Botched relief in the Crimea

Tonight I was meant to get the brushes out, but wasn't really feeling it. There were a couple of posts I read in the weekend that made me keen to get in a Crimean War game, so I decided that I would choose a scenario and fight one out.
The scenario that I ended up with was #28 Botched Relief, pitting 4 units against 6 units. The only problem was four of the units in the larger force would only activate one at a time because the commanding general was somewhat inept. Meanwhile the 4 units would be determined to attack and capture the town. Forces rolled for and picked I set the board up in the lounge.

General Linguini had been given the role of raiding the small town of Gederovme, near the Black Sea coast. He had two battalions of Sardinians and some supporting Brits in the form of a rifle battalion and the elite 92nd Highlanders, so it was a pretty potent little force. Two battalions of Russians garrisoned the town, and on the hill to the west a relief force was gathered by General Standoffich, consisting of artillery, cavalry and two further infantry units. Standoffich was of the opinion that Gederovme was not worth expending his small army on, but decided that he had better follow his orders, if somewhat unenthusiastically.

General Standoffich arrives on the hill with the relief force.

The town of Gederovme

The Allied force led by General Linguini.

The Allies advance and the first unit of Russian infantry is sent down from the hill. The Rifles turn to face them.

Gederovme firmly in sight the allies begin an advance in echelon.

As they get closer the first casualties are taken and shaken off as General Linguini rallies his men.

The Rifles and the Highlanders hold off the menace to the flank.

The rifles take casualties, bearing the brunt of the Russian attack.

Fire rains down on the Sardinians as they are bounced back from the town.

The Gordons take the lead on the flank.

And in a hail of rifle fire the first Russian unit is broken.

The brave Sardinians charge the town walls again

But one battalion is shattered by the volleys of musketry coming from Gederovme.

The second battalion from the hill charges down into the Highlanders.

Success! The Sardinians push the Russians out of the Eastern part of the village. But can they hold?

While the melee continues to their right the Rifles target the cavalry sitting on the hill.

The Russians are not deterred...

And they push the Gordons back!

Not that it helps them - in the next volley by the Rifles and Gordons combined the Russian battalion ceases to be an effective force.

Meanwhile in the town the two battered Russian battalions open fire on the Sardinians.

A couple of serendipitous sixes and the massed Russian volleys break the Sardinians. The town is completely reoccupied by the Russians.

Facing off against the Russian Hussars the Rifles start to take a battering. The Highlanders renew their advance, determined to capture Gederovme.

Pacing themselves the Gordons poor in volleys of rifle fire ahead of their charge.

And successfully capture the western part of the town.

Having disposed of the Rifles, the Hussars turn towards the town, but are unable to charge a built up area.

The British unleash a volley into the Eastern part of town and the Russians finally abandon it. There is now no Russian presence in Gederovme.

Unable to activate, the artillery watch on as the cavalry, who are unable to charge acknowledge defeat.

I've made some further modifications to the OHW rules for the Crimea to what I have on my Crimean War rules page. The Russians shoot at an additional -1 (for a total of -3) at long range to represent their muskets not being as potent as the opposing rifles at a distance. The general can now rally one hit automatically by being in base to base contact with a unit, rather than rally off d6 hits, as I found this was too many. Rather than removing a base after 4 hits, I've changed it to five and brought unit strength back to the original 15 hits. This means that units lose 2 bases upon 2/3 casualties and this decreases their effectiveness. It means no single bases running around by themselves anymore, which is much more aesthetically pleasing.

The game was bloody with the Allies barely holding on for their victory. I was certain that the Gordons would not be able to resurrect the situation, but they proved their worth. All in all, it came down to the wire and provided a good hour of entertainment.

Nate

Sardinian Cavalry

Finished yesterday.

Lancashire Games 15mm, these guys complete the Anglo-Sardinian force for the Crimea project.

Nate

Some sneaky Sardinians

Sneaky because somehow they managed to jump into the painting queue without being planned for. Since I ordered the cavalry from Lancashire Games I've been thinking that it probably wouldn't take me too long to get them painted. I could probably just sneak them in before I get into the Craig's figures without setting myself back too much. And I was right. Three evenings' work, which included having to repaint their greatcoats because I painted them dark blue instead of blue-grey.

The Granatieri di Sardegna

The Cacciatori di Sardegna

Artillery in campaign dress.

The Sardinians - eager to make their mark in the Crimea

The figures are not actually Sardinians. They are French from the long-since revamped Lancashire Games range which I acquired second hand. But the uniforms are practically identical in cut to the French. I had seen an image of the Sardinian Grenadiers with epaulettes, so went with that. My understanding is that the ordinary line had no shoulder decorations. I don't know if the Cacciatori even went to the Crimea, but I like the green epaulettes, so as far as I'm concerned, they were there!

So why didn't I just paint them as French? Well I have French for the Franco-Prussian War to pant in blue coats and red trousers, and I have World War One French to paint in blue coats and red trousers, so I just felt like something different would look nice in the cabinets.

OK, I better go and paint what I was meant to paint this week.

Nate

New Rules Pages

I've just created new pages on the blog that contain various rules variants. The first five of them are adaptations of One Hour Wargames for the Great Northern War, Crimean War, War of the Triple Alliance, Franco-Prussian War and Napoleonic Wars. All of them contain my simple command variation and base removal. There are little bits inserted here and there designed to reflect the different aspects of warfare in the various conflicts, hopefully without unbalancing the system too far.

A French Revolutionary game - all units based as in the rules.

Action in the Crimea

The sides line up in Livonia - GNW action from last year

Prepared for battle - the FPW is a project in progress

As is the War of the triple Alliance

The other ruleset is Eagle Rampant for the Gallic Wars. This was the final variant of Lion Rampant I settled on for Caesar in Gaul, before writing a variant of the Punic Wars for Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy.

One of the things about any rules that I write or adapt is that they invariably reflect the figures collection that I have to hand. They don't aim to encompass all possibilities for any period - as they are for my amusement, they really don't need to. My brief for games that I like to play is pretty straight forward. They can't be too complicated - I want to play the game not the rules. I don't want them to drag on - 1 to 2 hours is my favoured resolution time. They have to give a challenging game on a smallish scale - my pocket projects are all about a dozen units or less per side. One Hour Wargames fits the bill for all three criteria, although there are aspects that I have to add in - command and base removal for instance - because they fit with my 'idea' of a wargame.

When I have accumulated the figures and playtested the rules, I'll put the FoW variant for the Indo-Pakistani War up here. I can't imagine Battlefront will be too interested in such an obscure period despite having all of the vehicles and figures necessary.

All of the rules are intended to be 'live'. I will put any amendments I make as a I play into them so that they are up to date with what I am playing. Please feel free to use them, link to them and add and delete things as you see fit. If they are your cup of tea, I hope you enjoy them. If not, maybe you'll get some ideas from them.

Nate

Welcome home.

As a consequence of my disillusionment with the Force Awakens I began toying with the idea of moving on my rather large collection of Star Wars miniatures. When I mentioned it to John he said that he was interested, and I suggested a swap. In return for the Star Wars collection, I could have the Arab-Israeli, Crimean War and Great Northern War figures returned to their place of origin. He seemed to think that was fair, so in the last week this deal has been duly done. John dropped them all around today (minus the Arab-Israeli jets which I'll get later) and I felt I needed to take a few photos of my prodigal sons before they are returned to the cabinets.

From left to right: Great Northern War, Arab Israelis, Crimean War

The Great Northern War Pocket Project. This might be expanded in 2016 as I have a few extra regiments to paint

The Israeli army, originally built for the Yom Kippur War but kitted out to work for 1967 as well.

The Egyptians (UAR) which has the same back story.

The Crimean War pocket project. I may yet expand this a bit further as well - particularly artillery and cavalry

It is great to have these guys back. The latest Flames of War book for Fate of a Nation is on my shopping list, and expect a few battle reports in 2016 involving these chaps.

Nate

The Ford on the Bugaroff Part Two

Continuing our exciting tale

Looking at the table midway through the battle. The British have formed a line to protect the camp ridge.

The cavalry complete their crossing of the Bugaroff, led by the impetuous but not particularly competent Feodor Dunnovich.

The famous meeting between Verdlunchko and Onegin-Offagin.
V: 'Join with me general! We must attack now. The British flank is weakened and will not survive any more blows. We must not give them time to consolidate.'
O-O: 'Do as you wish, Sir, but my men have done their duty. They have taken the redoubts, and we must now hold them. I cannot waste them on some fool's errand.'
V: 'If this battle is lost, General, then it will be lost here.'
O-O: 'I'm afraid you may be all too right,Sir.'

Verdlunchko presses forward, as do the cavalry.

The rifles fall back into the vineyards where they can continue to snipe at the flanks of the advancing infantry but are out of danger of being charged again.

The Russian attack prepares to go in.

The Norfolks unleash a volley.

The guards pour fire into the lone battalion on the right. The job of this unit is to pin the left of the British line in place while the main attack breaks the other flank.

The Russian cavalry deploy to support the infantry, while the artillery prepares the way..

From their flanking position, the Rifles continue to exact a toll on the advancing Russian wing.

Paddington-Beere leads his men from the front, and is wounded.

The Norfolks repulse Verdluncko's first assault, but the Dragoons charge into the weakened Suffolks, pushing them back. If the Russians can break the Norfolks with another attack then the whole mad charge might succeed. However, the 92nd have deployed into line to try to cover the gap made by the Suffolks.

While the battle rages the last of the Russian column crosses the Bugaroff.

The Russian Dragoons are seen off by the Scots, who at first are driven back, but then unleash a hellish volley. Dunnovich is caught up in the rout.

The Uhlans, in the meantime, true to their orders, form up. Their job is to break the centre.

Gotanich gets his first glimpse of the battle since crossing the river: 'Good God - what is happening?!'

Meanwhile the Coldstream guards have advanced on the British left flank and annihilate the hapless jagers.

In the distance the Uhlans can be seen riding towards the Gordon Highlanders, through a curtain of fire. The British line is thin, but it is holding as the last Russian reserves arrive on the battlefield..

The death ride of the Uhlans.

'That is quite enough of that thank you very much.' Half a unit will be lost for no gain whatsoever.

The newly arrived reserves look to break the British right again.

The Coldstream guards wheel into line and with the Grenadier guards proceed to wipe out the last infantry unit on their flank.

Gotanich himself leads the assault and drives the Norfolks back.

The battlefield at this crucial juncture. The Russians pour everything into breaking the right of the British line, while the Coldstream guards begin a turning movement of their own to recapture the redoubt.

In one of the greatest feats of arms in the whole war, the Coldstream Guards recapture the redoubt. Onegin-Offagin and the first battalion of the Caucasus regiment are expelled.

Now the Suffolks are charged, while Stark-Raven manages to rally the Norfolks. Verdluchko spurs his horse to catch up to the St Petersburg regiment on the far left of the Russian line in order to lead it into combat once more.

The Suffolks are reduced to a handful of men, but are kept in the battle by General Colin Dour-Haggis, the Divisional commander.

Onegin-Offagin gathers the second battalion of the Caucasus regiment for an attempt to retake the redoubt.

The Norfolks are pushed back in hard fighting, but the St.Petersburg regiment is staggered and unable to rally, due to their commander General Verdlunchko, being captured! 

The day can still be won. The Russians roll the last die with an attack on the centre of the British line.

Onegin-Offagin recaptures the redoubt. The dice throws for this particular event have to be seen to be believed.  The Russians reclaim their objective.

The Scots are pushed back in the centre. Is the battle turning the way of the Russians finally?

The hard-pressed Suffolks see off the last Russian attack by Gotanich.

Trumpets sound. The cavalry has arrived to help the hard pressed British!

A final view of the Battlefield reveals that neither army has much left intact. The arrival of the cavalry is the signal for Gotanich to withdraw his battered forces. 

What an epic! I wanted to get all of my toys on the table, and I did that, although it was late and I couldn't be bothered playing out the final few turns with the cavalry and Russian withdrawal. The game was declared a tie. The Russians took one objective (and then retook it) and the British held one objective.
British unit of the match would have to go to the Coldstream Guards for their assault on the redoubt, but to be honest any of the units could have claimed the prize. The Anglian regiments in particular suffered heavily but refused to give in. Had they broken earlier the Russians would undoubtedly have taken both objectives.
Russian unit of the match has to be the Caucasus Brigade. The jagers performed expertly, and the taking of the redoubts was legendary.
General of the match was Onegin-Offagin who did his duty and held his position without any rushes of blood to the head.
At the end of the game yet another guards commander was out of action (Paddington-Beere wounded), but Verdlunchko was captured. One must now debate - was Verdlunchko right to press the assault, or should he have waited for Gotanich to arrive with the rest of the Russian force and co-ordinate it?
I've decided that in the grand scheme of the Bugaroff front, the Russians have held the ford. The British will have to fortify Camp Ridge and remain vigilant.

Nate