More GDA2 testing action at the NWS

With hand painted measuring sticks and arc templates, the Austrians are equipped for success

Well if it’s another week, then there may be some new aspects of the excellent Dave Brown rules that need a spin on the Napoleonic tabletop battle fields at the club.  Richard brought out his tried and true Neapolitan troops bolstered by a few French brigades whilst I took the Austrians out for another run.  Once again  we played on my new Cigar Battle Mat which we all simply think is the bees-knees.

We decided upon a Divisional encounter during 1813 and the Austrians were pushing the flanks of the French strategic position ? This was a small engagement where a task force has been sent to secure the crossroads for a larger push .

A seconded Grenadier brigade from the reserves prepares itself for
an assault on the garrisoned BUA

From the old Empire III box, a Minifig limber team leads the way on the central left

Uhlans and Chevauxlegers meet French Hussars

The initial artillery bombardments and skirmishing firefights went very much the way of the French. The lack of urgency via some consistent hesitant results allowed the columns deigned for the assault to receive a good deal of softening up, however not enough to take away from their punching power, especially as Veteran Austrian Grenadiers.

A critical cavalry engagement about to take place however the Austrians at least
have another Hussar brigade to the left if required

Originally intending to merely face off the Neapolitan brigade and render them immobile
whilst the real assault happens in the centre, the Hussars become impatient

A Forwards order has allowed this brigade to hit the French earlier than anticipated 

On the extreme Austrian right, Neapolitan cavalry advances whilst skirmishing screens
look to rain the advantage around the wooded copse. 

GDA2 rules have a great tactical and grand tactical flair to them. Skirmishing is important and potentially can weaken the enemy. Artillery is potent but not overpowered. In the right situation it can be lethal  however it can also be ineffective when utilised in non-historical ways as it should.

Under intense fire the Grenadiers cross the field

On the right the columns are hit by cavalry whilst Hesitant. This will be close.

In the background the Austrian cavalry are about to get the better of the French

 

The assault hits home and the Austrians capture the hamlet however the Grenadier Regimental
Colonel  would do well to get fresher troops into the defences sooner than later 

The Neapolitan cavalry have been repulsed and the emboldened Austrian columns advance

The risk of having half the batteries limbered and on the move for most of the battle so far has
now paid off as the guns can now be used to effectively weaken the hinge of the French position

Without the French Hussar brigade to occupy their Austrian counter-parts, the Neapolitan infantry
form square and see how they can extract themselves from all that mounted attention. The
French General of Division,  now seeing the writing on the wall, concedes his position and will
endeavour to ensure the defeat does not become a rout that may cost him future commands.

It was another great gun game with the Austrians achieving their objectives. We are certainly getting better with the proposed new rules and all the changes continue to be so positive for the overall feel of a Napoleonic battle.

Another two games next week with the hopes the latter will be a Corps battle trying out done specific Corp rule proposals. Should be wonderful.