Falkirk Wargames Club: Waterloo Day1

I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to take part in Falkirk Wargames Club's Battle of Waterloo in 18mm using the General de Brigade rules. This was by far the most amazing wargaming experience of my life and as you will no doubt imagine set off all sorts of sparks of inspiration!!! Below you will find a link to my YouTube video of Day 1:

Or if you would prefer I have uploaded some pictures of the initial setup and opening moves from Day 1:

On Friday evening we all arrived at our host Alisdair's home in Edinburgh and made our way to his Wargames den in the bottom of his garden and the sight that awaited us was awe inspiring!!! 7,500 beautifully painted 18mm figures set out in their battalions, regiments and brigades for us to play with.

I felt like a kid in a candy shop!!! I'm sure we all did!

Billy with part of D'Erlons corp heads up the left of Hougoumont to attack the Brunswickers

A view from the French lines (Billy's command post) looking along the valley over Hougoumont towards the allied position on the ridge line opposite. Allied skirmishers can be seen forward of the ridge position.

The beautiful building complex of Hougoumont well garrisoned my Allied troops. I believe the building is produced by tiger terrain and is very interesting in that although it has the height and detail of 15mm buildings the actual footprint is very much reduced making it perfect for 15mm wargaming. 

The French initial advance limbered artillery with columns of infantry out front heading for the open ground to the right of Hougoumont.

The French advancing on La Haie Sainte, I believe the troops are Young Guard as the French brought on parts of the guard pretty early.

The 95th rifles defending La Haie Sainte were in a pretty exposed position. An early discussion by the Allied commanders came to the conclusion that La Haie Sainte was going to fall and the only question was "how long would it take?"

Wellington observes the initial French movements, the push on La Haie Sainte begins in earnest and the right wing of the French sets off for Papelotte. 

A view from Papelotte along the French lines, the French still have a pretty sizeable force in reserve off table. The advance is most definitely begun.

Almost my 1st roll of the dice and a double 6 for my skirmishers took 2 casualties from the French cavalry brigade (used to be an instant falter if I remember right?) advancing on our positions and their commander stumbled into our lines and was captured! The day started well, would it continue???

The staunch defenders of Papalotte, Sax Weimar and his troops will be sorely tested by the decisions of the Prince of Orange!!!

Nassau troops soften the French columns as they approach Hougoumont.

More Nassau troops looking across the French centre . . .

. . . As the French artillery limbers forward!

La Haie Sainte being put under a lot of pressure by the French Young guard, will they hold out?

And a final shot with the French advancing on Paplotte at the end of day 1, My position for the 1st couple of days of the battle until it was time for the Prussians to advance!!!

I'll get a post up for day 2 ASAP with plenty more pics and lots more action!!!

happy Wargaming!!!