Mark wanted to try out a few amendments to the FPW version of his rules, so we packed Barrys table with numerous French, Prussian and Bavarian troops, almost all Perry plastics from Marks huge collection
An encounter battle with randomised, varied arrival times - you can find Marks explanations here - 1866 and all that: Franco-Prussian Game
First to arrive were Prussian and French cavalry
The arrogant Prussian Uhlans charged, expecting an easy victory against the outnumbered French lanciers........
But they were defeated and then destroyed in the melee - first blood to les Francais!
Next to arrive were the Bavarians
The advanced cavalry of both sides fell back as supporting infantry and guns arrived from various directions
The Bavarians move up as the Prussian cavalry fall back to meet them
The artillery opens fire on the distant French
On the other flank, Prussian infantry arrives just in time to stymy a French brigade moving to exploit an open flank
French above commanded by Chris, Prussians below by my good self.
Another full Prussian division, led by Paul, arrives to my left
Forcing the outnumbered French to fall back into the cover of some woods
More Prussians arrive in the centre of our position, under our CinC Nick
Another division of French, under Rick plus the corps artillery, (Mark) arrive on the other flank opposite the Bavarian (Julian) troops.
French in the right centre (Chris) advance against Barrys Prussians
Massed German artillery pounded the French lines
The French right flank (Chris) falls back out of the woods as Pauls division creep's forwards
Ricks massive French force tries to get into position to sweep the Bavarians away
Supported by massed Corps artillery
The French centre (John and Bruce) moves forward under heavy fire from massed German artillery
Chris and Barry confront each other - new rule in this game to discourage wanton charges is infantry in line get +3 dice in defence! The result was what Mark was hoping for; an extended exchange of rifle fire between the opposing forces.
Pauls Prussians move through the woods in pursuit of Chris
Chris's command of two brigades - the top left confronts Barry while the bottom right waits for Paul to advance out of the woods. His artillery occupied the higher ground, blasting away at my brigade!
Same position from a different angle, showing the Prussians advancing on the right.
John and Bruce advance with the French centre
Supported by French guns
To their left, Ricks division and the Corps artillery blast away at Julians Bavarians
The Prussian reserve under Nick steps off to contest the centre of the field
Half of Pauls division (in column to the right) moves towards the centre to bolster Nicks advance
"I think it's all going rather well, Heinz!"
The Bavarians standing like a stone wall in the face of massed French artillery
The fight between Barry and Chris continues
German cavalry poncing around
The empty French centre after John's brigade collapsed and quit the field
The French go in against a shaky Bavarian line
The Bavarians are in a pretty bad way by now
Over on the Prussian left flank, Barry had held Chris off and now Paul was advancing to drive the French division back - first over running the artillery on the hill.
Ricks force gaining ascendancy over Julians Bavarians
Another view of the empty space where the French centre should have been!
And the German artillery keeps on pounding away!
Yip - its STILL empty!
The French right (Chris) being gradually pushed back as Pauls Prussians advance out of the woods
The overwhelming number of French troops on the other flank start to push the Bavarians towards breaking point
The French columns go in again!
Avance les garçons!
One Bavarian brigade collapsed and quit the field
But too little, too late for the French cause
It was nearly 4pm and time to call a halt
A minor victory to the Prussians was the verdict from game master/umpire Mark! The march on Paris continues!
