Raising the Siege of Groß Bikelheim

For our weekly game, in GHQ of course, Phil and I had decided on a SYW game. This it transpired was to be smaller than our usual offering as there was an unexpected outside time constraint. We still aimed for 12 Turns though, hoping the reduced  army sizes would speed play. The scenario pits a French force, inferior in infantry, cavalry and artillery attempting to raise the siege of Groß Bikelheim. The French are commanded by my old favourite persona, the Comte du Merde; the British besiegers by Lord Rawnsley. The early pictures hopefully give a sense of the table layout. If the British can breach the town's walls then they can carry off the Eye of Bikelheim, a monstrous telescope, the wonder of the Age!

A general shot of the Tabletop battlefield at the start of Turn 1. Groß Bikelheim is in the far right, the British siege lines and encampment in the near right.

The French relief force enters in Turn 1, it's commander hurrying into the besieged town to encourage it's defenders.

The Eye of Bikelheim can be seen in the town's square. It's defenders comprise a regiment of Grenadiers de France and a regiment of Grenadiers Royale. A coach stands ready to carry off the Eye at the first opportunity.

The British encampment, from where the assault will originate comprising Grenadiers supported by dismounted Dragoons.

The main British force supporting the assault phase of the siege, two brigades each of Infantry and cavalry.

Not an auspicious start for Du Merde! One regiment Shaken and Disordered by artillery fire, the two remaining advancing too enthusiastically following a Blunder!

As often happens, a run of poor to indifferent Command Rolls, for Rawnsley on this occasion, allowed du Merde to reorganise his infantry brigades and advance on the enemy.

Hesitant British cavalry have received much damage from the French guns and infantry. The Horse Grenadiers, already Shaken, break in rout and flee to the rear. Other cavalry becomes Disordered, freezing the attack on the French right. The French cavalry sits in disciplined ranks awaiting it's moment of glory!

The first two composite formations of Grenadiers have moved forward to assault the town's defenders. The second wave of Dragoons and Grenadiers await their order to move forward into the maelstrom.

Determined defense by the French has blunted all the British Brigades' advances except for the assault lead by the Grenadiers. Fire from the defending infantry and artillery now concentrates on those elements leading the assault.

French artillery and infantry fire in the centre drives back the British infantry supporting the assault. The  leading squadrons of French Dragoons and Cavalry ready themselves for the decisive charge against the hesitant British cavalry. 

The Grenadiers leading the assault are smashed by fire from the defenders and finished off by a gallant charge executed by the Hussards de Byklé.

The infantry of the French relief force drive forward as the British attack crumbles under heavy fire!

Massed, but ineffective, British cavalry can only look on in disbelief as their infantry falls back exposing them to the French artillery fire once more!

The final assault by the composite formations of Grenadiers is shattered by the defenders' fire! Shouts of "Vive Le Roi!" echo through the lines of resolute defenders!

The victorious Comte du Merde and his staff gather around the Eye of Bikelheim, having saved this wonder of modern science from the marauding, cultureless British hands!

While the poor bloody infantry who bore the brunt of the fighting must settle for a quick roast of game, probably killed by a stray shot during the heat of battle!

For those who enjoy knowing such things the buildings/walls of Groß Bikelheim are the venerable Hovels ones which I highly recommend to fellow gamers. The trees and such are by the similarly recommended The Last Valley. The figures are from my collection, almost all Foundry/Casting Room Miniatures, with a few from Front Rank in the French lines. Their should be a second follow up game later in the week, all things being equal. In the meantime, the Comte du Merde signs off for now! "Á Bientôt Mrs Amis!"