Action at Peene De Forde, Belgium 11 August 1914

Earlier today reports were received at GHQ of an action fought between forward elements of the BEF, under the command of Colonel Bykleigh, and the advanced guard of the German 1st Army under General von Robensahn. Bitter fighting was reported in the environs of De Whyt's farm as the Germans attempted to drive back the BEF force before they could bring up reinforcements ~

Elements of the German 1st Army

The BEF's forward elements

Advancing on a broad front in an attempt to determine the enemy's dispositions, while screening the main BEF force from German eyes, Bykleigh throws his cavalry brigade, supported by a battery of the RHA's 18lb guns ~

The South Staffords are the first to come under fire from a German battery deployed on higher ground to their right. The press on despite some initial casualties ~

British artillery takes up its position on the left flank of the German advance, supported by squadrons from the Cavalry Brigade attached to Bykleigh's force ~

Opening up their formation under artillery fire, the South Staffords press forward to exploit an apparent gap in the German lines ~

While on the British left the Royal Scots Fusileers advance on De Whyt's farm, supported by the Gordon Highlanders ~

Meanwhile, important decisions are made back at the British HQ ~

The South Staffords continue to advance under heavy artillery fire ~

Although they receive supporting fire from the RHA's battery targeting the Jaegers who are blocking their advance ~

Meanwhile in the German centre infantry are seen occupying the ruins of De Whyt's farm as a strongpoint ~

German Uhlans have been sighted on the left of their position supporting the Jaegers and British cavalry are noted advancing to threaten their position, supported by other dismounted elements in the vicinity of the RHA battery ~

In the BEF's centre the South Staffords have halted their advance while they consider their options in the light of the unexpectedly strong German position ~

The Royal Scots Fusileers are well placed to engage the German strongpoint at De Whyt's farm ~

Meanwhile the position of the Jaegers is becoming threatened as their numbers dwindle under artillery, machine gun and rifle fire ~

On the BEF's left flank the Gordon Highlanders under Lt Col Calder are working their way carefully around the German flank ~

With De Whyt's farm heavily defended the flank attack's success or failure may become the key to the action ~

The Royal Scots Fusileers' position opposite the farm offers lots of cover ~

On the BEF's right flank the Jaegers and their cavalry support are finally broken by the combined fire of the RHA battery and the cavalry's machine gun squadron and rifle supports ~

While in the centre, even though casualties for the South Staffords have been severe, the strongpoint is weakened to such a level that it becomes untenable for the Germans ~

Remnants of the Germans' force gallantly cover a general withdrawal. The BEF have achieved their objective ~

The Royal Scots Fusileers move forward to occupy the ruins of De Whyt's farm ~

The game ended in turn 12 when Phil's position was hopeless due to mounting losses. The terrain and the BEF are from my collections while the splendid German force is Phil's own brushwork. We are slowly developing our own rules for the 1914 - 15 period of the Great War and welcome enquiries from gamers who might be interested in our approach to gaming the period in 28mm scale.