Sunday 13 April 2014

GdB Peninsular - The Abbey of Mendosa proves a tough nut to crack!

The Italian Brigade attempts to come to grips with the 71st Highland Light Infantry doing a sterling job as proxy for
the 52nd who are still awaiting supply. 

So the battle continued.

In the centre the French and Italians attempted to continue their assault on Balina Allegra and once again prepared to storm the Abbey walls.  In the centre the Italians continued their support and were trying to act as a hinge upon the town so as to provide some much needed firepower to help stem the confidence of the Portuguese's defenders.


The French, having failed their attempt to keep formation and take the town
the first time, get ready to attack on a second occasion

.
 On the French right flank some artillery fire from the attached horse battery sees a double six rolled and the Portuguese Foot battery in trouble - faltering and needing to retire.


The Portuguese artillery retire and fail to rally - gone for the game.


On the French left flank French Legere battle hardened goat stealers and sheep fondlers doubling as Cacadores.

The French Dragoons see the opportunity to sweep the skirmishing rifles and potentially exposed British left flank now that teh artillery is gone and perepare to charge...

French Dragoons who now fully understand that desire can be somewhat tempered by snake eyes!
The Italians, despite withering fire, continue on relentlessly in order to continue their support of the brigade on their left...in other words...order changes are proving difficult!

The beginning of the end...French fail to close with all battalions and despite the need for a formation test due to massed columns struggle to dislodge the stubborn Portuguese defenders.


Italians in a good deal of trouble now as the combined fire keeps them well out of reach of the British lines.



"Sound the retreat Pierre - she is about to go pear shaped!".

the Italians retreat becomes a general rout.


The French Brigade attacking Mendosa Abbey are now much worse for wear and feeling that a full time whistle should be blown to finish up this continental encounter!
Ben rolls a double one on his order change in an attempt to attack the now deflated
Italian brigade - he must retire.  A "victory" in this turn at least, for the French allies.
Moss' troop of RHA retire after having inflicted a fair degree of carnage - lovely Essex limber team.

On the French extreme right flank Captain Francois DuBois battery watches on, low on both ammunition and motivation.  The routing friendly units down the table make sorry viewing. 

"...so Pa looks like I smashed you again.  How long have you been playing Napoleonics?".
 Great fun day at the NWS.  The lads played a massive variety of games which you can all find at the NWS blog here http://napoleonicwargamingsociety.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/nws-gaming-day-few-more-shots-for-good.html

It was, for me at least, a classic day of winning even though I lost.  Ben had a wonderful time and very much enjoyed the colour and spectacle of Napoleonic troops and battles.  Certainly something which attracted me to the hobby all those years ago looking through those early Airfix catalogues back in 1974!

We are already planning a few more games upstairs at home and some more over the school holidays when both he and Alex can come down to the club for some later than normal evenings on non-school nights.

Now, if I only could roll slightly higher...

16 comments:

  1. Sure you didn't go easy on the lad? Great photos Carlo.

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    1. Hi Brian - all part of the grand plan mate.

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  2. Never mind "Sound the retreat Pierre", how about "Stop blowing that thing in my bloody ear!".

    Looks like great fund and some wonderful pics. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Michael - yes this dragoon commander may well be deaf and dumb following those dice rolls! Cheers and thanks

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  3. Wonderful looking game you have there!

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks Chris - really liked the look of the table and the Elites looked perfect we thought . Cheers

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  4. Nice report, beautiful; table and figures, and the desired outcome for Dad on all fronts, even if he chalked up a technical "loss" on the day! :-)

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    1. Thanks Peter. Will get the lads out again shortly.

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  5. A lovely finish to a lovely game Carlo..Ben looks keen for more.

    Regards

    Nathan

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    1. He certainly is Nathan - very keen in fact'

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  6. More great photos Carlo. Now time to test through some dice! 8O)

    Salute
    von Peter himself

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    1. Hi Peter - great to hear from you mate as your efforts with the "son and heir" that have inspired my games with Ben and Alex. Always love your posts Peter and thanks for visiting here mate. Cheers

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    2. Thanks Paul - it really was one of those days where I had as much fun as the young fellow if not more! THe game was great fun and I do now have the actual Elite Miniatures 52nd on the basing table awaiting suitable sanding and flocking! Hope things have settled for you and yours as well mate. Thanks for visiting and so sorry it took me so long to reply.

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  7. I just came across this post. It was fantastic. I play General de Brigade, so I could relate to the problems you face do. I play in 15mm, but your game was truly awe inspiring. Beautiful figures and terrain. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Duke. Basing up the 52nd Light Infantry this weekend so expect another Penînsular report soon mate. Thanks for visiting and good luck in your futures GdB games. We do enjoy the system immensely.

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