Dolitz & Probstheyda 1813 (1)

The weekend before the typhoon hit the Philippines I was fortunate to be invited down to Robert's garage for a game with Billy, Robert and Gary. The battle would be based on I believe the 1st day of Leipzig from the GdB scenario book. Unlike last weeks game this 1 was pure inspiration. I have to say I almost forgot about all the pics I took because of the following days unfolding events.

  

So this is how the table looked at the start of the game, the pics were pretty poor due to the darkness in Robert's garage (and my lack of photographic ability) but you should get the general idea of the game. Robert and I played the allies and Billy played the French on his own as Gary unfortunately couldn't make it.

  

For this week all of the troops were from Roberts collection. I had charge of the Prussians on the right flank as well as some Russians. In the bottom right would be our 1st objective. The Scenario is basically set around the allies assaulting various towns, villages and 1 farm with the French defending them to the last.

    

This is a shot of my initial advance on the small farm.

   

Robert had control of an Austrian army on our left and centre. I seriously would like to build on my own Austrians as they have to be 1 of the most eye catching armies on the table when seen in large numbers.

  

This will be the main Austrian command poking fun at the French from across the field with some captured treasures.

   

A brigade command with some Hungarians in their rather nice blue strides, this is 1 of my favourite uniforms of the Napoleonic period (but then again is there a Napoleonic uniform that doesn't look brilliant???).

    

Ian somewhere in this lot are the newly based French troops Robert acquired from you and very nice they look to.

  

And the wee man himself. Well this wasn't actually on the day Napoleon as Billy used this 1 as a regular command stand however the real deal will be making an appearance pretty soon. 

  

Some chasseur a cheval, My only real success of the day was to give these guys a drubbing! My dice were poor, no very poor!

And the Polish lancers of the guard from the same brigade.

  

Some Saxon artillery standing in as Poles for the day I believe?
  

More of the enemy moving into position.
  

Robert's 1st move was to advance his main Austrians on the strong point above. I'll just point out that no matter how well we rolled Billy had blessed dice all day!!!
   

A quick tactical change, Russian cavalry being sent to bolster my weak flank. I would have needed a few T34's to be honest!!!
    

A close up of some of Robert's tasty AB French.
  

A view from the grand artillery duel that would last all day.
   

This was an Austrian faint on the left flank as the main assault headed for the centre area and my left flank.

    

Another view of the lovely Polish lancers, AB I believe?
  

French batteries now in position.

   

So I set out assaulting the little farmstead. The fusiliers in extended line were not my idea by the way! I am very unsure of using legere, fusiliers and voltigeurs in their light capacity. I'm trying to learn however it can be dangerous when playing with experienced players. These poor fusiliers were pretty soon ridden down and I believe they were the best troops I had on the field, lol!

  

French reinforcements held in reserve waiting for Napoleon I believe?

  

The great thing about playing with experienced players is watching how easily they manoeuvre their troops on the table, kind of like watching good snooker players?

  

Billy started out his dice rolls as he aimed to continue throughout the day rolling a double 6 on the 2nd initiative throw unleashing the Corsican ogre and his precious guard. Robert had told me before hand that the scenario was a very difficult 1 for the Allies to win and when Napoleon enters the battle it becomes pretty close to impossible. Napoleon having a wee rest above!

The guard flowing towards my side of the table. I'll post more pictures soon of the actual battle.