We had a busy few days wargaming this week. Phil paid a visit on Monday - Wednesday and Will joined us on Tuesday. We three enjoyed a few days of wargaming, eating along with some beer and wine. In all we fought Essling, Balaclava, an 1866 Austro Prussian engagement and a Spanish Peninsula War action.
Our first battle was Essling.
The French having crossed the Danube were counter attacked by the Austrians under Archduke Charles, and the pontoon bridges required by the French for supply and reinforcements were destroyed by the Austrians. The French that had managed to cross the Danube established a defensive bridgehead using the two villages of Aspern and Essling as anchors. Huge numbers of Austrians advanced to eliminate the French army. Several French attempts to break out had been beaten back.
This game concentrates on the action in and around the village of Essling. The central feature is the village of Essling itself, with the enormous stone granary, forming a massive strongpoint:
The battle began with some probing attacks by the Austrians; with some infantry that were raked with artillery and musket fire and light cavalry on the left, being driven off by French horse artillery:
The French light cavalry charged into the disorganised Austrian infantry sending them reeling:The situation on the left is temporarily restored, but the Austrian heavy cavalry charge forward:
They are met and destroyed by French Cuirassiers and destroyed.
Austrian attention shifts to the right flank. Three large columns advance towards the walled area known as the Long Garden, held by French light. The assault by the Austrians is checked but the French light suffer heavily.
Supported by artillery, a second French light battalion advances on the long garden.
The Austrians counter attack and despite causing some more French casualties, they are destroyed. A similar assault against the French artillery fails as the Austrian column is torn apart by close range artillery.
The Austrian heavies are met by French cavalry and horse artillery, as well as musket fire from the buildings. The Austrian horse dissolves
Suddenly it is all over. Archduke Charles is shocked by the unsustainable level of casualties and begins to pull back. The exhausted French take the opportunity to withdraw back across the Danube. With a score of 8 - 4 to the French it is a resounding victory, however, most of the French units have casualties.
Excellent write-up, Bob. I think Command & Colours is a great ruleset personally, and appears to have worked well with your game. The French seemed to put up a terrific fight, and I was repeatedly surprised just how much the Austrians were throwing at them only to then fail. The figures look awesome too. Very jealous you can field two such lovely looking Napoleonic armies. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments. I think the French were lucky and the Austrians hampered by they slow movement. With so many strongpoints Essling is a hard nut to crack. The figures are lovely (not the complete collection on the table), painted and based by Jeffers. I too enjoy C&C as it gives a fast moving fun game.
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