Monday 11 May 2015

Wanted please - Empires, Eagles and Lions Napoleonic Rules

The wanted item...please.

Sometime in life we remember certain times when something resonates with us for a lifetime. 

Such was my introduction to the Napoleonic journal put out by New Jersey Association of Wargamers in the 1980's and 1990's by fellow club member Stephen N.   As mentioned in a previous post my affection for this combination of amateur sleuth work, highly regarded writers and historians and fellow wargamers reports and articles were gold!

One of my favourite reads was always the Battle Reports which were often devastatingly honest in their assessments of players mistakes on the table and always entertaining. 

They often used well known historical formations, such as Claparedes in 1809, in many games so you developed an affection for their fighting histories.  The rules they used were published however I never managed to find a set and was keen to have a deeper read into the mechanisms which made these famous games so enjoyable to me.

The comic rendition of many a nights gaming by the late Mike Gilbert in "Friday Night at the Fights" was absolutely hysterical.

I have been told by a very, very reliable source (Hi Jim P) that they were never actually published however I am sure I saw a copy that had sold on eBay for USD15.00 before I got a chance to bid last year.

If anyone can assist it would be greatly appreciated.  After the success of my last plea for help (Antigonus Ancient figure) I am hopeful someone may be able to help.

Happy to cover all costs of course.

Monday 4 May 2015

Peninsular action at San Martino



Spaniards in the courtyard prepare to defend to the last senor

Last weekend we all took the opportunity of one of our club gaming days to refamilarize ourselves with General De Brigade as well as introduce some new comers to this wonderful rule set.  With our Waterloo Gaming day next month we have been overwhelmed with chaps new to Napoleonic's who want to have a day of it so this was the greatest of opportunities to introduce them to the mechanisms of this wonderful set of rules.

French columns advance on San Martino

The scenario was deliberately a simple one with an attempt to have elements of all three arms on the table so we could go through many of the more intricate aspects of the rules.

In brief, San Martino with its abundant supplies, is being held by Colonello Andrew La Cardo with a brigade of Spanish defenders of freedom and liberty, Iberian style, of mixed quality.

He is being attacked by General Martine Strada and his quite potent force consisting of three strong brigades plus an attachment of a light cavalry brigade. 

General Craufurd and his Light Division plus some attached KGL Heavy Dragoons and Spanish (very light!!) Dragoons are on their way to attempt to provide support and relief.

Reserve battalions on the outskirts of the town

An overview showing the task that awaits the Spaniards

With scant regard for the defenders, Martin sends a brigade around the flanks.

The Light Division finally arrives...but where is that cavalry support.

A view taken from a local farmers drone shows that despite being German, precision means little to these Dragoons!

General De Brigade Christian D'Holtpaul manouvers his light cavalry brigade as best he can under current orders.

The RHA decide to skirt around the woods to open up some firing opportunities.  Elite Miniatures KGL, Connoisseur Dragoons and Essex RHA team with Elite Guns and limber carriage.  A veritable UN of figures!

San Martino as fallen and heavy fighting is taking place o the outskirts of the town as the Spaniards hang on for dear life.


At the top the Portugese Caceadores attempt to flank the French to no avail.

After intense fighting the Princesa Regiment breaks and runs for it.

A young wargamer wonders why Dad couldn't have arrived earlier so he could have a command.

On the left the Spanish converged Grenadiers attempt a holding action.  These chaps were determined and dogged all day.
Excellent Spanish castings from Connoisseur.

The beginning of the end.  Colonel James Fisher esquire is diddled by some damned French columns. 
"Why didn't Daddy buy me a commission in a British Regiment" he was heard
wailing out as he high-tailed it off the field.

Surely these chaps will take care of things.  KGL - check.  Superior mounts +1 - check, Elite cavalry +1 - check.
What could possibly go wrong?

After dispatching French Hussars, rolling superb discipline and being bounced by...gulp...er...chasseurs, the KGL retreat
exposing the Spanish Dragoons who are hit at the halt, unformed.  Disaster! 

"These allies are a bit brittle aren't they Caruthers"

More French columns advance.  Lovely Elite Miniatures from Martins collection.

The Allies decide that enough is enough and a general "withdrawal" is on the cards.  The 95th Rifles lay down withering fire in open order and cover the manouver away!  OK, RETREAT!!

The game was great fun and everyone very much enjoyed themselves.  The rules are sensational and the command and control elements make for some excellent gaming.

Roll on next month!