Game 106 : Quatre Bras : June 16th 1815

 This is a great battle for limited numbers of players. It is also unusual because this game will get fought over two full weekends so that we can get a "finish". Either the Allies will be able to withdraw in order, or the French will breakthrough. Whath will happen?

The above shows the Allies marching to reinforce the crossroads at the top of the picture. One thing that both sides have to do in this battle, which is not easy, is to piecemeal deploy troops without having any certainty on whether the selection is correct. This type of "fog of war" works great in smaller games.

The French attempt a "strong probe" on Quatre Bras with both flanks well protected. It was repulsed, not least because two Brit btns, the Rifles and a Highland btn were deployed in line firing volley after volley. The brunt was taken by the two lead French btns, even with skirmishers deployed as cover. The probe in strength was called off. 

The fight for Bossu wood, going strong all day. The French are attacking with  Light Inf Regt of 3 btns. The Allies are defending with the Brunswick Lt Inf Brigade, the Avant Garde btn and initially the Dutch Jaegers who have already succumbed to heavy casualties and dispersed. But the wood is still up for grabs!

The Nassauers try to relieve the pressure by attacking on the Allied left flank. Here they face Veteran French Lt Inf, who after an initial falter, drive this attack off with heavy losses.

The charge of the Brunswicker Uhlans, very nearly heroic, as they were just one pip on the dice short of breaking the infantry to their front! Time for them to try and regroup and maybe try again.

This is the last turn of the weekend gaming. The French have now committed their heavy cavalry, Dragoons and Cuirassiers, to an attack directly on Quatre Bras. As an aside, the French Lancer Brigade has moved around the left of Bossu wood and is attempting to move on the crossroads from the left flank/rear. The Brunswicker Line infantry Brigade, with two batteries in support, are facing them off.

So, the battle will continue, we have about 5 turns to play before the Allies can safely withdraw. Any result is still possible! I'll include the casualty table in the follow on account when the battle should be completed. Until then!