INTRODUCTION
Well here it is again! Since last year I have re-thought how to change the perspective on the battle otherwise it's the same old story every year. So this year rule additions formed the backbone of the plan and some serious figure painting.
The rules used are "In the Name of Glory" by David Marks, a set from the late 80's early 90's. Over the years there have been a few house rules 'tagged on' to meet my perception of how Napoleonic warfare was conducted.
As stated in the title, 'attacking the Squares' is the theme and although intended for Waterloo specific games they can and will be used where needed.
Reading real accounts of the battle, it seems most rules do not account for cavalry to flow around squares, regroup and rally nor to withdraw and attack again and again. Thus inspired I created a series of options to reflect these options.
Similarly the rules state that a single continuous line or column of march were the only choices for cavalry, but I added the formation of column of attack, which is two squadrons in front and two behind with a small gap between them, which looks and feels much better visually.
Additionally, I created the opportunity for artillery gunners to retreat into the squares to avoid being cut down and then re-emerge to fire again, all done through a simple morale test, ( the only thing I omitted to do was to paint appropriate figures to represent the gunners in a square -maybe next time).
I mentioned above figure painting, well starting at the beginning of May I had on the painting bench nine regiments of cavalry, three of cuirassiers, one chasseurs a cheval and one Dutch lancers of the guard, one regiment of British lifeguard and three of dragoons. Two cuirassier regimental and one Divisional command(s) and one British regimental commander. all were finished the day before the game started!
THE BATTLE
Following a preliminary bombardment by the French guard artillery at 3:30 p.m., the numerous squadrons of French cavalry formed up ready to advance on the British squares. Around 20 minutes of bombardment caused a quite a few casualties of the squares - who held fast awaiting the inevitable onslaught.
Once underway the French cavalry led by Marshall Ney were unstoppable, as they ploughed into the well formed squares.
British guards about to receive the charge.
The young Brunswick infantry on the right flank hold off the elite guard lancers.
By 3:50 p.m., the initial assault was over and the French were repelled either by flowing around the squares as did two cuirassier regiments or by a withdrawal ready to charge again by the remaining formations. As a consequence of the overlap and flow, brigade commander Maitland was over-run but escaped unharmed. But once again the squares were exposed to lethal artillery fire from the guard artillery on the opposing ridge. However, the British Divisional commander Clinton was killed by a stray artillery shot, thus the British lost a significant morale boost as he was replaced by a low level ADC.
Under this heavy artillery fire, the Brunswick infantry suffered the most casualties and hence a lowering of morale. Not surprisingly under a renewed attack by the lancers, they broke at around 4:15 p.m. and by 4:30 p.m. a second battalion of Brunswick troops broke in front of a squadron of Chasseurs a cheval. Furthermore, by 5:00 p.m., the last Brunswick square broke. Once again the 'disciplined' French cavalry withdrew to charge one more time.
Finally the Hanoverian squares moved forward slightly to fill the gaps left by the broken Brunswick troops. Now at last some positive news for the British in the form of reserves were making their way forward to reinforce the position. As were some Belgian and British cavalry on left flank.
The French also saw their reserve cavalry arrive in the form of Empress dragoons and Grenadiers of the guard, but it seems they were too little too late.
The final French charge of the day day came against the Hanoverian squares in spite of Ney trying to rally them for more. The French force was spent and retreated to holding positions along their own front line, hoping the new arrivals would finish the job - but that's another story!
Well a great result for the rules adjustments, they worked really well, only two minor tweaks needed as the game played out.
So on to the next thing I'm working on with special rules and more figures to paint - Tyrolean terror!
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