The Battle of LIGNY, 1815 CONCLUSION!

The French players were lead by David Bonk [Vandamme], and included John Manning, Dan Druckman [Dn.Lefol], Rob Walter [Dn.Berthezene] , Paul Crouch [Dn. Habert], Guy Gormley and Guy Jr.,[Dn.Girard] .

The Prussian players were lead by John Snead [Ziethen], and included Todd Kauderer, Scott Monteith [Dn.Steimetz] , Jon Davenport, Tom Ballou [Dn.Pirch II], Tom Cusa and Chris Maine [Dn.Tippelskirch] .

Here are the results:

Major victory for the Armee du Nord

The Armee du Nord has suffered losses of:
[ 9%] 2524 men of all arms
including:
[ 7%] 1912 dead and wounded
[ 1%] 486 missing
[ 0%] 126 prisoners

[ 10%] 2362 bayonets
[ 0%] 0 sabres
[ 9%] 162 artillerists
3 cannon[s] lost
Honors: [ 107] 1/23e Regt.de Ligne [John Manning]

The Army of the Lower Rhine has suffered losses of:
[ 20%] 6498 men of all arms
including:
[ 3%] 1102 dead and wounded
[ 8%] 2781 missing
[ 8%] 2615 prisoners

[ 23%] 6423 bayonets
[ 0%] 0 sabres
[ 5%] 75 artillerists
Honors: [ 532] F.RIR 25 [Lutzow Freikorps] [Tom Cusa]

Losses include 2 General[s]:
[ 504] Karl Friedrich von Steinmetz - Severely wounded
[ 523] Beyer - Severely wounded

St.Amand - Assaulted by Dn.Lefol and defended by Dn.Steinmetz. The French eventually captured both strong points, also capturing virtually the entire strength of two Fusilier battalions and the attached Schutzen battalion. Steinmetz was wounded and captured himself in the village square outside of the church. The Prussians attempted to retake and relieve Steinmetz's isolated battalions within St.Amand by attacking across the bridge now defended by the French, but failed in each attempt, losing engineer officer Beyer to a severe wound as a consequence.

St.Amand-Long- Prez - Assaulted by Dn.Berthezene and Dn.Habert and defended by Dn.Pirch II. The French successfully captured both strong points south of the Ligny Brook, but were unable to press their advantage to capture the ferme La Haye. The defensive efforts of Dn.Pirch II resulted in the highest percentage casualties amongst any Prussian division, six of nine battalions being used up in their spirited defense.

Wagnelee - Assaulted by Dn.Girard and Dn.Tippelskirch. In advance of the Prussian arrival, the French seized the initiative by advancing upon the village of Wagnelee and the bridge to its east, which was masked by a Prussian 12 pdr battery. The opposing artillery engaged in counterbattery fire, with one French half battery losing a cannon and caisson, before being forced to retire. The Prussian infantry occupied the church luring the French to assault across the bridge. On their second attempt, led by GB Piat they were counterattacked by a Prussian Landwehr battalion who successfully pushed the French back from the bridge.

Napoleon released one brigade of the Young Guard to assist in the assault on St. Amand detaching a second to observe a mystery force arriving from the west, whilst Blucher called up three battalions of Dn.Kraft to counterattack the French hold on St. Amand-Long-Prez. But at this point it was clear that the Prussians were tiring and their morale sinking and Blucher took the only course open to him and ordered a withdrawal from their positions. The French were themselves exhausted by their efforts, and would need time to consolidate and form up ready to continue their assault. But with losses heavily against the Prussians Napoleon was in a position to claim a major victory.

With a few tweaks I am really looking forward to reprise this very different engagement at H'con in a few weeks.

There are photos here:
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/carnageand glory2/photos/ album/2058237625 /pic/list

All the best
Nigel

Here's the results from the Scenario being re-run at HISTORICON 2011!

We ran a repeat of the scenario that I hosted in CT for the 20th Anniversary. This time John, who had played Blucher originally, acted as table GM, which was much appreciated, as it helped move things along nicely. And the only other player that had played in CT was Scott Monteith, who switched from the Prussians to the French side to mix it up a little.

The French essentially repeated their successful tactics that had been seen in CT [Scott, was that your doing?]. With Lefol assaulting St. Amand, Berthezene and Habert focusing on St. Amand-Long-Prez in the center, and Girard scrambling for Wagnelee in advance of the imminent arrival of Tippelskirch in that area.

The result was the same as the previous game, and saw a French victory.

From my perspective, as GM, this French movement against Wagnelee is a game winner in many ways, as it closes down the threat of any Prussian incursion into the French rear position once they are committed to their attacks on St. Amand and St. Amand-Long-Prez. Historically, Vandamme, was forced to commit Habert's large division to contain the threat presented by Tippelskirch in this region as they attacked towards Le Hameau.

In our game, the French infantry, although much smaller in strength by individual battalion, were able to concentrate against the larger and lower quality Prussian opponents and decisively defeat them wherever they stood on the defensive. The disruptive terrain served not only as a detriment to movement, but also blocked fire potential, and the defending Prussians were never able to deliver enough fire to stop the multiple French attacks.

It occurred to me, again from the perspective of the GM, that the better policy for the Prussians would have been to act offensively, and to have countercharged the French whenever they were charged themselves. Deploying to line, and attempting to volley the French to a standstill only resulted in more exposure and the opportunity to be hit by multiple smaller French units. However, if the Prussians had remained in column and attacked on narrower frontages, they would have been one on one, and the weight of numbers in the Prussian battalions may have been enough to defeat the smaller individual battalions. I drew this conclusion, after I witnessed one Prussian company column storm the French held church in Wagnelee. The French had been worn down by Prussian musketry, from other battalions which refused to charge, but the elan of the one attacker was enough to dislodge the French defenders from a position that should have been very difficult to crack.

Clearly this is a very difficult scenario for the Prussians, mainly due to troop quality, but ultimately, both John and I felt that the best Prussian tactic would have been to literally abandon the villages, allowing the French to cross the stream at the choke point bridges and fords, where they would be first slammed by canister from close support artillery batteries and then counterattacked by company columns. The French would have been defeated piecemeal in this event.

I'll add the combat casualties and results later.

But thank you to all who participated, both the gallant but overwhelmed Prussian defenders, and the exultant French attackers.



The Battle of LIGNY, 1815 AAR#3

Prussian counter-attack:

At 19:00 the situation on the battlefield was as follows: Grouchy's cavalry had captured Tongrenelle and advanced on Mont-Potiaux; in the centre, heavy fighting was taking place around Ligny; on the Prussian right flank there was a lull in the fighting between the Young Guard and the Prussians.

It was now that Blücher received a message that Wellington was heavily engaged fighting Ney's left wing of the French army and, therefore, could on no account send support to Ligny. So Blücher decided to counter-attack on the French left flank, in order to force a decision. First, he strengthened his tired forces in Ligny, and then he collected his last reserves and personally led an attack on Saint-Amand. The attack was initially successful and the Prussians managed to recapture Saint-Amand-le-Hameau, but the attack faltered and they were counter-attacked by chasseurs of the Imperial Guard west of Saint-Amand and started a disorderly retreat from Saint-Amand-le-Haye.



Saint Amand as seen from the French positions.
The village and its surroundings were defended by Steinmetz's 1st Brigade, and 2 btns. of Jagow's 3rd Brigade.
On the ridge behind the village (see photo) stood several Prussian batteries. Behind the ridge stood their reserves.
These troops came from the I Army Corps. (At Waterloo Ziethen's corps was the one that linked with Wellington's
army.) The village and its defenders were pounded by Vandamme's artillery and one or two batteries of the
Imperial Guard. The village was attacked numerous times by Vandamme's infantry and the Young Guard.



Prussian hussars at Ligny in 1815 (Waterloo Campaign).
Picture by Patrice Courcelle, France.De Erlon's army corps spent the day marching between Quatre Bras and Ligny.
Meanwhile Marshal Ney was fighting with Wellington at Quatre Bras and Napoleon
with Blucher's Prussians at Ligny. Erlon's corps was seen by patrol of Prussian hussars.

Napoleon commits the Old Guard:

Taking advantage of the Prussians' retreat, Napoleon decided it was time to launch a decisive counterstrike. He could at least beat Blücher and render the Prussians unfit for any serious operation except retreat on 17 June, although he could no longer expect to destroy the Prussian army. Lobau's VI Corps, too, was now arriving and forming up on the heights east of Fleurus. The artillery of the Guard, therefore, came into action above Ligny to prepare Blücher's centre for assault. Some delay was occasioned by a thunderstorm; but, as this passed over, the guns opened and the Old Guard, supported by the reserve cavalry – the Grenadiers à Cheval de la Garde Impériale – led by Guyot, as well as Milhaud's IV Cavalry Corps proceeded to form up opposite Ligny. About 19:45 a crashing salvo of 60 guns gave the signal for a combined assault to be delivered by Gerard and the Guard, with Milhaud moving on their right flank. Blücher's worn-out soldiers could not withstand the tremendous impact of Napoleon's choicest troops, and the Prussian centre was pierced and broken. As a reaction to the Old Guard's attack, Blücher instructed Lieutenant-General Röder to counter-attack with the 2 brigades of the reserve cavalry of the I Prussian Corps.


A Voltigeur of Young Guard in 1815.
Picture by Keith Rocco


Blücher is incapacitated:

While leading one of the charges in person, the 72-year-old Blücher's horse was shot and fell upon him. He was rescued by Major von Nostitz, and later by one of his aides, and borne in a semi-conscious condition from the field. While Blücher was being taken from the field the French cavalry beat off the Prussian cavalry counter-attack. Lieutenant-General August von Gneisenau (Blücher's Chief of staff), took over command from the absent Blücher.

Fieldmarshal Blucher on the ground.
His excellent horse had been a present
from the Prince Regent of England .



Prussian retreat:

At 20:00 Major-General Kraft announced he would not be able to hold the village of Ligny much longer and half an hour later the Old Guard broke through, signalling that the Prussians had lost the battle. Gneisenau decided to retreat northward on Tilly, which left open lines of communication to the Rhine as well as the possibility of supporting Wellington if Napoleon was to turn on his army.

On the Prussian right, Lieutenant-General Zieten's I Corps retreated slowly with most of its artillery, leaving a rearguard close to Brye to slow the French pursuit. On the left, Lieutenant-General Thielemann's III Corps retreated unharmed, leaving a strong rearguard at Sombreffe. The bulk of the rearguard held their positions until about midnight, before following the rest of the retreating army. In fact, Zieten's I Corps rearguard units only left the battlefield in the early morning of 17 June, as the exhausted French failed to press on. Pirch I's II Corps followed the I Corps off the battlefield and Thielemans III Corps moved last with the armies various parks in tow. The last of III Corps was moved in the morning completely ignored. Von Bulow's IV Corps moved south of Wavre and set up strong rear guard positions for the army to quickly reassemble. Blücher was already in communication with Wellington.



Prussian landwehr, by Dmitrii Zgonnik.

Environmental Conditions:

Season: Spring
Weather: Clear
Ground conditions: Good

Terrain:

Ground is typically either flat or gently rolling and consequently there is no direct overhead artillery fire permitted. The urban/built-up areas are located within the Ligny valley with rising ground beyond.

Watercourses – the Ligny stream and its tributaries are non-fordable for their full extent to all troop types other than at marked crossing points. There are several bridges and marked fords. To cross at these points the unit shall perform a formation change, for example, the unit may approach the crossing point in line, then during the movement phase the unit will input line or column as a new formation, deducting 150 paces for foot and 450 paces for cavalry, from the movement allowance. Movement may be pro-rated over two turns as necessary. Defended bridge or fords may only be assaulted by troops in march column formation. These crossing points are typically associated with a building structure, and it is assumed that abattis or other obstructions are present that have the same level of defense as the building structure itself [that is, stone or wooden].

Built-Up Areas – Wooden or stone buildings can only be occupied by infantry and in strength of one battalion per designated building. To be considered as occupying a building, the unit must undertake a formation change adopting the relevant formation. Infantry and cavalry may move through built-up areas or the enclosures/orchards around them, however, close order formations shall input crossing disruptive terrain, and open order formations shall move at half speed. Artillery must be limbered and on a road to move through built-up areas, and speed is reduced by half. Units in march column will move through built-up areas along roads at half speed. An occupied built-up area can be assaulted by one battalion per exposed face, for a maximum of four battalions [one per face]. The assaulting formation can be line, double company or company column, open order can be used if desired.

Fence lines and Hedgerows – Are considered as light or medium, linear obstacles for defensive and offensive purposes. When these fences and hedges form the perimeter of a built-up area, they can be defended by troops in open order only.

Stonewalls – Are considered as heavy, linear obstacles for defensive and offensive purposes. When these stonewalls form the perimeter of a built-up area, they can be defended by troops in open order only.

Line of Sight – is obstructed by built-up areas, woods and hills only. LOS is restricted to 150 within built-up areas.

Troops must be in March Column or limbered to gain road movement advantage.

Prussian Tactical Formations:

Maneuver on road – March Column
Maneuver over open terrain – Company column
Engagement – Line/Company Column
Defense against cavalry – Square/Masse

Open order formation is restricted to Light troops only. All infantry have integral skirmisher [third rankers], and may use skirmish fire against any enemy formation – however, as French infantry also have skirmish capability the effect will be reduced.

The Prussian brigade [more reasonably a division] was a compact mixed arms formation that was suited to both offensive and defensive operations. It was formed in three distinct lines of infantry. The first line was composed of two light/fusilier battalions, deployed either in open order, line or company column, and would be the first to engage the enemy.

These battalions would also be the first to occupy built-up areas, supported by their second and third lines, which could occupy additional areas, or act as a counterattacking force to recapture lost positions. The second line was composed of four battalions, deployed in either line or company column, and was intended to engage the enemy in close action either defensively with musketry, or offensively with the bayonet. The third line was composed of three battalions typically in company column, meant to provide a supporting role during a firefight, and an offensive reserve role ready to exploit weaknesses in the enemy position. An attached battery, and one or more squadrons of cavalry directly supported each brigade.

The Prussians were well supported with large numbers of cannon; however, they were rarely amassed into grand batteries that could dominate sections of the field, being more consistently used as close infantry support weapons. Their cavalry suffered from a tendency to be employed in limited strength, and rarely charged jointly above regimental strength.

Prussian Special Scenario Rules:

Reinforcement Schedule:

The following forces are initially off-table and will be available as reinforcements during the course of the game with the following arrival schedule:

Prussian:

Marwitz: Available on turn 1 but will be released at the GM’s discretion only. See also

D’Erlon’s Threat below.

Kraft: Released on turn 8. See also D’Erlon Threat below.

Thumen: Released on turn 8 at the GM’s discretion only. See also D’Erlon Threat below.

Patrice Courcelle

The D’Erlon Threat – The Prussian reaction:

On turn 8 you will be advised that the French have been forced to react to an unknown threat, based upon their reaction you will react accordingly:

Prussian Threat Level [TL] response definitions:

French TL I – Assign three cavalry regiments, three infantry regiments and one battery to
flank protection [FP].

French TL II – Assign two cavalry regiments, two infantry regiments and one battery to FP

French TL III – Assign one cavalry regiment, one infantry regiment and one battery to FP.

Upon return of French FP force to the game, the Prussians shall assign an additional cavalry regiment and infantry regiment to FP duties.

All cavalry and infantry must come from either Marwitz [cavalry] or Kraft [infantry]. To determine which units are assigned to FP duties, throw 1d6 per regiment, with lowest score indicating which unit[s] are to be assigned. Assigned units are lost to FP duties for the remainder of the game, as it is assumed they are engaged against D’Erlon’s forces. Associated officers will accompany regiments in FP duties off table.

Prussian Tactical Objectives:

Secure and hold strongpoints within St. Amand [15% per strongpoint]. Retain possession of strongpoints within St.Amand Long Prez/La Haye [15% per strongpoint]. Secure and hold strongpoint at Le Hameau [25%].

Prussian Victory Status:

Victory status will be confirmed by C&GII, inconclusive, pyrrhic, minor or major victory. If the Prussian force achieves more than 50% of their tactical objectives and the French record a major victory, this will be reduced to a minor victory, and if the French record a minor victory, this will be reduced to an inconclusive action.

If the Prussians achieve 100% of their tactical objectives and they record a minor victory, this will be increased to a major victory, and if the result is an inconclusive action, this will be increased to a minor victory.

Battle for Saint Amand, Saint Amand la Haye, and Wagnelee.

When last we left my forces had just arrived at Wagnelee!



And the bridge and church were the key!



Our second Division moves to cover our flank and assist the Center if possible?

A broader view towards the Center.



The situation in the Center moves rapidly as the Prussian "FU" skirmishers are quickly pushed back. The French are moving fast and it appears can't be stopped!

Some Prussian reinforcements try to come up to assist the Prussian Left Flank as well.



The Left at St. Amand is becoming bitterly embattled and highly contested by both sides.



Battle of Ligny 1815, by Adalbert von Rößler

An overall view from our Left Flank looking back towards my troops (Top of pic).

The French perspective of the situation in our AO.

And their Right Flank.

My motivated troops eye the objective & the enemy!

While the French are temporarily distracted by our arrival, an attempt to sneak into the church.

And our artillery responds to distract and provide cover!

Our Left flank attempts to help the Center.

The enemy notices our attempts and makes for the bridge.

The Center and Left Flank continue to try and stop the French mass.

And Gen's Guy and Guy Jr. attempt to take Wagnelee en mass.

Our batteries attempt to halt the French onslaught.

Even the BUA's are starting to see heavy action. Some fall others hold.

A closer view of the action!

And from the French perspective.

The enemy starts to plan an attack in Wagnelee! "It appears we're losing the battle"

But my boy's blood is up and they seize the Church first, and form blocking positions and reinforcements to keep feeding into the church if need be. Remember the French forgot that they have to control the church in order to cross the bridge!

A broader view of the situation.

And to the Left the French guns disperse ours. "MERDE"

The Center continues to fail and fall back as troops are pinned against the Ligny brook with no escape. Definately a negative working against us. Possibly mistake number three?

The French fully commit and assault Wagnelee en masse.

What little French casualties there are trickle to their rear.

The only thing to fear at this point is fear itself. Will this indeed be "Our Finest Hour"?

TUNE IN FOR THE CONCLUSION NEXT TIME......

The Battle of LIGNY, 1815 AAR#2

In celebration of our Nations 4th of JULY I couldn't think of a better time to release this second part of the "Battle of Ligny, 1815". I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed participating in it and writing about it!


The battlefield of Ligny was on the watershed between the rivers Scheldt and Meuse. The Ligny stream rises to the west of Fleurus and meanders in a north east direction through the small village of Ligny to the confluence at Sombreffe. The stream was only few meters wide, at its edges however swampy in parts, so that the bridges at Saint Amand and Ligny were strategically important. This dictated that villages of Ligny, and St Amand and Wagnelée – connected by the hamlets of Saint Amand-le-Hameau and Saint Amand-la-Haye – were the best defensive position because they were sturdily built and surrounded by trees. The remaining parts of the battlefield consisted of fields of grain as high as a man. The windmill of Brye on a hill north west from Ligny, was a suitable vantage point and Blücher made it his headquarters during the battle. Napoleon placed his headquarters in Fleurus, where he also had a good view of the battlefield from the windmill of Naveau.

Napoleon watching the battle from Neveau Mill at Fleurus

Battlefield:

At 2:15 pm



Battle:

 

Saint-Amand:

Napoleon delayed his attack until about 14:30 when he heard cannon fire coming from the direction of Quatre Bras, and thus knew that his left flank was secure. This delay also gave Gérard's IV Corps more time to deploy as it had only recently arrived in Fleurus from south west, and had an important role to play in the Napoleon's plan of attack on Ligny. Both delays meant that there was less time to win a decisive victory before night fell.

Napoleon began the attack with a cannonade by the Guards artillery positioned around Fleurus. Shortly afterwards Vandamme's III French Corps (Girard's 7th Infantry Division attached on its left) attacked the hamlet of Saint-Amand-la-Haye. Jagow's 3rd Prussian Brigade, defending Saint-Amand-la-Haye, could not withstand the pressure of Lefol's 8th Division and was forced to retreat. Shortly afterwards a counter attack by General Steinmetz with six battalions of the 1st Brigade recaptured the hamlet. A renewed attack by Vandamme's troops led to a bitter fight in which the Prussians lost approximately 2,500 men and possession of Saint-Amand-la-Haye.

With the loss of Saint-Amand-la-Haye, Blücher's right flank threatened to give way, so he ordered Pirch II's 2nd Prussian Brigade to retake Saint-Amand-la-Haye. Although Girard was mortally wounded (he died in Paris on 25 June of his wounds) the French held the hamlet, so Blücher ordered Tippelskirch to envelop the French with an attack by units of the II Corps on the left flank of the hamlet. French reinforcements, (Vandamme's III Corps,) deployed in front of Wagnelée prevented this happening, attacking Tippelskirch's brigades as they marched out of the grain fields to get into position for their attack. They were driven into the hamlet.

Blücher left his observation post in the windmill of Brye and intervened personally in the fight. Under his guidance the Prussian counter-attack on the French, very weak from the preceding actions, succeeded, and Saint-Amand-la-Haye was again in Prussian hands. Thus at 19:00 Saint-Amand, Saint-Amand-la-Haye and Wagnelée were still held by the Prussians.

 

Ligny:

At 15:00 Gérard's IV French Corps opened the battle around Ligny. Under heavy Prussian artillery fire Pécheux's 12th Infantry Division succeeded in capturing the church in the village of Ligny. With this success however, came a price as the division now found itself under a violent bombardment from three sides. In a short time Pécheux's division lost 20 officers and 500 men and had to withdraw. Napoleon sent a battery of 12-pounders to support another attack and with the IV Corps artillery set numerous buildings in Ligny aflame. Another attack followed with vicious house to house fighting. Jagow's 3rd Prussian Brigade counter-attacked and recaptured Ligny again.

The Prussian second lieutenant, Gerhard Andreas von Garrelts, later gave an eye-witness account of the agonies of the Belgian civilian population, caught unexpectedly in the centre of battle:

“	Ligny stood half on fire, locked in bright flames [...] on this occasion we found we were in a house, where all windows were destroyed, two old people, a man and a woman, showing no emotion and dazed sat at the hearth, without moving, his elbows on his knees and his head supported by his hands; the vision made us cry! Probably they had seen armed combat and were not surprised, how else could they distance themselves with death so near; we too were familiar with death, we felt compassion for these old people, but they could not be convinced to move from their home.	”
—Gerhard Andreas von Garrelts

Missed chance:

At about 17:00 Field-Marshal Blücher employed the still-fresh II Corps under the command of General Pirch I and ordered him to deploy his corps into the area south of Brye. At about the same time Vandamme on the left French flank sighted a force of twenty to thirty thousand men advancing on Fleurus, which he incorrectly took to be enemy troops. Napoleon, who was preparing to launch a crucial attack at the centre of Blücher's line, was very surprised by this news, because at 15:30 he had sent Comte de la Bédoyère with a written note to Marshal Ney at Quatre Bras ordering him to send d'Erlon's I Corps to attack the rear of the right Prussian flank. Instead it seemed that the troops seen by Vandamme threatened the French left flank.

D'Erlon had gone on ahead of his corps (marching west towards Quatre Bras) to reconnoitre. Bédoyère, realising that time was of the essence, had on his own initiative ordered the I Corps to turn east towards Ligny. Its leading elements came into view at 17:00, that is to say, earlier than Napoleon expected. Marshal Ney, unaware of Napoleon's instructions, sent an order to d'Erlon to immediately turn around and march back towards Quatre Bras. D'Erlon, who had caught up with his troops, turned them around only a few kilometres away from Ligny. Crucially, the I Corps did not fight in either battle that day.

Blücher took advantage of the hesitation of the French by ordering an attack on the French left flank. From his observation post in the mill of Brye, Blücher could observe how his troops fared to the west of Saint Amand. Vandamme's III Corps received unexpected support from Duhesme's Young Guard and the Prussians were thrown back to their original positions.

French infantry on the march, June 1815

The determined French initial assault on our Left Flank.



A view from the Left Flank perspective. My, and our initial belief was that hopefully the BUA's and terrain would slow the French down until reinforcements could come up.

A view of the determined French and our reserves coming up!

And a view of the Center. The finger troops are still holding out for now to the Left along the hedgerow.

And the action towards Wagnelee.

An overall view of the French first turn as they come on strong in their assault.

Our "FU" position forces and others in skirmish order amongst the hedgerows are easily pushed back by the 2nd turn French onslaught. The Prussians first mistake I believe! If we initially deployed inside of the BUA's we might have been able to hold off the initial massed assault?

Our Prussian 12 lbs take aim and amazingly due some pretty heavy damage to the French gun batteries coming up over the ridge crest! Things may not be so bad for us after all?

The Prussian batteries come up in the Center also, but I'm not so sure what they'll be able to reach? Possibly our second error?

The Prussian Left Flank gets bogged down into a huge mass/mess.

Ibid

Hopefully our reserves arriving in the Center will be able to help stem/turn the tide!

A view of the Prussian positions in the Center at the top of the photo.

Hopefully these reserves will help to hold the center as well. Remember my plan was to hope the Center and Left held/delayed and I could sweep the French Left flank, but Murphy popped up and Wagnelee would immediately become contested as well.

Ibid. Center reserves to the bottom Right.

The French forces I'll be facing racing towards Wagnelee.

The French don't even bother to secure our objective and hastily bypass it. Hopefully the bridge choke points will funnel and slow them down before my troops (Tippleskirch) can arrive.

The view of Wagnelee so far and our second bridge/choke point. He who controls the church controls the bridge! A flaw which our French adversary forgets.

General Guy' & Guy Jr's batteries take a licking, but keep on ticking!

The finger forces are quickly overrun and fall back. The second set of hedgerows on the Right, or in the buildings may have been a better initial set up option for us?

On the second turn the French deploy batteries, seize part of Wagnelee and it appears are racing for the bridge. Uh Oh it appears my initial plan is turning to "merde". Looks like I'll have to come up with something else! GREAT!!!!!!!



The French press on towards the Center as well (Top of Photo).

 

The Prussian Left continues to remain in chaos.



HUZZAH! Our reserves are coming up in the center. Will it be enough, or to late?????

The Prussian Left flank players are saying "Wholly Crapaud" as they bear the brunt of the fighting!

And the French bring up their batteries!

On the spot decisions are made and hopefully the hand of wrath will not fail our side!

Our commanders in the center quickly react as well with "Fist fulls of Resistance".

Ibid, overall view of 2nd turn

The bridges and BUA's become vital choke points for both sides maneuverability!

As well as make it hard for the Prussian artillery to become truly effective.

 

Generals Guy and Guy Jr. plot their next strategy on Wagnelee.

When finally after what appears to have been an eternity my troops arrive in front of Wagnelee on the end of the 2nd turn and stymie the French plans.

The church & bridge are the key!

TO BE CONTINUED............