Today our friend Mark came up from London to put on a large club game using his excellent Franco-Prussian 10mm figures, and his Hexon II hex terrain. Also in attendence was Paul from Kallistra Ltd who produces the latter. The scenario concerned the breakout plans of the French army from Metz, which were eventually downgraded to a 'giant raid' on farm complexes across their front which they suspected the Prussians were using as food stores. This was deemed essential by the French staff as most of their troops were beginning to starve.
The Prussian army were in a strong defensive position having thrown up earthworks and fortifications around the besieged area. However their weakness was in having mainly Landwehr forces strung out along the front and being caught by surprise by the opposition as they rolled forwards. In the real battle the French army were held in check, although at heavy cost. Today's game was no different. The French powered forwards proving their Chassepot rifles to be formidable at range, whilst the saviour of the Prussians happened to be their defensive structures and superior artillery.
The ruleset we used ('1870' from Grand Tactical Rules) definitely emphasized these aspects. A lot of firepower and very, very bloody. The French in our scenario flung much of their force against the Prussian center whilst sending out divisions on either flank - one to cross the river and cut off the Prussian's communication with their other corps, and another through the forested and hilly area on the Prussian right. Both came very close to success, but were thrown back by fierce counter attacks. At one point the French flag flew briefly over the last of the farmhouses only to be surrounded and wiped out by a sea of Prussian Blue.
All in all, a fantastic day with lots of 'edge of your seat' moments.
No comments:
Post a Comment