Conquest 2015

Last weekend was Conquest.  This year we decided to do a 28mm Napoleonic game.

Set somewhere in Spain and using the Rank and File rules.

 The battle was mainly for control of the crossroads in the centre with points for taking the two towns.

 The British and Spanish troops had entered one of the towns and the Spanish guerrillas had taken over the vineyard.

 The French entered the other town and had their guns and dragoons covering the crossroads.

 British marines open fire on the French from behind the stone wall.

 The British had control of the farm buildings near the crossroads but it wasn't long until it was under attack from the French.

 The vineyard also came under attack.

 After some heavy fighting around the village the French withdrew.

 The British sent the Highlanders forward to support the defenders of the farm.

Looks like the Spanish have moved the vines away from French hands!

 On the other flank, near the river, the British launched an attack on the French held town. Both town sectors would eventually fall into British hands but the cost of this action in lives was high. Back on the far flank, the French having given up on taking the town began shelling the town with howitzer fire. With the town on fire the British had to fall back out of the town.

The game ended with one town ablaze another in British hands and the crossroads still between both armies. Slight victory for the British.

Great day out for the boys!

Napoleonic British attack Cherbourg

A Napoleonic game using the Volley and Bayonet rules.

The Royal Navy arrived off the coast of Cherbourg and proceeded to disembark the British army. The British launched attacks at the smaller of the two forts and the town of Cherbourg as soon as they landed. French reserves were on their way to the area but their arrival time was uncertain.

 The Royal Navy sails along the coast and opens fire on the forts while also dropping off the the British army.

The larger fort under fire from the British ships.

British troops heading for the beaches.

Cherbourg is in the centre and the smaller fort is away to the left.

 The British quickly disembarked troops on the unprotected side of the smaller fort.

 More British troops were landed near Cherbourg.

 The British attack the small fort. As they heavily outnumber the French it isn't long until the British are in.

 The militia from Cherbourg tried to resist the British for as long as they could. Slightly better troops are inside the town defending the walls.

 Cavalry appeared near the larger fort were soon seen racing toward the British in the centre.

The British are almost in total control of the town of Cherbourg. Just a few more enemy units to push out.

 The French cavalry try to help out the town garrison . French reserves must arrive soon or all will be lost.

 Still more British troops are arriving from the ships.

 With not much action around the larger fort the garrison there venture out to assist in the battle for Cherbourg.

 The British, having completely over run the smaller fort, spike the guns and leave, to also attack the town.

 The Royal Navy turns the ships guns on the fort garrison and very soon the French can be seen heading back to the safety of the fort.

 With so many British troops landed the cavalry are finding it very hard going and they were also sent packing. The French reserves are on their way toward the town but it is all too late. The British have the town and are settling in. The French retreat to fight another day.

Lots of photos of Adrian's wonderful looking ships and row boats. This is their first outing but I am sure they will see plenty of action in the future.

Thanks to Adrian for providing all the troops and buildings etc, and for running the game and letting us play with his new ships.

Seven Years War Rank and File

Last weeks game was yet another Rank& File game. This time our game was set during the 7YW.

 The Prussians advanced onto the battlefield from the edge.

 The Austrians setup through the middle of the table.

Hungarians making use of the hedge row.

Light troops lurking among the trees.

 The Prussians advanced toward the waiting Austrians

 The Prussians did have a couple of large artillery pieces that were already setup within range to do the Austrians some damage. Didn't help these boys in pink though!

 More Prussians advanced to the gap between the town and the woods, but the Austrians were waiting and gave them a not- too- friendly welcome.

 On the far flank the two cavalry commands charged toward each other.

 The Prussians closed with the Austrians on the near flank but this was as far as they would get,

 as the Austrians fought back and with mounting casualties the Prussian began their retreat from the table.

 In the centre, the same was happening.

Prussian cavalry about to be destroyed by the Austrian artillery!

The victors survey the fleeing Prussians.

Another good run through of the rules.

Everything on the table is from Chris's collection.