Two Days...

 ...two SYW games, two defeats! Not my greatest showing as a wargamer, going from heroic defence finally overwhelmed by weight of firepower in the first game, to abject failure and a short order thrashing in the second! The first game saw the French under my command going down to defeat in Turn 9 after an heroic defence, while the second game saw the British under my command soundly thrashed by Phil in Turn 5! Though even Phil will admit the 'dice gods' did play more than a bit part. The table layout for both games saw the French defending their lines between a roadside Inn and a low ridge, their front protected by gabions manned by French infantry reinforced by batteries of heavy guns. Meanwhile the British and their Hessian allies were trying to force the position and drive back the French, who have little room for manoeuvre ~

A view along the French lines shows the strength of their position and the general disposition at the start of both games ~

In the first game Jon, in his persona of Lord Walton, commanded the Allies, while as the Comte du Merde I commanded the French defenders. As usual now we set the game at a maximum of 12 Turns using Black Powder 2 as the rules with some modification suggested by the supplement Last Argument of Kings.

Two regiments of Grenadiers move to protect the French right flank beyond their camp. These heroic units were to live up to their status beyond expectations as the game developed 

Lord Walton sent forward his British foot en mass in an concerted effort to turn the French right flank. The guns played their part in softening up the defenders.

The French Grenadier regiments look as if they will be easily overwhelmed by Turn 3! Strange how wrong you can be...

While the decisive action develops on the right the Guards mass to attack the French centre, a daunting proposition against entrenched infantry supported by batteries of guns.

The Comte du Merde positions himself alongside his Guards who he hope will be able to attack any breakthrough of his lines and restore equilibrium to the defence.

A host of redecorated infantry! Somehow it just looks overwhelming from the defender's perspective as they come on steadily, undeterred by enemy fire 

On the lied right von Weiß leads his Hessians forward, supported by combined battalions of British Grenadiers.

The British attack struggles to make progress against the French right. The Grenadiers' courage and tenacity under fire draw admiration from their foe! Encouraged by their example Du Merde sends forward support from the second line of French infantry.

Shaken, but not stired, the French right refuses to buckle trading volley after volley with the British regiments massing against them.

On the French left though the Light troops defending the tavern are driven off by the British assault, taking with then the supporting regiment of Regulars. 

Despite this reverse Du Merde orders up his Second line of Regular Infantry before the enemy can crest the line of gabbions! He has no troops to spare though now to protect their left flank beyond a battery of artillery on the hill.

Finally on the French right the Regiment Normandie breaks and flees to the rear. Du Merde commits the Swiss Guards to attempt to plug the gap opening in his lines.

Too late! The French right is broken and with it the army's will to resist. In a close and bloody struggle Lord Walton and von Weiß have carried the day, but at a cost...

In the second game Phil took the role of the French commander, the Comte du Merde, while I commanded the Allies as Lord Useless! You'll see why if you read on ~

Having witnessed the British struggles to turn the French right in the first game I opted instead for a head in attack on the centre but combined regiments of Grenadiers, supported by the Foot Guards, while demonstrating against the two flanks.

You see I had consulted a luck gypsy before settling on my plan and she saw my coming victory as the mists cleared!

The British demonstration against the French right seems to be going well as the Dragoons on foot manage to hold up the Grenadiers De France. A false hope as the French Guards move smartly through the camp to block the dithering British. The 'dice gods' showing their hand, again...

The British Grenadiers' attack goes in, though the support from the Foot Guards is sadly absent, a Blunder sending them in retreat! Those pesky 'dice gods' again...

Well, unsurprisingly that ends in the destruction of the Grenadiers. Hard after all to beat -7 in a Morale Check!

Still, von Weiß' has finally got the Hessians in position to assault en masses! If only...

It's only Turn 5 but the Allies are Broken and retire from the field. Du Merde has carried the day, though I'm sure Phil will admit that those blasted 'dice gods' did play their part...

Now, can the Comte sneak off from his wife to enjoy the 'company' waiting in his tent I wonder?

Better smarten himself up first then perhaps?

Two grand gaming sessions with two good friends. Games played in the spirit of wanting to enjoy the experience whatever the outcome, that's the true winner amongst we GHQ Irregulars. Back to Olaf's HQ over at Phil's at last next week for a WWII encounter. It's been a while, but normality is creeping back for us all I hope.