Advance Guard Action - How it played

The British team of Mr. Creanor and Savage, face Mr. E and the villainous General Du Gormand. The scenario is as outlined in my previous blog post. Unlike most Command & Colours game this scenario requires the player to deploy his troops himself, which is a skill in and of itself.

As always, click to embiggen.

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The British cavalry push forward on the right to threaten the bridge which is the French objective.

The British deploy their troops, most of the line infantry in the centre, the cavalry on the right and the elite light infantry holding the town on the left.

While the British consolidate their position, the French deploy a mix of infantry and heavy cavalry in the centre, leaving the bridge to be held by a battalion of light infantry and a squadron of dragoons.

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Mr E very kindly provided smokeables for the evening. Though somewhat stronger then what I'm used to, they were an excellent addition to the evening. You can also see the hills, which have been remodelled by well known landscape gardener Capability Savage. I think they've improved mightily.

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General Du Gourmand satisfied that the bridge and the all important cheese board have been secured moves up the Legion Irlandaise to the woods, where they were to cause no end of trouble for the British cavalry.

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The French artillery deploys in the centre, while the wily Frog masses troops on the hill overlooking the town held by the British.

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Savage in pensive mood as he eyes the French columns overlooking the objective.

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French light cavalry start to harry the British infantry in the centre, forcing them into square.

(Inniskillings by HAT, French Chasseurs by Italeri)

Whereupon they are immediately pounded by the waiting French artillery...

(Hills by Capability Savage)

The 13ieme cuirassiers charge the British guns. "I want those guns," announces General Du Gourmand.

(British infantry by HAT, Royal Artillery by Revell, French Cuirassiers by Strelets.)

Meanwhile the British cavalry have attempted to evict the Legion Irlandaise in the woods, but to know avail. The Royal Irish Dragoon Guards have taken savage casualties from their fellow countrymen in French service and eye the advancing French dragoons with anxiety.

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The British players eye a centre depleted by repeated bombardment. Their artillery has been silenced by the French cuirassiers and their right is looking increasingly shakey. The French are not unbloodied, but they definitely have the upper hand.

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The Royal Irish Dragoon Guards try to buy some time after rallying some of their lost men. The unkind would point out that they merely appear to have been manoeuvring to stay out of the way of the Legion Irlandais.

(Royal Irish Dragoon Guards by Newline)

The Legion Irlandais, bypassed by the Royal Irish Dragoon Guards, survey the devastation in front of them (French cuirassier casualty representing a fall British heavy). Definitely the men of the match.

(French Light infantry by Zvesda, Casualties by Newline)

Mr E and General Du Gourmand survey the battlefield, confident that their hammerblow on the British left will buy them victory. General Du Gourmand is even planning his next campaign in India, as you can see.

(Bridge by Italeri, Trees by Woodland Scenics, Cheese by Daisy the Cow)

The French assault laps around the town pushing one battalion of the Kings Royal Halberdiers out, but the second battalion hold on and weather the storm of bayonets.

(British light infantry and Young Guard by HAT, British officer by SHQ)

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The fighting is fierce, but on they come and on they come, in the same old style.

"Sacre bleu!" expostulates Mr E as the dice desert the French cause and he removes another unit of brave Gascons.

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Mr Creanor and Savage view their options carefully, trying to make best use of their available card. General Du Gourmand plays with his hand. Has it all gone wrong for the gallant Frenchmen?

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The casualty figures tell their own tale, as regiment after regiment is sucked into the meatgrinder around the town and eventually the French army is broken.

(Stone house by Italeri, Young Guard and French Light infantry by HAT)

The evening was a very pleasent one and I greatly enjoyed it. I was glad to get the first scenario of the campaign played so quickly, so I hope to power through the next three and polish them off fairly soon.

Good company and good gaming are two of life's great pleasures.