard infantry and cavalry to meet them.
Matt's infantry have occupied a field in the centre of the table but his troops are losing casualties steadily to Stuart's merciless artillery fire.
On the extreme right flank Matt gets to grips with the melee rules!
The Russians start to advance in the centre.
And the Austrians on the left-centre (Roy has added yet more Austrian infantry units to his collection!).
Another cavalry clash - this time on the left and these hussars are under my command.
Hot work with the sabre and lance!
What's this? Now the Russians are in a field as well!
On the extreme left flank things are looking grim as a whole horde of Bavarians push forward.
Matt's infantry make the most of the cover afforded by a hedge to fend off the advancing Russians while his cavalry continue to melee in the distance.
Our cavalry appear to be falling back - those Russians have got the Jewson lot!
Well done those hussars for forcing the Pavlovs into square.
Not so well done here - the left flank starting to disintergrate.
Probably the best painted wargame unit I've ever seen - Young guard painted by Matt B but in Roy's collection.
Game over - the flank is turned and the emperor orders a tactical withdrawal.
It was great to finally be able to meet up with Matt and push a few toy soldiers around the table with him. Thanks to Roy for hosting the event and to Stuart C for lining up all those guns and continually firing them at us.

15 comments:

James Fisher said...

Another lovely looking game Ian. You took some wonderful photos too; a joy to view.
It's a top battle to recreate isn't it? Great photos of the mass of Bavarians coming in from the French left. A real challenge for Marmot!

Stryker said...

Thanks James - I can't remember another time that I have been so soundly beaten in a game. My entire flank crumbled as Roy rolled it up with the Bavarians. Matt put up a valiant fight on the other flank considering he didn't know the rules very well!

Wellington Man said...

It was an enormous pleasure, Ian. We must do it again some time!

Stryker said...

Matt, I sincerely hope that one day we can - but this time I promise I wouldn't place you opposite a grand battery!

KEV. Robertson. said...

Superb Photos of the Action Ian- re-creating those splendid years of 1969 with Hinton Hunt figures. Regards. KEV.

Stryker said...

Cheers Kev!

lewisgunner said...

And the Russian Grand Battery is historical. A Ripussian artillery official cer suppisedly begged to be allowed to occupy the heights and was given permission. It was really more of a delaying action by Napoleonics n who was trying to get his guns and train off.

tidders said...

Lovely looking game

Stryker said...

Roy - well I think we delayed you a bit but perhaps not as long as Napoleon achieved in real life

Allan -thanks for that!

Anonymous said...

What a treat, just got back off holiday. Very enjoyable looking game.

Paul

Stryker said...

Hi Paul, it was fun but a bit shorter than some of the other games we've had and all over in five or six turns I think!

the Archduke said...

Another magnificent spectacle. I understand that Napoleon was outnumbered about 7 to 5 at La Rothiere when the "Bavarian horde" is taken into account. Among the best odds he faced in 1814. Was that imbalance reflected in your game? I don't much fancy the view that faced Matthew. Still, at least he didn't face the machine gun battalion called the rocket troop...........

Stryker said...

Archduke - I'm not sure of the exact stats but there were a heck of a lot of troops on the other side of the table. However you're right, a rocket troop would have made the position even worse!

Al said...

cool looking tabletop :)

Stryker said...

Cheers Al!