Vallour and Fortitude. Mike proposed a game using his collection from the 1980s, all on a 25mm scale. I admit I've seen figures of this scale used alongside 28mm figures in previous games, but this was my first experience playing exclusively in 25mm. The scenario was set during the Second Polish War of 1812, where a Bavarian division encountered a Russian corps near the fictional village of Oddtchevo, somewhere in Russia.
UMPIRING: Mike Evans, Peter Mearns
1. Forces.
1 x Jaegers4 x Infantry3 x Heavy Guns
4 x Infantry
1 x Jaegers4 x Infantry Brigade1 x Field Guns
4th Infantry Brigade
2 x Guard Infantry1 x Infantry Detachment
2 x Guard Infantry1 x Infantry Detachment
1 x Jaegers4 x Infantry
1 x Dragoons2 x Hussars2 x Hussar Detachment
2 x Hussars2 x Hussar Detachment
2 x Cossacks
3 x Horse Gun
2 x Infantry4 x Infantry Detachments
1 x Jaegers1 x Grenadiers4 x Infantry
1 x Jaegers4 x Infantry2 x Field Gun
2 x Chevaliers2 x Chevaliers Detachment
1 x Cuirasiers1 x Hussars1 x Cuirasiers Detachment1 x Hussars Detachment
2. The Game.
From the beginning, the numerical superiority of the Russians was clear. We planned to hold central positions while executing the famous Zulu bull's horns manoeuvre on the flanks: my cavalry would be on the right flank, and Gordon's infantry division would be on the left. Alasdair and Michael were tasked with holding the centre, where their artillery would play a crucial role.
The Bavarians decided to attack along the entire front, which I considered a mistake from the start. They should have focused their attack on my flank, aiming to break through our defences, while their cavalry protected Gordon's infantry. In my assessment, Gordon's forces would not have been able to support a strong and concentrated Bavarian attack. Unfortunately, the situation unfolded differently.
Both cavalry brigades, supported by an infantry brigade, attacked our right flank. My units benefitted somewhat from the passivity of their opponents, as the Russians do not activate their units on rolls 1 and 2, which reflects their leadership issues. I advanced slightly but not enough to prevent the Bavarian infantry from securing advantageous defensive positions. However, I successfully managed to activate a unit of dragoons, which broke one of the Bavarian infantry squares. My cavalry then fell back and prepared for the next round of combat.
In the centre of the field, the Bavarian infantry was slowly advancing. They encountered heavy fire from our artillery, which began to decimate their ranks. It was clear that this attack would be costly for them. In an attempt to support the advance, Mike moved his heavy cavalry into position, likely hoping for a breakthrough. However, we still had a second line of defence in place.
On the other side, Gordon was carefully executing our plan. As a result, he was effectively blocking Peter's entire infantry brigade, which was supposed to attack our centre. This manoeuvre left the Bavarians with limited resources for their assault, making it unlikely for them to succeed.
Decisive moves were finally made, some of which were quite bizarre. The most unusual actions revolved around the Russian horse artillery battery. Although the Bavarian cavalry was positioned on its flank, they were not activated to attack our unit’s side. Instead, they found themselves charged by Russian dragoons from their flank. The Bavarian cuirassiers made a desperate charge against the Russian infantry, but this also failed. Subsequently, the Bavarian commander-in-chief ordered a retreat. The battle concluded with a Russian victory.
3. Links.
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720321892678
