tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79325370140336352772024-02-20T03:43:34.032+13:00Across the Table:Tales of misadventure in "The Wargames Room"TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-33421804517510404742012-11-20T23:46:00.001+13:002013-01-23T08:18:09.481+13:00Moving Locations<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChUxpHWB07Y5DCLH3QTJ1u2_fx1xlRSgN24H_a_yv4aTz8tdI3nJUYNvuGbX0B4VahPpEJnCNygSys5qAG_0Wtljbbl5L_wRP-_0kjFnv_uY-dQhUVVrzzRIDI5yG-SNaPz5hvn9SuHxL/s1600/moving-letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChUxpHWB07Y5DCLH3QTJ1u2_fx1xlRSgN24H_a_yv4aTz8tdI3nJUYNvuGbX0B4VahPpEJnCNygSys5qAG_0Wtljbbl5L_wRP-_0kjFnv_uY-dQhUVVrzzRIDI5yG-SNaPz5hvn9SuHxL/s320/moving-letter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well,
the title says it all. I've decided to revamp my websites and as
part of this "Across the Table" is on the move. To visit my revised site
please visit "Across the Table" at</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://thewargamesroom.wordpress.com/"><b>http://thewargamesroom.wordpress.com</b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">O<span style="font-size: small;">ver the coming weeks I will slowly be adding content<span style="font-size: small;">.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Please be sure to update your links and I encourage you to visit my new site as it slowly takes shape.</span></span></span><b> </b></div>
TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-19142256492173603542012-10-21T23:39:00.001+13:002012-10-22T10:38:54.576+13:00Conquest DBA - The Campaigns of Demetrius Poliorcetes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrel86KiYxA5RD_RqPjHOegWDe_Lj_GYS3n33t_EEf7qSWCk2kWNQ1Dee7cm8IsJKFSv5chPlI3Yfdjyqfz7xxYAn5iSnSD4FuSneBwfu6D78ggTJOisQuMF6tc6fboMEZSsokFpoljI2X/s1600/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrel86KiYxA5RD_RqPjHOegWDe_Lj_GYS3n33t_EEf7qSWCk2kWNQ1Dee7cm8IsJKFSv5chPlI3Yfdjyqfz7xxYAn5iSnSD4FuSneBwfu6D78ggTJOisQuMF6tc6fboMEZSsokFpoljI2X/s320/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon.jpg" width="312" /></a> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This weekend the Conquest wargames convention, hosted by Comics Compulsion, was held here in Christchurch New Zealand. The DBA competition, using version 2.2 of the rules, had a theme of "Armies from 3000BC to 450AD". While no biblical armies were deployed a good number of Hellenic armies, or their opponents, graced the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />This year players were unable to change options between games. Instead, a particular list and the corresponding options, was selected prior and used in each round. My aim here was to encourage some different armies on to the table. Particularly those with less variation which arguably are disadvantaged compared to those lists with a larger number of options within a particular year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>Plans and Preparations:</b><br /><br />As always some though goes into selecting an army. Initially I considered using Bactrian-Greeks, including the all mounted army. However, concerns over facing Classical Indians, frequently used by one local, soon put paid to that idea. So I toyed with some other armies, including Hoplite Greek and Carthaginian, until I finally on a Hellenic Successor army. In particular an Asiatic Early Successor Army under Demetrius Poliorcetes (II/16b), or "Demetrius the Besiger". </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now expecting one opponent to take Classical Indians, and that perhaps one or two other armies may have elephants, I opted to use the artillery option. This was somewhat of a gamble as normally I feel an artillery stand of little value. However, I hoped it would give a few of my opponents something to think about, especially as Demetrius lacks light troops to counter elephants.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Games:</span></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Game 1 - Middle Imperial Roman:</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First up I was to face Kee's Romans and finding myself on the offensive I aimed to rotate the table to force the Romans to deploy on a narrow frontage between a steep hill and a wood. For once I was successful and with the Romans restricted by the terrain I pressed forward. The aim was to pin the Roman line while staying clear of the wood which would be secured by Roman auxilia. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F0VV5baL5PRXR9YgDSHFP8yo1SeF0Nia9d1rrypxgYd402xmmfC-NXVp4CLtGNYhJv9oRvQqZWqiL5j5LldNy02reC7-V44U42ianLFlSLpehybnD2oPjS-fQN1avRv_bh93ybQFFM6U/s1600/121020_DBA1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F0VV5baL5PRXR9YgDSHFP8yo1SeF0Nia9d1rrypxgYd402xmmfC-NXVp4CLtGNYhJv9oRvQqZWqiL5j5LldNy02reC7-V44U42ianLFlSLpehybnD2oPjS-fQN1avRv_bh93ybQFFM6U/s640/121020_DBA1.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Above, the Greeks press forward to pin the centre. On the Greek left </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius' allied horse has just dispatched some Roman light horse. On the Greek right catapults are positioned on a gentle hill where they aim to engage the Roman auxilia as they advance out of the woods.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2s2ee3QUGdHqf0w9HTsKcDjsMl06laOOpqGIpSDmmazNNvvtlZ5I2yEWlzbjbhwzGcqTVhknJHQpLEXgJpcvy78fiKB8oo0fcMlP6ofDHpobQRvpkMpS4bJyIhWpGLR0qR3MgqRtkZUX1/s1600/121020_DBA2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2s2ee3QUGdHqf0w9HTsKcDjsMl06laOOpqGIpSDmmazNNvvtlZ5I2yEWlzbjbhwzGcqTVhknJHQpLEXgJpcvy78fiKB8oo0fcMlP6ofDHpobQRvpkMpS4bJyIhWpGLR0qR3MgqRtkZUX1/s640/121020_DBA2.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the Greek cavalry swing around the exposed Roman right the Greek catapults engage the auxilia with dramatic results. Above a 6-1 result achieves success! Soon the main armies are engaged and the Romans, short of deployment room, pressed forward against the elephants and pike phalanx with little success. A 12-0 win for the Greeks.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Game 2 - Classical Indians:</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The
second game of the day was going to be a difficult battle as the Indian
commander was well versed in deploying and fighting with elephants,
chariots and archers. Indeed, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius'
feared his invasion of the Indus would end in disaster. The
battlefield, shown below, was generally an open plain and both armies began to manoeuvre for advantage. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxknzevqYcG0Si9ML6XKsZ9An_XQc4JRCDsJIbI5SQS4ftgDYkb3bnf7UOKRHO3w8K3htRW62-Dk0Bv2dlO7rmXoI1lkdfpkyCd7aGjeSx7czhihOjpQPGP_B9TKVrWEWSW_P6UDP1aPm/s1600/121020_DBA3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxknzevqYcG0Si9ML6XKsZ9An_XQc4JRCDsJIbI5SQS4ftgDYkb3bnf7UOKRHO3w8K3htRW62-Dk0Bv2dlO7rmXoI1lkdfpkyCd7aGjeSx7czhihOjpQPGP_B9TKVrWEWSW_P6UDP1aPm/s640/121020_DBA3.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Indian elephants for their part tryied to
avoid the Greek catapults as they moved along the line, while the
Greek's own elephants were positioned to protect the exposed Greek right
from Indian cavalry. </span></span>Above,
Indian archers move to near the Greek catapults while below the Greek
elephants are exposed to their own attack on the Greek right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj8mH8URirTnlBThGMgSfwUWGWfkn1JORMevXWUpi25OEL7nWFDc8k5u5t9KU9Tjfe8ctj1UgUwQrTvqi642RZv7zzub4SXCtdSuJawPT0J9equLI-EmyDWZsf_wjEcSlS8g5O_h8s_71/s1600/121020_DBA4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj8mH8URirTnlBThGMgSfwUWGWfkn1JORMevXWUpi25OEL7nWFDc8k5u5t9KU9Tjfe8ctj1UgUwQrTvqi642RZv7zzub4SXCtdSuJawPT0J9equLI-EmyDWZsf_wjEcSlS8g5O_h8s_71/s640/121020_DBA4.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The
battle continued until finally both centres were engaged. However, as night fell the result was not clear. Both armies disengaged with the Indians
claiming a marginal 5-3 victory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Game 3 - Sub-Roman British:</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The third game found </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius on the defensive. Being littoral the army was deployed near the coast and with the Greek fleet in support. The Greek right extended to a town, which was garrisoned by a number of catapults. However, the barbarian left was disrupted by steep hills. Yet, while the Greek phalanx and elephants were deployed on land a mounted reserve was held at sea in transports.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The barbarians protected their camp well, but the steep hills created deployment
issues for the foot nearby. On the plain, between the barbarian foot and the coast, was deployed the barbarian cavalry. Taking advantage of the barbarian cavalry deployment the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">xystophoroi, commanded by </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius in person, as well as the </span>allied Greek cavalry landed and disembarking from their transports.
Forming up quickly they attacked the unprepared barbarian horse.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWis81wFkcwWqCjHaAcH-fSEQ4Jb6AftQg8UDOk2fvmlJw-HeCkdCtUT8CAEjuf88clPhI0eCLYoXHqiMsbeV-eGWiH926-5xNSJPKy1lj9jYIBmDcJdirGfRtOk9wQJ6lLaczBOYh7yTa/s1600/121020_DBA7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWis81wFkcwWqCjHaAcH-fSEQ4Jb6AftQg8UDOk2fvmlJw-HeCkdCtUT8CAEjuf88clPhI0eCLYoXHqiMsbeV-eGWiH926-5xNSJPKy1lj9jYIBmDcJdirGfRtOk9wQJ6lLaczBOYh7yTa/s640/121020_DBA7.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While
initially successful the barbarian commander rallied his own horse and a
desperate melee continued while both commanders requested support. Above, barbarian auxilia and Greek light cavalry move to support the action on the plain near the coast while the main armies struggle to move forward in support. However, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">before the main forces of either army could engage Demetrius claimed victory. The barbarian </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">commander was cut down in melee and with his loss </span></span>morale of the barbarian army collapsed. A 12-0 win to the Greeks. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Game 4 - Ptolemaic Egypt:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius was soon on the offensive again, this time against the veteran commander "Ptolemy the Greater". Neither commander retained forces on ships, instead both armies were drawn up in the plain and advanced.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Em0jOFGmiBjaVYmAIXwJHY7Q1g1ngmt2bvSxji8_Eqk1N9-S9kH1uPXNz3nHi2INWmzOujED38vsydD47vOca3SaDG-EhwBk7eEUHRlwB5pyGo59OBrZtelVIFTMBPYKVzg9zFke7Zkb/s1600/121020_DBA8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Em0jOFGmiBjaVYmAIXwJHY7Q1g1ngmt2bvSxji8_Eqk1N9-S9kH1uPXNz3nHi2INWmzOujED38vsydD47vOca3SaDG-EhwBk7eEUHRlwB5pyGo59OBrZtelVIFTMBPYKVzg9zFke7Zkb/s640/121020_DBA8.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Considerable pressure was applied by </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius against the </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ptolemaic left but it was the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ptolemaic right which pressed </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius' own left, especially in the area of marsh visible above. Devoid of light troops </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius was soon hard pressed here. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yet </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ptolemy the Greater seemed reluctant to press his significant advantage until almost dusk. As the two pike phalanxes finally collided the Demetrius' casualties mounted. However, fading light robbed </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ptolemy of victory and </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius fell back. A costly 2-6 loss, but the army remained in the field.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Game 5 - Galatians:</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius, not one to pause, was soon on campaign once again, this time in northern Greece where he attacked the Galatians. Now </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius' </span>deployment was constrained by a steep hill and large wood. Deployed between the two he would need to march through the narrow plain before deploying to engage the Galatian host. A Galatian attack through the wood was of great concern. Below, the Greek centre prepares to engage the enemy foot. Galatian cavalry can be seen massed on the left while Greek light cavalry threaten the Galatian left.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2VTi1K-0SEbGI3BK09rcXf-XnrU60A3BGHqlcZEZyGdwzqZjkDI1DB0JfREQ1m6fBWKhgUz39grbWmRIuglF24MBIPpTUaQ5U1ZixWLCZiIcu8xit9JV5NtAzYrcydTpfzks03CYWk3V/s1600/121020_DBA10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2VTi1K-0SEbGI3BK09rcXf-XnrU60A3BGHqlcZEZyGdwzqZjkDI1DB0JfREQ1m6fBWKhgUz39grbWmRIuglF24MBIPpTUaQ5U1ZixWLCZiIcu8xit9JV5NtAzYrcydTpfzks03CYWk3V/s640/121020_DBA10.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In due course the Greek attack fell on the Galatian left. Here the first attack by Greek light cavalry was beaten off but the subsequent attacks, by a portion of the phalanx as well as </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">xystophoroi and Greek heavy cavalry, was more successful. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Below, the Greek cavalry exploit the collapsing Galatian left. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXUi8yVBNhKYv9KBDAeRCd5VhLJu9Cg0DCRX4J7_vo0B2Ucyi7_ufPIevquBFDW4roY1ZIJLlH5evXTqbhDRSOYQBjiLstLGJVv2rVdrYjgysQJ-iNDJz8h8NVfEsGE2kwGGdIv87_tmj/s1600/121020_DBA11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXUi8yVBNhKYv9KBDAeRCd5VhLJu9Cg0DCRX4J7_vo0B2Ucyi7_ufPIevquBFDW4roY1ZIJLlH5evXTqbhDRSOYQBjiLstLGJVv2rVdrYjgysQJ-iNDJz8h8NVfEsGE2kwGGdIv87_tmj/s640/121020_DBA11.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span>Meanwhile
Galatian cavalry manoeuvred around the open Greek left and in due
course attacked the Greek camp, looting it in the process. </span></span>However, despite the loss of his camp, the Greeks continued to press the Galatian foot. This pressure was too much and the Galatian host broke. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius had secured </span>a 9-1 victory, which while a clear win, could easily have been a disaster.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Game 6 - Thessalian Greeks:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The for the final engagement Demetrius found himself drawn back to Greece and conflict with the Thessalian Greeks. Alas, no photos' exist of this battle. The battlefield was open except for a gente rise that dominated the centre. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Thessalian commander, despite defending, attacked with great vigour with a long line of hoplites and with his cavalry massed on his own left. Disrupted by the hill and </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius catapults the hoplite advance was delayed. So instead of the expected clash of infantry the battle would be determined on the Thessalian left. Demetrius extended a portion of his phalanx to eight ranks and pressed </span>forward with these as well as his </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">xystophoroi and Greek cavalry. Again, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius was at the head of the attacks. While some Thessalian cavalry were destroyed others were fled from the Macedonian phalanx. The Thessalian commander was now isolated and would now pay a terrible price for his rapid advance. Outflanked he was cut-down by charging Macedonians. A further 12-0 victory for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other Games:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is always difficult keeping track of other games but below Colin and Simon during Round two where the Thessalian Greeks secured a 9-3 victory over the Galatians.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheADKpDlQhH-ujuMYx3Qml6XZcT7Gjx9OuCebSeRWcVaOVVNgfaQg-cF2MDw68-l1oeAelkcaR11WHNyjNp3oOz_z3Wo06h4YdeMJZaRqquoaz0Pn6gbZaLCE6r2xayhKlpoxqF14Qh7vM/s1600/121020_DBA5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheADKpDlQhH-ujuMYx3Qml6XZcT7Gjx9OuCebSeRWcVaOVVNgfaQg-cF2MDw68-l1oeAelkcaR11WHNyjNp3oOz_z3Wo06h4YdeMJZaRqquoaz0Pn6gbZaLCE6r2xayhKlpoxqF14Qh7vM/s640/121020_DBA5.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Below, Stephen and Jim in the foreground are engaged in round three where Jim's Ptolemaic Successors secured a 11-1 victory. In the background Simon and Kees can be seen where the Galatians also secured a 11-1 victory against the Romans.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbkDM5iyeG8L_5mq4APC6zzGtphuJY8WPqT1DGgk-xqtygKkGUdkIcEdHOdzfJCrSIOO4Es291J1u9Jv8oaXDMe4DFoWLMmx0_WEnvbpYQdD-JtM5OmNHGnjPxURIBlaMttDFpPSrAfux/s1600/121020_DBA13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbkDM5iyeG8L_5mq4APC6zzGtphuJY8WPqT1DGgk-xqtygKkGUdkIcEdHOdzfJCrSIOO4Es291J1u9Jv8oaXDMe4DFoWLMmx0_WEnvbpYQdD-JtM5OmNHGnjPxURIBlaMttDFpPSrAfux/s640/121020_DBA13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another view of the Roman and Galatian battle during round three, this time clearly showing Simon deep in thought...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IbMNviggI9OfcxBdgBKtgPRlFr2SUvikc-fAgWstmirDyhPjIGKLA-6_NX0KFUKRA1_Q4mMSUhVBdS9HbkT3tKlVxek8EB1ckxFFBvvsSqhtVzKbEzRzyqUNH4J8FjDBHz5kWkOigumF/s1600/121020_DBA9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IbMNviggI9OfcxBdgBKtgPRlFr2SUvikc-fAgWstmirDyhPjIGKLA-6_NX0KFUKRA1_Q4mMSUhVBdS9HbkT3tKlVxek8EB1ckxFFBvvsSqhtVzKbEzRzyqUNH4J8FjDBHz5kWkOigumF/s640/121020_DBA9.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Results:</span></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The results for the day can be summed up simply, all eight players had an enjoyable day of Ancient wargaming. Any additional results are a bonus! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, while medals
were awarded for 1st and 2nd Place several instant prizes
were awarded during rounds four to six. The aim was to introduce some
additional flavour without focusing on "places at the podium". The
instant prizes were won as follows:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Round 4: "First enemy general killed during that round" - Brian Sowman</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Round 5: "First enemy camp looted that round" - Simon Phillips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Round 6: "First player to eliminate two enemy stands that round" - Kees de Jager </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The overall placings, a</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">fter six rounds, were as follows:</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Keith McNelly II/16b Asiatic Successor, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demetrius</span></span></span></span> (52pts) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brian Sowman II/03 Classical Indian (<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">50pts)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dave Batchelor II/20c Ptolemaic (39pts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jim Morton II/20c </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ptolemaic (38pts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Simon Phillips II/82a Later Visigoths (<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">27pts)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stephen Malone II/81b Sub Roman British<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">22</span>pts)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Colin Foster II/5d Later Hoplite Greek, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thessalian </span> (21pts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kees de Jager II/64b Middle Imperial Roman (13pts) </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Special thanks must be made to Comic Compulsion for another excellent event and, as always, generous prizes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next up, on the 9th of December, is the Christchurch DBA Open, and an opportunity to deploy some Medieval armies...</span></span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-64071131532432660792012-10-16T20:41:00.001+13:002012-10-16T20:41:27.811+13:00Second Corinth - October 1862<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A new American Civil War scenario has been posted to the <a href="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/mcnelly/vnb.htm" target="_blank">The Volley & Bayonet Page</a>. The scenario, written by Andy Nicoll, covers the Second Battle of Corinth. The battle was fought on the 3rd and 4th of October 1862, in Corinth, Mississippi between Union forces under </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rosecrans, shown here, and Confederate forces under Van Dorn.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4utJAzktffQ4xkfRNj7C3tr0bzXhJO_vI8rv2YvIzAaEDbM1xpG9sEEw6QtdG1-dP925tgPTXQJ7obeHRhkQz6K6WTUM90ZmyCNVhrYPEgreYuEjnw47DiTAiUXeMKboRnYDc2d8q-_0/s1600/Rosecrans.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4utJAzktffQ4xkfRNj7C3tr0bzXhJO_vI8rv2YvIzAaEDbM1xpG9sEEw6QtdG1-dP925tgPTXQJ7obeHRhkQz6K6WTUM90ZmyCNVhrYPEgreYuEjnw47DiTAiUXeMKboRnYDc2d8q-_0/s400/Rosecrans.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After the Battle of Iuka, Maj. Gen. Sterling Price marched his army to meet with Van Dorn's. The combined force, under the command of the more senior Van Dorn, moved in the direction of Corinth, a critical rail junction in northern Mississippi, hoping to disrupt Union lines of communications and then sweep into Middle Tennessee. The fighting began on the 3rd of October as the Confederates pushed the Federal army from the rifle pits originally constructed by the Confederates for the Siege of Corinth. The Confederates exploited a gap in the Union line and continued to press the Union troops until they fell back to an inner line of fortifications.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbSMGbdZWkKWxC5b4nIUGhfXbURrytXugy8yTYLlL6lqR6K4d2qwz9MrpzFmo3UXkl8teTBJDYSMHk6JhGxRMfOdLJyozfTANnZuBI9yIW1UKOpVQK7OK9yAuwC0FuUxJfRqsn6SuPfOB/s1600/Battle_of_Corinth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbSMGbdZWkKWxC5b4nIUGhfXbURrytXugy8yTYLlL6lqR6K4d2qwz9MrpzFmo3UXkl8teTBJDYSMHk6JhGxRMfOdLJyozfTANnZuBI9yIW1UKOpVQK7OK9yAuwC0FuUxJfRqsn6SuPfOB/s640/Battle_of_Corinth.jpg" width="640" /></a></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbSMGbdZWkKWxC5b4nIUGhfXbURrytXugy8yTYLlL6lqR6K4d2qwz9MrpzFmo3UXkl8teTBJDYSMHk6JhGxRMfOdLJyozfTANnZuBI9yIW1UKOpVQK7OK9yAuwC0FuUxJfRqsn6SuPfOB/s1600/Battle_of_Corinth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />On the second day of battle, the Confederates moved forward to meet heavy Union artillery fire, storming Battery Powell and Battery Robinett, where desperate hand-to-hand fighting occurred. A brief incursion into the town of Corinth was repulsed. After a Federal counter-attack recaptured Battery Powell, Van Dorn ordered a general retreat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Volley and Bayonet scenario for Second Corinth can be found <a href="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/mcnelly/vb/index/index_scenario_american.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-83940709198741953752012-10-13T10:08:00.002+13:002012-10-13T18:45:35.382+13:00Bennigsen on the Durberg - 1813<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Friday evening it was time for another Volley & Bayonet game and as I have been somewhat poor in reporting recent battles I thought it time to provide some photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Count von Bennigsen commanded a combined Russian and Swedish army while
Ney drew his army mainly from Rapp's Xth Corps and Oudinot's XII Corps which together included French, German and Polish troops, including Polish
Lancers shown above. As with most of our fictional games on a Friday
evening we use the Road to Glory system and overlay the card draw
system to determine the placement and arrival of forces. Each player
draws two cards of the 27 card deck, and then selects one of these. In
this engagement both armies selected low cards. The French "Build-up:
Echelon left" (Card 9), while the Russians "Advance Guard: Echelon
Right" (Card 7).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDZ71Gj4iEVKevcR0q3UjBbIuoJL7p4ljd-0ZW2YZnT5X_E8pBeu_kjXAl2fYX_TOb6OKJLQTxEJCnv5A6du2zCVLVnNo5OfDhsLxXc0WjWutd7KjpHOs3jhBRbFVgUiG5EDItsKJZGQI/s1600/Poniatowski's_Last_Charge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDZ71Gj4iEVKevcR0q3UjBbIuoJL7p4ljd-0ZW2YZnT5X_E8pBeu_kjXAl2fYX_TOb6OKJLQTxEJCnv5A6du2zCVLVnNo5OfDhsLxXc0WjWutd7KjpHOs3jhBRbFVgUiG5EDItsKJZGQI/s400/Poniatowski's_Last_Charge.jpg" width="284" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />The result was the Russians deployed with only their centre available, perhaps two reinforced divisions, while the French deployed with four reinforced divisions. Additional Russian and Swedish troops would start to arrive on the second turn, while French reinforcements would be delayed another turn. Below, the two armies begin to engage with the Durberg stream in the background around 2pm. The onus of attack was with the French, but this was countered by a more more rapid build up of Allied troops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3vLqo4lhqgmXI1fNAM1wusiFx4UVHcfwSWcnHfSBlNHzEbNa5z4m0iJMSIcHgl8R-LM-gd7eyEWumy3Px7wiJpqBJsMELuLpmr4rEYYD7eul_Xbe7vtZznzADMqTtiumZISTagfiPtpM/s1600/121012_VB1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3vLqo4lhqgmXI1fNAM1wusiFx4UVHcfwSWcnHfSBlNHzEbNa5z4m0iJMSIcHgl8R-LM-gd7eyEWumy3Px7wiJpqBJsMELuLpmr4rEYYD7eul_Xbe7vtZznzADMqTtiumZISTagfiPtpM/s640/121012_VB1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Again, with reference to the above photo the French are in the foreground while the Russians have secured the high ground in the centre with two infantry divisions. The section of stream on the left, running near the forming the Russian right, is marshy banked which protects the Russian flank. The section immediately behind the Russians is not. While the French advance forward Swedish reinforcements begin to arrive and are shown strung out in march column on the road. These forces will extend the Allied left flank. The ability of the Allies to deploy quickly on this flank threatened the French advance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqpCnPaSTcV89vlN52DiW5Sz7OwkPf64Kbzqm-PX5fZ2s7SBNNY1haYqueRWc2Uk6EBjZDBl4drkBEaEcUrt2hxLeM1cZNYIHX7ibkS9kLSjtGOB5A4ubrAx8M1JJj-_EQKvosWNcNqt-/s1600/121012_VB2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqpCnPaSTcV89vlN52DiW5Sz7OwkPf64Kbzqm-PX5fZ2s7SBNNY1haYqueRWc2Uk6EBjZDBl4drkBEaEcUrt2hxLeM1cZNYIHX7ibkS9kLSjtGOB5A4ubrAx8M1JJj-_EQKvosWNcNqt-/s640/121012_VB2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />By 3pm the initial French forces in the centre have deployed including 24 guns, a combination of French and Hesse-Darmstadt pieces, and begin to engage the Russians on the ridge, as shown above. On the left Bavarian and Polish troops can be seen, while to the two weak French divisions are visible to their right. In the foreground Raglovich's Bavarians move forward. In the extreme right foreground elements of Marchand's division extend the French right. Opposite, the Allies continue to deploy from march column while extending their own left further. Below, another view of the centre as the bombardment of the Allied centre begins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTqrtOawhZNqlaJsef8o7KW4ohBRoCe1eMdXEchBT9dN-RrR4ggciWDXFUeERW_BjNWn3HaeoF91eA8FyAXGPpRmuQU93_asx-G1JoG5Umx_ZAt_PvHUFu1tm0NWkcmOczriIw9J1rY4v/s1600/121012_VB3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTqrtOawhZNqlaJsef8o7KW4ohBRoCe1eMdXEchBT9dN-RrR4ggciWDXFUeERW_BjNWn3HaeoF91eA8FyAXGPpRmuQU93_asx-G1JoG5Umx_ZAt_PvHUFu1tm0NWkcmOczriIw9J1rY4v/s640/121012_VB3.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Below, another view this time showing the French right flank in the foreground. While much of the French centre comprised poorly trained troops the right contained more seasoned troops. Divisions here include Marchand's39th Division and Pacthod's 13th Division as well as a converged Bavarian cavalry brigade.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqpCnPaSTcV89vlN52DiW5Sz7OwkPf64Kbzqm-PX5fZ2s7SBNNY1haYqueRWc2Uk6EBjZDBl4drkBEaEcUrt2hxLeM1cZNYIHX7ibkS9kLSjtGOB5A4ubrAx8M1JJj-_EQKvosWNcNqt-/s1600/121012_VB2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPC-97lcgnaWwi8p2V5tzdwcz9gpGyvIUKC_A1HWC_U8SgpvC4mJ7ZOosGIdSrszwmlORS8n4zVu0pCOUUVlJJLFWCw0Z_ebiNLlE3edJ0NjCVNqDh_wkz7sBjABpGpGNffLz4xd1hjgZ/s1600/121012_VB4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPC-97lcgnaWwi8p2V5tzdwcz9gpGyvIUKC_A1HWC_U8SgpvC4mJ7ZOosGIdSrszwmlORS8n4zVu0pCOUUVlJJLFWCw0Z_ebiNLlE3edJ0NjCVNqDh_wkz7sBjABpGpGNffLz4xd1hjgZ/s640/121012_VB4.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqpCnPaSTcV89vlN52DiW5Sz7OwkPf64Kbzqm-PX5fZ2s7SBNNY1haYqueRWc2Uk6EBjZDBl4drkBEaEcUrt2hxLeM1cZNYIHX7ibkS9kLSjtGOB5A4ubrAx8M1JJj-_EQKvosWNcNqt-/s1600/121012_VB2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Realising that the French numbers would soon begin to come in to play </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bennigsen </span>determined to attack the French centre with two cavalry brigades and a Russian infantry brigade. Unfortunately this attack was not recorded but it ended in disaster. While driving two French infantry brigades and an artillery battalion back in disorder the resulting gaps were filled by three hastily deployed artillery battalions supported by Bavarian and French infantry. The resulting casualties on the allied cavalry were significant. One cavalry brigade was decimated and the other, suffering heavy casualties, routed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Meanwhile on the French right the build up continued. Below, Barrois' Young Guard and Defrance 4th Cavalry Division add to the other units here which now significantly outnumber the Allies in this sector. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcETKi1xl2ht_VxcOMmMsW__rzyaufWpx0KWh8TcErZ76mPH0cFHrh-Pu_1uo2Dxkbdlxqy3ZxxjL5_Gf-swimFt-vexaXzRIxJmiRV7DtkuznB7Wn3uaeW72PxxVKNl3EEWK87NakBdDi/s1600/121012_VB6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcETKi1xl2ht_VxcOMmMsW__rzyaufWpx0KWh8TcErZ76mPH0cFHrh-Pu_1uo2Dxkbdlxqy3ZxxjL5_Gf-swimFt-vexaXzRIxJmiRV7DtkuznB7Wn3uaeW72PxxVKNl3EEWK87NakBdDi/s640/121012_VB6.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now caught in a dilemma Bennigsen needed to decide if he could continue to attack or if he should defend. His centre, weakened by his failed attacks, is under increased artillery fire. At the same time his left, having initially threatened the French right is itself now under pressure. Defend he must, but where? He could either hold his current position or fall back. Opting for the latter the Allies pulled back placing the Durberg stream between themselves and the French. Below, the battlefield just prior to the Allied withdrawal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuAA8Qz_LmMeoy665K9hIzJSnFM6N2mxtCOPD7NlCSksRCdeRE_oe5GDm9vhJ9LvhTphnfKK43maLHm0pNbqBA4qZc0gpY_RxQRtBc983hgAm0d9mGPSk4QLDojIGE1adAK5gBU0AK5hv/s1600/121012_VB7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuAA8Qz_LmMeoy665K9hIzJSnFM6N2mxtCOPD7NlCSksRCdeRE_oe5GDm9vhJ9LvhTphnfKK43maLHm0pNbqBA4qZc0gpY_RxQRtBc983hgAm0d9mGPSk4QLDojIGE1adAK5gBU0AK5hv/s640/121012_VB7.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alas for Ney, the limitations of his own army now came in to play. Almost half of his infantry divisions were classed as poorly trained meaning their ability to manoeuvre was limited. Further, his cavalry was too far back and not massed to take advantage of the Allied withdrawal. As a result the Allies were able, just, to reach the safety of the Durberg. The result was clearly one of indecision along the Durberg, at least until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>All figures are 6mm miniatures from the excellent Heroics and Ros ranges. All stands are brigades representing 2000 or more infantry, while cavalry brigades represent around 1000 men. All brigades are on 1.5" square bases and 1" on the table represents 200 yards. One game turn represents an hour of actual time. Both armies, when fully deployed, comprised around 3000 points of troops. </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-25906891402246264862012-10-09T19:58:00.000+13:002012-10-13T11:10:58.391+13:00Little Weller - September 1642<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1LE9TjKiY0sOXSzynmLNGt4AEsIVkZJ3WED9OPZSgXBQz5HJ4_2juOr1XiSCMJdIzW5qtQaaLceNSvax8grmJUVZyIIHNjYfZHi1AjYSpXIE6b4Y-Qul2FUn-WAC-c344LMKjNfXd-i1/s1600/121007_DBR1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After a break of English Civil War games last Sunday found the Royalists and Roundheads once again deploying for battle. The year was 1642 and Autumn was slowly closing in. While the King was organising his army and Rupert was heading towards Powick Bridge, and to what is commonly known as the first battle of the Civil War, the ever active Sir Herbert Gusset was to clash with the Roundhead commander Sir Samuel Pickwick on the 21st of September 1642. Here Pickwick, complete in armour, just prior to the fateful day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPz3AZkYnqYuCCpo84or3HQGp8MMtcFR48J7YwBQOjPs5LRJ-EFjw4MXZmcU4aWDTDsOeJJIJyaIrbzm6bFhmkXMfa4TbYQodt4POp7Y3PrfH85xnsLOu-_9hGjvVJUPh6jYHYFzZSYR2/s1600/Pickwick.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPz3AZkYnqYuCCpo84or3HQGp8MMtcFR48J7YwBQOjPs5LRJ-EFjw4MXZmcU4aWDTDsOeJJIJyaIrbzm6bFhmkXMfa4TbYQodt4POp7Y3PrfH85xnsLOu-_9hGjvVJUPh6jYHYFzZSYR2/s400/Pickwick.JPG" width="327" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Gusset, had been indeed busy and had assembled some 1650 horse and 600 foot. Now as he marched towards Dingley Dell manor, home of Sir Samuel and centre of Roundhead forces in the county. Sir Samuel assembled his army on Weller Green, his aim was clear. He would defeat this upstart Gusset and having completed this task march on Gusset's own base and thus secure the county for Parliament. <br /><br />Rising early Sir Samuel deployed his forces in three groups. His centre comprised two regiments of foot each of 600 men, a mixture of pike and shot, which he commanded along with some his own troop of lobsters. To his right, and between his centre and the village of Little Weller his trusted subordinate Colonel Nathaniel Winkle deployed a further 600 foot as well as 375 horse. To Sir Samuel's left was Colonel Augustus Snodgrass, veteran of the Thirty Years War, and good friend. Here Snodgrass deployed several sakers as well as a further 375 horse and a company of dragoons. The later being deployed in an enclosure near Trotter stream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Gusset, countered by deploying his own army in two bodies, somewhat frustrated by the amount or Roundhead foot to his front. His centre, under his own command, comprised his foot all armed with musket, and some 800 horse deployed in the centre and toward the Royalist left. Slightly forward on his right, and opposite Snodgrass, he placed another 800 or so horse in 10 troops, under his trusted if somewhat colourful Colonel Lancelot Periwinkle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1LE9TjKiY0sOXSzynmLNGt4AEsIVkZJ3WED9OPZSgXBQz5HJ4_2juOr1XiSCMJdIzW5qtQaaLceNSvax8grmJUVZyIIHNjYfZHi1AjYSpXIE6b4Y-Qul2FUn-WAC-c344LMKjNfXd-i1/s1600/121007_DBR1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1LE9TjKiY0sOXSzynmLNGt4AEsIVkZJ3WED9OPZSgXBQz5HJ4_2juOr1XiSCMJdIzW5qtQaaLceNSvax8grmJUVZyIIHNjYfZHi1AjYSpXIE6b4Y-Qul2FUn-WAC-c344LMKjNfXd-i1/s640/121007_DBR1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Not one to dither Gusset almost immediately ordered an attack. All along the line his cavaliers trotted forward guidons flapping in the wind while his foot moved as quickly as possible forward in the centre. His plan was simple a strike at the Roundhead infantry would pin the Roundhead foot in place while some 350 horse would move with all speed around Little Pickwick to fall on the Roundhead rear and baggage. All that stood in his way were the trained bands of Little Weller and the surrounding villages and the venerable Sir Samuel Pickwick. Above, the two armies viewed from the Roundhead lines. The village of Littel Weller can be seen on the Roundhead left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As the Royalist left advanced Snodgrass' gunnes, most of which were sakers, belched flame and ball. In due course a series of massive cannon balls disrupted the Royalist horse opposite. </span>Below, a view from the enclosures as Royalist horse advance on the Roundhead gunnes. some disruption can be seen in the Royalist horse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP73esF5XrdOAxEM173Mu60zuRWz6nOWErJ8hW84BNCJ3RGtPzDur4QkOKJ1v9VPJEZJBEIhrV-H-7mNsdp0fVOngMZVOjJeZVqC254ePU2lNZOKUs_VN-YW7_z7fddRzE4h-BOKn4x6_/s1600/121007_DBR2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP73esF5XrdOAxEM173Mu60zuRWz6nOWErJ8hW84BNCJ3RGtPzDur4QkOKJ1v9VPJEZJBEIhrV-H-7mNsdp0fVOngMZVOjJeZVqC254ePU2lNZOKUs_VN-YW7_z7fddRzE4h-BOKn4x6_/s640/121007_DBR2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the somewhat flamboyant Periwinkle sought a degree of safety himself three of his less disorganised troops of horse charged forward into the Roundhead gunnes, hoping to overrun and gunners before they could reload. They were however unsuccessful and soon fell back. Meanwhile the Roundhead dragoons continued to cause much discomfort to the Royalist horse who strayed to near the the enclosures. Below, the Royalist horse charge the Roundhead gunnes while Roundhead dragoons prepare to engage the cavaliers from the enclosures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOq1FhKqdayBZOEiJENvpMsZZQ1im_BD3HEaH4P_kfvDI4EtBML07JW8asxdigBeF1aqh8qvOYP-SlmPlaO6HpBbTX4UhTRT-tMyowp6PGqetjVsVUl3BeieV1GSvxAjBtUN24cBkrVr2/s1600/121007_DBR3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOq1FhKqdayBZOEiJENvpMsZZQ1im_BD3HEaH4P_kfvDI4EtBML07JW8asxdigBeF1aqh8qvOYP-SlmPlaO6HpBbTX4UhTRT-tMyowp6PGqetjVsVUl3BeieV1GSvxAjBtUN24cBkrVr2/s640/121007_DBR3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, on the Royalist left, some five troops of Royalist horse prepared to engage the Roundhead foot now drawn up near the village of Little Weller. Interestingly, Colonel Nathaniel Winkle had placed the foot on the extreme right and covered the gap between the Roundhead centre and his own foot with his horse, also some five troops. The Royalist horse charged home but were unable to disrupt the Roundhead foot. Below, the Royalist cavaliers engage Wardle's regiment of foot. In the foreground <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Colonel Nathaniel Winkle's horse cover the gap between Roundhead foot.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULMKb7GD0kxfuVNCmODOpIwS0s_M7TVmXBl_IL6FhpQ0_KF54VVk-hHwt4F9Kh-OIasde4EkLeju95iVWBhMXPdbHTRgbMJKtxazbc5NxWzgUNZc6gSU0anVkjKvNTWTHoYEI_zG2sC10/s1600/121007_DBR4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULMKb7GD0kxfuVNCmODOpIwS0s_M7TVmXBl_IL6FhpQ0_KF54VVk-hHwt4F9Kh-OIasde4EkLeju95iVWBhMXPdbHTRgbMJKtxazbc5NxWzgUNZc6gSU0anVkjKvNTWTHoYEI_zG2sC10/s640/121007_DBR4.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now
Winkle counter-attacked with his harquebusiers, driving back the Royalist horse and eventually exposing the Royalist foot to an attack on their own flank.
It should be noted here that Gusset, in his haste, had selected only shot
for his expedition. His pikemen having been left behind in his march
towards the battlefield. A situation he now no doubt regretted. </span>Not all was going well for Parliament however. Additional Royalist horse were now making good progress on their advance around Little Weller. Given time they would soon fall on the Roundhead rear. A Roundhead reserve was needed and so three troops of horse were formed to protect the rear.<br /><br />However, events on the Roundhead left were also progressing, despite further casualties, and a demoralised Royalist right wing, Colonel Lancelot Periwinkle ordered forward more of his horse against the Roundhead gunnes. This time, while Periwinkle sought the safety of his reserve, the cavalier charge successfully overran the Roundhead guns and in so doing demoralised the Roundhead left.<br /><br />The final result would now be decided in the centre. Here the foot of both armies clashed with pike and clubbed musket while Roundhead horse tried desperately to attack the flank of Gusset's Royalist foot. Below, the Royalist foot are clearly hard pressed by the Roundhead foot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasaxkw8OTlHezvGGqOwPi2rqra6JPFVKqr6W-KDyzBDKXGS60j8F_9Zc_cbsw_OwnYUMaoj2_NQIQw_gQ_DYPsDNrtU1Lb_V6pCmSdLRMjt-4uJatXnBnxOx5Vz6-qf490Wd9U16t2NPI/s1600/121007_DBR5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasaxkw8OTlHezvGGqOwPi2rqra6JPFVKqr6W-KDyzBDKXGS60j8F_9Zc_cbsw_OwnYUMaoj2_NQIQw_gQ_DYPsDNrtU1Lb_V6pCmSdLRMjt-4uJatXnBnxOx5Vz6-qf490Wd9U16t2NPI/s640/121007_DBR5.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yet while events played out in the centre the Royalist horse, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">having completed their march around Little Weller</span> engaged the Roundhead reserve. Now charge and counter-charge developed. Gusset was still in with a chance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yet, it was Sir Samuel's Lobsters and two troops of Colonel Winkle's harquebusiers which held the line just long enough for the Royalist foot to finally break. As the Royalist centre broke Gusset and his flamboyant officers sought safety in their saddles, aware that their Roundhead opponents would soon be in pursuit...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><i>The Royalists were commanded by John while I commanded the
Roundheads. The game ended with a 9-1 Roundhead victory, though the result was very nearly a Royalist victory as the Roundhead army itself was nearly broken. As is normal here we used the excellent DBR rules with the armies in 15mm each comprising some 300 points of
troops. The battlefield measured 4' x 3'.</i></span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-24481782879558884032012-09-25T20:13:00.002+12:002012-09-25T20:38:02.443+12:00Push of Pike 2012 - Reflections<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last weekend I managed to attend Push of Pike a Renaissance competition held each year in Auckland using the DBR rules. Push of Pike is typically run as a themed event and over the years I have tried to attend several times but either due to prior engagements, or not having an army suitable for the theme, I've not managed it.<br /><br />However, this year was different. With an army fitting the theme of "Armies of 1650 to 1700" and the planets aligning, I decided to gather an army for the event. However, with armies of 450 points more figures needed to be painted. In due course the additional figures were completed and my Maori set forth.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG1kYrvLyNLTwbrqY3bEufTHPv4FInG8mIFcttt3tMnehUnaWJl20X5SciJpBh9boa97_BWHMHErD-R_4CoddadFLNhjTVybH1iJpNgdGb896mSTzAKMST4Fs5oAh9rQlRjW1KXVh2Hr8/s1600/110318_DBR4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYFyCNkLLedGnR4mwAd598eSLZb51PMkioClls1hDVAkq-tG0B23J6-3zAkfzEuig5T71Zm7C39iyXUdR5AbLZZL35Mhpf1erbPuYmRrODZhABPIuyfkUvj8SwmtFQb6OfUzhkZ8C_54p/s1600/Maketu+pa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYFyCNkLLedGnR4mwAd598eSLZb51PMkioClls1hDVAkq-tG0B23J6-3zAkfzEuig5T71Zm7C39iyXUdR5AbLZZL35Mhpf1erbPuYmRrODZhABPIuyfkUvj8SwmtFQb6OfUzhkZ8C_54p/s1600/Maketu+pa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The format for Push of Pike is four games spread over two days. So early Saturday morning the armies prepared for battle...<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Game One - Later Imperialist (Mark Caunter)</i><br /><br />I have had the pleasure of fighting Mark before. For this competition Mark was fielding Later Imperialists, a solid pike and shot army with some more exotic light troops to bulk out numbers. The Imperialists were defending and deployed along a gentle hill. In contrast my three iwi were deployed on the flat plain below well within his cannon range.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrRHb4mXRF36D7_JIjTaqjFazmEVd01F5YmEBSNOTDNN5a_ZcboWP4pDXzB4dKkFYTfsFOAiwt1wMAvg6CIEAlkH2HhIlmdPaKWYV7eBx3IO841fdQpLNmbPp93g0oTS-h3689kmJW0EN/s1600/120923_POP9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrRHb4mXRF36D7_JIjTaqjFazmEVd01F5YmEBSNOTDNN5a_ZcboWP4pDXzB4dKkFYTfsFOAiwt1wMAvg6CIEAlkH2HhIlmdPaKWYV7eBx3IO841fdQpLNmbPp93g0oTS-h3689kmJW0EN/s640/120923_POP9.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Trying to avoid engagement in the centre I tried to work the flanks. Firstly by blocking the cavalry heavy Imperialist right while exploiting the possible disorder on the Imperialist left flank. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hJmWXGKvJjncqqXoG2cWOmCETXG6D3Rm-0XIW4qtpKHayTYfAwd3t9ydpv9vInuUMXH32SRVESgKCX4RhkUxFCtR30VES6fxagfyp4CTqqe3kh2f-Mwjmk7Cq7NM0eFEg30ZDC21oE-Q/s1600/120923_POP11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hJmWXGKvJjncqqXoG2cWOmCETXG6D3Rm-0XIW4qtpKHayTYfAwd3t9ydpv9vInuUMXH32SRVESgKCX4RhkUxFCtR30VES6fxagfyp4CTqqe3kh2f-Mwjmk7Cq7NM0eFEg30ZDC21oE-Q/s640/120923_POP11.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, while both flank attacks gained some ground my wing commands were too weak to press the advantage and eventually I was forced to attack the centre. The final result was a 4-6 draw with the Imperialists retaining the high ground but unwilling to venture down onto the plain.<br /><br /><i>Game Two: Mahgrebi (Stephan Hastings)</i><br /><br />Alas once again the Maori were invading. However, suspecting I would be invading I had selected my naval list which I hoped would give me some littoral options. The Maori soon found themselves deployed on a very open battlefield with the coast to their left and some areas of brush to their right. The right wing was clearly vulnerable to the rampaging camels of the Mahgrebi.<br /><br />The battle opened on the left with the Maori waka advancing rapidly against the small Mahgrebi fleet of galleys. Overcome by the rapid advance of the Maori waka the Mahgrebi galleys were soon beached and their crews seeking safety of the land while their light artillery engaged the waka from the coast. Meanwhile the main lines of both armies continued forward and were soon in combat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsmKOO0huYmdG09YAERsCB2lCMF35bUHJqEWfgsIb4DLE8FC_-idTW821GT5MZmbI6djG5FgYGYIcqwknxITR3SB1j4EeBquPbaK_vWAPEU3-QC4SyujPZrGNB90x22EDx8FH8yt5nsXo/s1600/120923_POP12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsmKOO0huYmdG09YAERsCB2lCMF35bUHJqEWfgsIb4DLE8FC_-idTW821GT5MZmbI6djG5FgYGYIcqwknxITR3SB1j4EeBquPbaK_vWAPEU3-QC4SyujPZrGNB90x22EDx8FH8yt5nsXo/s640/120923_POP12.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the Maori right Mahgrebi some 200 camel riders attempted to flank the Maori by advancing through the brush covered broken ground. Here outnumbered but skilled Maori scouts acted quickly and dispatched the camel riders and thus secured the right flank.<br /><br />While the right was secure the centre was not and soon the centres of both armies were heavily engaged. Mounted Mahgrebi and wild tribesmen were locked in a deadly battle. However, time was against both armies and as the sun went down a 5-5 draw was declared.<br /><br /><i>Game Three - Later Danes (John Way)</i><br /><br />The first game of the second day and with a high Danish aggression I expected to be defending. Suspecting the Danish would use ships I opted to use my naval list. As expected the Danes had ventured to the shores of Nova Zeelandia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaB9ZjDASwTEnWkcJTYH1FDNUl3fF-PsD5fNzxvKzZ4xgJKLxcrDgmZmYU5Le5MLxNySrUuhi3EXCrhmF8mCg5hQtj4Z_WoYTmjMRgLgN4ztzVGHhzMf-jSUqm6-Aa6uoN2Ofj-L09o8Y/s1600/120923_POP1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaB9ZjDASwTEnWkcJTYH1FDNUl3fF-PsD5fNzxvKzZ4xgJKLxcrDgmZmYU5Le5MLxNySrUuhi3EXCrhmF8mCg5hQtj4Z_WoYTmjMRgLgN4ztzVGHhzMf-jSUqm6-Aa6uoN2Ofj-L09o8Y/s640/120923_POP1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like the Imperialists before the Danes opted to deploy along a ridge, which I could either attack or sit some distance from and ignore. Foolishly I attacked. As with the previous battle the first thrust was along the coast where the waka were supposed to attack the Danish fleet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ArLbyIrjSyZiClTDaI6NcVSbMcC8CS9PgRbbgC8hENNsi8QsmNDuWlAI15z7-6yuUv9ljBYmo653L52x_HD47Rrjrp10-pnfklptX6u0GBC2PxD-bznTxMy_KDAVmars3JqJF9riN5QD/s1600/120923_POP2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ArLbyIrjSyZiClTDaI6NcVSbMcC8CS9PgRbbgC8hENNsi8QsmNDuWlAI15z7-6yuUv9ljBYmo653L52x_HD47Rrjrp10-pnfklptX6u0GBC2PxD-bznTxMy_KDAVmars3JqJF9riN5QD/s640/120923_POP2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Above, the waka approach the Danish fleet, already one waka had been sunk and only five stands remain. </span>The Danish fire was devastating and as the naval battle played out the Danish fleet increased the range as the waka closed. In due course four waka stands were sunk and their crews lost. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a result the Maori left was reluctant to engage further. Meanwhile another iwi attacked the Danish left. To strengthen his own left the Danish commander ordered his centre forward and off the hill. Now the Maori centre attacked, as can be seen below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD7zuKyDhyphenhyphenEh8t5nyHgcyNxHXgsTCzy_glXLIPMYK61yo2SmGcLR99pxEG7nO1UI9V_NOsuKKzAXOnlzcUpj9wrOxBAAkqFYb5I_0hyphenhyphenQ8SwwDcVx5cOPUhPLOc4Ge_a_4xsAumN1MRNKp/s1600/120923_POP4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD7zuKyDhyphenhyphenEh8t5nyHgcyNxHXgsTCzy_glXLIPMYK61yo2SmGcLR99pxEG7nO1UI9V_NOsuKKzAXOnlzcUpj9wrOxBAAkqFYb5I_0hyphenhyphenQ8SwwDcVx5cOPUhPLOc4Ge_a_4xsAumN1MRNKp/s640/120923_POP4.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lWVrtbb-54vZOQdzgh_vbxuHENsYZc9y4K9fc8ODOUJPtrg8XY-oVb6YPrK_zoNMD1Uj0hWrH_I4_xvdTbs5ip8IEY1-BNar6sfNB8zhDUEb0X0L5KAz9X9t9vEa9HOWAGm9X7DjqOMP/s1600/120923_POP3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, the Danish musketeers and cannon were too much for the Maori and soon the Maori broke. The result was a 0-10 loss.<br /><br /><i>Game Four - Muslim Indian (Stephen Eyles)</i><br /><br />The final game was, for the Maori, an opponent of which nightmares are made. This army with charging lance armed cavalry and supported by elephants was clearly going to be difficult. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Defending the Maori selected their battlefield poorly and soon the Muslim Indians were advancing at speed. Below the Indian horse and some elephants of the centre ride down the Maori scouts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8oZiDx8fBVoNV9MaeygSND4tMJKmQuDLI2qwPj0kTRy3Om9a_4avRE2QPRAuze19JMbBuBKcOE52U7L-6VtM8_3EOiRDzDb_Q0AhE_pPCczNghpDh2A9zR5yKyt6d1r-lt-UiiRJ9_pp/s1600/120923_POP5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8oZiDx8fBVoNV9MaeygSND4tMJKmQuDLI2qwPj0kTRy3Om9a_4avRE2QPRAuze19JMbBuBKcOE52U7L-6VtM8_3EOiRDzDb_Q0AhE_pPCczNghpDh2A9zR5yKyt6d1r-lt-UiiRJ9_pp/s640/120923_POP5.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The only highlight for the Maori in this battle was a well placed ambush that succeeded in catching right wing of the Muslim army. Below the ambush is sprung right foreground.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasH1_7SiYcFDuGs2TECCbXhk-SyIbi48ue13yOPbCKFHgBtqCSxqLoaevkpxInNUqF0_NQMiA46Y7rlCo6P9AUcyKFLrtQJGA4wbd7aTtCbcLnL-mjMhO8VFEfSgZxvgbSgAOjdlbcmt-/s1600/120923_POP6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasH1_7SiYcFDuGs2TECCbXhk-SyIbi48ue13yOPbCKFHgBtqCSxqLoaevkpxInNUqF0_NQMiA46Y7rlCo6P9AUcyKFLrtQJGA4wbd7aTtCbcLnL-mjMhO8VFEfSgZxvgbSgAOjdlbcmt-/s640/120923_POP6.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Caught unprepared by the ambush the Indians struggled to reorganise and in the process an Indian general was killed. That aside the result was, not surprisingly, another 0-10 loss for the Maori.<br /><br />The games were all interesting and certainly provided a learning experience of what not to do! I had expected more pike and shot armies so it was with some frustration I found myself fighting more exotic types to which the Maori had little counter. Interestingly, the Maori had one in-period historical opponent in the form of Dutch Colonial. It would however seem that Abel Tasman would not venture to Nova Zeelandia, at least for now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The final player results, along with their armies, were as follows:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Philip Abela (Mahgrebi)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mark Caunter (Later Imperialist)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stephan Hastings (Mahgrebi)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Richard Foster (Dutch Colonial)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grant Brown (Later Polish)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">John Way (Later Danes)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stephen Eyles (Muslim Indian)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brian Sowman (Siberian Tribes)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Andrew Bennets (Regency French)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rowan Coker (Ottoman)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Keith McNelly (Maori)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kendall Blue (Later Imperialist) </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks must also be made to the organisers for providing an excellent venue for a weekend of gaming and of course for all those gamers who attended from near and far for a low key enjoyable Renaissance weekend.</span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-84386680555392510462012-09-18T22:42:00.001+12:002012-09-18T23:37:37.766+12:00Borodino Bicentennial - September 2012<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul Reynolds of Wellington, New Zealand, provides a report on a recent refight of the Battle of Borodino.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">September 2012 marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino, one of the most famous battles of the Napoleonic wars. Inspired by Rob Cameron and with the troops we had from our 2005 refight of Austerlitz a group of us set out to recreate the battle in 6mm using the Volley & Bayonet rules. We played the game on a 1.8m x 2.4m (6’ x 8’) table at the Hutt Club on 8th September, thanks for hosting us guys. Both sides were surprised by how small the battlefield was given the number of troops involved. The French compared deploying their troops to one of those sliding square games. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZff4ej3IX1eQCmHqaS3cRGrOkawK53URQX_XsiW2RSeqgPN9MonZQvt1QNyGYk-mT0jWRV_8LKuGa7uC5HObyxsCP7vUE-HCBtHthKoHABKM0pbx2YdsbN60jlWjdxpaHW7bwsb6di814/s1600/IMG_9592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZff4ej3IX1eQCmHqaS3cRGrOkawK53URQX_XsiW2RSeqgPN9MonZQvt1QNyGYk-mT0jWRV_8LKuGa7uC5HObyxsCP7vUE-HCBtHthKoHABKM0pbx2YdsbN60jlWjdxpaHW7bwsb6di814/s640/IMG_9592.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The game opened with the French Grand Battery of 9 battalions firing on the Fleches at long range and 13th Division (IV Corps) ejecting 3rd Russian Guards Brigade from Borodino. The Russian return fire from the Fleches took out the only heavy Battalion in the French Grand Battery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />By 8am the French were crossing the bridges on both sides of Borodino and the Poles launched a major attack on the village of Utiza on the Russian left. The Cossack Division covering the extreme left collapsed and the skirmishers defending the village were destroyed. A counter attack by the Russian 1st Grenadier Division caught the Poles off guard and the 18th Division (V Corps) collapsed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CpcBlyIyYAkhTT7Fg_sYPpgs4yStVnORQmIdO6AydkdkQFzi4TQrFGCo5nXi-pK5JnZeAvixNSGQJQiAY39-Mke0vjSB6w-U1I9qrcn2hD395rBnXIzPp0IkQL6vhve0KFKbv1_PI7a9/s1600/IMG_9602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CpcBlyIyYAkhTT7Fg_sYPpgs4yStVnORQmIdO6AydkdkQFzi4TQrFGCo5nXi-pK5JnZeAvixNSGQJQiAY39-Mke0vjSB6w-U1I9qrcn2hD395rBnXIzPp0IkQL6vhve0KFKbv1_PI7a9/s640/IMG_9602.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />With casualties mounting in the Grand Battery the French launched two attacks either side of the Fleches. The 4th Division (I Corps) attacked the Russian infantry guarding the left of the Fleches. This was repulsed and the Russian 2nd Grenadier Division launched a limited counter attack routing the leading French Brigade and causing major disorder in the massed forces behind. The 10th Division (III Corps) attacked the Russian infantry between the Fleches and the Grand Redoubt with some success but at a heavy price. It was then counter attacked by the Russian 14th Light Cavalry Brigade (VII Corps) and collapsed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Near Utiza an attack by the remaining Polish 16th Division and the 1st Light Cavalry Division (I Reserve Cavalry Corps) was repulsed but the rest of the cavalry continued to push through the forest, hoping to clear the trees before the Russians could bring up any infantry and to then sweep around the Russian left flank.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzvoaMx8u53XRhTTVy8TRPwbMz32BDUepSMPgw7oavJcfASJJApswF-Xw_GjoPuqTa0tSuIEqy5Ye3uXlooB_XZZxk-rRhj3LsWbONXol1IB33ubweYfEbzMHjzn6me6C0lQUJB_Qcvxl/s1600/IMG_9615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzvoaMx8u53XRhTTVy8TRPwbMz32BDUepSMPgw7oavJcfASJJApswF-Xw_GjoPuqTa0tSuIEqy5Ye3uXlooB_XZZxk-rRhj3LsWbONXol1IB33ubweYfEbzMHjzn6me6C0lQUJB_Qcvxl/s640/IMG_9615.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The Russians threw in the only nearby infantry, the Militia Division. Faced with a humiliating withdrawal or a risky charge the French 1st Light Cavalry Division charged. The Russian Militia, being illiterate peasants, couldn’t read the script and rolled low enough to pass their moral test. The French rolled high and failed theirs. This routed the already disordered brigade off table, and adding insult to injury they took the Polish Corps cavalry with them.<br /><br />The Poles had more success on the hill by Utiza forcing the Russians back into to forest.<br /><br />It was fast approaching 11am and still the Russians were holding in and around the Fleches. 4th Division (I Corps) advanced again and concentrated all their fire on the left most Fleche decimating the Russian gunners. The 11th Division (III Corps) had replaced 10th Division in the attack between the Great Redoubt and the Fleches and was quickly exhausted.<br /><br />By midday French casualties were mounting but a foot hold had been gained on the Fleches. The 3rd Division of the Imperial Guard was thrown against the right Fleche and destroys the Russian artillery. Meanwhile 4th and 5th Divisions (I Corps) maintain the pressure on the Russian infantry and remaining Fleche. A charge by IV Corps cavalry against the flank of the Great Redoubt was repulsed (with no casualties inflicted the Russians won the Melee tie). The French 13th Division that had been applying pressure on the Russian right all morning, after capturing Borodino, was finally exhausted by steadily mounting casualties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ynLlyUlpasRgGnBP1p13dZBxEtMAkxnmlpJXsMDC5Gz9X7nBzoUW7uA89oh0j6X8hzanRRtkXaJl8MnQ-m-Eq2ZNBw7zS_LmcRB2kfXMO-7qUX8DgRPvkzyOKDbixBKSADurTh3EOS8k/s1600/IMG_9617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ynLlyUlpasRgGnBP1p13dZBxEtMAkxnmlpJXsMDC5Gz9X7nBzoUW7uA89oh0j6X8hzanRRtkXaJl8MnQ-m-Eq2ZNBw7zS_LmcRB2kfXMO-7qUX8DgRPvkzyOKDbixBKSADurTh3EOS8k/s640/IMG_9617.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The French had made major inroads at the Fleches and Utiza but had suffered major losses in the process. It was now 4pm real time and we had been playing in slowly fading sunlight since about 11:45am due to a wide spread power outage. With six more turns to go it was still anybody’s game but we had run out of time to find out how it would end up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUw3f8W_TIADOebN0PxVHqkjSsVNCmz6Xy9q54AIn2BaY4Daabsl6BQz0mB6mpCf5deDE-IpDC1C6NSTa1w14kVO1KEcNs8GfCG-sKkRBWZ7OhX34yIrGQnoHsF51gK13kr5-5o1ufjxm/s1600/IMG_9625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUw3f8W_TIADOebN0PxVHqkjSsVNCmz6Xy9q54AIn2BaY4Daabsl6BQz0mB6mpCf5deDE-IpDC1C6NSTa1w14kVO1KEcNs8GfCG-sKkRBWZ7OhX34yIrGQnoHsF51gK13kr5-5o1ufjxm/s640/IMG_9625.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Special thanks to Peter Connor and Peter Page for painting some of the extra troops, and Michail Woolf for supplying some of the Russians. Thanks to David Nichols, Michail and Roy Martin for playing the Russians and Rhys Batchelor, Peter, Peter and Ivan Hay for playing the French.<br /><br />Roy has kindly offered the use of his wargames room which will let us leave the game set up over a period so some of us will be playing this again in the next few months.</span><br />
<br />TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-16832287009394250572012-09-02T11:36:00.005+12:002012-10-21T13:58:19.028+13:00Tagcon DBA 2012 - Reflections<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Saturday found myself and Brian heading down to Timaru for the Timaru Armchair General's annual convention Tagcon. As with previous years this Tagcon's 15mm DBA competition was the focus of our travels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJOdt9pxpcjV46b8iYuPsc5dmTB1ywwbLDA3iqafebvk3ND8tZQ6rEX3xbh5lY6_o2rqBbYKnrTVgW0VGtvM79AFX1qgCYW0A_Gl73VZZ8gj3-LP6R1M9pVgHOehOuzsvU4ZC3dY0PlHS/s1600/1066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJOdt9pxpcjV46b8iYuPsc5dmTB1ywwbLDA3iqafebvk3ND8tZQ6rEX3xbh5lY6_o2rqBbYKnrTVgW0VGtvM79AFX1qgCYW0A_Gl73VZZ8gj3-LP6R1M9pVgHOehOuzsvU4ZC3dY0PlHS/s1600/1066.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Timaru typically has a strong DBA group with solid representation at Tagcon and at events in Christchurch. This year was no exception with a solid turn out of locals. Interestingly the last Timaru entry was in fact made on the day and the player's first DBA competition. It however meant we had 8 players, and an opportunity to introduce a new player to DBA competitions. Indeed, I encouraged him to join us, despite his army being outside of the theme. Further, I offered to play him in the first game as a refresher to the rules and independent command. <br /><br />The theme was armies from 55BC to 1066AD. Unfortunately, this is currently outside the date ranges of my existing Hellenic & Punic armies. My plans to complete a Gallic army failed to eventuate so I was able to borrow a Gallic mercenary army from one of the Timaru team. Of course mercenaries can be a fickle lot! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Battles:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Foolishly I forgot my camera as a result the record of the various encounters is a little basic. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />Game One: The first encounter of the day was against Caleb with his Tupi. As mentioned before this was Caleb's first DBA competition and he was a little rusty on the rules and independent command. So we spent some time going through the rules and options both prior and during the game. The final game result was a 2-2 draw as the game timed out due to time restraints. However, the aim of the game was achieved. Caleb had the basics under his belt and was looking forward to his next game.<br /><br />Game Two: Next up I found myself facing Mark's </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Patrician</span> Romans. Mark, as always, played a solid game until he made two minor errors. I pounced, and hoped the die gods were with me. Indeed, until that point I had felt on the ropes. However, my plan became unhinged and with a general lost I looked headed for defeat. I was however saved by the call for time the game ending in draw.<br /><br />Game Three: Next up I faced Tony using his Middle Imperial Romans. As always I knew I was in for another hard game. Again, despite manoeuvring the Gauls seemed unable to find any gaps. Tony played a tight game falling back where he was exposed while pressing where he had an advantage. As a result I found I just couldn't gain the advantage without risking complete defeat. The result was the third draw for the day.<br /><br />Game Four: With three draws I was now desperate for a win and being found subject to an invasion by Lewi's Viking's I felt it time to use some odd rules which I hoped Lewis would not be as familiar with. As a result I opted for a BUA which I hoped would allow me to close the battlefield down and force some terrain into the Viking path. Alas, and to my frustration, the BUA ended up on Lewis table size! As expected the BUA would fall quickly. However, the BUA and other terrain combinations still constrained Lewis's deployment and the Gauls pressed hard hoping to gain overlap advantage on the enemy warriors. The combats were ideal, the die rolls less so. As a result the Gallic host was defeated. There was much gnashing of teeth in the Gaul!<br /><br />Game Five: Now facing Stephen and his Sub-Roman Britons I decided to try the BUA again. Yet again it ended up near to Stephen's table edge. This time I opted to garrison it, aware that he had spear rather than blade. Alas on the third attack on the the Gallic hill-fort the Gallic garrison was defeated in the Gallic hill-fort overrun. Much looting ensued. However, the battle was far from over and disrupted by the BUA the Sub-Roman Britons struggled with command and control and terrain to deploy and continue the fight. Soon the Briton casualties mounted alarmingly and Gallic victory looked possible. Alas, the Britons finally sorted themselves out and the Gallic army collapsed in a final magnificent charge, by the vagaries of the dice gods, on the final turn.<br /><br /><b>The Results:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> At the end of the day the results were as follows:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Simon Phillips II/82a Later Visigothic (<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">53pts)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brian Sowman II/03 Classical Indian (<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">39pts)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mark Bradley II/83a Patrician Roman </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- West</span> (31pts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tony Rippin II/64b Middle Imperial Roman </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- East</span> (</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">29pts</span>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stephen Malone II/81b Sub Roman British<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">29</span>pts)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lewis Osborne III/40b Norse Viking (</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">22pts</span>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Keith McNelly II/11 Gallic (13pts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Caleb Rippon IV/29 Tupi (8pts)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For securing 1st Place Simon was presented with a very well painted
15mm Viking Army, painted by Tony Rippin. Brian, for securing 2nd Place,
was presented with a Corvus Belli Carthaginian army. Brian promptly
gifted this to Caleb so he would have a Book II army. Well done Brian!
Finally, Lewis picked up a well deserved special price, as a result of
player nomination, for actions with his Vikings.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From my presepctive an outstanding day, a challenging but immensely enjoyable series of games. While I clearly didn't do too well, with respect to points and final placings, it was another first class competition.</span> </span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-63448184053023958912012-08-27T21:01:00.001+12:002012-08-31T19:10:08.675+12:00Japan's Siberian Expedition<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Gaming has been a little short of late with winter ailments and travels. However, last Sunday <i>The Wargames Room</i> was at last host to some Renaissance action as Brian and I deployed two armies for battle. Now the occasional reader will have seen plenty of English Civil War action outlined here in recent months. However, as it has been some time since my Japanese have had an outing I decided to field them again. Brian for his part selected an equally interesting army, and one not so well known to wargamers, being Yakut Siberian Tribes.</div>
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Now in some respects these two are unlikely opponents, but we should not forget in the late 16th Century Japan invaded Korea and for a time captured much of Korea. The above illustration is of the Japanese landings in Korea in the the 1590s. From here the wastes of Siberia perhaps would have been in reach. So at a stretch our alternate history is not that far from the truth...</div>
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Below, the general table can be seen during the battle with the Japanese on the left and the Siberians on the right. The Japanese were considered to be invading and had selected summer. A river can be seen on the left foreground, which was found to be paltry. An area of rough going can be seen on the centre left. Other terrain consists of a couple of woods and some gentle hills. </div>
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The Japanese were organised into three commands while the Siberians had four, including an allied command of Buryats who were all light horse. Well armed with muskets the Japanese commander hoped to break up the enemy skirmish line in the centre and then charge the Yakut foot with Ashigaru. Meanwhile the Siberian commander planned to engage the enemy centre with his foot while engaging the wings with the Siberian heavy cavalry.</div>
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To this end the Japanese right was soon engaged by the Siberian horse with a series of merciless charges, resulting in the almost immediate collapse of the Japanese right flank. Part of this attack can be seen above, after a number of Japanese have been removed following the first combats.</div>
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However, the Japanese wing did not break and indeed counter-attacked. The result was one command of Yakuts broke in rout! Any hope of pursuit was prevented however by the every present Buryat light cavalry. <br />
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Meanwhile in the centre, the Japanese Ashigaru and Siberian foot ready for melee, as can be seen below. Ashigaru armed with musket comprise the first line, supported by Ashigaru armed with Naginata and yari. Finally dismounted Samurai form a reserve with the Japanese commander.</div>
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It was on the Japanese left that the next major action would happen. Here more Yakuts pressed forward, both on foot and on horse. Again the attacks were delivered in a deadly series of strikes which the Japanese struggled to counter. Below, Japanese Ashigaru archers and dismounted Samurai attempt to reorganise before the Siberian cavalry charge home. In the rear mounted Samurai form a reserve. </div>
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Eventually the Japanese commander of the left ordered forward his mounted reserve and the Samurai themselves advanced. Alas the Japanese counter-attack failed and the Japanese cavalry were encircled and cut down. <br />
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As the Japanese commander tried to steady his left the centre was now heavily engaged with Japanese Ashigaru engaged in brutal combat against the Siberian foot, who also carried long bladed pole weapons. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, night was now fast approaching and a draw was likely to result. That was until had the commander of the Japanese right advanced too far forward in a vain attempt to apply pressure on the Siberian centre. The Buryat light cavalry now fell upon the Japanese right and as a result the Japanese right collapsed in an instant. This combined with the rout on the left was too much for the Japanese centre which also now faltered ensuring victory for the Siberian confederation.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From a game presepective this engagement used with the DBR rules with armies comprising 400 points of troops. The figures are 15mm scale, the Japanese being mostly Eureka Miniatures, while the Siberians from Museum Miniatures range. Normal scale was used, where one stand of foot represents some 100 men. The table measured 1.8m x 1.2m. </span></i>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-70726550387635003322012-08-19T14:26:00.001+12:002012-08-19T16:58:36.691+12:00Cancon 2013 - Open for Registrations<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
As readers of this site will be aware over the last few years I've managed to attend Cancon on a regular basis. Indeed, I've now attended five Cancon conventions, in as many years, to play in the 15mm DBR Renaissance competition. Each time I have been rewarded with a series of great games against excellent opponents.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cancon for 2013 is also host to "<a href="http://annualworlds.wordpress.com/worlds-2013/" target="_blank">The Worlds 2013</a>" and for historical miniatures gamers this is likely to draw out an even greater number of players. Indeed, for 2013 the DBR competition is likely to draw a bumper number of players if early indications of interest are anything to go by. One of the aspects of the DBR competition will be the use of fixed terrain. Now, while many players do not like fixed terrain I find it actually rather interesting as a change from the normal competition terrain placement. It in some ways a cross between normal competitions and a scenario based game. Last year the DBR organisers invested time and money in some of their terrain and the result was excellent with a significant increase in terrain quality. An example of the terrain can be seen above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Details of the various Cancon tournaments, including those that run as part of The Worlds have been placed on-line over recent weeks. These include the DBR and DBA competitions but also DBMM, FOG Ancients and FOGR to name but a few. So if you haven't considered attending Cancon 2013 I suggest now is the time that you start thinking about it. Full details for Cancon 2013 can be found <a href="http://www.cgs.asn.au/index.php/cancon" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-28219177627445873512012-08-16T21:40:00.000+12:002012-08-16T21:51:30.430+12:00Twilight of the Hellenistic World<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Another recent purchase has been "Twilight of the Hellenistic World" by Bob Bennett & Mike Roberts. This is the third volume in the series, <a href="http://thewargamesroom.blogspot.com/2010/05/wars-of-alexanders-successors.html" target="_blank">the first two volumes</a> looking at the period immediately after Alexander. Over the last few days I have managed to spend some time reading this much anticipated third volume.</div>
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This volume begins around 250BC with events in Greece with the rise of Aratus, the Achean League and conflict with Sparta all culminating in the Battle of Sellasia. Soon Philip V takes centre stage as the authors track his various movements around Greece against a backdrop of political necessity and military operations. I particularly found the detail on the Greek leagues here fascinating. Soon the story has moved east to the Seleucid Empire and that of Ptolemaic Egypt. Here more politics unfold resulting in the inevitable military campaigns. The battles of Apollonia and Raphia are considered in some depth before Antiochus looks to recover his eastern empire. Continuing the author's well integrated account the reader is then taken back to Greece for further campaigns. These campaigns culminate is the Battle of Mantinea in 207BC, before events distract us with further campaigns against Ptolemaic Egypt and the Battle of Panion. Finally, the volume completes with the naval engagement of the Battle of Chios.</div>
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The authors have clearly drawn much from primary sources and as can be expected question the various comments these authors have made. While the text is well referenced I personally would have appreciated some additional references to aid further study. That aside the authors describe an often complex situation with clarity without which I would have easily become lost at several points. Political and military aspects combine in an informative and lucid manner. The well produced maps help greatly when understanding the various campaigns though unfortunately one map, at least in my copy, was missing and another repeated twice. However, this error, no doubt at the publishers or printers, should not deter the student interested in this fascinating period from purchasing this excellent book.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The publishers website and additional information can be found </span><a href="http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Twilight-of-the-Hellenistic-World/p/3183/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. </span></span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-9830224909635470542012-08-10T21:24:00.002+12:002012-08-16T21:41:05.757+12:00Battle of Benburb 1646<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
A recent purchase was "The Battle of Benburb 1646" by Clive Hollick which had a very favourable review in a recent edition of "Arqubusier" the journal of the Pike and Shot Society. My copy arrived a few weeks ago and over the last week I have managed to find the time to read it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NUePZGTyXADUOtNG-Ji1Wu5a9P_x4VcdwC4PLBzarxkidukVSWoyIRjWCfRESYrkdfIgyjEt9p69w6a9G9hLqtNXRUnXM-hG5Om_ruOJPGAjqy35YArvDly_wzZtfJBO782c_H9lNSAm/s1600/Benburb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NUePZGTyXADUOtNG-Ji1Wu5a9P_x4VcdwC4PLBzarxkidukVSWoyIRjWCfRESYrkdfIgyjEt9p69w6a9G9hLqtNXRUnXM-hG5Om_ruOJPGAjqy35YArvDly_wzZtfJBO782c_H9lNSAm/s400/Benburb.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The book, as the title describes, looks in detail at the battle fought in 1646 between Irish Confederates and a combined Scots and British army. The publishers website and the books dust jacket set the scene well:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"On
Friday 5 June 1646, near the village of Benburb, Co. Tyrone, Owen Roe
O'Neill, leader of the Confederate native Irish Ulster army, brought
about his greatest military triumph in Ireland by putting to rout the
combined British force of Robert Monro. This was no ordinary battle as
the combatants from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland represented the
mixed interests of the imprisoned King Charles I, his rebellious
English parliament, the Scottish covenanters, the 'old English', the
Vatican, the Ulster plantation and the native Irish" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The book starts with a solid background to the Irish revolt and events leading up to the Benburb campaign. Then the author looks at the make-up of the armies and their respective commanders. Here Hollick covers the organisation of the various regiments, their equipment and tactical differences. This section is illustrated with various related diagrams that add considerably to the text. A detailed order of battle is given drawing on a range of sources. These sections I found particularly interesting as the sources covered are, for me, difficult to obtain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next the campaign, battle and aftermath each have separate chapters. Here Hollick tracks the various forces as the manouvre to and then around Benburb. While the campaign maps is adequate, the maps covering the area of the battle are excellent. The approach marches are confusing, yet Hollick's descriptions and maps tie the advances of the armies together. With battle commenced his final maps and descriptions provide a clear picture of events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are interested in one of the more obscure campaigns of the British Civil Wars I would highly recommend obtaining a copy. A link to the publisher's website with additional information can be found </span><a href="http://www.mercierpress.ie/The_Battle_of_Benburb_%28HB%29/585/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.</span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-41956788002039336852012-07-14T19:47:00.001+12:002012-07-21T19:03:04.564+12:00Operation Lüttich - August 1944<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">Last Sunday found <i>The Wargames Room</i> the scene of yet another WWII Spearhead game. Like the weekend previously the Americans were once more in action against the Germans. This time situation was focussed on the area around the Mortain, here the pendulum of battle had swung to mobile engagements as both American and German forces conducted operations on a fluid battlefield.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wB-v4wAf10LLKyidF6_tcBofdlpwgIvl-7nb1J4Y5665EMrUGBpt3LcXlVOiHyUJA4Mcf1zcxttIOAc0e1oQ5hJIyotjsYsap_0DbkQ6cMopu0vJzqs25eZlpZE8Ehz3zsywLHQFlZzH/s1600/Mortain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wB-v4wAf10LLKyidF6_tcBofdlpwgIvl-7nb1J4Y5665EMrUGBpt3LcXlVOiHyUJA4Mcf1zcxttIOAc0e1oQ5hJIyotjsYsap_0DbkQ6cMopu0vJzqs25eZlpZE8Ehz3zsywLHQFlZzH/s640/Mortain.jpg" width="640" /></a> </pre>
<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">American forces in the area of operations were drawn from 30th Infantry Division and specifically comprised the 119th Infantry Regiment supported by 743rd Tank Battalion. Additional assets supporting the division were three 105mm artillery battalions of the division as well as a small number of M10 tank destroyers drawn from the 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion.
In contrast German forces were drawn from the 116th Panzer Division. Elements from the division were formed into a Kampfgruppe and comprised Panzer Grenadier Regiment 156, which itself comprised two motorised Panzer Grenadier battalions, and one understrength Panzer battalion drawn from Panzer Regiment 16. Additional assets included two understrength self-propelled anti-tank companies. Further, artillery assets deployed to the rear included a 105mm artillery battalion, a werfer battalion and in general support a battalion of 150mm artillery designated for counter-battery operations.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1DMIVslOib254TkWnJgu534yPRFqW_zhaRSN4spDQQwAnVIpNlJzVtfl9TOrfUQGf0erogJVuui2R9HHX7ANkrGAYu7kZpFo9PxhVHQjcSpgIk0OdcY3IxB0xa850tuSm2uv2lQ1URlr/s1600/120708_SH1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1DMIVslOib254TkWnJgu534yPRFqW_zhaRSN4spDQQwAnVIpNlJzVtfl9TOrfUQGf0erogJVuui2R9HHX7ANkrGAYu7kZpFo9PxhVHQjcSpgIk0OdcY3IxB0xa850tuSm2uv2lQ1URlr/s640/120708_SH1.JPG" width="640" /></a>
The tactical situation found a German Panzer Grenadier battalion deployed forward with its various companies spread thinly from the centre of the area of operations to the German far right covering as it did two initial objectives. Other battalions of both armies would advance on to the battlefield. Above the battlefield viewed from The German right or American left. Below, a view centred on the German right flank where a portion of a German Panzer Grenadier battalion are deployed.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV8SRcujHgu5R2pRxc-ADJtnvniaN3pcKeHN-PeUTPPbTnWfni9YYvanY_gbeHZs0OrPZ8pAPzSgayEhTZhTqK8i4YOS3ZXWo0iBK_HROoAxxMi3HSRUq5u_YKIin7iPM3EPqUobOEIth/s1600/120708_SH2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV8SRcujHgu5R2pRxc-ADJtnvniaN3pcKeHN-PeUTPPbTnWfni9YYvanY_gbeHZs0OrPZ8pAPzSgayEhTZhTqK8i4YOS3ZXWo0iBK_HROoAxxMi3HSRUq5u_YKIin7iPM3EPqUobOEIth/s640/120708_SH2.JPG" width="640" /></a>
The Americans, sensing a heavy attack against their own right, advanced in two battalion sized groups. 1st Battalion would seize the town of La Sablonniere and deploy into defensive positions. This battalion was expected to face the main German attack and was reinforced with M10 tank destroyers. In actual fact it would see no action.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">Below, a view of the American left flank from the German lines. La Sablonniere is visible and has just been secured by elements of the American 1st battalion. In the foreground German Panzer Grenadiers advance on the left flank objective denoted by a red dot on the high ground.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFhGbvgQOGWXNwr0HgUgSGCtKPZDxzrI59EjuN4SwSfNMxjjPLxBxqdspxMDF4kiBd1yC-HzQd1cjTuLQZrCMUiFDzUWE37_694gKTTVklKT4NoxsNEJqrlP2rrs1G-MQ_FBHFXqvTIDZ/s1600/120708_SH4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFhGbvgQOGWXNwr0HgUgSGCtKPZDxzrI59EjuN4SwSfNMxjjPLxBxqdspxMDF4kiBd1yC-HzQd1cjTuLQZrCMUiFDzUWE37_694gKTTVklKT4NoxsNEJqrlP2rrs1G-MQ_FBHFXqvTIDZ/s640/120708_SH4.JPG" width="640" /></a></pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">The American 2nd Infantry Battalion would advance in the centre to secure a gentle rising hill. This battalion would include a tank company and would have the support of fire from two artillery battalions as well as the direct support of aircraft if required. I was expected the battalion would draw the Germans, particularly that on the German right, into a battle and given it's support allocations it was thought it would hold any German attack. As the Germans were drawn into an engagement in the centre the American 3rd Infantry Battalion would conduct a flank march and arrive late on the German right flank. Once deployed it would secure the objective on the extreme Germans right rear which it was hoped would be now undefended. Finally, the remaining elements of the 743rd Tank Battalion, with a cross-attached infantry company, formed a reserve.
The German commander however had other plans. He opted to hold his his first line objectives with two Panzer Grenadier battalions. The first was already on table, the second would advance quickly on the left, and centre left, and take up defensive positions. In support were two self-propelled anti-tank companies and the artillery assets. Finally, the Panzers of Panzer Regiment 16 - Abteilung II, would conduct a deep flank march against the American left, where there were no objectives and hopefully few Americans, and attempt to attack the American centre from the rear.
First contact occurred in the centre where the advancing American 2nd Infantry Battalion advanced on to the rising ground 1km from the Germans. Here one German company faced two American infantry companies, a tank company and support assets. However, the Shermans were clearly visible as they advanced and German Nebelwerfers were called in to disrupt the Shermans and supporting infantry. One of the results of this fire was the neutralisation of one American FAO which effectively silencing an entire 105mm artillery battalion. However, the Americans quickly recovered and infantry elements of the American battalion, having secured their objective, now deployed into nearby woods and engaged in an extended firefight with the now outnumbered Germans supported by the Shermans.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">Below, and viewed from the American lines, the American 2nd Infantry Battalion advances on the German company deployed in a wood visible centre right.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5EaGnY7ZzeO0Or4d1uHC0kduAGi5V_2HWWPoRjOizEovJlLsWIMWX1LnrMKtA5BhzxQwPqxXM02qW3RC_A2a1uZ1iomyFQ4m3aEOqDrRLsVTmp9Co1NZ2G8YKX-BOxx6l6quMkLZzXjt/s1600/120708_SH3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5EaGnY7ZzeO0Or4d1uHC0kduAGi5V_2HWWPoRjOizEovJlLsWIMWX1LnrMKtA5BhzxQwPqxXM02qW3RC_A2a1uZ1iomyFQ4m3aEOqDrRLsVTmp9Co1NZ2G8YKX-BOxx6l6quMkLZzXjt/s640/120708_SH3.JPG" width="640" /></a>
Soon the second American artillery battalion opened fire and the outnumbered Germans looked likely to be overwhelmed by tank, artillery and small arms fire. However, German counter-battery artillery acquired the American artillery and soon neutralised the battalion.
Now the fighting expanded and elements of the German left flank were drawn in to the centre. A company of Panzer Grenadiers, supported by Stugs and Jagdpanzers pressed the right flank of the engaged American battalion. However, operating at the extreme command range of the battalion the Stugs were unable to effectively deal with the Shermans who, while depleted in number continued to harass the advanced German company.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIyY023HPF9LzVydn36_woUetbRVone59rD1A1fhKtrvMKOi85ccfDv3jJBbwN72lW8N9VW8MEUKIcgHHFFs_TUgEb8EZXuooVe8WoYeIzddd7aGDSgfB94rc7EuXm3WCnMjRlAVC08Ez/s1600/120708_SH6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIyY023HPF9LzVydn36_woUetbRVone59rD1A1fhKtrvMKOi85ccfDv3jJBbwN72lW8N9VW8MEUKIcgHHFFs_TUgEb8EZXuooVe8WoYeIzddd7aGDSgfB94rc7EuXm3WCnMjRlAVC08Ez/s640/120708_SH6.JPG" width="640" /></a>
Above, a company of Panzer Grenadiers, supported by Stugs and Jagdpanzers, advance to support the hard pressed Germans defending the wood opposite the American 2nd Infantry Battalion. Eventually the American infantry were dislodged from the woods. To the right, and not shown, another German company attacked the American 2nd Infantry left flank. This attack was driven back with heavy casualties.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">Meanwhile the German Panzers had arrived. Having conducted a deep flank march they now pressed forward with vigour against what was clearly an undefended American flank. The terrain was dense and villages delaid the advance allowing the Americans to commit their armoured reserve in an effort to block the Panzers. </pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2SKA3hQ0LR3WZCcZs0LBeQY46b6Qh96z7Te__MxG_84Thqh2Zq4bYqIXsrs4mxebfL9cLsKlL-REyg-GsbS_6SbKFWMdnMbQu7fe-1ucggbU2_kolKrpVdECDAHQO2gymSR29Ri5Q3kG/s1600/120708_SH5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2SKA3hQ0LR3WZCcZs0LBeQY46b6Qh96z7Te__MxG_84Thqh2Zq4bYqIXsrs4mxebfL9cLsKlL-REyg-GsbS_6SbKFWMdnMbQu7fe-1ucggbU2_kolKrpVdECDAHQO2gymSR29Ri5Q3kG/s640/120708_SH5.JPG" width="640" /></a> </pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">In the ensuing engagement the PzIV's slowly gained the advantage. However, by now the American forward air controller had repositioned and Jabos rolled in. The dense terrain now obstructed the supporting German flak and soon the Panzers began to suffer casualties. Still trying to counter the Shermans the German commander pushed some panzers into woods, without infantry support, in an effort to get more platoons engaged. Now American infantry, using cover to advance, close assaulted them causing further issues for the Panzer Battalion. </pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5S0Qf3jTV7Jn8sOE4LJptw_euNonJ0PmTAavaojJrCUWha_0A60eNNCqzSrX3zDBWbRNskoEJXmz7GQJJqgDQDdfdP1gXNi3YuSLvSlJZsE9-q_s2JcBsKBdhgbsvI9pUFrDdVEIG8-j/s1600/120708_SH7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5S0Qf3jTV7Jn8sOE4LJptw_euNonJ0PmTAavaojJrCUWha_0A60eNNCqzSrX3zDBWbRNskoEJXmz7GQJJqgDQDdfdP1gXNi3YuSLvSlJZsE9-q_s2JcBsKBdhgbsvI9pUFrDdVEIG8-j/s640/120708_SH7.JPG" width="640" /></a>
Above, American Jabos engage the German panzers while American infantry and armour engage with direct fire.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">However, the first battalion to break was the American 743rd Tank Battalion. This opened up the American rear and the panzers once more pressed forward, despite the Jabo's continued attacks, as can be seen below.</pre>
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<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A5jsD_JdaiQ_359QpJtWCplq8YN8QLXe_xOLoCOeyS_SdAHdpxBT8n5M8bBJpcVQoAX32GLwNs14AKPE6CmZtG3zqVHstHGsCMfkebrYYdW8hUPVBclJ9W85MBDKKSYJDNndwtOxtmI5/s1600/120708_SH8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A5jsD_JdaiQ_359QpJtWCplq8YN8QLXe_xOLoCOeyS_SdAHdpxBT8n5M8bBJpcVQoAX32GLwNs14AKPE6CmZtG3zqVHstHGsCMfkebrYYdW8hUPVBclJ9W85MBDKKSYJDNndwtOxtmI5/s640/120708_SH8.JPG" width="640" /></a> </pre>
<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap="">It was now however the American 3rd Infantry Battalion arrived. Their flank march having been disrupted, by the German flank march, the American battalion arrived late on the American left rear. While the Jabos continued the attack on the German armour the adhoc German flank protection company was now overwhelmed by the advancing American 3rd Infantry. Despite being on the verge of overrunning the American centre from the rear the panzer attack collapsed.
At this stage both combatants were exhausted. Both had lost their armoured formations and the Germans were now short on artillery and clearly unable to press their attacks further for risk of further casualties. The Americans meanwhile were near collapse in the centre. With little ability to press the battle further the forces disengaged and secured their positions.
<i>The scenario was an Advance to Contact Scenario generated using the Scenario Generation System. Each side had 650 points of troops reinforced by a 50 point Option A. In game terms the final sitautaion was an effective draw. The Americans (Joel) maintained two objectives, though one was contested. The Germans maintained three, one of which was contested. Both had lost a battalion. Both commanders had reinforced their attacks with an Option A, but the German option came with a victory point penalty. The final score was therefore a 6-5 winning draw to the Germans, but only just!</i></pre>
<pre style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" wrap=""><i> </i></pre>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-57690338158367240702012-07-02T22:20:00.000+12:002012-07-02T22:54:12.406+12:00Towards the Moselle - September 1944<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Sunday found <i>The Wargames Room</i> once more the scene of some WWII Spearhead action. However, this time the British, were replaced by some Americans. Indeed, it was the first outing of Jim's Americans since he purchased them from another local. </div>
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The Combat Command A of the 2nd American Armoured Division was on the offensive and continued to press the Germans despite fuel shortages. However, elements of 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division "Götz von Berlichingen had recently reformed, after the Normandy battles, and were now in blocking positions across the likely American routes of advance. The main forces of the division involved were the 38th SS Panzer-Grenadier Regiment which comprised three battalions supported by two companies of Stugs from the 17th Panzer Battalion along with artillery.</div>
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The 17th Panzer Grenadier Division was currently under command of SS-Standartenführer Eduard Deisenhofer who ordered the 38th Panzer Grenadier Regiment to deploy in three defensive battalion sized positions. On his right around the town of Mailly-sur-Seille one battalion took up defensive positions to hold the village and high ground to the rear. </div>
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Above, the general view of the battlefield with the American start lines on the right. Mailly-sur-Seille can be seen on the right foreground and more clearly below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1iPW31oAv7nm8kHn-diy0VGiw_8n8P5DcpFIgiWcMf1R5XEZzQwf2OVqeGo6i8HmNUv0DrZ8Inv-ZI6wh4wJA6674ANcEfzgy9t6eOCRCcbBM-zTXEkmh3geLhDTHM77a5DXAVspKJaw/s1600/120701_SH3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1iPW31oAv7nm8kHn-diy0VGiw_8n8P5DcpFIgiWcMf1R5XEZzQwf2OVqeGo6i8HmNUv0DrZ8Inv-ZI6wh4wJA6674ANcEfzgy9t6eOCRCcbBM-zTXEkmh3geLhDTHM77a5DXAVspKJaw/s640/120701_SH3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the regiment's left another battalion, the 2nd, deployed along a ridge line some 800m in length and the nearby woods. This battalion was reinforced with no less than eight PAK-43 88mm antitank guns as well as the Regiment's lighter PAK-40s. Between these two battalions a composite battalion, the 3rd, was formed by an understrength Panzer Grenadier battalion supported by two companies of Stugs from the panzer battalion. </div>
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Below, a the German 3rd Battalion positions in the foreground and rear. A company of Stugs is deployed in ambush, and therefore not positioned on table, behind the foreground infantry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oJnJhzJ8VQsNa4wh04RSDd0hrwSHnFuaocixHSWfztpVYTWzlTSKPt-1G0EmmgOQ_2l-m9AJBqjvS9nORcEUWpzLkM4xnO7u-sg-vaUnofhSbidO0_rEmN4QBQaJERaVP2_A_eIs_edd/s1600/120701_SH4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oJnJhzJ8VQsNa4wh04RSDd0hrwSHnFuaocixHSWfztpVYTWzlTSKPt-1G0EmmgOQ_2l-m9AJBqjvS9nORcEUWpzLkM4xnO7u-sg-vaUnofhSbidO0_rEmN4QBQaJERaVP2_A_eIs_edd/s640/120701_SH4.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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These dispositions ensured an attack against the regiment's right would be held by the dismounted Panzer Grenadiers. At the same time an attack against the more open left flank would allow the heavy anti-tank defences to delay the Americans. The 3rd battalion, in reserve in the centre, would either hold the centre or pivot in a flanking move on the American right. The German anti-tank guns and several companies of infantry were dug in and equipment drills were made. Further, Deisenhofer gained some reassurance from the low cloud cover. It looked likely that he would have some cover in the ensuing battle from the American Jabos.<br />
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The Americans, for their part, formed up in only two heavily reinforced battalions. One was infantry heavy, drawn from the 41st Armoured Infantry Regiment, while the other was armour heavy and drawn from the 66th Armoured Regiment. Each battalion was reinforced by tank destroyers and an artillery battalion of 105mm Priests. In support were two additional battalions of 155mm guns. One in direct support of the Combat Command's operations and another tasked with counter-battery operations.<br />
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The American attack began with the advance of the infantry heavy battalion advancing directly towards the ridge line held by the German 2nd battalion and supporting 88mm anti-tank guns. As the Americans crossed the high ground some 1200m from the German positions the German commander rubbed his hands together and advised his company commanders to prepare to engage. Alas, at this point the American mechanised infantry dismounted and American smoke engulfed the valley screening the Americans from almost certain death. Now, American infantry and recon elements advanced uncovering various German positions which would be progressively engaged by combinations of tank and artillery fires. </div>
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Below, the American infantry and armour advance on the German ridge line while smoke starts to obscures American armour. Germans infantry and anti-tank guns are visible on the ridge in the foreground and the woods to the left.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrN0SHsyGn3ONZjDTemJ9ZGtScz3BxnJMZVyVpbVoKiyjuqvwuzWfAnz8ObB9wdSWiPKxor4TovSkwtrWdDXbbSzatU6P92bEOotczMlXmKN4qMB84vSxdzQ5TMS_yhsjHViRXG442CNB/s1600/120701_SH1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrN0SHsyGn3ONZjDTemJ9ZGtScz3BxnJMZVyVpbVoKiyjuqvwuzWfAnz8ObB9wdSWiPKxor4TovSkwtrWdDXbbSzatU6P92bEOotczMlXmKN4qMB84vSxdzQ5TMS_yhsjHViRXG442CNB/s640/120701_SH1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With one American battalion heavily engaged the second American battalion was now unleashed. It was committed on the extreme American right flank and clearly would compromise the flank of the 2nd battalion of the 38th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment. However, at the same time its deployment meant it was less likely that further troops would pin the German centre and right. As a result the German 3rd Battalion, supported by the Stugs of the Panzer Battalion and deployed in the centre, was released for a counter-attack. Their focus was the exposed American left flank of the now heavily engaged American infantry heavy battalion.<br />
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However, as the Stugs and supporting infantry broke cover so to did the the cloud cover break. Almost instantly the Jabos were over the battlefield. Armed with bombs the Jabo's were more effective at attacking infantry and soft targets. However, the entrenched infantry on the ridge, and supporting anti-tank guns, were soon ruled out as likely targets due to their entrenchments and heavy flak cover. Instead, the Jabos would focus on the attacking Stugs and supporting infantry. Even so their repeated attacks were only marginally successful. Indeed, the Stugs pressed forward engaging both tanks and threatening to overrun an entire American artillery battalion. The American Priests abandoned their firing positions and fled from the advancing Germans. However, the American battalion was clearly compromised and soon the battalion broke.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TnWIh442SFg8703eXU0BwlnZ-0g3n0xebXu1WefGzLUA7reX3Q3C8M4scdqr-_STG-nkJUPHSp_EwTsHsW8UZDDUQLRRfYFOA2NQbD_Xr_Po8CA22HqKOzw0S4E8adEQoMhldXt_gUpC/s1600/120701_SH5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TnWIh442SFg8703eXU0BwlnZ-0g3n0xebXu1WefGzLUA7reX3Q3C8M4scdqr-_STG-nkJUPHSp_EwTsHsW8UZDDUQLRRfYFOA2NQbD_Xr_Po8CA22HqKOzw0S4E8adEQoMhldXt_gUpC/s640/120701_SH5.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Above, Stugs and Panzer Grenadiers break cover and advance on the American exposed left flank while the Jabos sweep in.</div>
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However, the German attack had been costly in other areas. Supporting the Stugs and Panzer Grenadiers were German artillery. Almost as soon as the German 105mm artillery, deployed off table, begun to support the attack the American counter-battery teams began to pinpoint the German artillery. Despite being well to the rear the German guns were soon silenced.<br />
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Meanwhile the American armoured heavy tank battalion was making good speed and combined with more artillery fire was now overrunning the German 2nd Battalion positions and opening up the German left flank. The Americans now pressed forward into the exposed flank and soon engaged the German 3rd battalion and supporting Stugs. A brisk armoured battle ensued with the Stugs and remaining PAK-43s attempting to engage the massed American armour. However, the American mechanised infantry launched several bloody localised counter-attacks driving back the over confident Panzer Grenadiers. </div>
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Above, the Americans press the German left flank. A combination of artillery, infantry and mechanised infantry soon overwhelemd the defences here and broke into the German rear while the armour swung towards the valley between the two ridges and advancing Germans. </div>
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As dusk enveloped the battlefield one German battalion had broken while the second, despite holding it's ground, was a spent force. Deisenhofer had no other option but to order a withdrawal. The Americans had been successful, though they had paid a high price for their success. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_1wyegrhlLq4qFTsR3s9AF-Mi5RxdHXbYgPiaCAAp3lsAk_Yk2b1nm0ohty1RPbGSbVdwTbChR2oMxEk2lmefUscDAlc7t29vV5Lowq6SghLglabApxAKzIF_fj7lnGrCpkYYCueULrd/s1600/120701_SH7.JPG" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_1wyegrhlLq4qFTsR3s9AF-Mi5RxdHXbYgPiaCAAp3lsAk_Yk2b1nm0ohty1RPbGSbVdwTbChR2oMxEk2lmefUscDAlc7t29vV5Lowq6SghLglabApxAKzIF_fj7lnGrCpkYYCueULrd/s640/120701_SH7.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Above, the American commander considers his options in the closing stages of the enagement. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The game used the Scenario Generation System and in game terms the Americans had opted to conduct a hasty attack. The Americans comprised 650 points from an American Heavy Armoured Division. In contrast the Germans fielded 450 points. For those interested the German Panzer Grenadier Defend List used in this battle is described <a href="http://badlyleadmen.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/german-panzer-grenadiers-1944.html" target="_blank">here</a> in some detail. Both commanders decided to reinforce the troops by using an Option A. The final result was a 7-6 American win and an excellent game!</span></i><br />TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-71640607644185898592012-06-30T16:41:00.002+12:002012-06-30T16:41:21.133+12:00Tagcon DBA - September 2012<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Timaru's Tagcon convention is fast approaching. As with previous conventions Tagcon will include a DBA competition the details of which have been summarised below. </div>
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As with previous years Tagcon's DBA competition is themed. The theme for 2012 being armies from 55BC to 1066AD. This will, I'm sure, draw out some interesting armies many of whom will
have fought in Briton which clearly the theme is focussed on. I'm sure that there will be a few Romans, the odd Celtic army and of course Vikings and such from 1066. However,
the time period should allow plenty of flexibility and plenty of other armies. </div>
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The general details for the DBA competition are as follows:</div>
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<li>Rules: DBA Version 2.2</li>
<li>Date: 1st September 2012</li>
<li>Location: Timaru </li>
<li>Scale: 15mm </li>
<li>Format: Five rounds each of one hour Player briefing at 9.45am.</li>
<li>Theme: Armies from 55BC – 1066AD. Armies to be drawn from and Section II or III lists where any part of the date list date range falls within these dates.</li>
<li>Cost: $20 </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl6-bLddzpu_g4aKSCaqtQvoNvX_31QFxUXtGP-7_wnuvglakkMc-8rsCI-iqYBHseF0d9EU6AwHMggwUrxDCa3k35CzsCzCbzTlFBWe8YjZn4jSMLzQ0ITjBjoQbxy8gKorKAyzFWHLq/s1600/Tagcon_2010_4.JPG" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A post competition dinner at Montieth’s on the hill. Please confirm when registering if you will attend.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The organiser is </span><a href="mailto:j.malone@xtra.co.nz" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">Stephen Malone</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> who should be contacted for further details and to register.</span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-72684105933591583782012-06-30T12:19:00.001+12:002012-06-30T14:44:37.303+12:00Push of Pike - September 2012<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Push of Pike is an annual 15mm DBR Renaissance competition run by the North Shore Wargames Club of Auckland.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Push of Pike, often referred to as POP, runs over two days typically in September of each year. Rather than an "Open" competition Push of Pike is typically a themed event where armies are restricted to a sub-period within the the Renaissance period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year the theme covers armies from 1650-1700AD and is therefore broad
enough to incorporate the purpose built later European armies as well as those non-European armies that stretch to late
17th Century. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This means you will potentially see armies from Europe as well as several armies of Asia, Africa and the New World. In my review a particularly interesting theme in the age of colonisation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The general format, dates and costs for Push of Pike are as follows:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Date: 22nd & 23rd September 2012</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Venue: North Shore Wargames Club, Auckland </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Scale: 15mm, DBR Normal Scale</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Points: 450 Kiwi Points</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Theme: Armies 1650-1700AD</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Format: Four rounds each of four hours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cost: $30 which covers lunch, coffee, tea & medals.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XG36dsN63Tx17MM_sLvxhXSZPzzF3Fa5tN9OrnGIfnfYVs_hDX-kABGswIBix4k7_b3_9OPUPGuqIVVipIGB_H4XxBz9gzcOnOSBCebcLyeDGiuXy8kdyK51T-R2KmoYMhOYvedziC3b/s1600/Natcon12_DBR4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XG36dsN63Tx17MM_sLvxhXSZPzzF3Fa5tN9OrnGIfnfYVs_hDX-kABGswIBix4k7_b3_9OPUPGuqIVVipIGB_H4XxBz9gzcOnOSBCebcLyeDGiuXy8kdyK51T-R2KmoYMhOYvedziC3b/s640/Natcon12_DBR4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here 15mm Poles from Grant Brown's collection, which clearly fit the the theme for Push of Pike, can be seen deployed in the DBR competition at Natcon 2012.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lists are 450AP, "Kiwi" points which can be two lists or one list. If two lists they do not have to be the same year/general/tribe etc however each variation must be used twice. The list to be</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">used is selected before dice are rolled for attacker/defender.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Special Rules:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sh(F) receive support from a second rank in close combat with shot. Sh(I) arquebus can be upgraded to Arq(O) for 5AP.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sh(I) musket can be upgraded to Mkt(O) for 5AP.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Deployment in alternating commands. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No alterations to terrain placement or flank sector size.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are four rounds of four hours each, starting at 9am and 1.30pm , unless all games in the first and/or third round finish early.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Scoring is 10/0 plus 100 for breaking your opponent's army before your own is broken. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Registration can be made by emailing the <a href="mailto:johneway@hotmail.com" target="_blank">organiser</a> directly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Details on previous Push of Pike events can be found <a href="http://nswc.org.nz/renaissance.html#pop" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-37639041040711144602012-06-23T19:56:00.000+12:002012-06-26T23:12:51.601+12:00Badly Lead Men - A Spearhead Blog<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Over the years a Rhys Batchelor and I have discussed assembling and using various forces for playing Spearhead and Modern Spearhead games using the <a href="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/mcnelly/scenario/scenario_system.htm" target="_blank">Scenario Generation System</a>. Sometimes the discussion centres around a specific nationality or divisional structure while at other times it follows a recent game and the challenges encountered. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUBv7slsUutfMj-OnjCcSEbn3VmXHBDK6S6sPqPS-7b8wVXjp9sZsxUhhSVeA2xhF_3YF5YH3yGdBpnJAch0xgBA8Z9eIQAGtUtDAZBoy5HJTeeydmscfmI0_YAwyW6-oaiYhk6SQVxL7/s1600/CTA_2009_4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUBv7slsUutfMj-OnjCcSEbn3VmXHBDK6S6sPqPS-7b8wVXjp9sZsxUhhSVeA2xhF_3YF5YH3yGdBpnJAch0xgBA8Z9eIQAGtUtDAZBoy5HJTeeydmscfmI0_YAwyW6-oaiYhk6SQVxL7/s1600/CTA_2009_4.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above, entrenched British infantry await a German counter-attack.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">More recently Rhys decided to set-up a blog that specifically focusses on developing sample lists for Spearhead and Modern Spearhead and asked me to join as a contributor. Now, we are not looking for the perfect army. No, it's more of demystifying the process. I should also be quick to say these lists are certainly not designed for competitions. Rather, the lists are a small part of the scenario development process by which you can explore different tactical challenges that are developed by the Scenario Generation System. In much the same way as a traditionally developed scenario is designed to create a challenge or test a player's ability in different tactical situations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Despite the Scenario Generation System being played reasonably frequently internationally there is an argument that organising your first army can be a little challenging. So with that in mind we felt some example lists and discussion of the concepts may be useful. The result is <a href="http://badlyleadmen.blogspot.com/2012/06/welcome.html" target="_blank">Badly Lead Men</a>. I hope you visit the site and keep an eye on it as the project develops.</span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-8702019333944311962012-06-16T12:39:00.000+12:002012-06-17T09:10:34.605+12:00Chariots & Phalanx - DBA 3.0 Test Games<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Friday evening three of us gathered, at rather short notice, for some DBA games. After some initial discussion Andrew and Alastair were keen to give the current draft of DBA 3.0 a whirl, despite not having read the rules before. As is normal here we used 15mm figures on a table that mesured 600mm x 600mm. Andrew was also keen to deploy some of his Biblical troops on the table, especially some of his chariots. In due course the table and terrain was placed and the troops deployed. </div>
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<i>Sea Peoples & Canaanite</i><i>:</i></div>
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In our first game of the evening the Canaanites (Andrew) were found to be defending and selected a reasonably open battlefield. A compulsory road and a difficult hill along with an area of enclosures created the battlefield. Both armies deployed forward. The Canaanites deployed with a chariot heavy centre with auxilia on the flanks, while opposite the Sea Peoples (Alastair) had their heavy infantry (Bd) in the centre and light troops on the flanks. <br />
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Of note in the current draft two sub-categories of troops exist; fast and solid. Much of the Sea Peoples heavy infantry, those with 3 figures per stand, are classed as fast blade. While those with four figures per stand are solid. At first there was some concern about the complication this may introduce but as it turned out it didn't. For those DBM veterans the difference is not the same as DBM and is more subtle.<br />
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The armies approached each other quickly, initially with the Sea Peoples wheeling to their left in a broad arc, the result of which can be seen below, with the Sea Peoples on the left and the Canaanites on the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLEaAM23OzocQtTlwpkPuft9srnAGcfA-G9i3oy1hOSa2KvHD2vBWHkmEy_i5kRBx4gh_xxp5rgEi15aHijXNRqUFqqSk6RE-B2cev50k1vD29PxYi4Qj7YxGbtcUjcWmgB6RgULr6QBO/s1600/120616_DBA1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLEaAM23OzocQtTlwpkPuft9srnAGcfA-G9i3oy1hOSa2KvHD2vBWHkmEy_i5kRBx4gh_xxp5rgEi15aHijXNRqUFqqSk6RE-B2cev50k1vD29PxYi4Qj7YxGbtcUjcWmgB6RgULr6QBO/s640/120616_DBA1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The ensuing engagement highlighted several aspects of the current play-test version. Firstly, chariots that had a tied combat result, rather than remain locked in combat, would recoil from solid foot. Secondly, blade would follow up combat that they had won. These
interactions created some interesting results adding to the game. Below, the chariot in the top right have recoiled in a previous turn while a stand of Sea Peoples infantry (Blade) have followed up more recently potentially exposing themselves to overlap. For the purists some of the Canaanites shown in the foreground below are armed with bow (3Bw), for the game they are considered auxila.</div>
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Finally, the players noted the increased movement rates encouraged the two lines to contact more quickly and allowed reinforcement of a crumbling line with reserves. The game result was a 4-2 win to the Sea Peoples.</div>
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<i>Pyrrhus vs Athens:</i></div>
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Our second game found the army of Pyrrhus of Epirus (Andrew and Alastair in joint command) facing a resurgent Athens (Keith). The Athenians, who were defending, selected a waterway. Their commander clung to the vague hope of littoral landing. In addition the battlefield contained a difficult hill and a smaller gentle hill. Pyrrhus selected the side where the bad going hill which reduced the frontage to be covered and carefully placed his camp well clear of the coastline and any Athenian triremes.</div>
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Again the deployment restrictions came into play and both armies had heavy troops in the centre and mounted or light troops on the wings. The two armies approached each other with the Athenians at first feinting with psiloi on the left before bringing these same psiloi towards the Epirot right centre to delay the Epirot mercenary heavy infantry. Above, the Athenians in the foreground and the Epirots in the background. Below, a more detailed view of the Athenian left and Epirot right. the Greek mercenaries can be seen near the left of the photo between the difficult hill and the deep Epirot pike phalanx with Athenian psiloi delaying the Epirot advance. DBA 3.0 encourages the use of light troops in in front of the main line, a great feature and one which is well overdue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVLtGnujT6FAe1dqgkLUqNRD54RP1X3z5RClz9YILTQOvItsj7pzuXNK_kto0eBnr22U22FQCL6GLJc2yUFOQ7j-y1yqrVC5ecw6Nc5keg_3sRJarARaMzR1QpYCq4QLTl725Y4spjlEc/s1600/120616_DBA6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVLtGnujT6FAe1dqgkLUqNRD54RP1X3z5RClz9YILTQOvItsj7pzuXNK_kto0eBnr22U22FQCL6GLJc2yUFOQ7j-y1yqrVC5ecw6Nc5keg_3sRJarARaMzR1QpYCq4QLTl725Y4spjlEc/s640/120616_DBA6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also visible are Epirot auxilia (4Ax) in the top left, these are classed as solid troops and are less mobile in difficult going. In the bottom right Athenian Thracian mercenaries can be seen. These are classed as fast and while more mobile, may not resist solid enemy so well.<br />
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The Athenian phalanx was first to contact, as the light troops pulled back. The Athenians were clearly focussed on defeating the Epirot Greek mercenaries on Athenian left. Here also the Athenians hoped to gain some advantage by using the flank supported spear rule. However, as the battle pressed back and forth no significant advantage could be gained. Meanwhile, on the Athenian right the Epirot elephants and Epirot Xystophoroi charged home. Despite this both formations were repulsed repeatedly, much to Pyrrhus' frustration. Below, the elephants and Epirot Xystophoroi charge home, before being thrown back... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziRpRKKq4fC-5RM31GooSua1pawP52WRcIjvv0DnysulP8B0OLESWzXqB2_gImj3YVHxWoXyWOTv0ES12iY9u2ufpiZENDpL6X4eG6fcSrMykd8PKvRs00Qr6s07MLE3Jem7-hVfLGySf/s1600/120616_DBA5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziRpRKKq4fC-5RM31GooSua1pawP52WRcIjvv0DnysulP8B0OLESWzXqB2_gImj3YVHxWoXyWOTv0ES12iY9u2ufpiZENDpL6X4eG6fcSrMykd8PKvRs00Qr6s07MLE3Jem7-hVfLGySf/s640/120616_DBA5.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Despite these setbacks, the Epirot phalanx, bristling with pikes arranged in a deep formation, pressed forward and eventually broke a portion of the Athenian line. In the process the Athenian commander was mortally wounded. Now, short of PIPs, the Athenians clasped to what hope they had for continued democracy and fought valiantly. However, crippled by the loss of their commander the army of Athens finally collapsed and Pyrrhus claimed a 6G-0 win. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Two excellent games and a good workout for the current playtest version of DBA 3.0. Certainly I can see more games in the future being played.</span><br />
<br />TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-12990709629770541712012-06-10T12:19:00.000+12:002012-06-10T16:36:32.678+12:00Valour at Valadilène - Normandy 1944<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Saturday evening <i>The Wargames Room</i> was the scene of another WWII Spearhead game as elements of the 11th Armoured Division were allocated to undertake a probing attack on German lines and break through to the town of <span class="st">Valadilène, if not beyond.</span></div>
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Divisional intelligence suggested that at dusk the previous day a significant gap existed between German formations. Unlike <a href="http://wargamingnz.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/british-boys-bash-boshe.html" target="_blank">recent attacks</a>, on entrenched positions, division felt a probing attack launched quickly could overpower any German forces in the area and would therefore have a greater chance of success. Delaying the attack would allow the Germans to entrench. Further, any initial advantage could be exploited by armoured elements of the division.</div>
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Division therefore allocated the 159th Infantry brigade as well as the divisions reconnaissance regiment, the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars, to the probing attack. Above, Cromwell's of the of the King's Royal Hussars advance to their start lines. </div>
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Fighting patrols suggested that two German infantry battalions had moved
into forward positions with a third held back on the German left rear.
The British plan therefore called for two infantry battalions, advancing on foot,
to pin the enemy to the front while a third with an armoured squadron
attached would conduct a deep flanking move against the German left rear.
Finally, the main body of the Hussars would remain in immediate reserve
for the pinning battalions and be available for exploitation. The attack
would go in silent at dawn. The divisions 151st (Ayrshire
Yeomanry) Field artillery Regiment, equipped with 25pdrs, supplemented
by a 5.5" battalion would be "on-call" for the brigade attack. Additional
5.5" battalions would operate in the counter-battery role.</div>
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Below, a general view of the battlefield with the British start lines on the left. The town of Valadilène is visible on the top right and marks the final objective of the 11th Armoured Division's attack.</div>
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As dawn broke the 4th Battalion The King's Shropshire Light Infantry and the 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regiment crossed their start lines. The initial advance was relatively peaceful and the warm summer air suggested a "peaceful walk in the park" was the order of the day. However, opposite the German commander had other plans.<br />
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As previously noted the Germans had indeed moved forces into the gap between two Panzer divisions recently, but rather than German infantry formations a scratch force from the elite 17th SS Panzer-grenadier Division "Götz von Berlichingen" was deployed. Two battalions were first in to the area. Deployed up front both battalions had, by dawn, dug in much of their infantry and several anti-tank guns. On the German right the veteran battalion of the 37th Panzer-grenadier Regiment was deployed. Orientated around a key village and deployed to repel attacks from the front and flank the battalion was supported by several PAK-43 88mm anti-tank guns. To the left and in the centre was deployed the regiment's second battalion. This battalion's deployment centred around a farm and woods and like the other battalion many platoons were, by dawn, in light entrenchments. Attached to the battalion was a tank destoryer comapany of JagdPanzer IVs. Below, the JagdPanzer IVs initially deployed in ambush among the farm buildings or in woods.</div>
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Finally, a 3rd battalion, significantly under strength, was drawn up up
to on the left rear. This, and its attached Stugs, was the mobile
Regiment's mobile reserve. </div>
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As the British now advanced the German artillery remained unusually quiet. Well aware of the numerical superiority of British counter-battery artillery the German commander felt it prudent to keep his very limited artillery silent until the advancing British infantry were within range of the entrenched infantry. <br />
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In due course the peaceful advance of the British infantry was bought to a sudden halt. First several trucks towing a bofors guns erupted in a series of fireballs as German anti-tank guns engaged them at extreme range. This was soon followed by German artillery targeting the 1st Battalion of the Herefordshire Regiment, and almost simultaneously, small arms fire from German infantry. </div>
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Below, casualties mount as 1st Battalion of the Herefordshire Regiment comes under fire. German infantry can be seen entrenched on the rising ground on the left with a PAK-43 entrenched in support. British infantry, visible in the top centre right, were supported by Vickers HMGs. These drove the German infantry from the outskirts and eventually allowed a British company to secure the woods on the right.</div>
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Further along the line the King's Shropshire Light
Infantry also engaged. Here small arms fire was supplemented by concealed JagdPanzer IVs, who lacking armoured targets, engaged elements of the King's Shropshire Light
Infantry with their 75mm guns and machine guns. </div>
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Below, advanced elements of British infantry have been neutralised by several turns of fire. The remain elements are reluctant to press forward.</div>
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The British commander realising his attack was effectively pinned down tried to recover the situation by calling in artillery fire from both 25pdrs and 5.5" guns. The German defenders were now subjected to a series of heavy artillery fires typically concentrated on specific sectors and companies. However, the German entrenchments stood up well and while some German platoons were silenced most recovered from each successive barrage to engage the British infantry opposite.</div>
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The British commander was clearly frustrated. His probing attack had clearly uncovered a hornets nest of Germans and reports now coming in suggested his flank marching battalion had been delayed. Rather than rolling up the enemy flank he was now faced with a frontal attack. Desperate to take the pressure off his infantry battalions he authorised the commitment of his only remaining brigade reserve. The King's Royal Hussars were ordered forward through the small gap between the infantry battalions. Above, and below, the King's Royal Hussars are on the move.</div>
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The Cromwells, and supporting Achilles tank destroyers, were proceeded by the regiment's reconnaissance units which them selves were soon engaged by JagdPanzers and a handful PAK-43s which despite being subjected to two massive artillery stonks remained operational. The benefits of entrenchements being well iluustarted again! </div>
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With the reconnaissance destroyed the anti-tank guns and JagdPanzers now started to engage the main fighting elements of the Hussars. While the German anti-tank assets were clearly limited in numbers the Hussars had to negotiate a narrow defile between woods and farms further slowing their commitment. As British casualties mounted there was clearly nothing to be gained from continued operations and the British attack was called off. Clearly the Divisional Intelligence staff had some explaining to do!</div>
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Above, after the battle, a cigarette near a destroyed Cromwell. This photo appeared in the German news less than a day after the battle for Valadilène. Clearly a major propaganda success unlike news from the Eastern Front!</div>
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<i>In retrospect the British (Robin) had a hard time in this engagement but the battle highlighted, for me, several of the challenges that the Spearhead rules provide. </i><br />
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<i>Firstly, from the German perspective, there was some risk involved with such an up-front German defence. Unlike one-to-one skirmish rule systems there is no rushing about with Spearhead. Once a battalion is deployed it is hard to reposition. For example the German battalion on the right was exposed to an on-table flanking movement. Thus an all-round defence posture had to be considered with multiple directions of attack considered. Relocating even a single company would take considerable time. At the same time the German up-front defence combined with the use of entrenchments, meant the attacker's options were limited. Despite a static defence the German regimental defensive plan required the integration of supporting weapons systems, be they indirect artillery fires, direct fire from anti-tank guns or the potentially more mobile self-propelled guns. However, achieving the required interlocking fires, without compromising battalion sectors, was problematic. <br /><br />The British commander was also presented with several problems. The decision to forgo a deliberate attack meant that his reconnaissance of the German defences was considerably less than ideal. Further, a hasty attack would mean a silent attack with little time for artillery fire plans to be formulated. The result was a delay in getting British artillery on target and concentrated, time the British infantry did not have. Unfortunately the British counter-battery artillery also had a bad day. Frustratingly so, as considerable investment in guns and counter-battery observers had been made. The result was the German artillery battalion remained operational for the entire engagement! Finally, the British flank march ability in 1944 is woefully limited. While a deep flank march had the ability to turn the German defence it required a 5 or 6 to arrive. Until it arrived, and in our game it didn't, almost 1/4 of the British force was unavailable and as such limited the actual on-table attack considerably.</i><br />
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<i>So as I hope I've illustrated WWII Spearhead has so much to offer. I would encourage you to give it a try.</i></div>
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<br /></div>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-38073479498766598812012-06-03T20:36:00.001+12:002012-06-04T09:25:59.932+12:00Battle of Newry - Ireland 1642<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
The Irish Confederate Wars continue here at <i>The Wargames Room</i> with another set of armies deploying on the table. Like the recent <a href="http://thewargamesroom.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/battle-of-kilcullen-ireland-1642.html" target="_blank">Battle of Kilcullen</a> this game is also a fictional encounter, though set in an historical context. </div>
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While Ormonde managed to fight the Irish Confederates near Dublin to a stalemate other Irish factions had also taken the field. In Ulster, the seat of the rebellion, Phelim O'Neill had raised an army, supposedly under the King's commission, which now faced Robert Munro. Above, a drawing of Phelim O'Neill complete with Protestant inscriptions. </div>
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Munro, a professional soldier who fought in the Thirty Years War and more recently in the Bishops Wars against the English, had recently arrived in Ireland along with a Scots army. His orders were to seek retribution against the Irish and protect the Scots Protestant settlers in Ulster. Munro, having recently captured and plundered Newry in April 1642, now sought to defeat O'Neill and his Irish army some distance from the town in open battle.</div>
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For his part O'Neill still commanded a large army, though smaller than his untrained army of 1641. Having received an influx of equipment from Catholic Europe, he deployed some 2600 foot armed with pike and musket. In addition 1000 Antrim Redshanks, along with nearly 600 Irish horse, completed his army. The Irish centre comprised both pike and shot. In addition O'Neill deployed 300 horse on his left flank. While on his right he placed his Catholic Redshanks, 400 of which were concealed in ambush and a small body of 225 horse. <br />
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Opposite, Munro's Scots deployed in a broad arc. The centre comprised pike and shot with the pike, unlike the Irish pike, somewhat withdrawn. The Scots right, split from the centre by a marsh, contained more pike and shot but with a number of frame gunnes interspersed and the great bulk of the Scot's horse, some 450 in number, to the rear. On the Scot's left Munro lined an area of rising rocky ground with more shot and yet more frame gunnes. In total Munro deployed 3200 foot, 525 horse and 24 light gunnes.</div>
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Above, the two armies deployed with the Irish on the left and the Scots on the right. The area of rising rocky ground can be seen in the right foreground while part of the River Clanrye can be seen in the left foreground. Below, another view of the battlefiield with the Irish in the foreground. The Scots can be seen in the distance drawn up in an arc with their centre and right flank split by a marsh.<br />
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Initially the two armies refused to engage. Munro however, no doubt under some pressure for a quick victory against the Catholic rebels opposite, ordered forward his right flank. Clearly he hoped this would place his light artillery in range which, in due course, would "encourage" the Irish to advance. He was indeed to be rewarded, as the Irish left flank and a portion of the centre, wheeled and advanced as can be seen below.</div>
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What was to be the main battle now developed quickly on the Irish left as the Irish moved forward quickly. The Scots gunners initially now plied their trade to some effect but the deep ranks of Irish pikes, supported by Irish shot, continued forward with urgency. However, it was the Scots extreme left which was soon under pressure. A fire-fight developed between Irish horse, equipped with carbines, and Scots musketeers lining a wood. In the ensuing fight the Scot musketeers were dislodged and driven back. Soon after the Scot's pike and supporting shot on the extreme flank was now hit by one of two deep Irish pike blocks. Indeed, at first impact the Scots pike and supporting either broke or fell back in disorder creating a further gap. </div>
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However, the second Irish pike formation, this one from O'Neill's original centre, was not as successful. Advancing with much élan they were disordered and thrown back by the Scot's frame guns opposite suffering heavily for their enthusiasm. O'Neill aware his right centre was exposed to attack through forward a series of skirmishers in an effort to engage and draw the fire from the Scot's centre. </div>
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Munro had moved forward his horse to plug the gap on his extreme right. Yet, it was insufficient. Above, the Scot's horse on the right flank, visible in the top left can be seen filling the hole left by the Scots foot. Pressing forward on the left the Irish troops were rewarded by further casualties and the breaking of the Scot's right flank. While the Scots here would fight on the loss of this wing was a significant blow to Munro's hopes of victory.<br />
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While the both armies were well engaged on the Irish left O'Neill had ordered forward the Redshanks on his right. However, the Redshank advance quickly become fragmented and the advance soon petered-out under a deadly fire from the Scot's frame guns deployed on the high ground to their front. Facing heavy casualties any hope of a successful charge quickly fade as the Redshanks were driven back in disorder. Below, the Redshanks advance, a foolish and ineffectual move which nearly broke the Irish right flank.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Casualties among the Scot's were now mounting and in what was to be the final act of the battle Irish musketeers counter-charged elements of the Scot's centre that had previously pressed the exposed flank of the Irish centre. Phelim O'Neill realising victory was in his grasp himself now led a small group of horse against the flank of these exposed Scots. As the Scots musketeers were cut down the resolve of the Munro's army broke. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Munro, had clearly suffered a major defeat. However, with a large portion of his army uncommitted, and more reinforcements expected, the fate of the Scots in Ulster was far from sealed. Ulster would be destined to be the scene of further action.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The engagement was of course re-fought with the DBR rules and 15mm figures. Both armies comprised 300 points of troops. The Scots, commanded by John, comprised two commands while the Irish were divided into three. The Irish were however controlled by "allied" generals which is an attempt to model their divided command. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In DBR terms each commander must roll a PIP die separately. Historically Phelim
O'Neill's army was short of both pike and shot but with a shortage of
figures a more traditional pike and shot army was fielded. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The table measured 1200m x 900mm. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Interestingly, Phelim O'Neill did claim he held a commission to raise troops for the king, despite the Irish being opposed to the King's forces around Dublin. The arrival of Munro and the Scots expedition meant that the Irish Ulster army would be fully engaged against the Scots for several years. However, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phelim </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">O'Neill </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">would take a </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">back seat when</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Owen Roe O'Neill,</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> veteran </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">of Spanish service, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">arrived in the summer of 1642 and took command of the Irish Ulster army.</span></i>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-45130040682301648552012-05-26T20:45:00.001+12:002012-05-27T12:15:12.795+12:002nd Mantinea 362 BC - DBA 3.0 Test Game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVGR23bvCZTgCEEdMrzMhL99wwxk7RLwQmjqGIs6YLN61rSCTbbpj1qYbQ1yp4PNABysGxMk4CUsqWsark9hqVWiSkusNqHr3zK78jmVcsQCzf6neMQJLOsfrst1m0nWFKC0hsv4xcg3H/s1600/120526_DBA1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Over the last two days I've managed three games of DBA with a restricted play test version of 3.0. The first involved Scots Common army against a Hundred Years War English and the second Bactrian Greek against Classical Indian. However, today I undertook another hoplite clash this time based around 2nd Mantinea. Unlike the first two games this was a solo affair, achievable in part due to historical deployments.</div>
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For my version of 2nd Mantinea the armies are described below. While they do not perfectly represent the forces involved they were sufficient for my purposes within the restraints of a standard 12 element DBA army:<br />
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<i>Spartan & Allies: </i>1x4Sp(Gen), 5x4Sp (Spartan and subjects), 1x3Cv, 1x2Ps, 2x4Sp (Allied Contingent 1), 2x4Sp (Allied Contingent 2)<br />
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<i>Thebans and Allies: </i>1x8Sp(Gen), 1x8Sp (Thebans), 2x2Sp (Thebans and reliable allies) 2x4Sp (Allied Contingent 1), 2x4Sp (Allied Contingent 2), 2x3Cv, 2xPs<br />
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Again, I have used allied contingents to model the allies of Sparta and Thebes. The use of two allied contingents ensuing that both armies will be stretched on occasion for PIPs. <br />
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<b>The Game:</b><br />
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Both armies were deployed along historical lines. However, the Spartans were short of light infantry so those that existed were massed for this game on the Spartan right and ignored on the Spartan left. The battlefield of 2nd Mantinea was somewhat constrained by two areas of high ground, the Mytikas on the Allied right and the Kapnistra on the Allied left, as well as a portion of the Palegos Woods. All these features are visible below with the Spartans on the right and Thebans on the left. The Spartans have just completed their first turn and used six PIPs to advance their cavalry and light infantry as well as move much of their hoplite line forward. One allied contingent has not advanced. </div>
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Below, the Thebans counter by expanded part of their left flank where the the Thebans in 50 ranks are placed and modelled as 8Sp. In DBA 3.0 spear do not fight in two ranks unless specifically modelled by being double based where they are called 8Sp. These deep elements count as one element towards the 12 element army size. Also below the Theban cavalry, top left, have moved further to the Theban left flank. Despite rolling five PIPs the some of the Theban allies and light troops, on the Theban right flank, have not advanced.</div>
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In the next turn the Spartan commander, now short of PIPs, opts to bring his allies forward and extend his line. Below, the four hoplite stands in the right foreground are the Spartan allied contingents each of two hoplite stands. Each contingent requires a PIP to move as a group.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbur0YPS6o3ChlYNkt-O0qlXh9z0CkvhR0iggb9Xq6MS9zsTXFY_C1pQ_zSr928-5vpBjg_q3D1acFX2WECXkYee_BjNoHYEFYkQBFxkzOG7c9-rFZN9EZK8_-BxhXjpiV1jqWimXM5Cg/s1600/120526_DBA3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbur0YPS6o3ChlYNkt-O0qlXh9z0CkvhR0iggb9Xq6MS9zsTXFY_C1pQ_zSr928-5vpBjg_q3D1acFX2WECXkYee_BjNoHYEFYkQBFxkzOG7c9-rFZN9EZK8_-BxhXjpiV1jqWimXM5Cg/s640/120526_DBA3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Theban commander, concerned that his densely packed Thebans will be outflanked, focuses on bringing his own allies forward. This allows the Spartan commander in his turn to press forward and therefore select the order of attacks. Below, the Spartan attack causes a portion of the Theban line to collapse on the first combat due to the advantage hoplites gain from a supported flank! The yellow die denotes the modified factors and the white die the combat roll. The supported flank rule means the Spartan factors are 4, +1 for supported while the Theban factors are 4, -1 for overlapped resulting in a factor of three.</div>
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In addition, and shown above, the Theban light infantry can be seen extending the Theban line and attempting to delay the Spartan allies. The current play-test version of DBA 3.0 handles light infantry slightly differently encouraging their use in the front line. </div>
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The Thebans, despite a poor start, were now keen to counter-attack. Below, the deep Theban phalanx drives back the Spartan commander opposite. One higher on the combat roll and the Spartan commander would have become a casualty! Also visible is the Spartan cavalry who have been pulled out of the line, their position being taken by more Spartan hoplites.</div>
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Also visible on the centre left above are the Theban allies who can be seen moving to their left in a desperate bid to prevent the deep Theban phalanx from being overlapped and turned.</div>
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Soon the Thebans throw more of their allies in to the counter-attack which can be seen below again in the centre left. At the same time the Theban left flank, under command of Epaminondas, continues forward. The Theban right flank is now however extremely weak and held by only a few hoplites and light troops.</div>
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Pushing back the Theban counter-attack in the centre the Spartans continue to advance while lapping around the deep Theban hoplite phalanx. The Spartans win the combat, just. The loss of the first 8Sp unit, while counting as one element of the 12, counts as two elements lost and brings the Thebans to the equivalent of three losses. </div>
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The Theban centre is now wide open and disorganised. The Spartan allies now continue forward in the centre despite the Thebans trying to plug the gap with their cavalry. </div>
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Below, the benefit of flank support proves critical and the Spartan allies attack with a factor of 4, +1 for flank support. In contrast the Theban allies are on 4, -1 for overlapped. A final score of 5-10 sees the Theban allies break. </div>
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At the same time as the hoplites are engaged the Theban light infantry are attacked by additional Spartan allies on the Spartan left flank which can be seen above in the near foreground. The Psiloi do not count as overlapped so their ability to delay the heavy infantry line is significant. Alas, for Thebes, the Theban army has broken and the battle is over.</div>
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<b>Summary:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While
the photos above indicate a relatively short battle this was not in fact
the case. Both armies pushed each other back and forth for some time. The supported spear rule was critical to the outcome. I see this as being a major enhancement to reproducing hoplite warfare using DBA. Rather than victory being achieved on the flanks, with light troops as is typical with hoplite battles with DBA 2.2, the breakthrough can come in the main line. In addition the simple rule for psiloi looks to be another advancement and I suspect will see them deployed in front of the main line more often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While DBA 3.0 remains in very much in development I am pleased to see some good game results and I look forward to further test games in the future.</span><br />
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<br />TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-87205893254088914792012-05-20T19:50:00.001+12:002012-09-29T20:26:35.247+12:00Battle of Kilcullen - Ireland 1642<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
The war in Ireland began with the rebellion of the Irish of Ulster in October 1641. The rebellion spread throughout the country and at Kilkenny in 1642 the association of The Confederate Catholics of Ireland was formed to organise the Irish Catholic war effort. King Charles I sent troops to Ireland in 1642 to reinforce the English garrisons commanded by the Earl of Ormonde and put down the rebellion. While the ensuing battles were overshadowed by events in England and the outbreak of the Civil War they remain interesting. The Confederates riddled with independent commanders and factions faced both Anglo-Irish and Scots armies in a series of battles both large and small. Below, the Earl of Ormonde. </div>
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For our hypothetical encounter, using the DBR rules, the Irish Confederates, commanded by Lord Mountgarret, comprised no less than 4300 foot and 375 horse. The foot were a mixed bag. The main body of troops, some 3200 foot, who were equipped with musket and pike in equal proportions and were deployed on the battlefield much as other equipped troops of the period. These were however supported by a further 1000 Antrim Redshanks, more likely to charge than conduct manoeuvre in ranks. Finally, a handful of skirmishers armed with muskets made up Irish numbers. <br />
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In contrast the Earl of Ormonde mustered far fewer troops with which to defeat the rebels. Indeed, his army comprised only 2400 foot, again with a ratio of one pike to one musket, but with some 900 horse and 100 dragoons to support his foot.</div>
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The Confederates deployed in two commands. Their centre, and right, comprised the pike and shot formations deployed in what clearly resembled tercios. Each formation having 800 pike with 400 musketeers on each wing. The Confederate left comprised the majority of horse and the 1000 redshanks. Ormonde meanwhile deployed in three commands. His centre and left comprising both pike and shot. Ormonde reinforced his extreme left with 300 horse while massing the majority of horse, some 525 divided among seven troops, on his right.</div>
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Above, the Irish Confederates are visible on the right while the English are on the left.<br />
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The Confederates having seized the initiative almost immediately began a vigorous advance. The Redshanks and their supporting horse pressing on with much vigour while the slower pike and shot moved forward as quickly as their drill and arms would permit. Ormonde was more cautious. His centre, deployed on high ground held it's position while the horse on his left began an outflanking movement around the marshes were to be found to his left front. At the same time his horse of his right flanked, supported by dragoons moved forward to engage what seemed to be the exposed Confederate horse.<br />
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Below, another view of the battlefield, this time with the English in the foreground. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BnKbX2OCDbHMXvZAeUs6W8HP4NrrccjHYmlmCjzDCYfAeaW3T0zV_fGHqNEMOi0vXijqTOOMfnPx5FUU7DlisBW1jYI1axD8PkmYHIH9Oai292ieLXlJLPUoItOyrdwDHwvRXEJCYNQF/s1600/120520_DBR2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BnKbX2OCDbHMXvZAeUs6W8HP4NrrccjHYmlmCjzDCYfAeaW3T0zV_fGHqNEMOi0vXijqTOOMfnPx5FUU7DlisBW1jYI1axD8PkmYHIH9Oai292ieLXlJLPUoItOyrdwDHwvRXEJCYNQF/s640/120520_DBR2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Charge and counter-charge ensued with little gain for either side at first. As a result more troops were soon drawn in including both redshanks and English foot. Now disaster struck as the English commander on the right, as well as two troops of horse, were cut-down. Their loss caused much concern and had it not been for the various troop commanders who steadied the remaining troops Ormonde's right would have broke in rout.<br />
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Meanwhile on Ormonde's left his horse had completed their flanking move and fell upon Mountgarret's piteful reserve. Lord Mountgarret and his bodyguard stood little chance and despite the support of some Irish musketeers Lord Mountgarret was mortally wounded paralysing Confederate command. Below, English horse having conducted their flanking move engage the Irish rear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxQPV-t7yrZfRMwZpSvxqWp4dGY4zW15j2XoDoPUGJjARD8JgauBk-ht0LMjvAlaypZFLIMEaF0OkcgbB9GZcBokVxL3tLdIjfRYl0AtkMud0W5gKrDtBv5xBPL7TPAiTVwx0ogV66yoY/s1600/120520_DBR4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxQPV-t7yrZfRMwZpSvxqWp4dGY4zW15j2XoDoPUGJjARD8JgauBk-ht0LMjvAlaypZFLIMEaF0OkcgbB9GZcBokVxL3tLdIjfRYl0AtkMud0W5gKrDtBv5xBPL7TPAiTVwx0ogV66yoY/s640/120520_DBR4.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Sensing the pendulum of battle swinging his way Ormonde was now devastated to watch his right flank disintegrate. Two further troops of English horse broke and the Confederate commander here surged forward in pursuit hacking the fleeing English horse in a headlong rout. In game terms the two stands of Confederate horse pursued 10 base depths in one turn. Now, visible was the English baggage train and the elements of the Confederate horse now reformed and sought fame and fortune among the tradesmen and whores that accompanied the English army. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbCcN8JOz4o_OUM8XoBwcIohfHIKCMITCVWdXLKEGvBnuc3uJXJJvSd8iaJ6wpTOmrmGHctfoyJQYU-6YZQj_zYjZLZD6lukyXZDurKjqmZhs6hKJWimmcV3jHlXC2JOZyBhBZt9k3oBD/s1600/120520_DBR3.JPG" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbCcN8JOz4o_OUM8XoBwcIohfHIKCMITCVWdXLKEGvBnuc3uJXJJvSd8iaJ6wpTOmrmGHctfoyJQYU-6YZQj_zYjZLZD6lukyXZDurKjqmZhs6hKJWimmcV3jHlXC2JOZyBhBZt9k3oBD/s640/120520_DBR3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Realising that time was limited and unable to protect his own baggage Ormonde now pressed the Irish to his front. First breaking the Irish left flank he then pressed the Irish foot of the centre from the front and flank with his own foot, as can be seen above, while from the flank and rear, with his horse. The butchers bill was significant, with Irish foot falling in droves, cut-down in every conceivable way. Yet the English army was itself broken, the loss of the preachers, tradesmen and to a lesser extent, whores was too great a price to pay. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In game terms each army comprised 300 points of troops. The Irish, commanded by John, were drawn from the Irish Confederate list. The Irish were deployed in two commands, one under </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mountgarret and the other under an allied commander. The use of allied generals modelling the disjointed Irish command. T</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">he English were divided into three commands and used English Civil War Royalist list. This list has an Irish option allowing Ormonde's English in Ireland to be modelled. This requires all the cavaliers, Pi(F) in DBR terms, to replaced by harquebusiers, or Pi(I). The table measured 1.2m x 0.9m which is now typical for our 300 point games. In the game the battle looked set to be a 9-1 Irish victory until a devastating revenge round resulted in a final 5-5 draw much to John's frustration! </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From an historical perspective Lord Mountgarret and the Earl of Ormonde did clash, but at the Battle of Kilrush in April 1642. Kilrush is not far from Kilcullen. Interestingly, Mountgarret's sister, Helen Butler, married her second cousin, Walter Butler, 11th Earl of Ormonde. Walter Butler was to be the grandfather of James, the 12th Earl Ormonde who opposed Mountgarret at Kilrush!</span></i>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-41724072902012706182012-05-14T20:14:00.000+12:002012-05-15T22:50:19.217+12:00Leuctra 371 BC - DBA 3.0 Test Game<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sunday afternoon I decided to attempt a re-fight of the battle of Leuctra using the current draft of the DBA 3.0 rules. Despite lacking a human opponent I still felt a re-fight of Leuctra remained feasible as long as I generally followed the deployment and the Theban commanders plan as we know it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHSPyvtoJvhyK8sz3t0HXchLH_W87Tn638luFyx2RDfkJHLFEakscZmPV-yVtGRkBo8tA5sz3AtCtnzG2VHg5zZbl7gh8SudzRao2AuWUBfaRUe-3Vbbp0GmuHhEnx_j7Dri3DXrSTr7F/s1600/tn_Theban_Coin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHSPyvtoJvhyK8sz3t0HXchLH_W87Tn638luFyx2RDfkJHLFEakscZmPV-yVtGRkBo8tA5sz3AtCtnzG2VHg5zZbl7gh8SudzRao2AuWUBfaRUe-3Vbbp0GmuHhEnx_j7Dri3DXrSTr7F/s400/tn_Theban_Coin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For those not familiar with Leuctra a brief summary of the battle may be useful. The Spartan King Cleombrotus, with the Spartan and allied army, encamped on low lying hills on the Leuctra plain. In due course Epaminondas and the Boeotian army arrived and encamped opposite. Epaminondas focussed his attack against the Spartan right while refusing his own centre and right flank. In the ensuing battle the Theban cavalry drove in the screening Spartan cavalry disrupting the Spartan phalanx. The Theban cavalry then protected the Boeotian left from envelopment. The cavalry attack was closely followed by the deep Boeotian hoplite phalanx which attacked the Spartan troops massed on the Spartan right flank. The Thebans here eventually broke the Spartan right wing, killing </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cleombrotus in the process. Meanwhile, the</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Spartan left wing, composed of her allies, remained inactive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I felt Leuctra would provide a good test for several mechanics in DBA 3.0. The first of which was the spear flank support factor. Basically, a supported spear not outflanked but supported by another stand of spear receives a +1. Secondly, I wanted to finally try the rules around double based Theban hoplites, referred to as 8Sp, which represent the Theban deployment in dense formations. Finally, and not least of all, I wanted to experiment with allied contingents. In DBA 3.0 a single allied contingents comprises three elements while an army with two allied contingent comprises two separate contingents each of two stands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The armies I opted to use and their respective deployments were as follows:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spartan & Allies: </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1x4Sp(Gen), 4x4Sp (Spartan and subjects), 1x3Cv, 2x2Ps, 2x4Sp (Allied Contingent 1), 2x4Sp (Allied Contingent 2)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Spartans deployed generally in a single line but with the allies on the Spartan left in a deeper formations due to lack of room. The Spartan cavalry was in front of the Spartan right wing hoplites.A single stand of Ps was placed on each wing. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thebans and Allies: </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1x8Sp(Gen), 4x8Sp, 3x4Sp (Allied contingent), 2x3Cv, 2xPs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Thebans deployed with the Theban hoplites in a dense block opposite the Spartans. Five stands of 8Sp including Epaminondas in the centre of the mass but in the front of course. The Theban allied contingent was deployed to the right with the 2 Ps on the far Theban right. The Theban cavalry were in front of Epaminondas.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Games:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As it transpired I would re-fight Leuctra twice. The Spartans as defender took first turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the first game the Spartan cavalry become pinned and engaged against the Theban cavalry. However, the initially good combat rolls recovered the situation for the Spartans. As a result both Theban cavalry stands were destroyed by the Spartan cavalry and/or hoplites. However, soon Epaminondas' Theban phalanx was engaged and the Spartan cavalry was driven back creating a gap. In the second game the Spartans extended their cavalry to the extreme Spartan right which was then countered by the Theban cavalry. The result being that neither gained an advantage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In both games the main infantry battle played out in a similar way. The Spartans were hard pressed by the Theban 8Sp and struggled to get their two allied contingents forward due to general lack of PIPs. The allies were it seemed reluctant, much as they were in the historical battle. The Spartan counter-attacks however were reasonably strong in the right and centre due to the careful use of the +1 for supported spear. The result being the hoplite line moved back and forward for some time. Eventually however the Theban 8Sp gained the upper hand and in each case finally secured a break through and victory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Below some photos of the second game showing the battle at various stages.</span><br />
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Above, the armies as deployed with the Thebans on the left and the Spartans on the right. Both armies had cavalry in front of the hoplites, rather than on the wing, which historically was a disaster for the Spartans. Both armies are deployed as far forward as possible. The Spartans have rolled their first PIP die, and managed a one! </div>
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Below, the Spartans have moved their cavalry forward and slightly to the flank which has been countered by Epaminondas who has moved all his cavalry to the flank and advanced his hoplites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuXBazDAAxMmnPd9mfdnOTqMUjf1uxceSPLAYImpZ4-8YlGgJBytSzv4EcGsc7TBG0JC9k75dPMURiwKNEBE_6PMU8_SM0PvoJqVwCzTACcMteUH8xpOQVa7Ljz9uYFSiwUikfJFAZbb7/s1600/120513_DBA2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuXBazDAAxMmnPd9mfdnOTqMUjf1uxceSPLAYImpZ4-8YlGgJBytSzv4EcGsc7TBG0JC9k75dPMURiwKNEBE_6PMU8_SM0PvoJqVwCzTACcMteUH8xpOQVa7Ljz9uYFSiwUikfJFAZbb7/s640/120513_DBA2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below, the armies near impact with the Spartans trying to present a solid front. Having two allied contingents means that 3 PIPs are required to move the line forward. The postion illustrated has taken a couple of turns to complete as the Spartan right flank has been expanded having been initially restricted by the DBA 3.0 deployment zones.</div>
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Of course the clash of the hoplites was only a matter of time. Below, the Thebans in deep formations have attacked the Spartan right. The Theban 8Sp, represented here by hoplites in two ranks must press the Spartan line using up PIPs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUKkLDSyhHeym_G1EDPGRQg83mEBJNATb1lewSlirKpYpflaZmPSA9K9XsGHhhQ-NTG1085wrL1kI_kLtGsyMwiwmINrKmFjPfX3UQJV3VBs97zy_E9O-BZUyAerccatan4skyUP6_1Bs/s1600/120513_DBA4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUKkLDSyhHeym_G1EDPGRQg83mEBJNATb1lewSlirKpYpflaZmPSA9K9XsGHhhQ-NTG1085wrL1kI_kLtGsyMwiwmINrKmFjPfX3UQJV3VBs97zy_E9O-BZUyAerccatan4skyUP6_1Bs/s640/120513_DBA4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also shown above are the Theban allies, who face a larger number of Spartan allies, echeloned back. In addition Theban light troops are yet to fully cover the potentially
exposed flank. </div>
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Below, the first break-through where the Theban 8Sp break the extreme right of the Spartan hoplite line. </div>
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Realising the risk of the impending breakthrough the Spartan king Cleombrotus pressed forward in the centre again. However, the Thebans soon poured through and on to the flank of Cleombrotus as can be seen below. Poor die rolls now could mean a recoil and loss of Theban flanking hoplites, yet as can be seen below, the die gods looked favouarably on Epaminondas. </div>
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<b>Summary:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the photos above indicate a realtively short battle this was not in fact the case, though the games were shorter than similar battles in DBA 2.2. In both games the Spartan counter-attacks frequently had a good chance of success, due to the supported spear rule. However, what hampered the Spartans was their reluctant allies. In the end the deep Theban formations carried the day and resulted in the death of </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cleombrotus as was the case historically</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So two interesting games where the three aspects of the current drafts I set out to test worked well, yet without adding too much complexity. For those interested in such things the result in the first game was a Theban 4-2 win, while in the second, the Thebans achieved a more impressive 4G-0 win.</span><br />
<br />TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-44030510559420584752012-05-12T10:53:00.000+12:002012-05-12T15:17:43.228+12:00Conquest 2012: DBA Competition<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It is time to start planning for
Conquest's 15mm DBA competition. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Forming part of “Conquest”, Comic
Compulsion's larger two day annual gaming convention, the DBA competition will run on Saturday 20th of October 2012.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Can the hoplites of Greece destroy the
Persian Empire? Will the young Roman republic destroy Carthage or face
defeat itself? </span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Will the Successor states prosper at Rome's expense or will the Celts ravage Europe? </span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpv9WP4aTix6RroBjdypf9xFvFr9vdjVumjn7ZfuxTIpxWcKQZdEz25PcqM6HaPGa8eLMtCgPnQBDUgMYUqMTQxrjf_HrJo02LEmkFBjS25AjdYuShEpMFXWl49Na79VR39pKJ6ohWV5b/s1600/Conquest_2010_1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="560" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616503673753145714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpv9WP4aTix6RroBjdypf9xFvFr9vdjVumjn7ZfuxTIpxWcKQZdEz25PcqM6HaPGa8eLMtCgPnQBDUgMYUqMTQxrjf_HrJo02LEmkFBjS25AjdYuShEpMFXWl49Na79VR39pKJ6ohWV5b/s640/Conquest_2010_1.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The theme will cover all the
armies defined in Section I and II of the army lists up to 450AD. Therefore expect to see a range of Successor states, Carthaginians and Romans and a scattering of Biblical armies all jostling for a place in wargame history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So start organising
yourself, and your army, for Conquest's 15mm DBA competition. After all
it's an event not to be missed! Further details, including how to
register, can be found <a href="http://thewargamesroom.blogspot.co.nz/p/conquest.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932537014033635277.post-37787721840019035622012-05-06T13:57:00.001+12:002012-05-27T12:55:15.176+12:00Lost Battles - 2nd Mantinea 362 BC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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Not satisfied with re-fighting one ancient battle on Saturday evening we now embarked on our second re-fight using Lost Battles. This time we would re-fight 2nd Mantinea. Lost Battles provides a significant analysis of the forces but for our purposes some general background on the battle is required.</div>
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Historically the Allies, who comprised Spartans, Athenians, Mantineans and Eleans, to name a few, were led by the Spartan king, Agesilaus II. The Theban army, commanded by Epaminondas, included contingents from city-states of the pro-Theban Boeotian League. Using a version of the tactics he had successfully used at Leuctra, Epaminondas organised the Boeotian troops on the left wing of his army into a deep column of hoplites. These troops, in conjunction with the the remaining troops deployed in echelon, sought to gain local superiority of numbers while delaying the battle on the weaker centre and right side.<br />
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Unlike 1st Mantinea, which we <a href="http://thewargamesroom.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/lost-battles-1st-mantinea-418bc.html" target="_blank">re-fought earlier in the evening</a>, the battlefield of 2nd Mantinea is somewhat constrained by two areas of high ground, Mytikas on the Allied right and Kapnistra on the Allied left, as well as a portion of the Palegos Woods. In the Lost Battles book these hills can be moved across, but in the Lost Battles board-game scenario they are classed as impassable. For our re-fight they can be crossed, but with reduced movement and a lowering of attacks from them, as per the rules.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4iiQRglW82VghC2yFswM7AIhKU5SmQ8-8ZEXWkzlRedUg7RdZ26J2e1n5tMvY-0fNhmMwqbtWhmDp25Z1A72Wh0XixYS8oWwR8ahWmx2uCGWA2i37jfhwCSHgdR-xQg1qeN2eNz7bhxM/s1600/LB_2M.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4iiQRglW82VghC2yFswM7AIhKU5SmQ8-8ZEXWkzlRedUg7RdZ26J2e1n5tMvY-0fNhmMwqbtWhmDp25Z1A72Wh0XixYS8oWwR8ahWmx2uCGWA2i37jfhwCSHgdR-xQg1qeN2eNz7bhxM/s640/LB_2M.bmp" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dispositions of the two armies can be seen above. The allies can be seen deployed at the bottom of the map, while the Thebans are at the top. A review of the map clearly shows that the Allies (Spartans, Athenians, Eleans and Mantineans) are somewhat constrained by the hills. While most of the Allied army is rated average hoplites (AHO) some veteran Spartans (VHO) can be found on the Allied right. Frustratingly for the Allied player not all his cavalry are deployed on the flanks, one stand is deployed in the centre where it will achieve little. In contrast the Thebans have massed their strongest hoplites on the Theban left (AHO) with cavalry and light infantry in advance. The Theban centre and left is held by mostly allied levy hoplites (LHO), with fruther cavalry deployed on the extreme Theban right. From a wargame perspective the armies can be viewed below with the Allies on the left and the Thebans on the right. The high ground and woods can be seen constraining the Allied deployment.</div>
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As with <a href="http://thewargamesroom.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/lost-battles-1st-mantinea-418bc.html" target="_blank">1st Mantinea</a> the table measured 900mm x 600mm and the 20 sectors that make up the Lost Battles battlefield are delineated by the use of small terrain pieces. Average units are represented by two stands, veterans with one and levy with four. Yellow markers denote spent units.<br />
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The armies soon advanced with the Allies moving first. To this end the Allies advanced on their right flank where the light infantry and cavalry were mixed up initially. I would hope that things were not so muddled if deploying the army using a free deployment model. However, as it was reinforcing the advanced troops seemed most sensible.</div>
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Both armies expanded their cavalry the Allies doing so first onto the lower levels of the Mytikas heights. However, this was countered by Epaminondas' (Andrew) own cavalry which then attacked and broke the allied right wing cavalry. The Theban cavalry then advanced on to the high ground where they played no further part in the battle. The infantry attacks soon became general in this sector where the Spartan veterans suffered heavy casualties. Below, the Theban cavalry, on the right of the photo, press forward having broken the Allied cavalry. A large number of Allied hoplite formations are clearly spent, denoted by the yellow markers.</div>
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To the left of the picture the centres of both armies were also engaged. The Allies had opted to press forward in the centre, supporting their right. The first units to shatter in the centre were a some Theban allied hoplite levies. A gap can be seen developing in the Theban line, top centre. The Allies sensed a breakthrough developing with the Theban line becoming increasingly thin. However, the first breakthrough of our refight was in fact to occur on the Allied right where the Theban hoplites under Epaminondas shattered the Allied right flank. In a matter of moments the entire Allied right ceased to exist as can be seen below as the Thebans advance forward.</div>
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Events on the Allied left were also unfolding. Somewhat ambitiously the Theban allies on the Theban right had advanced too rapidly and now these levies were involved in a struggle with the Allied left where several allied formations become spent from the fighting. As the Theban centre broke these levies now to fled the field leaving only the light infantry to oppose the Allied hoplites. Below, the Theban right can be seen in the top left of the photo just before the levy hoplites panic and rout.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Meanwhile the Theban left swung inwards, having advanced through the Allied key zone. Simultaneously the Allied centre, having shattered the remaining Theban centre, turned and attacked the few troops in the Theban key zone in what was had become a "revolving door". Alas, as more Allied casualties ensued the Allied resolve was broken and the remains of the Allied army broke in rout. A clear victory had been achieved by the Thebans. Further, despite fighting in the front line, at great personal risk, Epaminondas remained alive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now we consulted the Lost Battles victory conditions to determine the game victor. Despite taking into account the initial fighting value advantage of the Thebans, Epaminondas had secured an even greater victory than he had historically. Second Mantinea was a clear victory for Thebes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>TWRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980598327408683598noreply@blogger.com2