ADLG - Game Report 249

German (91) vs Early Imperial Roman (85)

It was time to start preparing for Warfare. I had narrowed down the army selection to one of three, Early Imperial Romans, Germans Batavian revolt (of more later), and Odrysians (Thracians). For this battle I wanted to try the Batavians, so I loaned my 15mm Early Imperials to Kevin for a run through; he would be using the Romans at Warfare – Roma, Roma, Roma!

I was gifted the opportunity to attack in the plains, and duly set up Roman's centre, Warbands on the right and Cavalry and warbands on the left.

On the left the German Cavalry moved around the marsh with their flank secured by the Warbands, who were getting their feet wet in the marsh. The Romans moved to support the Warband to their right. The counter this the enemy started to move their forces to their left.

The German Cavalry have now emerged from behind the marsh and are in a good position to start to threaten the enemy right. On the German right and centre we have started to wheel left to draw the enemy on to us.

Rather than reorientate to threat of the German Cavalry to their right rear the Roman's have pressed on to engage the flank of the German centre and are focusing in on the weaker medium swordsmen. If they are successful, they can work their way along the German line. The Roman artillery has already started to cause attrition on the centre. On the right the Roman's have decided not to wait for the German attack and have boldly, if unwisely, decided to attack the warbands!

As the sun breaks through, the Germans on the right have defeated the Roman left wing. In the centre both sides of legionaries are committed to the fight. Albeit that the Romans were forced to commit on of their units to protect their flank from the German cavalry. However, this has only been partially effective as the German Cavalry has penetrated the line and has hit one of the Roman Cavalry units in the rear.

The battle between the legionaries continues to the death, with the Roman's seeming to gain the upper hand over the turncoats supporting the Batavians. However, on the German left the Cavalry are poised to enter the Roman rear and destroy the artillery, despite the hand of Mars trying to wield some protection!

In the centre the Roman's continue to butcher the turncoats, but enough are hanging on to buy time for the German Cavalry, who are now free to attack the enemy in the rear after destroying the artillery.

Outcome

A win for the Batavian Revolt by 24 to 21.

Lessons Learnt

Agressive use of the German Cavalry was essential to be able to attack the Roman flank and rear.

A harsh lesson for Kevin on why Roman's should received warbands at the halt and not charge into them.