Friday, June 25, 2010

Chapter 3 of 3: Schlacht Bei Tannesberg Ended

Date: 22 June 1760/2010
Location: A Tannes Mountain Pass/Defile
Where Exactly? North Of Frankfurt Am Main
Situation: Rebel Force Found And Engaged
Also See: June 9 and 23 entries for prior history
Sirs, if you please, click on photos 1-2 times to enlarge them
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Our last entry left us hanging with a just commenced cavalry versus infantry mélée.

Rebel foot give fire thinning Gallian Régiment Royale. They are part of a Gallian contingent assisting Der Hurtshog Artur von Frankzonia quell a seditious assault on his prerogative.

And now we see the result of swordplay. The rebels pay for their sedition, lose heavily, check morale.....


and hold! The horsemen elect to rally back (off screen right). They could have remained to mélée again next turn but Lt. Colonel  l'Comte de Lichey pulled back - perhaps because a rebel regiment of heavy horse began to appear not far away (off screen left).

Indeed, that regiment of horse did come forward and then withdrew to cover the withdrawal of the rebel force. See them in the upper middle in white coats. Der Hurtshog Artur is seen riding bravely forward in front of 1/Grenadiers de France. His Brigade de Guerre moves forward consolidating.

Artur may be seen on the left. His Garde Grenadier are on the right moving through light woods. To their left is 2/Grenadiers de France. In the foreground are l'Comte de Lichey and, -- I can't say.

Artur moves forward joining the commander of 1/Grenadiers de France to watch enemy horsemen ride away seemingly on a collision course with the blue coats atop the rise.

The enemy cavalry commander salutes his opponents with his tricornered hat.

Meanwhile the blue coat battalion opened an interval to allow the horsemen to pass through them. Two of the battalions central divisions previously about faced, marched to the rear, faced and marched outwards  halting behind battalion flank divisions. All proper drill per the era. Well-done!

It's time to close the interval. The previously withdrawn divisions retrace their steps and....

Reform an ordered three rank line ready to meet Artur's advance. However....

Der Hurtshog has other ideas!

Artur: "Advance the guns!" They will deploy in the space just ahead while....

On the right the battalion gun assigned to the Garde Grenadiers also moves forward.

On the far left flank, 1/Grenadiers de France await orders from Artur. A moment later....

Artur sagt,: "FEUER!

Rebel jagers appear unconcerned. Nearby.... 

Two red coated senior officers look on. Are they Britannian advisers, paymasters, commanders or?

They are difficult to see. It matters little for the Aide de Camp clearly heard Artur say, "They did not pass!"
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Closing Remarks
1. This was a fun game. Hopefully it worked into Arthur's campaign. Certainly l'Comte de Bastille, the Gallian Intendant back in Frankfurt Am Main will be delighted. Super delighted if it were possible.
2. It also is the smallest BAR game, we've played, roughly 200 miniatures per side. No problem.
3. Losses were 2:1 in favor of Artur; roughly 92 for the rebels and about half that for Artur.
4. The game ended shortly after the infantry versus cavalry mélée. Photos after this were staged by yours truly to end the story and to show how it was possible to withdraw cavalry through an infantry line.
5. Thank you Arthur. Get well soon!
6. Thank you Chuck and John - the Tuesday night game crew. Well done!
7. Comments welcome next as usual -- below.
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Chapter 2 of 3: Der Hurtshog En Bataille

Date: 22 June 1760/2010
Location: A Tannes Mountain Pass/Defile
Where Exactly?  North Of Frankfurt Am Main
Situation: Rebel Force Found And Engaged
Also See: June 9 entry for prior history leading to this action
Sirs, if you please, click on photos 1-2 times to enlarge them
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Courier: "I beg to report Your Excellency, the Rebel Force is observed and upon its march not one hour behind me. Descending the pass Sire."
Der Hurtshog Artur von Frankzonia: "Good. Goooood. My compliments to you Lt. Gen. Armentieres and if you please, clear for action!"
Armentieres doffing his tricornerd hat: "We shall make it so, Your Highness."

The Rebel Commander, John, descends the pass entering a narrowing of the defile.

Artur: Well, that's what I used to say when serving with the Rhine River Flotilla years ago. Old habits.
Armentieres: Oui. Your brigade is deploying  now.

Chuck as Armentieres moves forward toward the rebels. The Gallian Régiment Royale leads the way and...

appear to desire to charge as the first motion. Good? Perhaps. Exciting? YES! The near rebel battalion is disordered by terrain. It's the right moment....

But no! A clever ruse de l'guerre to stall the rebel march. Moments before a left about by fives was ordered and the regiment retired.

First shots from 2/Grenadiers de France assisting Artur's battle-group. The opponents are rebel jagers. In the distance the Hurtshog's Garde Grenadier advance and will soon engage more jagers.

While more rebel forces march toward the sound of battle. The defile troubles their order.

As the firefight becomes general near to far, the Royals return to charge at the gallop and....
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Closing Remarks
1. A small fast game.
2. Three battalions and a regiment of breastplated horse per side.
3. Game Start: 7:25pm.
4. Game Conclusion: 8:45pm. The last photo is about 40 minutes into the game.
5. Rules: Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763 known as BAR.
6. Return soon for the conclusion.
7. Comments welcome below. Let's talk.
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Chapter 1 of 3: Gallia Assists Frankzonia

Date: 09 June 1760 (2010)
Location: Outskirts Of Frankfurt Am Main
Situation: Hurtshog Of Frankzonia Takes Command In The Field
Mission: Stop An Emboldened  Seditious Frankzonian  Rebel Force
Images Expand Amazingly When Clicked 1-2 Times
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Der Hurtshog Artur von Frankzonia ist zu pferde. He precedes his guard battalion outside Frankfurt Am Main. Other units follow.

 Artur, centered, is handsomely attired in a Marshall's uniform; a gift from Gallian l'Comte de Bastille l'Intendant de Frankfurt Am Main.

The Guard climbs the hill.

Two more battalions and two squadrons come into view. These are Gallian allies: Grenadiers de France and the Royal Cavalry Regiment. There appear to be three small cannon as well.

The Royal's second squadron on the left.

The Royal's first squadron observed by the regimental commander, l'Comte André Lichey on the far right. More clearly seen now are two battalions of Grenadiers de France and the Hurtshog's Guard.

Behind the scenes a Gallian officer watches the departure of the brigade. Who is he?

l'Comte de Bastille

A few hours later the Brigade marches within a forest south of Frankfurt Am Main.

The drapeau of 2/Grenadiers de France of Gallia.

Der Hurtshog Artur von Frankzonia on the white horse confers with a Gallian Lt. General.

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Closing Remarks
1. Arthur asked for volunteers to do three "proxy" battles for him.
2. The force you've seen is upon its march for one of these to put down Frankzonian seditious elements believed to be en-route through passes and defiles to the south.
3. Return for more as time goes by for this brigade action.
4. Manufacturers: Stadden Prussian Guard, Foundry French Hurtshog and Officer on horse near him, Garrison Grenadiers de France On Guard, Front Rank Grenadiers de France marching and David Wilson's "Willie" French Horse. The Inn is from Miniature Building Authority. (Out of production)
5. BAR rules will be used; Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763.   See: oldregimerules.com
6. The game will be undertaken in a couple of short sessions on weeknights after work.
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