The Battle of Pharztstadt

As I've just completed a third Foundry Foot Guards regiment for my SYW British army, the choice of game for this Monday in GHQ was really a no brainer. A straightforward encounter battle on a generally terrain neutral table seemed the best way of reintroducing ourselves to Honours of War after a substantial passage of time. It turned out to be the right approach in what was an eventful and enjoyable few hours in GHQ. Phil chose the command of the British, leaving the French to my alter ego, Le Comte de Merde. As we were busy rule checking and on unfamiliar details I find I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do, but I hope the few I have will help tell the story of the Battle of Phartzstadt ~
The French centre, with the Guards drawn up in reserve behind a brigade of Grenadiers supported by the Wild Geese. Light Infantry, the Voluntaires de Soubais, screen the advanced line ~

Hussars and Dragoons move to the left flank, crossing the river by an ancient stone bridge, hoping to find a weak spot as the British right flank advances ~

The British are alert to the threat and mobilise a Brigade to advance on the ford and cross the river to block any move by the French cavalry on that flank. However, the second Brigade on the right fails to move, leaving the advancing composite Grenadier Battalions somewhat exposed to a thrust by the French Brigade to their right front ~

Away on the British left the 'Greys' and Dragoon Guards advance to meet the French heavy cavalry, lead by the Curassiers du Roi, coming under fire from the French heavy artillery emplaced on a convenient hill. The French Household Cavalry Brigade fails to advance to support its brethren. But in the centre the Guards Brigade advances briskly on the farm, forcing the French Light Infantry to evade ~

On the French right flank cavalry swirl back and forth in a series of decisive melees. Although the French loose two regiments to rout the Horse Guards are routed and the 'Greys' and Dragoon Guards forced to Retreat. Following p their victory, the Mestre de Campe's Regiment destroy the 'Greys', who Rout through the Dragon Gards causing them to rout also! The Horse Grenadiers' position looks precarious as more Household Cavalry advance on their front! In the French centre a solid wall of steel and shot awaits the halting British advance ~

Bravely pressing forward, the Guards Brigade attacks the French held farmstead of Phartzstadt. The First Foot Guards are routed by a combination of French artillery and infantry fire {not to mention my exceptional dice throwing at that point!} The Second Foot Guards fare no better and the Third never make their attack ~

The battle reaches its climax when the British Brigade of Grenadiers is repulsed by the French Grenadiers Du Roi, even though the Grenadiers De France were forced to retreat.  On the French left, the Line Infantry hold off their attackers, while the feint by the Hussars and Dragons has successfully tied down a British Infantry Brigade and a Regiment of Dragoons ~

At that point the British had lost half f their army in rout and a French victory was declared. "Vive Le Roi! Vive Du Merde!"

A thoroughly enjoyable and fast moving game we both felt as we mulled things over while enjoying coffee and cake. The rules definitely have an C18th feel to them in game play and rattle along at a good pace. Phil says we didn't get much wrong in the game when it came to applying the rules and interpreting them on the tabletop, always an issue for wargamers I feel. Then next game here in GHQ will be in two weeks time, after the Alumwell/WMMS Show, so I must see about a shopping list. I've also got to finish the 11th Hussards for my Wars of the French Revolution project this week if I can, so no time to tarry. Au Revoir mes Amis!