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!