We convinced David that it would be a really good idea top make use of all his space with some diddy men.  15mm as opposed to 28mm and 54mm.  Would he actually be able to see them!

A scenario based very loosely around Quatre Bras – With guard and Prussians!

And now the grunts

As me and Keith have built up our forces, when our last battle finished a bit early, we decided to lay on a quick photo shoot.

Firstly some of the cavalry

The requirement for another camping trip near Newbury gave me the opportunity to particpate in another bash at the Wargames Holiday Centre.  This time – Dresden!

Our first attempt saw me as Victor, defending (maybe) by the landgraben.  Totally forgetting any orders (which may or may not have been given) and supported by elements of 1st Cavalry Corp we went on the offensive.

The Austrians made it in the village first, but then were attacked by six battalions.  They didnt rout, but 2 out of the 3 Austrian units ended up with over 50% casualties.  The masses of cavalry the other side of the village ensured no support was available from that side either.

After a quick reorganisation, the second attack (again by six battalions) destroyed the defenders and won the sector for Victor.  One poor Austrian Battalion had to suffer a morale check at -12, with 2 routs, a cut down and been broken by cavalry not helping!

Guard Cavalry arrive – the Empress Dragoons at an early stage.

Well after many years away, and a quick reece with Keith to see Waterloo at the end of April, Tamsin suggested we head to Newbury to camp for a Weekend….at the same time as Bauzten was going on!

So, Newbury found, campsite found, tent assembled, I left Tamsin suffering in the Sun, but well guarded by Bongo. (For campers after nothing but clean loo’s and a field, Bishop Green Farm Campsite is..ace!)

Three miles later, forces sorted saw the first fight of the Weekend get underway.  The Frenchies delay the start of the battle for 4 turns to allow Ney to turn up.

Early on Friday night, JC with  one corp on the “wrong” side of the river, with the aim of swinging round to the left and linking up with Ney.  One corp to demonstrate in front of the village. Guard 12lb to dominate the central field, with a Cavalry Corp close to protect them from pesky cossacks.  And me with two Corp to press down the right wing, Souham and Bertrand lurking in and around the dense woods.  With Napoleon and the guard  starting in/around Bautzen in the middle.  The “Fog of War” provided by setting up on tiles, formations only deployed once spotted.

Later in the day, Souham and Bertram slowly push on.  The Guard Cavalry dominates their flanks, and the Infantry Corp pushes on my left, protected by a Cavalry Corp and the Guard Infantry.

In the end the allies felt they had little to opose the guard so a decision was made to swap sides and try again!

A quick Sunday bash saw David Gale’s men out in force again.

This time, the Army of Silesia attcking the french in a recreation of part of the Battle of Liepzig, 1813

After a bit of a pause (Keith decided rolling high wasn’t needed), Yorck’s command started to press onto Mockern.

A 12lb battery tries to hold back to mass of Russians to the east of Mockern.

Whilst the French advance in the east to pin back the Russians (whi havent turned up yet).