GAME REPORT: Russians vs French, Nap.

Russians vs. French

AIMSThis is a typical games evening but with an atypical large game for us: this one had 6 of us playing 3 a-side using Dave Brown’s General de Brigade rules. Once again it gave Paul a chance to show off a tiny part of his little 20mm collection!Not that I know how to use GdeB – I only threw the dice and decided what to do. The problem for the Russkies (on the left hand side) was to defend their line even though they had their backs up against that snakey river. There were victory points for occupation of the buildings. We deployed in two stages – first to indicate positions of divisions and then the rest. Each time the Russians deployed first.DEPLOYMENTIn the picture, you can make out something of the deployment. I was nearest on the left. With some promise of re-enforcements later, it was suggested by our erstewhile commander (taking the middle position between the two houses) that I should advance in order to unhinge the expected enemy’s attack in the centre. You can see they’re already making some moves in that direction (the French are on the right). And a sugggestion from our commander, is akin to an order. Especially as it was his round later.
So on the left, nearest, you have me with infantry, some of which is in the nearest house. In the centre is all our artillery under the maloyed to resist the expected main attack. And beyond the second house is Paul. With all our present cavalry. He was in for a surprise later.So basically, we on the left deployed in three separated parts, that is from foreground to background: infantry – artillery – cavalry. Combined arms? Pah – that’s for wimps.As you probably know without me even mentioning it (!), my leading line infantry includes a regiment from Kiev

And this one’s the Guards regiment

which I decided to use to secure my flank in the foreground copse.Now, you’d think that was pretty safe, wouldn’t you?Unfortunately……….John opposite, decides to deploy some infantry.Rather a lot of them.

My lot are suddenly feeling a little less [Brighton rock]-sure. And meanwhile, Paul at the far end, finds his little troop of cavalry………. ……opposed by what looks like a whole grinning Corps of French Cavalry.
Tim in the centre gets our artillery ready:

This battalion (above) I’ve got backing up the building – Pernov Musketeers?

These are my Kiev contingent flanking the wood:

To be honest I’d leave them there – they have a perfect position, they’re protected and I could put all my effort into mainting the (foreground) copse as a threat to the French flank. And the buildings should break up any French attack. But will our commander listen?

Nooooooooo. Attack he says! And that means move forward till I get into musket range. Uh oh.More later

MORE AT:

http://ilovewargameing.21.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=745&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Now you’re not allowed alcohol in the hall. But that can does look a little suspicious below.

Anyway, on the right, I’m ordered to attack, so attack I must.

Meanwhile it starts to rain. Actual shot:

So no good using skirmishers: muskets out of action.

The pictures are taken from behind the entire Russian line, moving from right to left. Below, my guard battalion advances through the wood flanking my right with the Kiev lot taking centre. As you see, my opponent isn’t exactly standing still. I think he’s preparing some surprise for me the other end of the wood.

Still we have to move on. Bucketing it down now.

This is our centre. Tim’s cannon try firing…….

And hit nothing………….while his support infantry on the left take the wood

This is the leftward extent of Tim’s grand battery, with a line battalion giving support. In the distance you can see the French have moved their artillery forward behind a cavalry screen.

This is our left flank. Paul’s little cavalry group in the foreground on support orders is bravely facing rather a lot of French bearing down on him…….

Meanwhile, back on the right….aw hell. The French opposite me sound the Pas de Charge…….

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1757.jpg

Still, where did we leave things? Oh yes. Worried.

I’ve been ordered to advance…….and now I discover the French commander has taken up residence opposite me,

glistening in the rain:

Not that I’m worried.

”Ебать вас покинуть французский гомосексуалистов!” our greenjackets cry valliantly.

There. That’ll rattle ‘em.

And here we go, two, three, four (see below – us Russians on the left, French on the right):

~ Far distance: French cavalry advance and there are clashes on the hill.

~ Foreground: I advance heading right and take immediate casualties.

So they can fire I’m keeping one battalion back to cover my flank.

~ In the centre, the French advance from right to left. Our grand

battery fires it’s devastating salvo and……..hits nothing.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1761.jpg

………….and promtly runs out of shot. How can this be?

Suddenly we’re in trouble..,.,

Now the doors of hell open……………….

French advance in the centre towards our guns…………

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1766.jpg

French and Russians charge pell mell in a savage sabre clash to dispute our left flank……..

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1765.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1763.jpg

………..and I go in with the infantry…What will happen? Oh no!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1762.jpg

More to come if you can stand the tension……………… :l:

Hold hard those men:

Come on- give ‘em a volley

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1767.jpg

We now enter the confused fog of war. Oi! Our volley completely missed.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1768.jpg

And we’re taking casualties, ”Это только нуля, ничего не стоит она!”……….. thanks to this lot:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1769.jpg

These are Finns…….

http://tmg110.tripod.com/Rusemp/ru-00fi1.gif

faltering………

And now this is the bit I disagree with: suddenly these French try and get us in the flank, the bleeders

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1775.jpg

More to come………

Tried to change me orders, mate. But too late……..

……….and here’s the enemy charging behind the line of guns on our left….

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1784.jpg[/img]

It’s not looking good. This French huzzar’s getting stuck in:

But what’s this? Suddenly, on our right, Russian reinforcements canter to the rescue :

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1780.jpg

”Les lancers? Zut alors – ce qui se passe ici?” and other epithets says this stunned grognard.

not all over then

Whisky down, and these maniacs on the left are getting behind our guns and running riot.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/Cacadore/Napoleonic/IMG_1785.jpg

Meanwhile, in the centre, all our artillery is still out of shot. Now that’s not right, is it? And the French infantry, look at that – somehow they’ve got behind our infantry – they’re going to overrun our guns in a second. Where are those ammunition boxes?