Sharp Practice - Game Report 1

An Encounter 1809

Kevin introduced me to Sharp Practice some time ago, and since the first couple of trial games I had been building my own 28mm Austrian Force. Since we had been playing a lot of ADLG recently we both needed a diversion and decided that it was time for Sharp Practice and for my new Austrians to meet the French in battle.

We opted for a 60 point army list, using the encounter scenario. My force was commanded by Hauptman Scharfe commanding 3 sections of line infantry, with two sections of skirmishing Grenzers commanded by Stab Feldwebel Harter. In support we had a section of Light Dragoons.

Gefrieter Groschen was sent ahead with a section to scout out the land before the rest of the force arrived.

The infantry formed a column, more by happenstance than by design, and proved to be a beneficial target for the French skirmishers. The Grenzers are advancing either side of the hedge line with the goal of flanking the higher ground. Meanwhile the Light Dragoons are seeking more sensible terrain and to face off against the French Hussars.

For their part the French brought on their voltigeurs to shield their attack column. In the distance a French 6lb is deploying for action.

The Light Dragoons were severely mauled by the 6lb, and were then bumped by the Hussars. But not before the Grenzers managed to inflict some damage on them. The stoic and brave Light Dragoons fought of the Hussars in style, and forced them to withdraw.

The French attack column has now split into two smaller columns. The right of which has seized the high ground and forced the Grenzers to withdraw. The French fire is inflicting significant casualties on the line infantry. Stab Feldwebel Harter is trying bring the fire from his section the bear on the French column but to no effect.

The French are determined to win the fie fight and caused some confusion in the Austrians facing them. Hauptmann Scharfe is trying hard to reorganise his forces.

The French commander tried to execute a pas de charge, but the Austrians stood firm and drove them of with a tail between their collective legs. However, that was the high water of the Austrian response, rapidly diminishing force morale forced the Austrians off the table.

Outcome

A convincing victory for the French. But Hauptmann Scharfe learnt some very valuable lessons.

Lessons Learnt

Number one and most important this was great fun.

The Austrians would have been better advised to use their controlled volley fire.

The French Conscript Line may not have charged or moved beyond their position as they were not firing controlled volleys!.

Reforming the line from smaller units might well have breathed more life into the Austrian and indeed the French forces.

The Austrian Cavalry should have had their own commander.