Well that was a disaster

The last time I went this bad was back in the '90's at the GW Melbourne Grand Tournament where I lost all 6 games using an Imperial Guard army and came last out of 50 people.  I don't think I ever played a game of 40K again after that.

2 complete routs of my army vs 1 mildly inconvenienced enemy unit. I was comprehensively out generaled and out played both times by much better players. 

And once again, I learnt a lot of what not to do, and what good generals can do I didn't think you could.

I don't think I need to write a battle report of either game.

First game I was outnumbered in infantry, artillery and cavalry, and took the minimum amout of terrain, Then I tried to go on the attack.

Second game I took the maximum amount of terrain and then used it so badly my army fell apart in confusion and incompetent plans that failed on first contact. Everywhere.

 For my future reference: things I learnt today:

French Army for the Battle of Empires at the NWA

The Nunawading Wargames Association is doing a 1 day 2 game battle day based on Glory is Fleeting armies from 1813.

Everyone is playing on Nappy's side or the coalition (the 6th or 7th?) invading France.

Looks like I've been put on the French side and getting a loaner army. I don't mind, I need to learn how to use them for solo games. And the army is a LOT of veterans. Bad morale ones, but still.

I've taken an artillery brigade to try and learn how to use one. It's intent is to stay on flank of the 1st Division and directly support their attack.

The 1st Division is the best and is my attacking force. Two attached artillery batteries and a light brigade should allow them to attack one objective. They will attack in column and not stop until the enemy is broken. Also a skilled commander if they can get in a flanking mission.

The 2nd Division is not good, but not terrible. They can support the 1st Division with just as much artillery, and guard their flank with a supporting attack.

The Spanish Division is again mostly there to fill up the numbers, but I HAD to get some more Lancers, and I gave them a Brilliant Commander to be able to go and work with the Cavalry Division too. Having some cavalry squadrons attached to the infantry should allow them to hold off (but not attack) enemy skirmish heavy units, and guard the Line of Retreat.

The Cavalry division can attack on a flank with the 1st Division, or work with the Spanish Lancers to win the cavalry battle. The light cavalry unit supports the two attacking Dragoon units. 

I will attempt to take attacking missions, I don't think the armies big enough to defend well enough, though if I do get a defence mission, I plan on being aggressive. 

The lack of redoubts in a French 1813 army is strange - they used them a lot once the Fighting entered France. I don't understand why they can't get them. 

Army list after the break.

A French OPFOR for the Peninsula War

 With my own army on it's way from Stonewall Figures, I need a French army in Spain to act as my OPFOR for my inevitable solo games and maybe campaign.

A French Corps in Spain 1809

It started as a rough version from the French VI Corps at Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro. 

And then became more ... story based.

5th FOGN battle- Invasion of France and the battle of Nivelles.

Southern France on the border with Spain - Spring 1813. The Battle of Nivelles.

Following his disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812, the Emperor of France, NAPOLEON has been forced to rebuild his army with newly drafted conscripts and cavalry. His army lacks dedicated corps level artillery units and skilled commanders.

GENERAL WELLINGTON'S Anglo-Portuguese army approaches the French frontier and prepares to engage Napoleon's newly raised army at the base of the Pyreness at the river and town of NIVELLES (not a real town or battle).

With no enemy units being seen, the Anglo-Portuguese cavalry division advances into France and begins to cross the river Nivelles. The famed LIGHT DIVISION is somewhere ahead and must rejoin Wellington's army if the French are to be defeated...

British and Portuguese Dragoons cross the river Nivelles to scout the French army. A rough hill is to it's south and gentle hills to the north of the town of Nivelles itself. In the distance to the East is rough area and a rough hill to the far north. A small wood is next to the road in the direction of far off Toulon.

(The terrain sheet is by Cigar Box Battle Store. I've ordered the Field of Battle - Grassland 2. The terrain is from League of ancients). Anglo-Portuguese army provided again by Richard, 15/18mm. Peter is in command of the French Spring 1813 army. The game was played at the League of ancients at Caulfield RSL. 

The 1st Battle of Canoroa - French vs Anglo-Portuguse (3rd FOGN 2nd ed game)

Played at the League of Ancients vs Cameron's French and I'm using Richard's army one again. My own list.

The 1st Battle of Canoroa - A classic and textbook oblique attack.

Following their victory vs a surprise Russian assault, the Anglo-Portuguse army settled down for the night. However, NAPOLEON was dissatisfied with his erst awhile allies and decoded to send in his own troops once again. THIS time the French strategy would work...

The dusty plains of the Peninsula. The village of Canoroa is in the centre

 

My 28 Year old army and rulebooks

 A British Battalion from around 1990. My 1st real army unit. No under coat and one paint colour. Behind it is a unit of Light Dragoons.