Napoleonic head to head,Dave vs Paul,the report.

Before I write the report on the battle,a few words on the mechanics and troop numbers,Paul had 10 British regiments of infantry,4 of cavalry,and two gun batteries.Dave who was French had 7 infantry,3 cavalry and two gun batteries.(one of which was located on his far left flank hill).Paul was to come onto the table in two waves (no pun intended) on move number 1 and move number 4,Dave could not move any of his troops from inside the city until move number 4,he did have 2infantry regiments behind gun hill and one behind his central hill-both hidden
This shows Paul's first wave about to land,he elected to have all his cav.3inf. and his horse artillery in the first wave,these troops were to approach the city from his right flank.It took longer than expected for him to get these troops into position due to half moves over the hill and through the woods.

This photo is out of "sync" but shows the dificult route Paul elected to take.

This is move number 4 and shows the French debouching from the city to take up defensive positions between the city and the central hill and woods.

The second wave has landed and is mounting a grand attack on the French centre and left flank hill.This attack was costly to the British and was temporarily halted by an audacious cavalry charge upon the leading column,culminating in arout for the British inf, involved and subsequently for the French cavalry involved!!

This is aview from the French central hill after the British first wave attack had faltered on the left due to a combination of Lancers,Horse artillery fire and well aimed volleys from the troops which Dave had hidden in the woods.

This shows the "audacious" and unexpected,charge of the French dragoons upon the leading British column.

This is a good photo of the main fighting areas on the table,the British are regrouping on their right flank whilst starting to mount an attack on the French right flank.The hidden troops have exposed themselves from behind the hill and the gunners are firing cannister into the leading British infantry.The attacks against this hill cost the British too many casualties in the long run,and possibly cost Paul the game.

This shows the second wave landing on move number 5,their objective was to attack the French central hill and gun hill.

A French counter attack!! This ran into difficulties from British infantry backed up by cavalry,the lancers were successful in a melee with British light dragoons but were asked to take a morale test and failed.

This shows the final stages of the game,Paul is trying to regroup his cavalry in the centre,however his infantry is being "hammered" by musket fire and cannister fire from the gun hill.

Paul and Dave decided,mutually ,that the British were in no fit state to achieve their objective and that they would return the boats to lick their wounds.

This was a tremendous game,played in a good spirit,involving realistic Napoleonic tactics,swift and bold movement,and the elan you would expect from these two very experienced players.
Doesn't dave look serious in these photographs ??