Reader Note:
Part 3, sees us rotating the board and units. To save reaching and squinitng!
Turn 3
4PM
Wellington and his men face off against 5th and 9th Divisions and a lot of bombard!
Ney uses his arty to suppress Kempt in the woods and soak off. Allowing for the full brunt of French gallantry and elan to be on display. Similarly Cramm is bombarded also. This tactic, I see is a key one to isolate and concentrate forces to take key positions.
Ney and Reille’s attack is a success. Quarte Bras falls.
In the distance von Alten can hear the cannons and races towards them.
Turn 4 & 5 4 & 5PM
Wellington almost surrounded barely escapes another bombard attack, electing to retreat given the losses taken. The French cannonades are very effective today.
Maitland and co arrive and they too rush to the sound of guns. Von Alten’s attack presses back the screening French Cav.
Pr Williams force is demoralized, but as discussed in the wrap up video, this rarely matters much nor do supply issues. It limits Road March and drops Initiative rating by one. As well as no advance after combat. Meagre effect.
Lots of reinforcement but too late to be of consequence!
Husson and Soye press their attacks onwards against the remanants of Wellingtons force. While Maitland and co bloody Gautheirs nose.
Uxbridges attack while effective, has no measurable impact on the situation. He can possible force the forest road. But will have to face off against Guard Cavalry.
The rest of Wellingtons men are spread thin, they can begin to mount some successful attacks and perhaps take the cross roads back on the following morning. This is where campaign game play would be very different. The French would have pressed more and the Brits probably would be potentially even more cautious, husbanding resources for a final battle linked with the Prussians.