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.