Waterloo - Another Go at D'Erlon's Attack (The Conclusion)

The French continue their push to take control of the ridge and the strategic farmhouse of La Haye Sainte

 

Ompteda's men move forward off the ridge to confront the besiegers of  LHS

But look out, cuirassiers are on the move!

Continued pressure along the whole of the allied line East of the crossroads

Despite the breakthrough at the crossroads the defenders of La Haye Sainte hold out 

The head of Donzelot's column have made it on to the road to grapple with Pack's brigade

At the top of the picture Marcognet's Division has also made it on to the road but it's ranks are much thinned. In the mid ground the 42nd are trying to stop any further break in the line

Just as Marcognet's battered men take their section of the ridge Vandeleur's dragoons are ordered forward. 

.......and the Union brigade also makes it's move

Meanwhile the cuirassiers have made made good ground, by-passing the ongoing melee between Ompteda's and Quiot's troops, only to meet the Household brigade 

The result of this melee outside LHS could be crucial 

The dragoons have seen off Marcognet's columns and now swing round to have a go at Donzelot's column. The 79th emboldened by the Greys' success move round to take on Quiot's troops in the flank

The French columns suddenly look less threatening

Will the gates hold out?

The household cavalry have forced the cuirassiers back and Ompteda's brigade has driven off the French attackers from the West face of LHS

Quiot's Division has failed to take La Haye Sainte and has stalled at the crossroads.

The French fall below 50 % strength and the general retreat is sounded.

I don't suppose this will be the last time I have a go at this scenario. It was a much closer affair than the first game due to the augmented French battalions. Unlucky dice rolls in melees and the introduction of the allied cavalry decided the fate of the French this time.