Sunday, 29 May 2011

Blenheim 1704

This game took place at the Sheffield club on Wednesday 18 May 2011.  Martin wanted to try out his newly developed rules - entertainingly named Marlborough Light....    John took the part of Tallard while I was the Marlborough Man himself.  The game used Martin's newly painted 2mm toys on a board about 50x100cm.  As usual I will let the photos and captions do the talking.  All are taken from Marborough's side of the table.
An overview of the battle setup.  This and all other photos taken from the British side of the table.
Imperial troops marching to the right flank.
The village of Oberglau - in the centre of the enemy line - already well garrisoned by Bavarian troops.
The town of Blenheim - on the left flank - occupied early on by the French.
The view from the Allied centre - not encouraging!
Plucky Imperial troops move up on the right.
The centre got very bloody - the lines here are already notably thinner.
Marlborough himself (the round base) crosses the stream to encourage his men.
The centre and right - the Imperial chaps are pressing forward against the Bavarians.
The action in the centre intensifies - the crosses are casualty markers (each stand can take two hits).
The Bavarians on the right have crumbled after the Elector legged it.
Marborough urges his weary troops on.  Meanwhile Tallard (the French CO) has fallen off his horse.
A slight embarassment on the right as most of the Imperial troops run off - but only after they have driven off the Bavarians.
A French cavalry charge comes to grief  - the Brits needed 5s or 6s to hit...
Endgame - Tallard is captured by British cavalry!
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13 comments:

  1. Conrad Kinch29 May 2011 at 22:32

    Good to see some 2mm figures getting an airing.

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  2. Geordie an Exiled FoG29 May 2011 at 22:49

    Corr That is a big "little" (2mm) project

    Very impressive

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  3. Trebian30 May 2011 at 11:36

    Fascinating. Always impressed by the sheer variety of stuff you guys get up to.

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  4. Paul30 May 2011 at 11:56

    By jingos thats small mate! I think I would get a headache looking after those stands.

    Nice post.

    Regards Paul

    Hah the word verification today is lordram, thats a nice nickname.

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  5. Tim Gow30 May 2011 at 15:06

    Conrad Kinch
    Glad you approve. With my eyes it's just good to see them at all!

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  6. Tim Gow30 May 2011 at 15:07

    Geordie
    Thanks - I'm sure Martin will be pleased with such feedback.

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  7. Tim Gow30 May 2011 at 15:08

    Trebian
    If you mean "what a bunch of butterfly brains" you're probably right!

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  8. Tim Gow30 May 2011 at 15:09

    Paul
    They do look good 'en masse' and no need to worry about low leve detail. Lordram indeed!

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  9. Tim Gow31 May 2011 at 08:23

    West1871
    Irregular Miniatures do an extensive range of 2mm kit. It is a cheap way of dabbling in a new period.

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  10. Martin Rapier31 May 2011 at 15:12

    The 'cheapness' depends on how much of it you buy....

    Thank you for the kind remarks, the uniforms are indeed easy to paint, the flags take a bit of work though. I was pleased that the battle folowed the broad course of historical events, Marlborough eventually bashed his way across the Nebel in the centre leaving Blenheim isolated and on this occasion even managing to catch Tallard fleeing. On the right Eugene had a sticky task trying to get all his troops into position to outflank Oberglau, but despite the slight setback when four brigades of Imperial infantry wavered and fell back, he managed his fragile force effectively and turned the Bavarians flank. Tallard said he felt slightly doomed from the start (despite having more men, more guns and a good defensive position!) but put up a heroic defence in the centre as he rallied waverers time after time. The charge of the Gendarmerie was truly magnificent, but sadly on this occasion it was shot to pieces by Anglo-Dutch musketry.

    Anyway, the rules worked OK and seemed to produce sufficent decision making and excitement. Maybe on to Oudenarde next, meeting engagements in this period are quite a challenge.

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  11. Tim Gow31 May 2011 at 16:24

    Martin Rapier
    I was trying to maintain the illusion that only a lunatic would buy loads of 2mm stuff. OK - two lunatics in our case...
    As regards the game, I can't see what Tallard had to complain about - all he had to do was stand there while my chaps had to trudge through marsh and stream while under fire!

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  12. sam1 July 2011 at 13:28

    Is there any chance of uploading the rules? I'd like a look:)

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  13. Tim Gow1 July 2011 at 18:15

    Sam_acw
    I have asked Martin - who wrote the game - to consider making the rules available. Watch this space.

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