1815 campaign - turn 3, part 1

We started two games this week but only one was completed before the end of the night. So you will have to wait for next week to see the outcome of the French attacking a Prussian defended farm complex. 

The game we did finish was the British attacking a ridge-line held by the French - more or less the reverse of the usual position in Napoleonic folklore. 

The French positioned their infatry on the hills, with the leger and guns the only units on the crest and the rest hiding behind the ridge. They placed the guard cavalry in the west, the heavy cavalry in the east and the lights in reserve at the rear. 

French defenders with cavalry reserve in the distance

The British plan was the attack around the western end of the ridge while the infatry all advanced up the ridge itself. Massed cavalry can be a mixed blessing though as units can end up blocking each other or retreaters can fall back and disorder the units behind.   

 

The British cavalry attacked as soon as in range and had mixed results. some won and some ended up retreating through their compatriots, but mass won in the end with the French forced back.   

British massed cavalry attacks 

The British and Dutch foot advanced under heavy artillery fire but were able to force the French into a retreat, aided by the late movement of the heavy cavalry that could have threated eastern flank of the attack.   

British foot approaches the ridge

The French line collapsed as multiple units routed and caused casualties and further routs to those holding the hill. So a British win that means they are now attacking the regional capital in turn 4. 

The ridge falls