Back to Black

Things have been a bit slow on the hobby front here in GHQ since the last entry. Seasonal stuff, compounded by a back back strain, has left little enthusiasm for painting or gaming. Finally on Monday I felt I might manage the rigours of rolling dice and moving little chaps about in GHQ and Paul obliged by turning up for a rerun of our Peninsular War battle but using Black Powder as the rules. Moreover he took all the pictures which follow. I hope you enjoy our efforts ~

British Light Dragoons from my Foundry War of 1812-15 collection and Trent Miniatures from my FRW collection.

Paul's French Brigade of Front Rank, Victrix and Perry Miniatures screened by some Trent Miniatures FRW Light Infantry.

French Hussards and Dragoons from Trent Miniatures.

British Rifles from my War of 1812-15 screen the Line Infantry advancing to meet the Frenchies!

Trent Miniatures Napoleon and ADC acting as a Brigade Command stand.

French HQ & Baggage Train, various manufacturers but mostly Perry Miniatures.

Foundry British infantry brigade lead by Highlanders from my Pendawar collection.

Paul's French Chasseurs à Cheval clash with my Front Rank King's Dragoon Guards. Plastics v metal, no surprise then at the outcome...

Massed cavalry on the flank dominated much of the battle. The British Heavy Cavalry took the brunt of the early action leaving the Lights to rampage against the French centre.

And here it is, the French centre deploying into Line to bring firepower to bear in support of the Attack Columns out of shot.

The Chasseurs reform and clash with the Scots Greys. More metal v plaaastic...

While the second regiment of Chasseurs clash with the Dragoons!

In the centre the British infantry prepare to fire on the advancing French.

Undeterred by slight losses the French charge home against the British line!

The British break and flee for the rear pdq! 

The French triumph is halted as they form square in response to the threat from the British Light Cavalry. While the artillery in support teaters on the brink of breaking!

The French drive off the British Rifles and prepare to assault the Highlanders!

Masses of British infantry are so far uncommitted to action.

"Follow Me!" The Light Brigade Commander leads his men in a daring charge between the French squares to assault the French artillery on the high ground behind their centre. (We got the firing from the squares wrong with hindsight which might have altered the outcome of the melee!) The cavalry failed to charge home as a result of fire!

On the French right massed columns advanced on the British left. Was this too late to turn the battle for the French?

Back in the centre firefights between the opposing lines sees casualties and disorder mount steadily. Who will break first we wondered?

The British centre still looks secure despite the loss of two battalions. One more reverse though and it will be Broken...

And there it goes as another battalion breaks and flees past the C-in-C!

The Light Cavalry also breaks and it's commander pays the ultimate price, struck down by a French musket ball!

With three of it's five Brigades Broken the British army yields the field to it's French opponents. 

Brief Victory earlier in the conflict with the Scots Greys seeing of the French Chasseurs!

The Light Dragoons charged the Disordered French square! Appalling dice plus the +3 for the outcome of infantry in square v cavalry sees them driven off and broke the brigade!

General De Gornalé received the news of his victory!

The French advance to claim the field! Vivé L'Empereur!

All up for General Bykleigh in Turn 6! Early successes on the right fell away as the Dice Gods deserted to the French! I am inspired by these game to consider a small Spanish force next year, once the Crimean War figures are finished of course!