Battles from the archives

Here are a smattering of photos from 3 games from several years ago. All were taken for my own gratification with no blog in mind at the time so limited commentary I'm afraid.

The first engagement is between a combined allied force and the French. The objectives as I recall for each side were to secure two bridges and maintain presence on the opposite bank. Deployment was decided by throw of a dice.  I have absolutely no memory of the outcome of the game! 

Plenty of Hintons on display, allied forces to the left

A wider shot of the same point in the game. British 7th Hussars galloping over farther bridge while resistance is low.

It looks like the French cavalry are wisely leaving the infantry to do the job on this bridge and turn their attention to the incursion upstream. 

I don't think the French assault stood much chance of succeeding with this lot facing them. Artillery by Qualiticast.

Those are Kennington Spanish Hussars ready to pounce

Hinton Hunt 4th Hussars bought from Clayton in 1995. 

Kennington 2nd Nassau fighting against the French this time. (They were my last unit painted with enamels).

Next up is a staging of the action at Hougoumont. The model and grounds took up a good deal of my table. I stuck as far as possible to the historical script for this one and it played out pretty much according to the real battle. 

The card model was originally a 15mm scale self assembly by Pireme. I had the components scanned and blown up to 20mm to match the scale of the Airfix La Haye Sainte. 

You get a better idea of the scale here

No scratch built terrain required for this refight apart from the garden walls.

A Hinton Hunt voltiguer regiment in the forefront of the French attack. This is another action due a restaging. 

I used my sole battalion of British Guards to represent the light companies of the 1st and 2nd Guards.

Ramsey's RHA battery on the heights overlooking the chateau

Vintage Hinton Hunt 1st Guards defending the exterior of the West wall

2nd Nassau defending the garden wall

Brunswickers in front of the garden wall representing Hanoverians. 

The defenders look somewhat sparse against the oncoming hoards

The French view of proceedings

52nd Line taking the role of Guard reinforcements move into the orchard

There was space on the table to introduce some cavalry action on the French left wing (Kennington figures)

I should be able to field a better representation of Pire's 2nd Cavalry Division next time out. These Kennington carabiniers should be Chasseurs a Cheval.

The third game was another imaginary scenario with random deployments again. Both sides occupied high ground with a road running through a valley and a strategic farmhouse to occupy/capture. Once again I have no recollection of who won.  

The allied lines. The 95th move forward supported by the 92nd. Brunswick and Nassau troops in square with 1st Guards to their rear

The farmhouse in French hands

French cavalry move towards the allied lines supported by horse artillery

A very strong cavalry brigade on the French left comprising Guard Chasseurs (just visible to the left), Empress Dragoons, 1st Lancers and Red Lancers 

Spanish and British hussars move to intercept the French cavalry in the centre  

Meanwhile weakened Prussians take on the farmouse. The Line regiment has just one more hit before they are removed. 

Prussian Guards have added their weight to the farmhouse fight

Kennington Polish Lancers

Kennington French Line

2nd Nassau in square as Spanish Hussars hurtle past

Multiple melees in the centre of the battlefield

Kennington 1st Cuirassiers

The French are holding the garden with allied columns moving in.

Hinton Hunt Guard Grenadiers a Cheval supported by Kennington Carabiniers press on against the squares

The Brunswicker columns viewed from the allied heights 

Hope you have enjoyed a look at some of my collection through these battle photos. That's the last in the archive (I think!) so all new games to come in the New Year. Best wishes for the season.