Sunday, May 4, 2014

BATTLE OF HAMELBURG

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Date: May 3, 1757 (2014)
Location: Hamelburg, Westphalia
Situation: Battle of Hamelburg + Birthday Party
For Background See:
http://campaignsingermania.blogspot.com/2014/04/beginning-syw-again.html

But first let's talk about social aspects for my:
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ANNUAL BIRTHDAY GAME DAY

We've gathered annually for several years for a day of multiple games on the first Saturday of May on or after my birthday of the first of the month.

Ten of us celebrated companionably: Seated left to right are Jim H., George R., Keith L. and Randy F. Standing left to right were Michael M., yours truly Bill P., Chuck L., John B. and Curt B. John M. could not stay for the photo. Der Alte Fritz, Jim P., who designed the scenario had to regretfully cancel a few days before game day.  I sincerely appreciate all of you for celebrating with me and for all you did. Thank you very much.

Chuck (center) hosted a fun warm-up game for four of us in the Wild West using Fistful of Lead rules. Keith L. (left) and John B. (right) battled in the town with Jim H. and George R. for an hour and a half. The rest of us set up and started the SYW battle of Hamelburg.

Our pards always bring food to share. Here's Jim H. pausing from the western game for chow. Around noon my wife Dorothy set out a scrumptious sandwich tray. Jim added a delicious spinach salad with purple tomatoes and other tasty "heirloom" vegetables.

Around 3:00 p.m. my birthday cake was served. Dark chocolate cake with white butter cream icing from the unusually named by good grocery store, Piggly Wiggly. It was sooo very delicious!

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 AND NOW
THE BATTLE OF HAMELBURG
8:00 a.m.

Early in the morning of May 3, 1757, three unexpected riders galloped toward a long ridge north of the Village of Hamelburg, Westphalia. The Maréchal Prince de Soubise happened to be centered atop that same height looking northwards for signs of the Allied Army as they rode near.

Lady Diana Pettygree (center) was a familiar of the Prince, both having been present at Versailles social functions. Also known to the Prince, Lady Belle Silhouette, wearing a radiant adaptation of the Bercheney Hussars was first to speak.

Silhouette: "Monsieur l'Maréchal, we have information you may find extraordinary! I am breathless to reveal it."

Soubise: "My eyes, ears and heart are yours my dear ladies. Hamelburg is just behind me. We'll go there to talk."

Soubise: "How may I be of service?"

Silhouette: "We were in Hamburg when news arrived about your Army crossing the Rhine."

Pettygree: "Oui. When we heard you turned north with the object of entering Hanover to discomfort George II, we thought it best to ride south to escape troubles that surely would notice two courtiers quite out of place in his domain."

Soubise: "Surely he would not bother two beautiful ladies on a grand tour."

Pettygree: "We thought it best to not take chances regarding the benevolence of his ministers. "

Silhouette: "So we are here...."

Soubise: "And?"

Silhouette: "Mere hours ago, columns of force marching soldiers appeared to the east on a road converging on Hamelburg. They wore uniforms we think from Hanover, Britannia, Brunswick and others. A cavalry patrol observed us and gave chase."

Pettygree: "Our larger horses easily outdistanced them.

Silhouette: "They are coming here Monsieur l'Maréchal - to Hamelburg!"

Pettygree: "And fast. Their Advance Guard may be here before two hours."

Soubise: "You confirm what our scouts from the Legion de Fischer have told us. We will stand on this ridge. I only hope it is not too late. Now ladies continue south for greater safety. This is not a place where you should remain."

THE BATTLE OF HAMELBURG
11:00 a.m.


Legion de Fischer infantry await the arrival of the Allied Army atop Hamelburg Ridge. The distinctive drum beat of the opposing army was heard a half hour ago and....

Now Allied horsemen debouch on the Allied Left Flank. Advance Guard infantry in the distance prepare to advance on Hamelburg Ridge to the left.

A Converged Grenadier Battalion supported on their right by the 42nd Highlanders ascend Hamelburg Ridge. Every soldier in the ranks is quiet, thinking about next moments. Officers and sergeants of both forces are heard above the drums ordering men to be steady.

Within French ranks the men respond to "an jeu" (aim) preparatory to the order to "feu" (fire).

The red coats advance steadily as their distant artillery prolongs forward to give fire in support.

The French close up their line and add units hidden from behind the reverse slope of the ridge. Red coat gains are occurring in the distance as....

On the Allied Left Flank, Allied horsemen canter forward pushing away French light cavalry. The Allied left is secure and swings toward Hamelburg off image at the top of this photo.

French Gardes Suisse and Grenadiers de France arrive to reinforce their friends in Hamelburg. Infantry of the Legion de Fischer are seen in the upper left of this image trading volleys with the red coats.

Other French reinforcements arrive but they are too late to hold the ridge. Legion de Fischer infantry has been broken is no more.


The French line has been bent around Hamelburg.The Gardes Suisse are in the distance at the edge of the village with Grenadiers de France facing red coats atop Hamelburg Ridge.


The 27th Foot advance on the Grenadiers de France.

As the Gardes Suisse defend their flank.

Unseen by the Prince de Soubise, von Spörcken's Musketeers arrive. They are part of another Allied Brigade arriving to fight at distant Hamelburg. The Prince we may imagine looked over his shoulder hoping for more assistance but it was not forthcoming. He ordered a withdrawal to the south leaving Hamelburg to the Allies.

  THE BATTLE OF HAMELBURG
3:00 p.m.

Martha: "My ladies, is this the way? Oh my hat! We've left the road. I don't...."

Lady Diana Pettygree: "No I guess not Martha. We'll turn about...."

Lady Belle Silhouette: "And ride for the Roadhouse Inn on Hamelburg Road. I see it now."

 Diana: "Mein Herr. Are there French soldiers near - anywhere?"

Herr Gottlieb: "Ja. Keep going south. French to be sure."

Lieutenant Général l'Duc de FitzJames: "My ladies! What are you about?"

Lady Diana Pettygree: "Monsieur l'Général! The battle is lost. We seek safety with you, if you please."

Fitzjames: "A dispatch just arrived to that effect. My Brigade of Cavalry as well as the infantry marching with us was too late to intervene. We will need to cover the retreat of l'Prince de Soubise. Still --- this is good ground and we could form a new battle line to fight again tomorrow. --- Excuse me ladies. I have work to do. ORDERLY!"

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CLOSING REMARKS
1) Many thanks to Der Alte Fritz, Jim P., for this entertaining and different scenario. Can you guess what historical battle Hamelburg resembles?

2) Extra thanks to Randy and Keith for bringing extra units when Jim's had to stay home with him.

3) Other Allied Brigades were arriving elsewhere on the battlefield from different directions. Hamelburg is a hub.

4) Michael M. has a lot more photos here. Thank you Michael. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63966096%40N03/sets/72157644098801748/

5) Your remarks are welcome at Comments below. I beg your forbearance advising there will be a pause before these appear due to a spammer.
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Sunday, April 27, 2014

BEGINNING THE SYW AGAIN


PREFACE

Some idealists thought war would not soon return to Europe after the turbulent 1740s. Newly forged alliances were reasoned to be singular deterrents. Realists thinking differently were unfortunately proved correct. Between 1755 and 1757, the inevitable destruction of peace continued to be confirmed because....

In mid-April 1757 a French Advance Guard entered northwest Germania. It's mission was to capture Hanover offsetting the probable loss of Canada where Britannia's King was bent on the capture of that French Colony. Tucked in northwest Germania, Hanover was a vital interest for George II. As Elector, the Britannian Monarch would not abandon his property.

Secondarily, in late 1756, the Marquis of Brandenburg had violated Saxony. This brought Austria to the aid of the Saxons and with that also Louis XV. A new war had therefore begun.

Let us turn back the clock to learn what happened.  


MORNING - MARCH 21, 1757 - VERSAILLES

Prince de Charade (left): "We are in the morning of a fiery world war my dear Broglie. What it will ultimately consume is any one's guess."

Lieutenant General Broglie: "Oui. The spark which flared in Canada that strangely spread to Saxony will next inflame northwest Germania. I could not have predicted it. Was there little evidence of the coming conflagration at the Foreign Ministry?"

Charade: "Nothing unusual though I suppose Britannia sending regulars to the American Colonies two years ago with our similar countermeasure may someday be viewed as the ignition point."

Broglie: "Flint and gunpowder too close together. Well. --- Here arrives Lt. Colonel Audace just returned from Canada  to offer revelations about our Britannian adversaries. We'll need his knowledge when we encounter them next - this time east of the Rhine."

Broglie: "Welcome Colonel."

Audace: "Merci."

Broglie: "Tell us your news Colonel, if you please."

Charade: "We are in earnest to learn from your experience in North America Colonel."

Audace: "Avec plaisir. (With pleasure) Two years ago...."


AUGUST 28, 1755 
LAC SAINTE SACRAMENT {LAKE GEORGE}

Audace: "After a dispatch arrived at Montreal saying Britannian forces had arrived on the south shore of Lac Ste. Sacrament, available forces assembled at Fort Saint Frédéric under my command. We canoed south on Lac Champlain, portaged to Lac Ste. Sacrament and debarked on its mid-west shore. A march of only a day brought us to the rear of the Britannian camp where our allies began our attack."

Audace: "I was astonished at the zeal of our allies and milice (militia) as their numbers swelled."

Audace: "Our left flank engaged the rangers of Major Rogers backed by two companies of grenadiers."

Audace: "The Britannians stood their ground amazingly. After a time the 44th Foot with the 60th to their right fell back to consolidate their line. By this time their light forces and ours were mostly spent. Fortunately...."

Audace: "My own Régiment de la Reine then arrived."


Audace: "La Reine advanced as the Britannians retired a bit more. Some of our milice rallied behind me."

Audace: "The foe fought well but fate frustrated them cruelly."

Audace: "The 44th withered under the constant fire of our milice and finally La Reine. More than 75% were casualties when the remnant broke for their whaleboats."


Audace: "Rogers filled the void."


Audace: "While the Britannian Grenadiers marched to assist them."

Audace: "They fell back a little more. We followed for the final moment. Our losses and theirs were frankly very high. Another course of action seemed best to prevent the further effusion of blood." 

Audace: "Certainly with losses, their mission was foiled. Had I pressed forward, we would have mutually destroyed each other and to what point? I thought the time right for...."


Audace: "A parlay. I refused my opponent's sword. His men had fought well."

Audace: "I agreed to grant the honours of war if they boarded their whaleboats to return from whence they had come - back to the north shore of Lac Ste. Sacrament and march south overland to their nearest fort. Thus, the Battle of Lac Ste. Sacrament ended with no one gaining ground for the rest of 1755." 


Audace: "They were solid adversaries Minister and General."

Broglie: "I expected as much."

Charade: "Thank you Colonel. We appreciate your analysis, Now, if you please, will you join us for refreshment? André here has set a superb table."


LATER - MARCH 21, 1757 - VERSAILLES


Broglie: "Madame and l'Comte de Courage have requested a moment to make an inquiry."

Charade: "Certainement."

Madame Courage: "Monsieurs. Merci for this courtesy. My husband and I have come to inquire about our missing daughter Silhouette. She was in Dresden last October with her particular friend Lady Diana Pettygree when the Marquis of Brandenburg invaded Saxony."

Comte de Courage: "There has been no word from either of them in the past five months. We thought --- hoped --- prayed --- you might know something from the Saxons who managed to escape
into Austria; from their Foreign Ministry perhaps?"

Charade: "I beg your patience Madame et Monsieur. We know this."

Charade: "Your daughter (pink) and friend were part of the exodus out of Dresden when the Brandenburgers crossed the frontier."

Charade: "Spotting the Rutowski Chevaulegers en-route to the Saxon entrenched camp at Pirna...."

Broglie: "Your young women boldly stopped the march inquiring of the surprised Colonel if they might accompany the regiment. Naturally he agreed. All arrived safely in the camp. Beyond this there is nothing we can tell you."

Charade: "We beg your forbearance. As soon we can tell you anything, we will contact you."

Comte de Courage: "We are desperate Monsieurs to learn the fate of our Silhouette.

Mademe Courage: "We will take our leave now. Merci."

Charade: "Do you believe our obfuscation worked my dear Broglie?"

Broglie: "I hope so --- for the sake of the young ladies and...."

Charade: "Say no more."


MAY 2, 1757 - HAMELBURG, WESTPHALIA
Meanwhile the French Advanced Guard crossed the Rhine and headed for Hanover.

Cavalry of the Legion de Fischer discovered the foe approaching the village of Hamelburg yesterday. Brigadier Fischer therefore ordered his force forward to position themselves atop a long ridge near the hamlet to observe and if necessary slow the enemy until the Main Body of the French Army arrived.

One of the two Legion battalions pauses on the road before the march to the ridge.

Light cavalry, anxious as you may imagine, wheels left by squadrons in preparation to ride toward the ridge and beyond.

All march forward. Hamelburg is off image to the right. The road shown leads there. Hamelburg is a vital road junction.

Brigadier Fischer near a light 4 pounder closely observes his horsemen move farther forward.

It is a formidable force. All told there are two squadrons of Chasseurs a Cheval, two of Dragoons and two hussar squadrons led by Colonel Bercheney. Even more are coming - expected to arrive on 3 May 1757. Will they be in time to stop the enemy?

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CLOSING REMARKS
1)  Our regional gaming group finished gaming the SYW in 2013. It took us seven years real time. During final games we decided to restart it again calling it Cycle II.

2) In mid-February 2014, Frederick II invaded Saxony. We played a 1:20 game which many of you saw on the blog of Der Alte Fritz and also on Campaigns In Miniature. This time some Saxons were able to escape the entrenched Camp of Pirna. Historically they did not.

3) During April 2014 our local group of weeknight gamers played a three session French and Indian Wargame depicted in the above story. We used Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763 at 1:10; probably 100 miniatures per side. BAR is not just about BIG battalions or BIG games.

4) May 3, 2014 is my Annual Birthday Game Day featuring the Battle of Hamelburg designed by Der Alte Fritz, Jim P. of Fife and Drum + Minden Miniatures. You have joined us early as part of Fischer's Advance Guard debouching onto the field left of Hamelburg. I wish you could be present for lunch and the scrumptious birthday cake.

5) Thank you for looking in. Your remarks are welcome at "Comments" below. I beg your forbearance advising there will be a short delay before your remarks will appear because of an indefatigable spammer. Nothing that individual writes will ever get through. Confusion to that foe!

--------------------FINIS--------------------

Thursday, April 3, 2014

SYW Colonial Game in The Indian Sub-Continent


Date: March 28 175?/2014

Location: Bungdras, India (SYW Assn. Weekend, South Bend, Indiana USA


Situation: Battle of Bungdras - 4 to 8 players - The East India Company seeks revenge for last year’s ignominious defeat at the hands of those colorful Indian troops. The locals are just as determined as ever to drive the Infidels from their lands. Jüergen Olk hosts using “Currycorne” rules, the India variant of Ken B's. “Tricorne” and 25mm figures. Jüergen urged players to bring their own Indian troops.


Shabash!: The game won BEST OF THE SHOW. Congratulations Jüergen!
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Glossary Gathered From A Flashman Book I Once Read
Bahai: Brother
Barra Sahib: Great lord or important man
Binky-nabob: Artillery commander
Charpai: Cot
Cunchunee: Dancing girl
Jawan: Soldier
Khitmagar: Bearer or waiter
Malik: Headman
Pard: Friend
Rissaldar: Native officer commanding a cavalry troop or more perhaps?
Shabash: Hurrah, bravo
Sherab: Strong drink
Vakeel: Legal representative

A week or so before our gathering, Ken B. telephoned saying the Barra Sahib Jüergen suffered an injury to one of his legs making it impossible for him to attend. Scuppered he was. An elephant stepped on his leg d'ye see. However, in the spirit of the Hollywood expression, "The Show Must Go On", Ken would bring Jüergen's lovely Jawan collection and terrain. The other expression hoping a performer will do well by "breaking a leg" did not apply so much! Ken wondered if I would be agreeable to help out. Yes - naturally for a pard!

Ken set up the terrain, sorted the Jawans and as vakeel answered rules questions whilst I acted as malik setting up a scenario, players per side, dividing units, calling the turns and issuing an enjoyable array of chance cards cleverly and amusingly designed by Jüergen.

So as Jüergen lay upon his charpai with a khitmagar pouring sherab and a striking cunchunee danced about, we played the Battle of Bungdras. 


Jawans allied with the French on Turn 1. Each side was allowed to deploy one foot onto the table. The entire French force is seen from one end of the table to the other. The French attacked. En avant!


A close-up of the previous image showing just some of the colorful soldiers. Do you see white rocks someplace? Look hard bhais. 


Here is the stunning force fielded for His Britannic Majesty King George II. The plan was to advance onto a line of low hills, defend them and win the day. 


A close-up of the previous image. I regret to say these were my only photos. If someone else has some, send them to me and I'll add them to this AAR. Meanwhile....

Did you find the white rocks somewhat hidden by shrubbery beneath a palm tree? No? Okay go back and look again. We'll wait!

One of Jürgen's chance cards said, a stray bullet has hit a hive of killer bees near white rocks. All units within 8" immediately withdraw away from it for a turn - as best as I remember the words. It affected 2-3 French native units. Before the beginning of the game I mentioned chance cards would be amusing, very different, fun and that we should accept results cheerfully. Our players did exactly that. Shabash you guys!

Who won?
Well the British did a marvelous job holding the line until the last turn when dear ol' Rissaldar George R. cracked their center with a massive cavalry charge. The French won!
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This Indus Miniatures cannon and crew from my collection were not in the game. I placed this image here because I was inspired to buy this product, paint it colorfully as Jüergen painted his and so you can think about having your very own Lion Cannon! You too could then be a binky-nabob.

Jüergen, would you please explain how you made your palm trees and shrubbery, etc?
Jüergen said
"The Palm trees I make out of dried Flower Stems ,you can make them any length,and replace the tops w/plastic Palms from Birthday cake decoration supply stores. glue on the tops paint the bases and flock,also spray the palms to dull them.Its cheap easy and looks good.I also want to thank Ken Bunger for all his efforts and rules,India Syw is a riot,looks like Disney went to war. The dried flower is called "Golden Yarrow",if you leave the tops on spray them green and use as high canopy trees,and if they break off after 12yrs or so ,replace w/ palm tops.For elephant grass I use plastic aquarium plants paint and base. The bottle palms I procured on E-bay thru some Hong Kong company cheap and quick delivery. Again thanx to all who played and Ken and Bill for putting it on, and thanx Bill for the delightful narrative…..you should of been in pictures."

And he added about the BIG cannons:
"They are lousy gunners, they shoot every other turn.They would mix the powder charges per shot.The rulers loved big guns though.The camp followers all had to carry powder or shot w/ them.The guns were all show no go, but they are cool looking."

Finis
Nahin, sahib Jürgen, khabadar. Take care Jüergen.
Reader remarks are sought and are very welcome. 
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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

31st Seven Years' War Assn. Weekend Game List

Situation: 31st Annual SYW Assn. Game Weekend
Date: March 28-29, 2014 (Friday-Saturday)
Location: South Bend Indiana
Venue: Magnusen Hotel Tel: (574) 232-3941


LIST OF GAMES FOR SYWA CONVENTION 2013

Friday Morning/Early Afternoon (11 am to 4-5 pm)

·                   Battle of Prestonpans - 4 to 6 players - 21 September 1745 - General John Cope is determined to crush the Jacobite rebellion before it grows powerful. Bonnie Prince Charlie marches boldly to meet the enemy at Prestonpans. A quick and dirty fight ensues. Dale Wood hosts, using his “Age of Reason” rules and 15 mm figures (or maybe 25s).

·                   Action at Altenbrunsler -  2 to 4 players - In an attempt to gobble-up an isolated Hessian garrison at Altenbruner, Baron von Clozen has crossed the Eder River at Ellenburg with 6,000 men. The Hessian general Graf von Kanitz and his 1,500 men must either defend the town or attempt an escape – Alex Burn hosts, using Final Argument of Kings rules and 15mm figures.

·                   Squadron Action on the High Seas (SYW) – 2 to 6 players – Squadrons clash in this age of sail game on the high seas. Lynn Langer hosts, using Home Rules and 1/1200 ships.

·                  Battle of Leeper’s Farm AWI) - 4 to 6 players -  Advance elements of Hessian regulars and American Continentals and Militia collide in this skirmish game. Herb Gundt and Thom Osborn host, using Muskets & Tomahawk rules and 28mm figures.

·                  Battle Near Torgau (SYW)  - 4 to 8 players - Prussian and Austrians vie for control of the Elbe near the city Torgau. Ken Bunger hosts, using Tricorne rules and 25MM figures.

 

Friday Afternoon/Evening (3 to 5 pm until midnight)

·                   Battle of Chester’s Courthouse (AWI) - 6 players - The Continentals and British Regulars clash in a meeting engagement during the Philadelphia Campaign that escalates into a larger battle. Jim Purky hosts, using Fife & Drum Rules and 30mm figures.

·                   Battle of Prestonpans - 4 to 6 players - 21 September 1745 - General John Cope is determined to crush the Jacobite rebellion before it grows powerful. Bonnie Prince Charlie marches boldly to meet the enemy at Prestonpans. A quick and dirty fight ensues. Dale Wood hosts, using his “Age of Reason” rules and 15 mm figures (or maybe 25s).

·                   Battle of Strehla (SYW) – 6 to 8 players – The Prussian general Hulsen has established himself in an entrenched camp near the Elbe city of Strehla. To drive him out, the Austrians storm his positions on the Durrenburg. This game is based on an historical incident. Patrick Lebeau and Dean West host, using the 28mm version of The Final Argument of Kings and 28mm figures.  

·                   Jacobite Rebellion Battle – Hosted by Bart Redmond

·                   SYW Battle: Austrians v. Prussians – 6 to 8 players – A hypothetical SYW scenario. Tod Kershner hosts, using Age of Reason Rules and 25mm figures.

·                   Battle of Bungdras - 4 to 8 player - The East India Company seeks revenge for last year’s ignominious defeat at the hands of those colorful Indian troops. The locals are just as determined as ever to drive the Infidels from their lands. Jurgen Olk hosts using “Currycorne” rules, the India variant of “Tricorne” and 25mm figures. Jurgen urges players to bring their own Indian troops.

                                  

Saturday Morning (9-10 am to 2 pm)

·                   Battle of Lobositz: 1756 - 6 to 8 players - Frederick discovers that these are not the same Austrians he dominated during the 1740s. Jim Purky hosts, using either “Battailles de l’Ancien Regime” or “Alte Fritz rules and 30mm Minden miniatures and featuring 1:20 figure and ground scale. Late morning start & into afternoon.

·                   Battle of Hastenbeck: 1757 - 6 to 8+ players - Refight of the first large battle fought in the western theater during the SYW, Hanoverians v. French. John Read and Todd Fisher host, using Revolution and Empire rules, and 15mm figures. Late moring start time, continues into afternoon.  

·                   Battle of Strehla (SYW) - 6 to 8 players - The Prussian general Hulsen has established himself in an entrenched camp near the Elbe city of Strehla. To drive him out, the Austrians storm his positions on the Durrenburg. This game is based on an historical incident. Patrick Lebeau and Dean West host, using the 28mm version of The Final Argument of Kings and 28mm figures.  

·                   Battle of Leeper’s Farm AWI) - 4 to 6 players - Advance Guard elements of Hessian regulars and American Continentals/Militia collide in this skirmish game. Herb Gundt and Thom Osborn host, using Muskets & Tomahawk rules and 28mm figures.

·                   King George & Broadswords: Moore’s Creek Bridge (AWI) - Up to 8 players Highlander veteran of Culloden take on American militia. The terrain will be modified to give the loyalist a chance for victory. Hosted by Tod Kershner using Iroquois Terror rules and 22mm figures.

·                   Battle of Bungdras—4 to 8 players—Refight of Juergen’s “Currycorne” India game (See Friday Afternoon schedule for details)

Saturday Afternoon/ Evening (3 pm to midnight): break at 6:00 pm for Professor Duffy’s lecture. \

On Saturday at 6 pm Professor Duffy will speak in the registration area. After questions, gaming will resume in the main hall.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Orientation for 2/15/14 SYW Game

Purpose: Pre-Game Terrain Photos For Participant Orientation
Location: Saxony east of the entrenched camp at Pirna.
Date: October 15, 1756 (February 15, 2014)

Rules: Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763 {BAR}
Available at: http://oldregimerules.com/
Ratio: 1:20 (One miniature equals 20 real men - Usually we do 1:10)

Arrival: 9:30 am but players bringing units should arrive earlier  (9ish) to unload
Turn 1: 10:00 am
Lunch: Noonish
Finish: Turn In Progress at 4:00 pm

Situation: Austrian Relief Column attempts to assist the Saxons breakout of the Prussian encirclement. Historically the Saxons failed to bridge and cross the Elbe River to join the Austrians. This time some succeeded.

Note: Areas designated below as "Extreme Flank Zones" will have few, if any, miniatures on Turn 1. This will allow officers a lot more room to maneuver and might entice light troop operation on "Extreme Flanks" where they most often belong in the SYW.

Click on photos to enlarge them

Austrian Extreme Right Flank ----------Prussian Extreme Left Flank
Elbe River may be seen on the Back Table upper right corner of image

6' Wide Austrian Extreme Right Flank (Foreground)
Prussians will be opposite them
Ignore blue building, harbor, etc. on the Back Table. 

Austrian Right Flank (Foreground)
Prussians will be opposite them.
Note location of ruins.

Center of Battlefield. 
Note ruins are shifted right.
Austrians have the foreground. 
Prussians will be opposite them. 

 Austrian Extreme Left Flank ----------------- Austrian Left Flank
Prussians will be opposite them

4' Wide Austrian Extreme Left Flank................................
Prussians will be opposite them
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----- Das Ende -----

Thursday, January 2, 2014

31st Annual SYW Weekend 2014. Be There!

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION to attend the 31st Annual Convention of the SYW Association.  Professor Christopher Duffy returns along with several dealers, flea market and lots of games.  We will be back to our usual digs on March 28-29, 2014 in the Magnuson Hotel, 213 W. Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 232-3941.  We encourage all to attend.  New game masters and dealers are always welcome.