Bataille Empire - Game Report 13

Russian 1812 vs French 1812

Round two for Bataille Empire for Kevin and me. In this game I decided to field my new Russian Army. In this game we followed the full rule system including the terrain selection, and also the choice of scenario. In this case we rolled for and received “Surprised”, which was indeed a surprise and one which gave each of us very interesting tactical decisions to make. On the first game turn everyone has to be given Manoeuvre Orders.

The Russian Infantry divisions have been deployed in column. The rear division has an attached Opolchenie Regiment. In the centre we deployed a Dragoon division with two Cossack Regiments.

On the Russian right there was an advanced guard division with Hussars and a Light Infantry Regiment.

The Russians were able to secure the village, with this firm base in place the Hussars moved to out flank the French Line. On the left the lead infantry division has seized the hill to hold it, while the second moves to support by moving to the flank.

The move of the Russian Hussars failed when the French were able to counterattack and drive them from the battlefield. However, the village and the objectives remained secure in Russian hands. The French right has now mobilised itself to attack the Russian left.

A successful charge by two Russian regiments has thrown back the French right wing. While in the centre the Russian Dragoon division, less the Cossacks saw the advantage in launching an attack which has successfully overthrown the French Cuirassiers. The French have deployed into line to try and take the hill by fire.

The French Infantry were unable to make any impression on the hill. The Russians standfast on the ground they have seized. The Light regiment in the village has already thrown back an attack, but they are likely to be outflanked at any time due to the French bypassing the village on the Russian right. The Dragoons were forced back to their original deployment area after a successful French counterattack.

Outcome

A minor Russian Victory.

Lessons Learnt

Kevin learnt not to use my die, and in future to bring his own!

We were both much more comfortable with the rules now and they played much quicker than previously.

Using the Russians gave a very different feel for the battle.

It gave us the appetite to next try a game in 28mm.