Thursday 6 September 2012

Bussaco 1810 (Ney's assault)

Played at the Sheffield Club on 5 September, this Command & Colours scenario was based on Ney's assault on the British right.  My Hexon tiles played host to 15mm toys - mostly mine but with Portuguese and Grenadier Guards from John's collection.  The former were only bought at Triples this year and were by far the most expensive figures on the table (the others were very cheap!), so what could go wrong? 
John led the Anglo-Portuguese forces while Martin fully expected to preside over a French defeat.
The action opened with Marchand's troops rushing to occupy the village of Cerquedo on the French left.
An overview of the setup - seen from the French left/Allied right.
Cerquedo was soon under attack from the Allies (including the Guards) and some interesting cards and dice meant that the streets were soon piled high with dead.
After suffering 60% casualties the Guards prevailed.  But for how long?
Oh, not that long then.  The French gunners were in line for a bonus.
In the centre, British and Portuguese lights engaged the French with long range musketry.
The centre soon came under pressure from a French advance.
By special request I photographed the Portuguese light battalion - who were doing awfully well.
Soon a French light battalion was using the Portuguese for bayonet practice.
This opened things up considerably.
The British (heavy) cavalry made a dramatic charge on the French artillery.
Despite casualties, there were plenty of French battalions left - here they are moving forward in the centre.
The dramatic French assault soon carried off another British unit - seizing a narrow and hard won victory.
 

7 comments:

Archduke Piccolo said...

I take it the Allies dodn't sit still to receive the French at the top of the ridge? Tsk, tsk. Old Nosey would not be pleased...

It looked like a fun action, though!

Rodger said...

Great looking game Tim.

Tim Gow said...

Archduke Piccolo
The allied skirmish line (Br & Po lights and the rifles) were deployed forward anyway, but the right flank (led by the Guards) did get a bit giddy! As with most C&C games is was very close.

Tim Gow said...

Rodger
Thanks - and entertaining too!

Martin Rapier said...

There was a huge scrap around the villages on the French left, the Allied drive was only stopped by not one but two 'First Strike' cards in quick succession which scuppered the Guards in particular.

In the centre the French had to slog their way forward, getting shot to bits all the way. The game was wrapped up with a 'Grand Manouvre' followed by a 'Bayonet Charge' which finally allowed the French to close with their tormentors.

Close run and scary stuff. Vive la France!


Tim Gow said...

Martin Rapier
The fight for the villages were very dramatic - especially the one on the French left which changed hands several times. I'm just glad you're not the kind of chap who gloats....

Phil said...

Very nice looking game!