First Walter Schnaffs of 2023

[Leman (Andy)]

Finally got my first game of the year in, after getting flu, rapidly followed by a bad cough. Still clearing my lungs out, but over the last few days got a game in, and it was a nailbiter to the end. I used Scenario 12 in the Grant/Asquith book - an attack over a river that was very low owing to recent dry weather. The French were the outnumbered defenders and the Prussians the attackers. To complicate things I gave each army from 1 to 3 Walter Schnaffs cards (roll of D6) to allow for advantages/disadvantages. Of most significance was the French losing two of their 3 infantry units to reserves. As the French were seriously outnumbered I thought a D6 roll for the reserves to appear on the turn indicated by the dice roll would give a more interesting game. Fortunately the French rolled a 2 so their reserves appeared at the end of French turn 2. Here is a view of the table during the game.



This is the end of turn 2 with the French reserves entering the table. At this stage of the game the Prussians were being rather wary, as King Wilhelm, Moltke and Bismark had turned up to inspect the proceedings. This had a detrimental effect on Prussian commander, General Bummelvinger (not for nothing was his nickname in the officers' mess Fumblefingers). A turgid approach, for fear of making observable mistakes in front of the king, enabled the French to throw up more hasty defences before being seriously challenged. Combine this with their commander, General "Lucky" Luc Dubonnet, whose cavalry brigade certainly had good luck matched by their tenacity, and trouble happily awaited the Prussians.


Example of French cavalry luck on their right flank.

On the French left, the heavily outnumbered chasseurs fought tenaciously to hold the wooden bridge, only being overcome after two turns of combat, having been enormously aided by the hasty defences. This meant that the Prussians now had an opportunity to take the main French defence in the centre in both the flank and from the front, but by this stage all three French infantry units were deployed there. A combination of terrain, withering fire and lucky dice rolls by the French meant that the Prussian assaults went in piecemeal, only to be thrown back. Throughout the game the Prussians could not dislodge those pesky French. In similar fashion, Bummelvinger was using his artillery as if it was still 1866, holding it back and husbanding it at long range, resulting in very little damage, except to a French machine gun battery. Meanwhile, although being whittled down, the French cavalry were doing stirling work, at one point throwing the Prussian dragoons back across the river. Eventually Bummelvinger got the message and sent his second cavalry brigade to assist, but it was too little too late. The countdown (apart from one roll) favoured the French, and, as the sun set at the end of turn 6, the Prussians had only captured the wooden bridge. The Prussians fell back to reform, but heavy rain in the night restored the river level and the opportunity for an easy crossing was gone. Bummelvinger had a very uncomfortable interview with Moltke that evening. The French rejoiced at a 32 point victory and the ability to enable the main army to slip away towards Chalons, but that would go on to tell a very different story. Lucky Luc may well return in the vicinity of Beaumont.

[Colonel Kilgore]

That's a nice-looking set-up Andy - thanks for sharing.

Do you do this in 10mm?

Simon

[Leman (Andy)]

Indeed I do, predominantly Pendraken but with some re-released Wargames South figures, now marketed by Red Eagle. There are even a few Irregular figures in there, including some WWI Russian cavalry, which make great Prussian mounted field officers with cap and greatcoat roll. Pendraken do almost everything (no Spahi or Brunswick artillery though) with Red Eagle providing some lovely cavalry figures and Napoleon's Cent Garde plus a nice pack of various Francs Tireurs. I use base frontage of 25mm with the 10mm figures.

[Colonel Kilgore]

I do like Pendraken's models, and they do have a nice range of figures.

Simon