Blood on the Alma p1

Alexey Beznin (Maverick_) from BGG, brings another excellent AAR for us. This time Blood on the Alma. This comes from the Line of Fire Magazine from Lock’N Load Publishing issue # 13.

A very nice treatment of an infrequently covered topic. The game doe sa fine job of capturing the thematic, the command issues, tactics,the period and the technology of the time.

Here is Alexey’s report:

The theme of this game is first major battle between Russia and “coalition forces” (Britain, France and Turkey). And it is very interesting for me. I was glad when I had got this copy.

setup shows formations of both sides. French forces are blue, Britain units are red, Russian have green units and one Turkish units is yellow.

We can see huge gap on Russian left flank. There are minor Russia’s forces.

Let’s start the battle!

TURN 1

French-Turk Movement Phase

All French forces began their movement. First French infantry units have crossed the Alma river.

French Artillery Phase

No French artillery units available for attack

Russian Movement Phase

Russian leader commands save units which stand too far from main forces. One infantry brigade moved forward to intercept and hold French units on path.

On Russian right flank many units moved. Artillery moved towards front line to concentrate their firepower.

French Combat Phase

French infantry tries push out Russian soldiers from their positions. But Russia’s unit used upper position and inflicted one step loss. French troops had to retreat. – combat result “AC/R”

Russian Artillery Phase

No actions.

British Activation Phase

Britain forces are activated by other way: using chit-pull system. Units of divisons “2” and “L” was activated and began move toward Russian positions.

Russian Combat Phase

Russian forces don’t have any close contact with enemy. Passed this phase.

Russian Morale Phase

Russian improved their Morale level due no panic units on the map. Marker on Morale track was leftward on value “1”

End of turn 1
TURN 2

French-Turk Movement Phase

French units continue to cross Alma and bypass Russian left flank positions.

French Artillery Phase

No French artillery units available for attack

Russian Movement Phase

Russians continue fill the gap on left flank…

..and concentrate forces on right flank.

Overview of battlefield

French Combat Phase

French made one Minie Attack. Combat result – DC/M Russian unit suffered one step losses and have to Morale Check. Despite High Russian Morale level this Morale Check (MC) is failed. Unit becomes Panicked. Another infantry unit within 2 hexes of first unit. And it has to make Morale Check too. And it has failed too. Both infantry unit have got “Panic” markers.

Russian Artillery Phase

Russian “Great” battery opened fire. Using infantry support (+1 to Attack Strength) Russian artillery inflicted two step losses (combat result – DC2). Another Britain units is out of range of cannons.

British Activation Phase

“C” and «2» Divisions Chits has been drawn. Units of “C” Division have just begun crossing through the Alma river.

Infantry unit of Division “2” advanced on Battery out of Redoubt. Despite artillery was without any cover it was suicidal assault. Britain units suffered one step loss and have to retreat. But «red coats” are unable to retreat: all surrounded hexes contain river and prohibited to retreat action. British unit has stood in initial hex but suffered one additional one step loss. This was a very stupid decision.


Russian Combat Phase

No actions

Russian Morale Phase

Marker on Morale track was leftward on value “1”. Then Panic Recovery Morale check was successful for all Russian panicked. Units. All Panic markers are removed from map.

End of turn 2

 

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