An Iberian Excursion!

 Phil has been steadfastly taking up station on his side of the table here in GHQ for several weeks now while my foot healed so for the final game in his nomadic gaming life we chose a First Carlist War game with his outstanding collection being given the larger opportunity of the table here in GHQ to show it's prowess. As an added twist Don Bicclione would command the Carlists forces for the first time and William would command the Isabellino's British Legion. Please remember that all the figures are from Phil's collection while only the terrain is from mine. On now to the usual annotated photomontage, hopefully conveying a feeling for the unfolding action ~

Carlists hurry to deploy from the town to meet the oncoming threat of Don Philippe's Isabellinos. Fortunately the advancing enemy are making slow progress.

On the Carlist's right flank skirmishers take post around the walled farm supported by their sole artillery piece. The cavalry arm are held in reserve to counter any threat from the British Legion of General Watkiss.

The first Carlists are shaking out into line beyond the town's perimeter ready to repel the slowly building Isabellino attack.

With artillery on its right flank and skirmishers thrown out to its front the Isabellino force takes shape for the attack before the Carlists are fully deployed. 

The British Legion of General Watkiss on the left of the Isabellino line is hesitant to advance in the opening stage of the action, though it's Royal Marine rocket troop are quickly into action.

Watkiss advances his Lancers on the left to deter the Carlist cavalry from any ideas of getting around his line.

While his advanced force holds up the probing Isabellino attack Don Bicclione urges the remainder of his infantry in the centre to hurry to their front.

The Carlist artillery advances and deploys in support of the skirmishers while the cavalry take post to their rear in support.

Skirmishers from the Isabellino forces harass the deploying Carlist advance guard while the rocket's fire Disorders the column in its attempt to form line in support of it's compatriots.

On the Carlist left the second smaller infantry brigade crosses the stream despite harassing fire from the rocket. Regular infantry and skirmish elements are supported by a Volunteer battalion.

The Royal Marine rocket troop maintain their fire in support of the attack, causing some casualties and disruption amongst the Carlists.

In return artillery and skirmish fire Disorders Watkiss's British Lancers.

Now though Watkiss gets his attack underway in support of the Isabellino right who are encountering growing Carlist resistance in the centre particularly.

A determined attack is developing against the Carlist's weaker left, though the cavalry which might cause some danger is holding itself far in the rear.

Musket fire rakes the forward Carlist infantry shaking the morale of one regiment still finding it's feet and failing to deploy into line. 

While the advanced units in the centre are holding on in the face of superior numbers the left is looking more secure for the Carlists as infantry fire drives back the threatening Isabellino infantry.

As the remaining Carlists struggle across the bridge a hit from the rocket troop strikes home! 

With the Carlist left and right holding firm Don Bicclione is at last relieved to see his centre finally strengthening with the late arrival of further infantry regiments in support of his threatened centre.

Columns of Carlist infantry surge forward into position just in time to steady their fellows who have been under growing pressure.

Carlist Lancers having disposed of their British opponents charge home against the rocket troop! The Rocket troopers defend themselves resolutely but are soon overwhelmed.

In the Carlist centre and left the infantry have first blunted the Isabellino's attack and then gone over to a steady advance hoping to drive home their local successes.

Looking increasingly secure the Carlist centre senses it is gaining the upper hand. It seems it's Isabellino opposite numbers forced into square by the threat posed by the unopposed cavalry behind its left flank.

Paralysed by the cavalry threat and with morale faltering amongst it's forward battalions the Isabellino position is wavering.

It's left though is having a resurgence, seeing the Carlist Volunteer battalion broken and casualties mounting for its Regulars. 

Increasing pressure and mounting losses sees the Carlist left crumble as morale collapsed. The Isabellino cause has received an unexpected boost with this success.

Despite heroic efforts by the remaining cavalry they cannot turn the tide against the increasingly confident Carlist right and centre. Losses are mounting for the Isabellinos, including the death of General Watkiss bravely leading a last forlorn cavalry charge 

It is all up for the Isabellino cause when Don Philippe realises his cavalry are gone and his right hand Brigade is Broken! The army's will to continue the fight has just evaluated like morning mist and a general retreat is ordered. Don Bicclione has prevailed in the face of impending defeat and secured a victory for the Carlist cause.

A splendid game with Black Powder providing the expected swings in fortunes for both sides! It was looking like an Isabellino victory in Turn 5, but Turn 6 saw that reversed decisively and in Turn 7 it was all up for the Isabellinos with half their army gone and General Watkiss slain on the field of battle!