Bataille Empire - Game Report 18

British 1812 vs French 1812

None of us had had experience of fielding the British in the Peninsula so Robin and I decided to explore that avenue of Bataille Empire possibilities. Without any suitable 15mm figures I rolled out the 6mm option, which in many ways is easier to manage in a game. The battle was an encounter battle with me commanding the French Corps of three divisions: two infantry divisions and a dragoon division.

The French 1st Division arrives and advances either side of the village. The question was who would secure the high ground first.

The answer to the first question was unusually the French arrived first and were soon taking fire from the British. Meanwhile on their right rear flank the Dragoon division arrived in support. The British were reluctant to advance against the hill; they would have preferred to occupy it first and adopt a hull down position. For the moment at least the French were comfortably placed.

However, the final divisions arrived. The French arrived astride the line of communications. Whereas the British decided to be clever and come in wide on their right to threaten the French flank.

The French decided that the sooner they could dispense with the force to their front, the sooner they could then turn engage the flanking British force. The question was would the Dragoons be enough to delay the British.

The French commander decided that as much as the British were trying to move against his flank, it did leave the British flanking attack's right flank open to be attacked. Therefore, he moved two infantry regiments and the voltigeurs into the field to threaten the British flank. While this was happening a Dragoon regiment has been thrown back, while the British cavalry now threatens the remaining dragoon regiment.

There is a continuing fire fight for the hill, which is causing attrition on both sides, with the British showing considerable reluctance to try and attack the feature. On the right the dragoons have been thrown back in disorder. In the centre the voltigeurs and a regiment have advanced into the British right rear against a lone artillery battery.

Although the British artillery battery has been destroyed it is likely to benefit the French little as the British cavalry have manoeuvred to attack them in the rear.

The French column was destroyed by the British cavalry, however, it has been sufficient a distraction to prevent the British flank attack from getting involved. On the left the French 2nd Division is now launching the remainder of its regiments forward to attack the British who are stalled against the foot of the hill.

Outcome

An interesting and enjoyable game, with far more manoeuvre than other BE games; this may in part be due to the fact we were playing with 6mm figures on 25mm bases. Overall this was a minor victory for the French.