David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Wednesday 19 August 2020

Somewhere in the Po valley...

...in the late 1790's, or if you like in GHQ earlier this week! For our weekly games Phil and I look like being confined to here in GHQ for a while so we are kicking off with a decent sized French v Austrians and Allies during the FRW. Phil commanded the Austrians and I took the French for a change. The table at the opening of hostilities ~
As usual I'll let the pictures tell the story as the action unfolded.
The main route forward is blocked by the baggage train, forcing the French Light Infantry into a detour. The going must have been difficult for them as they advanced but slowly.
The difficult terrain, aka poor Command Rolls, puts the French into confusion allowing the enemy Light Infantry to pour in fire and cause casualties and Disorder! Merde!
With the Hanoverian infantry advancing on their left the main Austrian infantry advance steadily on the French Demi Brigades which are having trouble deploying. (The dice gods truly hate me it seems!)
The 5th Demi Brigade advances in the Hanoverian Light Infantry and forces their withdrawal due to mounting losses from mass musketry.
The Austrians are advancing in the centre where the French are in some confusion due to losses and indecisive command.
The National Guard Battalion rushes forward into the gap in the French lines but comes under devastating fire from its flank and centre! "Mon Dieu, nous sommes finis!"
The 5th Demi Is Disordered by masses enemy fire and in the ensuing confusion fails to halt the Hanoverian infantry advancing to it's front.
The centre is pierced by the Hungarian infantry brigade! Losses are mounting for the French while their own fire proves ineffective in hampering their foes!
Not the best of days for Mon'r Bonaparte to say the least! Perhaps a fine from the band will raise French morale?
As the Chasseurs advance to attack the enemy they see the 5th Demi Brigade break in route. Not the best of omens for their own success!
The Chasseurs are roundly beaten by their Austrian counterparts and flee in route. With three broken Brigades the French withdraw and concede the field to their foes! Beaten inside 5 Turns! 'Merde!' doesn't even come close to summing my performance up in this game!

24 comments:

  1. A short, sharp and bloody encounter no mistake. By the way folks, don't think my dice rolling was good it was just a bit gooder then the Frenchies. For all its swiftness the game was most enjoyable, well for the Austrians anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 'Merde' indeed or maybe, 'Sacre Bleu!' Despite your defeat a lovely looking game nonetheless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A nice looking disaster sums it up SteveJ.

      Delete
  3. Next time will be better, you'll see. Amazing looking game and fantastic table.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bartek, I hope you are right as I'm in a poor run of form presently. Doesn't stop me enjoying the games mind.

      Delete
  4. G'Day David, a very enjoyable ramble through the Po valley, great figures and table layout. Love the little vignettes dotted about the table. Cheers Greg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. G'day Greg! Glad you enjoyed your visit to the Po valley.

      Delete
  5. Its great to see you staging a lovely battle David. It actually feels that we are making some progress out of this hell. Its a beautiful set up once again, well done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It IS progress, just a bit slow. In fact, a bit like me really. Glad you liked the game Robbie!

      Delete
  6. A nice change to see the Austrian best the French - although not if you are leading Les Bleus of course! I noticed the vignettes too - all from Eureka by the look of them, including the two ladies making bread - long been on my "to buy" list! Lovely looking game even if the result wasn't to your liking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The look of the game raises it from the everyday I hope, it's important to us. Terrible stuffing though!

      Delete
  7. Very pretty collection on a lovely table top - some kind of bliss I imagine!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh dear. What a debacle! Great looking game though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Disaster really! Have burnt the dice ritually to appease the dice gods...

      Delete
  9. Caught on the Po again Mr.B! A delightful game. Looking forward to next week's bash. Will you still be on the Po ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you approve. Next Wednesday we shall be off to Burma! I hope you will approve.

      Delete
    2. Fine by me. Just go easy on the leeches...

      Delete
    3. Good. See you Wednesday.

      Delete
  10. Another gorgeous game, looking forward to Burma, spoon is good for the lychees, no, salt for the leeches :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks George! Hope you've dried out by now!

      Delete