For the 11th scenario in Neil Thomas' One Hour Wargames book, the author adapted that hardy perennial of the wargames table and a battle I never tire of reading about or gaming: Quatre Bras. Obviously, this being Neil Thomas, he strips it down to the barest fundamentals...
As previously, I am using Neil Thomas' Simplicity in Practice rules for the Horse & Musket period, published in Battlegames 023 and modified a little by myself.
Structurally this game is quite similar to the previous two games, in that the defender's have a third of their force present, which is then reinforced in two further stages during the course of the game. I slightly messed this up, but more of this in the game notes!
The Forces:
The Hanoverian Army:
6 Infantry units
1 Dragoon unit
2 Cavalry units
The Franco-Jacobite Army:
5 Infantry units
2 Artillery units
2 Cavalry units
The Set-Up:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYntPNmnKPxQjZANt1ydB0qpIaP2UT_96fHLvf8XYsnnA1JzLn3jjfM51ufeDEAJ2ANSZagpFqVdh2dV4-LJLa3QapvIZtD_DQLHHduwEDmLY3qkYh6M1Islv9X1YwzwW4hI5g1mTluDOwXRCt9TriFcmQFUrAIzG6RfIG2IhNOSXm2mzDAZ11MmLXSA=w400-h300) |
The Hanoverian position is anchored on a large pool and a large wood, which I am trying very hard not to call 'Bossu'...
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The Battle:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-rzR7ip5d8sMYZKJH_wMatlLemqVcRvvKKlkvrUW774yXqtZR0thyaNt_jA5pD10g1eFvkAP3Vh1cyepLnSn220yWv3L7i0KFfwpI9Vdy6dLsMHka3QPoibd4UgQ_lqDhm9C_28JJ4hzBZf3QKUkwcBsLa3RZ3vGIaSiLTwQDFGHNPOhNrPe3wN6UVA=w400-h318) |
The Franco-Jacobites advance down the road towards the defenders; all of their troops can arrive on Turn 1...except they all have to come down the road, so they can't if you see what I mean!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW_HO9rR2EBzzoeV4Rq8oJS0PwNv9FKExFax6MTD6vq96ovR6h-XUQmF6gLh2nSpV5vGnPhqjz20-vP8zh0asTfwZzBOTSATA5Z1ccqRZ71ZmgPcYdIFQCwn8hHuWId8AGd4C-2gxv7oplo5QPvXqJYVSyNtCeWkiSQ11SyMvCdApE2DtiOnHGQwloVw=w400-h261) |
The Franco-Jacobites don't commit early, preferring to deploy into a full line of battle before engaging, so the first British reinforcements arrive before the action has really got under way.
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxToJ-DmPE0q6mHO90ApBwck9z5TupuwlJmAo-CLTTYFz10O_I13QcTTvBGWFhbnE1KFrpS9suMKAx9vDl8CN1STLdOmIfW3i5jrRbdafPDUOxUX2d8JlwoV4tq-S-Lx2X03CLbNKb1-GTtG72rVIZKFSrXTjbNoD-1RIquLWMhSYoV7AjQVwb_fwn1A=w400-h286) |
A wider shot: French artillery is already causing some casualties in the centre of the Hanoverian line
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitCVqcYXHjBiBiuC1p4JoNY-dabKpfSUMbs1ZcDTmU0PMmSYqFbqjdnBLOBUeJ9gATyIlbbxbP82BIBVzRwVHSppX88gb5hlaBewlSYAkJUcspLn79CiGO8xpUgqDeD6-JOVxWu7mboJK5wlGEz6VhA4ZFQZchq___KgSznHQ-ernIibOkCzpjCtMOyQ=w400-h330) |
The intensity of the fire increases and both sides are suffering...but the British Foot is suffering rather more...
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cc2FaAyFUBn5fI_6oKResyzfT4mWwwSfnVNYE6czvRTctYhQwmnh7HTz5nLN8Ys5Ylo1ysphSEJ39AQkDTDVuK9RAkBDHF_o5WymUSlh5UPJmOYwGAZACZtcWKGOkacN03r720oB5iJDLXuMJacBNzZzPaQ1Nrl2dv6-Ymm6DbOjOWg-NmiqM8jL2w=w400-h275) |
The Franco-Jacobites are developing attacks to the centre and the right, whilst still merely demonstrating on the left.
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSKeefZR7kwpyaJi2AfddNihWLv0TQMWbLqi4Ee9VcVaYdHDCvZTC2tdyYqsYNQDBLV_kYIu673qseY6Qe0obvOT9sblMlRnCh0snJ_1pTx68hHQVsYjyEo00AYP7kBMjrATgScFMK2sBrw0XA49gBqdLgWvPidLI7KLXOaxBM44NCAybNT51Jw6DGPw=w400-h300) |
The regiment in the Hanoverian centre (Fergusson's) is pulled out of the line, unable to stand further losses
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg53ekSlVaDDp4_RtAbkS3y5Ey0czD5pVRewJHjtJlwnvaVpNBWhy2sgXX0gUndGjyJ4wk2Pu26rApJlXkGoercCSsGx3Ath-JV-O1ze3HZhRHoy6eTLSJ7QYXu-VOWVq8i1bUKlgwviC2rNUJ6IozVT3U7r1zB4U0jw-WBXIOM9AzO7vChhye84pMu_g=w400-h253) |
Similarly, Dillon's Regiment is pulled back by the Franco-Jacobite commander (centre-bottom); meanwhile, the right-flanking attack is proceeding nicely, starting to pull off the British reserves
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrk9olOsccaRYbnffAUQYLquQztQYX5YUZ-eYTw_uFrW8azD5EEsq3LcU5spQy9G1_3AToFLxd9_TrXXAGrGkVnwQ_4YYMCZQb_2z-zklKt3SADeseeTcc-tJ--u0BvfuIMtFbj6vTimXyLndaMpGux-iR3jeqQDXJQ2PvkuCX1iJFJjEunQrXzYOmpg=w400-h300) |
Seeing an opportunity as the 4th Foot have been disordered by French artillery, Royal Allemands charges home!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi2eCIWPk_KvxRzbZbkRDsWldvd_nBmdfRASrgyLoCkVtL5QC3RfFCoDU7JXh6Wx6kwiEgw03n-xzJ-Z6-xhbqUPV_Wr7zWbIkNDIVgKnz2QrCgwrmF1cOEvKqgsbG0S3dgPwNTguCvvSa59VceR8J9xW7vWBfpknimgOCY-WhmkRx3kr1jGJZ5Xm58g=w400-h300) |
The 4th is worsted, and disperses into the woods. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhceaRHaeQm4mDq9uGkSpuWwgk51W1v2ESCLxTh0iaR7saXI06LzYk6y2NENgjtyqGjFSxGISGqKhWz94Ys8NnieTE48P79mL4mw8kOAI8D8cLNBos9Cwn8QRRwbWVH76ppjEUzZTD9nhWZjYynFi--WZU3Qth2uk-1srIBEs-ameRnef4wrl55sn0j2w=w400-h300) |
The general takes refuge with the retreating Fergusson's Regiment
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLdUV319a5LE-huknEMdL5ML1_Cfqo6-vZitxrFkqq5o8S25EhhSw657Qh2exlCz-j2AwQpm0Iq0cLKEr0NyazcMPMYRc7n3O4vLyNt5qXkPLbwsOl30D95lFkZeWM8kKOyeIJF0v41IgKMVONSIT1y8Kz5FspKs4iGYYDfhqgH4A407uMJloafX97mg=w400-h261) |
A wider shot: the Hanoverian position is looking decidedly thin and shaky...
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0CDtPbtKYKYdzlDDDNXPhU9tDYDSO2y6iykCFZxlCQ7upXpMZeE58i03QJYsqvizz_TgmDKkDU1PTBoVLGi0FdJilYb3k_tvgxOzgQc0pjV-fiuJJO9FMGuvrPCf1C5OljBbz_mqHMpvV-4yfbSFwIjhTySr2B6p3KHWwLLWBBA3lTads0Mvzm_CYg=w400-h300) |
And becomes a lot thinner and shakier, as Leven's Regiment is also charged and routed! The Hanoverian general is captured too...things are looking grim!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguu7gnkPFwlOIG5njlUxRd6xwXOx5kUMrZdUGZYaSsyw-HbEGH9O24vFOw_axCC7OdTcPWbLo5d1fZAUso3FYCHJAf-eIA5ZceW8TIMNotEzq0C6Tya1IfqWimVbpm1pZnHD_I-fER6aPpbo1cuFQXKb-UsGqsDOAVgS6vk_IC3sNtpYmnoGBG9jBCag=s320) |
A wider shot: note that du Roi regiment is now beginning its sweep through the woods on the left flank too
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihf-XUusJ_0cMNOcuaYYsKCBSZwwLAO4vXTyRnbsflQ71jFBi560g3QlVBXUWW2ncF1ymMUmp55rXCOjxJmSlPkUzU8Za7jIlSgm1sESOvktznOzZlCUbfcUWYU1CIEgSmS0X3olNdyB-XN8o62PXkvkC1iSR5sM414FE_z_kuzeZ9OfEbpoqEQpmKsw=w400-h300) |
The British Foot is retiring, hoping to reform the line on where Fergusson's Regiment is rallying as one of the Brigadiers steps up and assumes command (top-left)
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8ax6rDkCW1V3mXGYXTbmb4rVTaffvq2OjsRW3KI-t4Js9WBxwgp7c_DAX6-HwWZz37mt7h-Xy0mVlk2XvX2YqQRXhrPvpUvE-SKjEG-jYHK5FTPMJswvBGbSWwl9G20rFlOYHnIKiPkRHTSRBfOisfVZ0zOQYnR-Me572Ae9UPxs3HClfqfrlwU3ogw=w400-h279) |
The Franco-Jacobite flank attack has been contained on the Right, although the musketry battle is favouring them slightly.
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi15iY96sg5ZV4L57FBYBGX0_oB-tXuhtpOPfdw6XbrRaAcxNSRuj0-s-4OVRz1pysVqZkrGyUrxB4XePEuSWF-RBKCL_4v-XVsRCRSiyW5NcEBlPJ7e5WS27B78FLGUfiAnZotQKLX-K1BEOgDWKLv5AN3aLsd9JBY1-l5gSuDy2OTf4f78rDgjcAOsQ=w400-h263) |
More British reinforcements arrive in the nick of time, to help stabilize the situation
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiITFQdQICuTbcD3I_Uv5ra5Jf1iYmRb0G351PBFXJQyDOa3en_2TIC-_58bIqQkPOU-s2AVCHK2wFUvsGJADZV5oFTMj2maVRgOWzOUDT5l4vod6z3id7CvpVGCj7eSfU0z3qjwuCppTv1ymFSCKa9DigKO-ms6HMvP2_bertai6EXhHeZwqmiw-HMvQ=w400-h300) |
But losses have been high amongst the British Foot
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjldzNO5gXK4x0W-lBseNsXtTgRPbPYnOMvMWGjrWymsr4uLVpcunXTToWGZaS13FhSI-jGCFiX0cC67cdcrqDyxqGe__rZXxp-AF4ESuXr0oofXSuuXCCXBQtx1hyW4fS0cxSwpynf8hv13ixU80xXmKUYlas098uRBAKpSEmF4t26froRC1hL1PrA7Q=w400-h300) |
Lumley's Regiment sees its moment and charges the Franco-Jacobites!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBi9I0SQN8dmrn_SK6Zir0fVgYkWC6ezb6BecLHSNA5yQnhro4y8oUWCriQ8kBTlNrZ-Noak3fa2EVLphMCzBjGUjPbpTiGAMYjqP8D7nyyymMc4frN2N3VPbBOliHpzw_k5v0_7lEQO-aa_9HGvUnwYStYgtVDHKB7T1Qh0C4y215n-lWj2my0YUfoA=w400-h300) |
Feeling that the boldest measures are actually the safest, the British Brigadier orders a charge in the centre too! Royal Ecossais and Clare's Regiment are charged
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgarnxGO-T8jLvkLrt09UzxefCIhv_5avUP6ft2-r_LVDAli8lkUcji2269O_ZB7mneUYGE2jT-jQsp0bKbmCzgVLLAjOhrnYPvCW80r-tsKSYW4BfL-bFvZVZLgR0VU5Xp_ejfLzhXTjbh2oAXkeLVRrlY60kD-EmBkhbeTp5igUk8pxjR6VK9vdpMQ=w400-h294) |
Meanwhile, Lumley's Horse has been beaten off on the right.
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhazf71zMt4NkzZft5iSwuAsyk7LM3Il6PynIjP8ANCR4kTJhlSx__v-ZWKNS-T_Zz7X3fZ4lL6Bfo480CMyz5vjJHH8q86WFT-vP93r-7ws4IMuA3X9USWnDh2Foi37GaR1I64cOUeAiwgTcN79AZeZI8T8oXsTwYxGeJtKHoqXMljTColru_DFXfrJw=w400-h278) |
The situation is parlous on the Hanoverian left - all the units are considerably understrength now.
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdy3dvOlAyZQ3uW10zS8KdHOJNcNl_EhjYi-bUi00piM1BZMPc9wamKUPmxjb5JYPGi28wmnX71NyNeb0gEn_kkh9yTd7arWgi5JHo8CNy67JMUJYQRF_X3U6xHuOPBdWwAwjTQ5ZyCXnsg_1US7qdENiQLan2cC4qQHLcEIS-jd9Y15co6X7Bg_b96A=w400-h300) |
However, the Carabiniers in the centre have fared rather better, the Irish infantry thrown back in disorder!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQBRfF1p47JLIiey1XZFFKA0nExkTg_m30Dnru1D1WmG6F0yWeTfzJtegLmLw8C8GxCvuu_VAs8gqhAjYzYbkc1oXMFPwcrViMfS2UxmvhlI50XWclj0OReVabQnNicGeJ16Cer6875PYHvEFw9p28GeDB-IomfjbuqrQZwz4VzhRbJ--Sgfv2tOZLqg=w400-h300) |
They are quickly followed by Royal Ecossais! The French artillery is now looking very exposed...
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqdrkt6q_Ic8DdQGvG77xgJHNCX-5i1c1j25h16aSlLx2MITTp-rXc12q-0i7cDxn34EpVOktOS-AVFMSd-_ZlVB9XWD73pTD_GP1SDHa-C1EMPFdciEb15VN25EkH6jPh93qdGSNANFlkHAeq1vp3BFUgzr2rVyjeedpWZ194-Ec-eaTixW-Vj0qhSw=w400-h258) |
A wider shot
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGc_OmVnYazvsM-GAWv9BAz3hIbibSoMmWzrWRO7eA0nFYfQqMR7f-skC8LNYVU_KYPE82wq_9n7TsGUJHY9OpSXaScMzUfnNa9oHr3eTX-1RR-tNygr5C19jE01OZ7Y9NS1lVahlOxnz9pa-qVp9VySIZqYIKF3EsEgISQHLf9TlXs2Ubk7GMBG2jCA=w400-h285) |
Having had the initiative snatched away, the Franco-Jacobites immediately try and snatch it back: Fitz James' Horse charges the very battered 5th Foot!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVOCxE3peqHG7DW497p_wNO97MWSUfmT-kvrurQm1-bF-E13U6b9mnWYjb2m_3yoLwosGt0ERFgSDeQWUF9ni7auiRujx_VHg3B2pR7JPWOzgx21QQ-NlImpsvs2oFC7LLvpWrL7LGcgJE0ZTh2KrPbzhBjO_ea48Q8uO-3fD8GRp-6O2xlQSAIzYtEw=w400-h300) |
In a 'one for the Battle Honours' moments though, the 5th hold firm, bayonet and ball beating speed and sword on this occasion!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV-t-rt5-IauM_eUEOkMarK-p4U5IaY_dGJKReho_zCuoe_anfTbBE23hgt_jLh7hey6emejTvkpa946MHS_rl4DDXLv0SAYUcou2rTX1NWPy0vYE-ODbMuA0LlRUlcd5c26oSPB1WOOaR8JWP9k1pfT0Tmf-ixv5OM_8dvU7QpmZn5xZZok-vjA18SQ=w400-h300) |
Meanwhile, the British relentlessly press their advantage in the centre, ignoring the French artillery and charging right into the press of disordered Jacobite infantry!!!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnBEuo8OWPfX68b5TczEKmNenVTPtm-NVaq3ge8i3bHL5K2ykhAaj2OfHb6QA5EfixKRoR3nVR6dUoqYlgoayp3LIdxXDSjXw1pV-xga5piYpLr22AL44oguR_8ZcZl7srDtaPyrDjyGXfbQ58F5u4iOsfefh0nb3rADXxamkWnXSke0ct8QX2XWI9A=w400-h300) |
Royal Ecossais breaks at bayonet point as the 17th step forward...
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHpwUBMVuVZqsWmYfzJhFgusvRzl5S4UNdqdqlWnCdfSCfg0eTkkO6qrWhiuXKU5C0S8LnyaIK77LgZhXybXwZPnj3qzSuPW_kzLAkgpimuI9hXkvcquIruDMpZUozQYVk3uuBorJZDGgQ2cur1zjzhG1iGqBuvtnVlp4tEfJ8bcFvoYeVx4KD7u8GpA=w400-h300) |
Whilst Clare's Regiment is defeated and dispersed by the rampaging Carabiniers - the French general is captured too!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVM3vusRbcMUVBRYEzz-cXXz7XySYQPw6OpiLEIptuZv3rupNIvX5HbYb3I911i18OMrietCfK7tCiAqpNcbN0Hp09SLAV-GLsb0QbZRpgrlxgilV08diI4rnBDZ0SoYUsRSaYIMMvC9k-_VVRc4dmQJXoafoSAW6FmQKoHVNmHRzGyoy9AwZw9sSO1g=w400-h300) |
The battle has now taken on a rather different aspect!!!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNDWXEJwWdLDdzekS4pP0edlfDNEizJAi-Zkkmvmen_ek5NgOKXQn7MiifP2xPIwPqjHtk_eDdX1dWxih_YZ8Yy3AHrq_rLTMf4zceLszALAMiI2vYdkCTMWcQ5lnB3KUsNVR9o1OVy_Em3IthQ0DWrvNTh5T0a1KgD9yjLJ6hL14_VEwt0C8m9BbFVA=w400-h281) |
Lumley's Horse is still losing heavily but the Hanoverians now have superior numbers on this flank
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4yv9yC8wLb5vWoH5fp2wyILWdcW3OUmx8L9R45GegujxFEx8RAlm4MiyM-8ScL-1UopC6ULG5327vxikcemyovrbETyDvYmKA-p_uWf5vZJnO6BkGg4rzJmluOOrLtOqWem3mQKmhKArd35bo5nKGXm-bmcPzfTLZrXGXXDZ7LVvavqDby9IEXOvlOw=w400-h254) |
A wider view
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX_5wvjea7CsRwWt9p-NkyHutYTkosdaE3RoFmouSYOi3K_HhzdpFJbfESdmt92iGKGGzQkOnu_0RFDgSYSDL0jK_HZqn7cKpPsl9_O9yNMkfIwvsrAGhJeVfU0jEl9NkBcHiI5On1CNsQuZP_qb5g53kXqDormpY5hscaiSadLP451GflVU_GNAw4Sw=w400-h235) |
French musketry and artillery by the woods on the left is causing some annoyance to the British Dragoons and the long-suffering Fergusson's Regiment!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLNSmGct5AVybeEE8mlr4YvGyaU4T9YhBQyWaWYVfV3EX_t5oVtXNB4ymUjhcVKScT7F4HVrkKUPGg2NllCz0ol6ZuHr47L0if8yUXwzj7DtxPdBZ-8BA19yQIlrKIGCTd7zDchxm1lsqM3eg9q4BHBAbKO5vR3GjlQlsM96CtV2CklfKhjPEWptyFdA=w400-h300) |
However, the British in the centre are taking full advantage of the confusion in the Franco-Jacobite chain of command, launching further charges!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxw3deczRPNG_gdFkzuAMozwxDXTqGS4LSCFy6PxJWed5qZkF8gBR428G_lnQPVYrR5WzhtJtZoPoRU9u4Z1M89GF7wMWZ8jQG_-HAtbNnro6o4aG5tt2wg14PVCuF81I03MIIhyMZqIb1yDu5AV-yG_aFFN7uAZEhUWPYBHgOISNMeQ0Kvr1CuEEbZw=w394-h400) |
The 5th's musketry fire has seen off the remnants of the cavalry facing the British Left: Berwick's Irish regiment (top-right) is now horrible isolated and outnumbered
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfXc0gCETP5QmCm1pUS_bdh_IljdrGKQeWuaFjUxtkVZHHrUBfd_AHewlWnO7pj1u4F_APVmeWtQMO2h_LpeqXst-pBReqULRSPg3TMcIqbQBdtlz8v_eBYY1f9X5MQLJ1ShyPTKBNVmAySwGr0uI1WE0dK3wVWB9q6jrtbGtw7Lg4NaWcOQg9gVAwBg=w400-h300) |
Nothing is going to stop the 17th Foot on this day - Dillon's regiment routs...
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxy88R6iUFhmIUP3PepIf86lvjrNURo14a9F8-uI2d93zrpq57XAqQj5JjzVy8HpKm5ftuaJcII2V3DgDlAhEHCAQOlC4IefAPo8kFuVxYztyfYBNoweQF3MGjuCsh0iYhww-1z-a2o-_xqz87k3_5SyFmz4o1U7W8x2LXwL7HGSNuPIc7JFRfvwuxVA=w400-h300) |
As does Royal Allemands, their retreat impeded by the woods, the uncaptured survivors must flee by foot or leading by bridle to avoid the unstoppable Carabiners
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkuE0Lk-o6GEtz46mbOcrUiZY0xvj7rrUJatyHDSBA_Q4H1UiIxNAI-XmOn9iFjJjWlRxjkJ0wM8elgFWUcLypPzVpaP5Rnw63mWJZfB0O7w0hH6oIgZKBbZY2QNMqiyd8YCOoud0Ug2faYgcCyUhfiALtVufRG611gn-StLGql_6vP0P5kwFH_qKL5g=w640-h354) |
After a few devastating minutes, quiet descends on the battlefield - the Franco-Jacobite army is largely destroyed, only Berwick's Regiment (right) and du Roi (in the woods, left) are in a position to escape.
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Game Notes:
I will admit - six turns in, I did not see that coming! Everything seemed to be going so well for the Franco-Jacobites. In fairness, I did make one error which may have favoured the Hanoverians: one set of the reinforcements was supposed to arrive from the West (left) rather than both coming from the North (top). I don't suppose it made too much difference though. On the other hand, the Franco-Jacobites had what is usually the strongest force selection (with 2 artillery units) whilst the Hanoverians had none. What the game really showed I think is the advantage of fresh troops in these rules - fresh troops don't particularly have an advantage in musketry or artillery duels in these rules, but they do get an advantage in melee. The advancing Franco-Jacobites had suffered just enough in the advance that when a small number of fresh British troops arrived who could be thrown into battle without suffering from fire whilst advancing, mix in a little luck, and there you have it - a decisive victory!
Incidentally, in these rules, cavalry charging formed infantry in the front, even if the infantry have suffered some losses, is risky: not that it shouldn't be done, but that it is no sure thing. So the French tried it twice in the battle: once it paid off (early, in the centre), once it didn't (later, on the right). Neil Thomas avoids some of the pitfalls possible in Horse & Musket rules in which there are too many sure things: cavalry will never voluntarily charge a square, because it is suicidal; or infantry in line will never voluntarily stay in line versus cavalry, because it is suicidal. Neil Thomas found a quite decent balance point in these rules.
As ever, figures are from Baccus 6mm War of the Spanish Succession range.
Incidentally, Quatre Bras is a battle I have refought quite a few times, some of which are on the blog:
This is it re-fought with Polemos Ruse de Guerre.
This is it re-fought with Polemos Marechal d'Empire.
And this is it re-fought with Horse, Foot and Guns
Not sure what you would all think, but I think Neil Thomas did a pretty good job in distilling something of the essence of the battle into a very simple but playable and recognizable recreation: very impressive. I have enjoyed all of the battles so far in this series, but this was a particularly good one.
Of course, it isn't a new thing setting Quatre Bras in the C18 - there was a very pretty game put on at Partizan a few years back.