Wednesday 11 April 2018

DBN28 'Jerome in Russia' Vladimir's Pass

Russian Lads defend Vladimir's Pass
Round two of our 'Jerome in Russia' campaign.  This time the Westphalian Army must push North along a valley.  The Army & Baggage Train must exit on the Northern edge.   It should be achievable, provided the Baggage Train is protected.   The blocking Russian force would consist mainly of Militia quality troops for the infantry, Normal class for the Cavalry & Artillery.   Two farms would classed as 'Strongpoints' for the Russians (+2 fire +5 Melee factors)

The floating light Russian Division that escaped from the last battle would enter the battlefield on one of the flanks (unknown to the Westphalians).  Forest terrain would allow this Russian force to remain hidden until activated.  
Da Plan.  A thrust straight up the road  & spank the Russians...

Two Russian groups either side of a Strongpoint



Jerome's Mighty Westphalian Army

Forward Men!!!

The trap is sprung, the Russian Horse Artillery deploy.

One Westphalian column would attack the first Strongpoint.

The Westphalian Foot Artillery gives the Russian guns a hard pounding...

Success to the Westphalians!!

Peg it!!!!  The Russian Foot Artillery is withdrawn.

The Russian Cavalry is put in the front line, just in case an opportunity arises.


The Cossacks linger on the flank.... Just waiting....

CaPs are high & the Westphalian's pile forward!!!

The Westphalian Light Infantry clear the forest of those nasty Cossacks....

Great Russian firepower & the Westphalian column takes big losses 

Gamble!!!  Despite the losses, Spav sends in the column.....

The Westphalian guns re-deploy & now the Russian Horse Artillery is blasted...

Better CaPs & the Russian Light Infantry is activated...

The Cossacks advance into woods nears the road.... 

Just in case...  The Russian Cavalry is re-deployed to cover the Westphalian advance.

More good CaP rolls & the battered Russian infantry re-deploy.

Luckily, Spav spots the danger, the vulnerable Baggage Train is now protected.

The battle takes a turn, great Russian CaP rolls, Poor Westphalian CaP rolls...
The Cossacks are sent into the vulnerable flank.

The Westphalian attack begins to stall.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...  The Russians advance but the Westphalians come to a halt..  

Ready, Aim......

Great combat rolls, the casualties mount for the Westphalians....

Spav sends in the Westphalian Guard to steady the front line...

Come on! What a scalp this would be....

Pile in! The Russian Cossacks attack....

The Westphalian Infantry are destroyed.....

A major upset is on the cards... Attack the Baggage!!!!

NNOOOOO!!  The Cossacks are sent packing by the Tinkers, Tailors, Whores & Camp followers....lol

Jerome takes charge & commands the Baggage Train...

Oh my... Over the past 3 rounds, Spav rolls a succession of 1,2,1 for CaPs....
He finally rolls a decent number, it's now a matter of holding his army together. 

One of the Cossack units is destroyed.

The Westphalian Guard now for the rearguard as the army retreats.

However it's a matter of time before Russian firepower destroys them...

A 'belated' charge up the right flank....

Like crazy heroes of old, the Westphalian Guard charges in!!!

Raaarrrggghh!  

With casualties mounting, I'm happy that the Russians have stood firm.
Spav has lost his bottle, The Westphalians withdraw...ouch


Final positions, the Westphalians could not breach Vladimir's Passage...

Oh Dear... Boney's not amused....lol
Spav's CaP die takes to orbit as it rebounds off 4 walls in the room..... He shakes his head in shame, he knows he threw that one away.   Great CaPs early on, then abysmal CaPs later on.  Combined with the lack of protection for his Baggage Train.   The Westphalian Cavalry hardly moved.  Ahhh never mind, I sit there staring off in to space, I don't need to say anything (I'd better not either...lol).

 The Westphalians suffered badly in that one, a whopping 2 infantry elements were destroyed & others took losses.  For the next game some of the Westphalians will be at reduced strength.  Each element will receive one strength point back as 'replacements'.   The 'Glory' Spav achieved for the first game, is now blotted by the 'Shame' of this one. 

The 'floating' Light Russian elements did well, however they will have been reduced for the next battle.  No replacements for the Russians, so some elements are merged.

Boney's not amused, what next for poor Jerome?

2 comments:

James Fisher said...

Excellent report of a see-sawing and bloody encounter! N will be even more annoyed when he learns that the baggage train drivers were best afield for the Westphalians, haha!!
I really like your casualty caps. They stand out yet blend in, if you get what I mean. Are they purchased or a home-spun item?

MrF said...

Now then James.

The casualty markers are home made. They are some plastic caps, the hardest thing was keeping the paint attached after they had dried. I had to use a heavy duty gloss varnish to 'seal' them.

It was a perfect game for the Cossacks to go on 'deep strike', they were well worth the points. I would go as far to include 'Irregular Cavalry' for any British Peninsular Army, from now on as well.

I love your groups Blog, keep up the good work!

All the Best
MrF