The Battle of Ligny: The Netherlands June 16th 1815

 This article is my personal interpretation of the battle. Any mistakes are my own.

After Napoleon's  Abdication in 1814,  the Northern Dutch [ Flemings ] and the French speaking Southern Belgians [ Walloons ] finally gained their independence from France.  In 1815, the two parts of the kingdom were joined becoming The United Kingdom Of The Netherlands.

To guarantee that independence, an Allied army under the command of  Sir Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington was camped in and around Brussels, the Capital of the newly formed country. When news came of  Napoleons return. all the Allied troops were sent orders to make ready in their Cantonments.

Also positioned in the Rhineland and parts of  the Southern Netherlands was the Prussian Army. There were four Corps. 1st Corp under General Zieten at Charleroi.  2nd Corps  under General Pirch 1st in the area of  Namur.  The 3rd Corp under General Thielmann near the Meuse River and finally, furthest north¬east was General Bulows 4th Corp camped around Liege.

Both the Prussian and Allied Command structure worked well together. Unfortunately, neither command knew exactly where Napoleon would begin his attack.  Therefore both armies were strung out along the border facing south,  the Allied Army on the right, the Prussian army on the left.

In the early hours of 14th June, the French Army in three columns started north toward the border. The Prussians were more aware of Napoleons movements so Blucher sent out orders for the army to close up in and around Ligny and Sombreffe.

The plan originally conceived was for the Prussians to delay the French long enough for the Allies to close up and hit the French left flank.  Despite good communication between the two armies, events proved to move faster. When the first  clash came at Charleroi, Zeitens Corps pulled back toward Ligny. a movement that was not initially known to Wellington.

Wellington, still waiting for confirmation of the French advance did not know of the loss of Charleroi until the early evening of the 14th. Finally appraised of the situation, he sent out orders for the Allied Army to make ready but still did not issued any movement orders. He wasn’t sure if the attack at Charleroi was just a feint with the real attack coming through Mons.

Hendrik George Count de Perponcher commanded a Brigade of Dutch¬Belgian troops in the small village of Quatre Bra. In closing up with the main army as ordered, Perponcher would have to evacuate the place. He knew that in doing so, a vital link between the two armies would be broken.  Therefore he disobeyed orders and ordered his troops to dig in.

Wellington had waited until he knew where Napoleon would strike first. However, in doing so he was unable to support the Prussians as previously agreed, because of the time required to bring his army together. To make matters worse, word had come from Perponcher that Quatre Bra was under attack.

Not knowing of events unfolding on  their right flank, Blucher and his ADC  Gneisenau readied the the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Corps he had available around Ligny and Sombreffe , unaware his army would face the full force of the French attack unsupported......

THE PRUSSIAN ARMY:  71.000 = 71 POINTS.

GENERAL ZEITENS 1ST CORP 24,600 = 24.6 pts. = 24 pts r/u.

C-in-C Fieldmarshal Geibhard Von Blucher        @  1pt.

1 General [ Hans Ernst Karl, Graf von Zeiten ]   @ 1pt

6 stands of  Line Infantry  @ 2pts  =  12pts.

2 stands of  Landwehr Infantry  @  2pts  = 4pts

2 stands of  Light Infantry  @ 1pt   =   2pts.

2 stands of  Light Foot Artillery  @  1pt   =  2pts.

1 stand of  Dragoon Cavalry  @ 1pt

1 stand of  Lancer Cavalry  @  1pt

1 stand of  Landwehr Cavalry  @  1pt.

GENERAL VON PIRCH 1ST : 2ND CORP. 25,000 = 25PTS.

1 General  [Georg Dubislav Ludwig Von Pirch ]   @ 1pt.

6 stands of  Line Infantry   @ 2pts  =  12pts.

3 stands of  Landwehr Infantry  ' 2pts  =  6pts.

1 stand of  Light  Infantry  @ 1pt.

2 stands of Light Horse Artillery  @ 1pt    = 2pts.

1 stand of  Dragoon Cavalry  @  1pt.

1 stand of  Hussar Cavalry   @  1pt.

1 stand of  Landwehr Cavalry  @  1pt.

GENERAL VON THIELEMANN:  3RD CORP  21,000  =  21PTS.

1 General [ Johann Adolf von Thielemann  ]  @  1pt.

4 stands of Line Infantry  @  2pts  =  8pts

4 stands of Landwehr Infantry   @  2pts =   8pts.

1 stand of  Light Foot Artillery  @ 1pt.

1 stand of  Lancer Landwehr Cavalry  @  1pt.

1 stand of  Dragoon Cavalry  @  1pt.

1 stand of   Landwehr  Cavalry @  1pt.

Note; The Heavy Artillery was on the road to Namur.

Note;  Von Bulow's  4th Corp was to far back to take part in the battle.

FRENCH  ARMY: 71,850 = 71.850 pts =72 pts r/u.

DOMINIQUE-JOSEPH RENE VANDAMME :3RD CORP : 19,000 =19 PTS

1 General [ Vandamme ]  @ 1pt.

6 stands of Line Infantry  @ 2 pts  =  12pts.

1 stand of  Line Grenadier Infantry  @ 3pts

1 stand of Light Infantry  @  1pt.

32 Guns x 50 gunners = 1,600 = 1.6 pts r/u = 2 stands of  Light Foot  Artillery  @ 1pt = 2 pts.

ETIENNE MAURICE GERARD  4TH  CORPS 15,500 = 15.5 PTS = 16PTS R/U.

1 General [ Gerard ]  @  1pt

1 stand Line Grenadier Infantry  @  3pts.

4 stands of  Line Infantry  @  2 pts = 8 pts.

1 stand of Light Infantry  @ 1 pt.

.32 Guns x 50 Gunners = 1,600 = 1.6pts r/u = 2 stands of Light Foot Artillery @ 1 pt = 2 pts.

3rd Cavalry Division [ Baron Domon = not represented ] 900 = 0.900 or 1pt  r/u = 1 stand of Light Cavalry @ 1 point.

7th Cavalry Division [General Maurin- not represented ] 900 = 0.900 or 1pt r/u = 1 stand of Light Cavalry  @ 1pt.

GENERAL  GIRARD  7TH DIVISION:  4,000 = 4pts.

1 General  [ Girard ]  @  1 pt.

3 stands of  Light Infantry  @ 1 pt = 3pts.

GENERAL HULOT  14TH  DIVISION  4,000 = 4 PTS.

1 General  [  Hulot ]    @   1pt.

3 stands of  Light Infantry  @ 1 pt    =  3 pts.

Pajols 1st Cavalry Corps: 2,700 = 2.7pts = 3pts r/u.

1 General [ Grouchy ] @  1pt.

1 stand of Cavalry [inc Pajol ]  @  1pt.

12 guns x 50 gunners = 600 = 0.600pts r/u = 1 stand of  Light  Horse Artillery @  1pt.

Exelmann's 2nd Cavalry Corp: 4,100 = 4pts r/d;

2 stands of Cavalry  @ 1pt = 2pts.

1 General [ Exelmann ]  @ 1pt.

12 guns x 50 gunners = 600 gunners = 0.600 or 1pt r/u = 1 stand of Light Horse Artillery  @ 1pt.

THE GUARD:

OLD GUARD 12,000 = 12pts

3 stands of Old Guard  @ 3pts = 9pts

Napoleon Bonaparte  @  3pts.

YOUNG GUARD 6,400 = 6PTS r/d:

2 stands @ 3pts = 6pts.

Reserve  Guard Cavalry [ Baron Guyot not represented ]  1,950 = 1.9 or 2pts r/u = 1 stand of Cavalry @ 2pts

GUARD ARTILLERY:

96 Guns x 50 gunners 4,800 = 4.8 or 5pts r/u = 2 stands of Heavy Guard Foot Artillery @ 2pts = 4 pts

1 stand Guard Light Horse Artillery  @ 1pt.

THE BATTLE.

* The battle will played for 8 Game-Turns.

* The French will have the Initiative Point on the first Game Turn and will Move and Fire first in each phase.

* From Game-Turn 2 until Game-Turn 8, both sides will roll a die for the Initiative Point.

* Both sides will use the Morale rule;

*  Prussia has 36 points rounded up.

* France has 36 points  rounded up.

* As each stand is removed from play its points are removed from the respective morale total. 

* Whoever wins the Initiative Point for the Turn also wins any tied results.

* THE RIVERS

* The Ligny and all its tributaries can only be crossed at the bridges or villages. Any stand entering the rivers will be lost.

* THE WHEATFIELDS

* Stands can only move one Square per Game-Turn when moving in the wheatfields. ALL stands within the Wheatfields can only move through the face of a square not a diagonal.

* Stands firing into, or out of the wheatfields have one point deducted from their die rolls on top of any other deductions.

Note: The Prussians only knew the French were advancing toward them because the shako plumes were like moving flowers. The wheat was as tall as a man.

SOMBREFFE AND MAZY.

* Any stands firing at targets within Sombreffe,  Mazy or behind the hedgerow in front of the villages in that area must have 3 POINTS deducted from their die rolls. [ The hedgerow is shown as a thick line on the top right of the map.].

All the other villages have a normal minus 2 on each die roll for those stands firing at targets within them.

* Opposing stands have 2 points deducted from their respective die rolls if both are firing and/or are in close combat within the same village.

MOVING BACK;

* As per the normal rules if any stand cannot move back when required, that stand is removed from play and its points are removed from that Army's morale total.

WINNING THE GAME;

* The side that has achieved these results wins the game if, after 8 Game-Turns the following results are achieved;

1) The French win if they hold Ligny and Sombreffe.

2) The Prussians win if they still hold Ligny and Sombreffe

3) If neither side achieves their objectives the side with the higher morale total wins the battle.

THE HISTORY:

This was an extremely tough battle. Napoleon thought it would be fairly easy to defeat the Prussian army. However , Ligny and Saint Armand were choked with the dead in testimony of the bravery of both sides. The villages changed hands several times and combat came with musket butts and bayonets at close quarters.

Von Pirch threw in troops to help Zeiten maintain his position. Thielmann’s Corps held on the left thanks to the close nature of the terrain dotted with stone farmhouses. Grouchy’s troops could not gain an advantage.

Every time the French thought they had gained the villages around Ligny, the Prussian troops stormed in again and drove them out. The ground didn’t help as it was soaked and muddy. This hindered the Cavalry. Napoleon needed the bridges over the Ligny to move his artillery as the River and its tributaries were deep with very muddy banks.

To gain victory, Napoleon had to bring forward the Guard infantry and Artillery to smash their way into Ligny aided by the Guard Cuirassiers. Even General Blucher went down and was rode over by the French Cavalry. Luckily he survived and was rescued by his personal Aide Nostitz

When the 1st and 2nd Corp finally broke it was Thielmann’s 3rd Corps that performed a strong rearguard action enabling Gneisenau to gather the army. The French Cavalry were to exhausted to mount a pursuit allowing the Prussians an orderly retreat.

Crucially, Von Bulow’s 4th  Corps was untouched and although he had the longest distance to  march, he was able to aide Wellington at Waterloo at the critical moment……

CREDITS;

Nearly all the French are from the now departed Irregular Miniatures 15mm range. All the Prussians and some of the French are from Essex Miniatures. some of the standard poles are javelins from North Star Miniature. All the flags are from labels and hand painted.

The square stands are 40 x 40mm square and cut from picture framing card. The round 40mm bases are from Sarissa Precision.

The hedgerow is from Pendraken Miniatures. The trees are from Guagemaster. The “ flat pack villages” are scratcbuilt as are the hill sections and bridges.

The roads and rivers are cut from thin card. The cover is from Deep Cut Studios as a custom mat with 2 inch ( 50mm ) squares printed on.

The board is 3 feet ( 90mm ) x 2 feet ( 60mm).

Most of the information used to recreate this battle came from this book

The Battle of Valverde. New Mexico Territory, February 21st 1862.

 This article is my personal interpretation of events at this time. Any mistakes are my own.

On a cold morning in February of 1862 a watery sun shone through the clouded sky over Fort Bliss. Within, and around its environs 2,500 men went about the business of preparing for conflict: saddling up, checking weapons, storing rations, packing ammunition and receiving orders.

This was no mob of ragamuffins. This was a formation of professional soldiers committed to fighting for the Confederate cause led by experienced officers.

Unfortunately the General with the job with leading this force lacked the Martial Spirit for the task ahead. Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley had grandiose ideas of  bringing all of New Mexico under Confederate control. He said he had sold the idea to the Government in Richmond for this campaign. However there were those in the force who doubted that a General who was permanently drunk could sell anything !!    

An additional important problem, one that Sibley seems to have overlooked in his grand scheme, was that although New Mexico had some Southern sympathizers it was staunchly Union. Also, the Mexican locals were not enarmoured with their Texan neighbours. Nonetheless the Confederate Brigade set out on the 140 mile ride in rough weather to Fort Craig, the main Union post in the territory.  Sibley’s plan was to take the fort then move further North onto the main Union supply base at Albuquerque.

The Union Commander of Fort Craig was the complete opposite of  the Confederate General. Colonel Edward Canby was taciturn, energetic and a total professional. When he received intelligence that a Confederate force was heading toward his Headquarters he set about organising the defense.

All outlying forces were called in. Additional volunteer troops were sent for from Colorado. The forts defenseworks were strengthened. Eventually, the Confederate army arrived at Fort Craig forming up outside the walls. Sibley hoped to draw out the Garrison, but Canby kept his men firmly within the fort.

After an Officers briefing, having noted how strong the forts defenses were, the Confederates decided to march around the fort.  The grey-clad troops crossed the Rio Grande River from west to east, then marched north intending to recross the Rio Grande upriver from the fort cutting the forts supply line to Albuquerque..

However the Union General Canby, was not one for sitting still. Leaving a small force to guard fort Craig,  Canby mustered every man he could to march north and stop the Confederates from crossing the Rio Grande and realising their mission…

CONFEDERATE ARMY OF NEW MEXICO: 

2,550 Officers and men = 2.550 x 12 = 31pts.

Nominal Command : Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley. (  To quote a phrase from Mr Albert’s book:” the Officers were not sure if Sibley was ill because he was drunk, or drunk because he was ill”!) on a number of occasions he recused himself from Command when battle was imminent.

Actual Command: Colonel Tom Green  @ 1 point

2nd Command: Lieutenant William Read ( “ Dirty Shirt”) Scurry  @ 1pt.

1 Artillery Battalion = 4 Batteries each of 3 guns and 30 gunners = 360 gunners = 0.360 pts x 12 = 4pts r/d = 4 stands of Light Horse Artillery  @ 1pt = 4pts.

The 2nd Texas ( Arizona Militia ) Mounted Regt = 250 Men = 0.250pts x 12 = 3pts = 3 stands of Cavalry @ 1 point = 3pts. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Pyron @ 1 point.

The 4th Texas Mounted Regt = 600 men = 0.600pts x 12 = 7pts r/d = 3 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts = 6 points. + Colonel James Riley @ 1 point.

The 5th Texas Mounted Regt =  600 men = 0.600pts x 12 = 7pts r/d = 3 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts = 6 points + Major Samual Lockridge @  1point.

Note: If you wish to represent the Company of Lancers within the 5th Regiment, the muster would read: 2 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points. Lockridge @ 1 point. 1 stand of Cavalry @ 1 point and one stand of Lancer Cavalry @ 1 point.

On the battle plan the Lancers are shown as a dotted square to the right of the 5th Regiment.

The 7th Texas Mounted Regt = 600 men =  0.600pts x 12 = 7pts r/d = 3 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts = 6pts + Colonel William Steel @ 1pt.

THE UNION ARMY OF NEW MEXICO:

3,800 Officers and men. = 3.8 pts x 12 = 46pts r/u.

C-in-C: Colonel Edward Canby  @ 1pt.

1st U.S Cavalry = 200 men = 0.200pts x 12 = 2pts r/d = 2 stands of  Cavalry @ 1point = 2 points..

3rd U.S. Cavalry = 200 men = 0.200pts x 12 = 2pts r/d = 2 stands of Cavalry @ 1 point = 2 points.

Major Thomas Duncan @  1point.

5th U.S. Infantry = 400 men = 0.400pts x 12 = 5pts r/u = 2 stands of Infantry @ 2 points = 4pts + Captain Benjamin Wingate @ 1pt.

7th U.S. Infantry = 200 men = 0.200 pts x 12 = 2 pts r/d = 2 stands @ 1point = 2pts.

10th U.S. Infantry = 200 men = 0.200 pts x 12 = 2 pts r/d = 2 stands @ 1 point = 2pts.

Colonel Benjamin S. Robert’s @ 1 point.

1st New Mexico Infantry = 560 men = 0.560pts x 12 = 7pts r/u = 3 stands @ 2points + Colonel Kit Carson @ 1 point.

2nd New Mexico Infantry = 360 men = 0.360pts x 12 = 4pts r/d = 2 stands @ 2pts.

3rd New Mexico Infantry = 360 men = 0.360pts x 12 = 4pts r/d = 2 stands @ 2pts.

4th New Mexico Infantry =  360 men = 0.360pts x 12 = 4pts r/d = 2 stands @ 2pts.

5th New Mexico Infantry = 360 men = 0.360pts x 12 = 4pts r/d = 4 stands @ 1pt = 4pts.

2nd ColoradoVolunteer Infantry = 300 men = 0.300pts x 12 = 4pts r/u = 2 stands @ 2pts.

Graydon’s Independant Cavalry Company = 100 men =  0.100pts x 12 = 1.2 pts = 1 stand @ 1point.

Mc Rae’s Artillery Battery = 6 guns each with 30 gunners = 180 gunners = 0.180 x 12 = 2pts r/d =  2 stands of Light Horse Artillery @ 1point.

BATTLE NOTES:

* Dismounted Cavalry are 1pt less than their mounted selves. If the mounted Cavalry are 1 point then just throw a basic die roll for the dismounted stand.

* Dismounted Cavalry stands can move in any direction.

* All the Infantry in this battle are treated as Line Infantry. Therefore they can only move through the face of a square, not a diagonal.

* The Confederates retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

*  The Confederates win any tied results.

MORALE

1)  Add up the points of each army to arrive at a total.

2). That total is then halved to get a final number.

3)  Those numbers are then SWAPPED OVER. In this case ,the Union Army is 31points, The Confederate army is 46 points.

Note: This is because one of the Union Volunteer Regiments panicked which caused other Regiments to waver.

As Stands are removed, the points are deducted from the total of the respective Army.

* The battle will be played for 8 Game Turns and/or until one side’s Morale Total is reduced to Zero.

The Union Player also wins if they stop the Confederate stands from reaching the Rio Grande. ( the Confederates were short of water)

The Confederates also win if they control the crossings at the river and remove all the Union stands from the east side of the river

* This is a regimental sized battle, therefore, stands of a regiment must always remain in squares adjacent to each other even on a diagonal. This rule also applies to each of the regimental commanders present.

* If for any reason the stands of a Regiment become separated, each stand of that regiment will deduct 1 point from its Firing and Close Combat die rolls.

* FIRING:

The Confederate troops were armed with shotguns, pistols and smoothbore carbines therefore the range for all Confederate ( and Union Cavalry ) carbines is 2 squares. The range for pistols is 1 square.

The range for Union Infantry muskets is 3 squares as the Federal troops were better armed.

The Confederates were also hampered with their artillery. They were outranged by the Union guns therefore: Confederate artillery has a range of 4 squares. The Union Artillery is 6 squares.

I’ve put small squares of card with the Regimental number on each stands.

*TREES: 

The trees cannot be moved. They block line-of-sight for shooting and hamper movement.

* THE RIO GRANDE:

The river can only be crossed at the Fords. Any stand being forced into any other part of the river will be lost.

THE OLD RIVER BED:

*The silt from this had gradually built up into an embankment, the river having changed its course by natural means. Therefore, Union troops firing at any stand behind the Embankment must deduct 2 points from all Firing die rolls.

* The Embankment is classed as “Trench” during Close Combat.

* I’m not sure whether the mounted troops were able to go over the embankment or not. Therefore I’ve judged it too awkward for the horses to go into the ditch then up over the embankment. Mounted troops have to go around either end of the Embankment.

* McRae’s Battery: 

These Union Guns became the focus of some intense fighting during the battle and a morale booster for the Confederates. If either of the Union Artillery stands suffers a “ move-back”as a result of Close Combat, that stand is removed by the Confederate Player.

If the Confederate Player manages to capture both Artillery stands, 10 points are added to the Confederate Player’s Morale total.

THE HISTORY.

New Mexico is an unforgiving environment for man and beast. Even the local population were at subsistence level. Therefore everything required for a campaign had to be carried either by the men, or in waggons.

The name for this battle comes from the Spanish for “ Green Valley” so this area must have been one of the few places that was habitable.

There were native tribes in the area raiding both Union and Confederate supply trains if the opportunity arose. The weather also played its part in bringing yet more problems for the soldiers of both sides to cope with.

When the war started there was a change of personnel. Officers resigned their commissions and soldiers left their posts in order to sign up to the Confederacy. Therefore some forts became vacant. Others like fort Craig were strengthened by the remaining Union Command.

Although on the western fringe of the main theatres of conflict, New Mexico could not be neglected by either side. Both sides could use the state to make incursions into each others territories.

This is the first of four battles in what became known as the Glorieta Campaign.

THE LANCERS:

Company B of the 5th Virginia Mounted Rifles carried a lance. During the battle they charged the Colorado Volunteers thinking it was a Green Regiment that would break. That was a deadly mistake. As the Confederates thundered toward them, the Commander of the Union troops coolly ordered a firing line. As the Confederates came up. The Union troops unleashed a massive volley which ripped through men and horses alike.

The survivors of the charge turned and galloped back to their line, where they promptly threw away their useless lances and took up their pistols and carbines. Therefore:

* If the lancers are used they do not get the three points for Close Combat against Infantry on flat open ground.

* Cavalry do not get the three points for attacking Infantry in the open. ( This is because the cavalry don’t have swords and the Infantry are armed with bayonets)

* The Lancer stand cannot fire until it has been in Close Combat at least once. Having done so, the stand must move back and spend one Game-Turn with the Regiment after which it may move and fire.

CAVALRY AND FIREARMS:

These are my personal perceptions of the tactics used. Those with a deeper knowledge of events will have a better understanding.

During this era, American Cavalry fought as Dragoons, very often dismounting to fight. This is because Infantry Muskets were now rifled giving a much greater range and accuracy. Charging formed Infantry or Infantry behind cover could be deadly as proven by the actions of the Lancers..

The weapons of choice being a knife, smoothbore pistols and carbines. ( a smaller version of the musket that the infantry carried.) Swords were carried by Officers and in some Regular Union Cavalry Regiments but not very much by the Confederates.

They were more a badge of rank and very rarely used. The troopers preferred to use their pistols rather than swords.

Now. I don’t know the exact course of events during this battle. Whether the Confederates advanced on foot or used their horses, or a mix of both. There was a thin screen of trees between each of the protagonists which made it difficult for each side to see what was happening. Therefore it could be a mixture of both, so Players have leeway as to how they fight the battle

To cover both events I use mounted figures with dismounted figures and horses:

* figures can ride then dismount within the same movement phase, or vice-versa.The cannot perform this action with enemy stands in adjacent squares. Stands can mount up and ride within the same movement phase but not with enemy stands in adjacent squares.

* Stands may fire within the same Game-Turn that they dismounted.

* Stands may not claim cover from the Embankment when mounted.

* When mounted, all Firing is at PISTOL RANGE. ( one square)

* When dismounted all Firing is at CARBINE RANGE ( two squares).

CREDITS:

The figures are all 15mm and are a mix of Miniature Figurines. Peter Pig and Essex figures. The waggons and mules are from Peter Pig. Nearly all the Command Figures are Peter Pig. The flags are from Peter Pig.

The special Lancer stand is of Essex Miniatures. I cut off the swords and scabbards and added the lances from Pendraken spears. The little flag was cut from a Peter Pig flag. The Pennants were cut from sticky labels.

The trees are from various manufacturers. The hills are made of self adhesive cork tiles cover with Fine Turf from the Woodlands Scenics company. The square outline is  ( I think?) Jarvis Scenics Sand.  The river sections are thin card. The hedging strips are from Pendragon Miniatures.

The dry river sections are from a Wargame Show bring-and-buy. The Embankment is made from Panscrubbers and BlueTack. The cloth covering is from Deep Cut Studios. It’s the “ Iberian Plain” with a Custom 2” square overlay.

As always. The table is 3 feet ( 90 cm) x 2 feet ( 60cm ). The stands are 40mm x 40mm and cut from picture framing card. The 40mm round stands are from Sarissa Precision.

The 5th Century in Britannia part 12: Arthur’s 10th battle : The River Tribuit June 489AD.

 This article is my personal interpretation of events in this era. Any mistakes are my own.

Having won the battle at “ The City of Legions” ( Caerleon, Arthur’s Headquarters.) Arthur sets his remaining warriors in pursuit of the Picts and Scots-Irish. Having started the pursuit, the Infantry take over from the Cavalry as the ground became more rugged.

 There are tough skirmishes as the Commitatus chases down groups of Picts and Scots-Irish.( known as the Del Riata). The tribesmen are following the route back to Aberaeron. There are no prisoners. Gradually the Picts and the Scots-Irish make it  to Ciliau Aeron. Here they are met by the 1600 warriors who were guarding the fleet.

As Arthur comes up with his men he calls a halt. The 1600 warriors from the Fleet have formed a battle line. They are joined by about 1200 Picts and 1600 Scots -Irish survivors from the pursuit. Arthur brings up his cavalry. He gives Owain instructions not to attack but to be seen to be ready. By doing so the Picts and Riartans dare not break their shieldwall.

On their south-western flank the Picts have the river Aerfon. On the north-eastern flank the Riatans have the slopes of Banc Y. Carnau. Once again Arthur rests his Army under arms overnight, with the Cavalry dismounted but ready to go at a moments notice. Arthur has lost roughly a thousand men in killed and wounded, still leaving him 4000 men to face the enemy.

As the sun rises over the mountains, both sides ready their weapons. For the Scots-Irish and Picts they know this is a fight to the death. The tribesmen are tired and hungry.They cannot outrun the Briton Commitatus.There is no escape. Already they  can see the smoke rising from their anchorage as the British fleet destroys their ships.

In turn Arthur knows he must have complete victory to owerawe the Kings who he knows are plotting against him.

THE BRITON COMMITATUS; 4000 men = 4pts x 10 = 40 points.

The Pendragon ( Arthur )    @ 3 points.

4 stands of Veteran Infantry  @ 3pts = 12 points.

3 stands of Auxilliary Infantry  @ 2pts = 6 pts.

2 stands of Light Archers  @ 1pt = 2pts.

Cadwy  @ 1pt.

Owain the Cavalry Commander  @ 2pts.

Iddon,s Militia;

Rogatainus  @  1pt.

2  stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1pt = 2pts.

2 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2pts = 4pts.

2 stands of  Auxilliary Cavalry @ 2pts = 4pts.

Arthurs Bucellarii, 1 stand @ 3pts.

REINFORCEMENTS:

12 of the Briton ships have come into shore and destroyed the Tribal boats. Now the 600 Warriors from the fleet led by Geraint Llyngesic ( the Briton “Navarch” ) are rushing to help Arthur in his destruction of the tribal Army.

600 men = 0.600pts x 10 = 6pts = 2 stands of Warriors @ 2pts = 4pts. 1 stand of archers @ 1pt. 1 Warleader ( Geraint ) @ 1pt.

* The reinforcements will come onto the table at the Tribal baseline from Game-Turn 3 onward.

* At the start of a Game-Turn, the Briton player will throw a 12 sided die. On a score of 7, 8, 9, 10,11 or 12 ,the reinforcements are positioned on the base edge across the road. The Briton Player can move them when the Briton Army is moved.

THE TRIBAL ARMY.;  4,300 = 4.3pts x 10 = 43pts r/d.

THE PICTS; 1,200 + 800 from the Fleet = 2,000 =

2.pts x 10 =20 points

Briacat  @ 1pt.

5 stands of Warriors  @ 2pts. = 10pts.

3 stands of Seaxon Warriors @ 2pts = 6pts.

1 Seaxon Leader ( Audulus: fictional ) @ 1 point.

2 stands of  Light Archers @ 1pt. = 2pts.

THE SCOTS¬IRISH: 1,600 + 800 from the Fleet = 2,400 =

2.4 x 10 =24pts.

Laun Mac Eric  @ 2pts.

2 stands of Archers/Slingers @ 1pt = 2pts 

10 stands of Warriors @ 2pts = 20pts.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE:

* The battle will be of either eight Game-Turns OR when one side suffers a Morale collapse.

*Each side will note down the respective Morale totals of each army. However, the Picts and Scots-Irish morale totals are kept separate.

   The Britons ;       20 points.

   The Picts ;           10 points.

   The Scots-Irish ;  12 points.

* As stands of figures are removed from the opposing armies, their points are deducted from their respective Morale totals.

* If the Britons Morale total  is reduced to zero first, the Briton army will retreat and the Tribal Army is victorious. ( In historical terms I think the survivors would head for Aberaeron and take whatever boats were there back toward Alclud).

* If either the Pict or the Scots-Irish suffer a morale collapse, it is a victory for the Briton Army. ( this would mean the death of all enemy Warriors.)

* The Britons retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* The Britons Move and Fire first, on the first Game-Turn. From Game-Turn 2 onward, each side will dice to see who moves and fires first.

* The Britons win any ties.

* Stands can be moved onto the hilly ground but stands can only be moved at one square distance if they do. Stands cannot be moved onto the area of Banc Y. Carnau.

THE HISTORY;

As with all the previous articles this is complete conjecture. The numbers involved are my own estimates. However I',m going to stick my neck right out on this one. The Welsh name that Nennius gives for this battle is Treath Tryfrwyd.  The AI says that the name is pronounced. “ Treh-ath Tru-vroo “ . It means "The strand of the pierced or broken place".

Given that I think the "City Of Legions" is Caerleon  ( Arthur’s Headquarters) and that Arthur pursued the enemy, the battle of the river Tribuit [ the name given to the battle ] could not have been far away. The Picts and Scots-Irish warriors would have followed the Roman Road back in their haste to get away from the pursuing Britons.

My reasoning for deciding on this location is firstly, that the river Aerfon has a lot of bends in the area of Cilliau Aerfon. [ Nennius: The Broken Place? .] it could be that in that time period the terrain was more broken despite the Roman Road. Ciliau in Welsh means “ corners”.

The village of Ciliau Aerfon has a long history possibly dating back to Roman times. The village is on the south western side of the river, so is not shown on the battle map.

Cilliau Aerfon sits in a "Cut" in the hills that form the southern end of the Cambrian Mountains in Wales.  These Mountains run south west to north east [ Nennius;" pierced through" ] with the mountain of Banc Y Carnau dominating the locality. The really tricky part is the river Tribuit.  My personal theory is that Tribiut is an interpretation of the Germanic word Tribut meaning tributary river.

Was that meant that the Aerfon was a tributary river?. ( the AI says that it is..) Plenty of very good theories exist about other battle sites. However there is no question that it was a personal victory for Arthur.  The action destroyed the Pictish and Scots-Irish threat to the Briton Kingdoms for good. ( I’ve strayed away from the established line that Arthur fought the Saxons at this battle ). The Scots -Irish and Picts were just as much a threat if not more so because of their naval proximity to the Briton Kingdoms, ( which I think were known collectively as Cambria).

In earlier times the Scots-Irish had dominated the area so this battle finally killed off any chance of that happening again.

CREDITS:

The Picts are a mixture of Redbox and Hat Miniatures. The Scots-Irish are from the Hat Miniatures Goths as are the Saxons.

For the Britons: Arthur’s foot veterans and cavalry Bucellarii are metal Newline Designs 20 mm as are the archers. The Briton Auxilliaries are from Hat Miniatures Late Roman Light Infantry. The auxiliary cavalry are also Hat Miniatures.

The Leaders of the Tribal army are all Hat Miniatures figures. The standards are sticky labels on Spears provided by North Star Miniatures and hand painted.

On the Briton side, Arthur is from Newline Designs 20mm Late Roman range. Cadwy and Rogatainus are from the Hat Miniatures Gothic set. Owain is a Hat Miniatures Late Roman Cavalryman on a Ceaser Miniatures Horse.

The Briton Standards are a mixture of Late Roman  Dragon provided from Hat, sticky labels on javelins from North Star and in the case of Arthur’s standards and the shield decals on the Veterans shields, these were obtained from Little Big Man Studios.

The square 40mm stands were cut from picture-framing cardboard and the 40mm round mdf stands were sourced from Sarissa Precision.

The hill sections were cut from self adhesive cork ( Which I finally got around to putting flock on! Sourced from Debris Of War) and from Brian of Essex Miniatures. 

The trees were from various manufacturers. The river and road sections were cut from thin card. The hedgerow came from Pendraken Miniatures.

Finally. The cloth is 3ft ( 90cm ) x 2ft ( 60cm) custom cloth from Deep Cut Studios.

The End of The War and the Battle of Lauffeldt The Austrian Netherlands ,2nd July 1747

 

 This article is my personal interpretation of events. Any mistakes are my own.

By the beginning of 1747, Europe was getting war-weary. However, Maria Theresa the Austrian Empress  was still angry on being forced by Britain into giving up Silesia to King Frederick of Prussia, and still maintained diplomatic talks with France as the war continued.

In turn France was angry with Frederick for making a Peace for his own ends and pulling out of the war without making it known!.

Meanwhile, the French Marshal Maurice de Saxe sat in the Low Countries ( another name for Belgium) content with the knowledge that he had numerical and logistical superiority over any opposition forces. 

By taking towns in the Austrian Netherlands ( modern day Belgium ) the French were putting direct pressure on the Dutch Republic in order to force them to the Peace table and remove the British presence in doing so.

Heading towards him was the “ Pragmatic army” led once again by the rather lacklustre Duke of Cumberland. Having scored a victory against the Allied Army at Fontenoy, Maurice was  prepared to lead another masterclass in the art of warfare.

Maurice decided to put Cumberland through his paces sending detachments to small towns within the area to keep Cumberland guessing as to which town was to be the target, all the time keeping one eye on Maastricht.

All these  manouvres worked, and Cumberland was truly baffled as to how to counter the French movements. However, fate was to intervene in the shape of the young King Louis the 15th. Louis was tired of all these cat-and-mouse games much as they were gaining results and pestered Maurice for direct action.

The Marshal successfully gained the ground on the heights of Heerderen to the South-West of Maastricht and had his troops in order before  commiting them. In the early hours on the day of battle, the Allied army was set out facing South. Initially Cornwallis ordered the villages to the front of the Allied army to be set alight and the Army to be formed behind them.

Luckily, for the Allies, the brilliant Sir John Ligonier was also present in the Allied Army. It was he who convinced Cumberland to reoccupy the villages using them as bastions of defence. Cumberland reluctantly agreed and the army moved forward to take position within and around the smoking ruins.

Observing these events, Maurice, seeing smoke bellowing skyward, at first thought that the Allies were retreating and that he would be able to set about besieging Maastricht. However when he saw the reverse happening his mind was made up.

Maurice had stripped out garrisons and raised every man he could in order to achieve his goals. Every horse that could walk was pressed into service. This was the biggest Army that the French had fielded  and indeed would be the largest army to be fielded in the entire 18th century. Maurice was determined to batter the Allied army into retreat.

On the Allied side , General Bathyanni, having the largest contingent,with his Austrian troops, took the position of honour on the right, much to Cumberlands chargrin. Next to them were the Dutch in and around Vlytingen. Beyond the left of the Dutch were the Hanoverians and British. Sandwiched between them and the Dutch was a small brigade of Hessians.

NOTE: Many articles state that the British held the left when in fact it was the Hanoverians. As noted before, the British were Auxilliary to the Hanoverians, who supplied the bulk of the troops required. The Hanoverians wore red uniforms and had similar equipment which is usually why they are identified as “ British”.this was also because King George of Britain was also Duke of Hanover.

The whole area was studded with villages and small holdings and generally flat which made good conditions for an attacking army even though it was raining. At 10 am with drums beating as the rain fell, General de Saxe signalled the advance.

NOTE: when working out the numbers of troops present my baseline was: 450 for an Infantry Battalion and 130 for a Cavalry Squadron. All Nations were suffering manpower shortages.

FRANCE:  100,000. General Maurice De Saxe @ 2 points.

16,000 Horse in 123 Squadrons.= 16 points;

7 stands of Dragoons @ 2 points = 14 points.

1 stand of Hussars @  1 point

General ; Louis Charles Cesar Le Tellier duc d,Estrees @ 1 point.

84,000 Foot in 210 Battalions = 84 points.

4 stands of Infantry Grenadiers @ 4 points = 16 points.

16 stands of Line Infantry  @ 3 points = 48 points.

5 stands of Line Infantry  @ 2 points = 10 points.

4 stands of Light Infantry  @ 1 point = 4 points.

3 Generals @ 1 point ;

General Clermont. General De Salieres. General Saint Nectaire.

ARTILLERY;

200 Guns = 200 x 50 Gunners = 10,000 = 10 points;

2 stands of Heavy Artillery @ 2 points = 4 points.

6 stands of Light Artillery  @ 1 point = 6 points.

PRAGMATIC ARMY;  98,900. Nominal Commander, The Duke of Cumberland.

Note: I couldn’t find any actual information concerning the composition of the Allied Army in this battle. Therefore I’ve used “ known strength” of the individual nations based on Reed-Brownings book about the war, and Stephen Manley’s painting guides ( available from Caliver books ).

13,650 Horse in 105 Squadrons = 13.650 pts or 14 pts r/u.

20 Squadrons of  British Horse = 2,600 = 2.6 or 3pts r/u = 1 stand of Dragoons @ 3pts.

6 Squadrons of Hessian Horse = 780 = 0.780 or 1pt r/u = 1 stand of Dragoons @ 1pt.

34 Squadrons of Hanovarian Horse = 4,420 = 4.420 or 4pts r/d = 2 stands of Dragoons @ 2pts = 4pts.

15 Squadrons of Dutch Horse = 1,950 = 1.950 or 2pts r/u = 2 stands of Dragoons @ 1pt = 2pts.

30 Squadrons of Austrian Horse = 3,900 = 3.900pts = 4pts r/u = 2 stands of Dragoons @ 2pts = 4pts.

85,250 Foot in 179 Battalions = 85 points r/d.

3,600 Hessian Infantry in 9 Battalions = 3.6 or 4 points r/u = 2 stands of Hessian Line Inf @ 2pts = 4pts.

16,000 British Infantry in 40 Battalions = 16pts =;

1 stand of Grenadiers @ 4pts, 4 stands of Line Infantry @ 2pts = 8pts. 1 stand of Light Infantry @ 1 pt.  The Duke of Cumberland @ 1pt.  1 General [ Ligonier ] @ 2 points.

20,000 Hanovarian Infantry in 50 Battalions = 20pts;

1 stand of Grenadiers @ 4pts. 5 stands of Line Infantry @ 3pts = 15pts. General Von Zastrow @ 1pt.

12,000 Dutch Infantry in 30 Battalions = 12 pts = 1 stand of Grenadiers @ 3pts. 4 stands of Line Infantry @ 2pts = 8pts. General Waldeck @ 1pt.

20,000 Austrian Infantry in 50 Battalions = 20pts = 1 stand of Grenadiers @ 4pts. 5 stands of Line Infantry @ 3pts = 15pts. General Bathyanni @ 1pt.

ARTILLERY;

150 Guns x 50 Gunners = 7,500 = 7.5 or 8pts r/u; =

2 stands of British Light Artillery @ 1pt = 2 points.

2 stands of Hanovarian Light Artillery @ 1pt = 2 points.

2 stands of Dutch Light Artillery @ 1pt = 2 points.

2 stands of Austrian Light Artillery @ 1pt = 2 points

.

THE HISTORY;

This was the largest battle of the War of The Austrian Succession and of the whole 18th century in general. Cumberland had recently returned to the Continent after stopping the Jacobite Uprising. Defeating an outgunned, outnumbered and worn out Scottish army was one thing, but overcoming a well organised professional army led by one of the greatest Generals of the age was something else entirely.

Having marched the allied army south to forestall any French advance on Masstricht , Cumberlands only plan was to line up the army and slug it out with the French. As part of this plan, Cumberland ordered the villages in front of the Allied positions to be burnt.

As stated above, it was Ligonier who convinced the Prince to reoccupy the blackened ruins. Just as well. Maurice’s plan was to send two massive columns of Infantry crashing down onto the Allied left-centre at Lauffeldt  and Vlytingen . That would be followed up with an equally massive Cavalry charge to stop the Allies from getting to Masstricht. The Allies were still not fully in position when the French began their advance.

As it is in War the situation did not go as planned. The French had to attack Lauffeldt three times to force out the British troops. Likewise, the Dutch put up an unexpected and equally valiant fight in Vlytingen. The casualties on the French side were enormous.

Maurice could see what was happening to his men but having commited his army to the plan he had no choice but  to feed in more formations to the carnage. Eventually the French army prevailed, but not before Sir John Ligonier had led two cavalry charges on the left against the French cavalry to forestall an attempt to block the Allied army from Masstricht.

Sir John was captured by the French and presented to King Louis by Maurice as " the man who ruined all my plans". The situation angered many Irish Officers within the French force who were sure that they would not have been treated so well by the British!!.

.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE;

* The Battle will be  played for 8 Game-Turns.

* The French move first in the 1st Game-Turn. From Game-Turn 2 until Game-Turn 8, both sides roll a die to determine who moves first and also gains the Initiative Point.

* A Solo rule is used, that during a Game-Turn, in the Firing Phase, both sides will roll a die to determine which side will FIRE FIRST.

* Tied results go to the side who won the Initiative Point for that Game-Turn.

THE RAVINE.

Sources differ as to whether there was a ravine in front of the Austrian position. I have followed Reed-Browning’s description of the battle.

I’ve put a section on the table to mark the area as a Ravine, Therefore;

* Any stand must stop moving once it is placed on the Ravine square. It can be moved forward in the next moving phase of the next Game-Turn.

* Any stand in combat while positioned within the Ravine suffers a 2 point deduction from its Close Combat die roll IN ADDITION to a further 2 point deduction for attacking uphill.

* Stands positioned within the Ravine cannot fire on any enemy stand positioned one square back from the edge of the hill.

* THE VILLAGES;

 If a stand is in one end of a village and firing " through" the houses at a target at the other end of the village, the firing stand must have 2 points deducted from its firing die.

VICTORY:

Both sides were relatively equal and it was a hard fought battle therefore:

* If the French occupy both Lauffeldt and Vlytingen  at the end of  Game-Turn 8, it is a win for the French.

* If the French hold one village and they hold  the road to Maastricht behind Wilre by the end of Game-Turn 8 it is a win for the French

* If the French only hold one of the above villages at the end of Game-Turn 8, the game is a Draw.

CREDITS:

The figures are 15mm and are mostly Miniature Figures supplemented with Essex and Peter Pig figures.

The hills are scratchbuilt as are the “ flat pack” villages. The trees are by various manufacturers. The hedge sections are from Pendraken Miniatures. The road and rivers section were cut from thin cardboard. The Ravine section was also scratchbuilt.

The stands were cut from picture-framing card, 40mm x 40mm. The round 40mm MDF stands were purchased from Sarissa Precision.

The overlay is rubber backed and printed with 2” ( 50mm ) squares. This was a custom order from Deep Cut Studios.

As always the table is 3 feet ( 90cm ) x 2 feet (60cm ).

EPILOGUE.

In the weeks after Lauffeldt, the French tried once again to invade Piedmont. At the Assieta Pass, a French army tore itself to shreds attacking a well entrenched Piedmontese force. In desperation, the two French Generals  ( the Belle-Isle Brothers ) lost theirs lives while leading attacks.

In the Netherlands, Count Lowendahl marched to take the town of Bergen-Op-Zoom. Rumours were rife that the war was near to ending, so it came as a shock that the town refused to surrender. It was as they were storming the town that something snapped amongst the French troops. For three days they went on an orgy of drunken violence and murder. Followed by a torpor of despair.

General Maurice told the King that he would either have to hang the Count or give him a Marshals Baton ( which Lowendahl received).

With the failure of the French attack on Piedmont and the Empress of Austria sending out strict orders to her Generals not to engage in any further offensive actions the War staggered to an end.

There was great rejoicing amongst the people ……unaware that the King across the Elbe was keeping a beady eye on proceedings and building up his army once again…….

The Battle of Cerignola. South-Eastern Italy : 26th April 1503.

 This article is my personal interpretation of information concerning events at that time. Any mistakes are my own.

Eight years after the battle of Fornovo the French and Spanish Monarchies were once again at each others throats as to who had control of what in Southern Italy.

Prior to the French King Charles leaving Italy he had installed Garrisons in towns within Apulia and Calabria. The King had also granted land to his Men-at-arms for services rendered. Spanish control of various towns was also agreed upon. 

However, the tentative Peace didn’t last long.There was a new young King on the throne of France  ( Louis the 12th ) itching to test his military muscle.

Milan was the French capital of northern Italy and it was from there that the French army marched south to retake Naples. Louis was intent on making Italy a French Dominion. Eventually the Army arrived at Capua just north of Naples, which refused to surrender. After the French artillery battered the walls, the town was stormed, vandalized and totally looted with the citizens raped and murdered.

The French General de’Aubigney received an envoy from Naples and warned him of worse to come if they did not surrender. King Federigo of Naples ( who was at the town of Ischia) gave himself up to the French. When Naples opened its gates, he was taken to France where he lived out a comfortable confinement until his death.

Italian Politics ( dominated by Cesare Borgia ) and Family Feuds had also bought the Spanish Kingdom of Aragon into the Italian arena. Somewhat irritated by French presumption, Frederick the 2nd, the Spanish Aragonese Monarch  decided to intervene militarily.

In 1501, a Spanish Army was shipped from Sicily to Reggio in the toe of Italy under the Spanish General Fernandez de Cordoba. His force consisted of 190 Men-at-Arms, 300 Light Horse ( Jinetes) and 4000 Infantry. This was followed by more reinforcements. The intention was to force the French from Southern Italy once and for all and cement their grip on the region.

The first objective was Tarentum. It was here that the eldest son of the King of Naples resided. When Tarentum wouldn’t surrender, the city was stormed and looted. The Neapolitan Prince Frederick was taken back to Aragon in Spain where, like his father in France he lived in comfortable confinement until his death.

Having made Tarantum a Spanish holding, Cordoba then made his base at the coastal town of Barletta. This made it easier for his army to be supplied by the Venician Navy ( Venice was supposed to be a neutral observer in all this but they didn’t like the idea of French Power on their doorstep! Or of French Pirates using the City as a base after raiding Spanish supply fleets! )

This situation in turn annoyed The French Monarch so Louis gave instructions to his new Viceroy in Naples, the young Duke of Nemours to destroy the Spanish force. 

In the first clash of arms outside Barletta , the Spanish light Cavalry lured the headstrong French Men-at-Arms into an ambush of Spanish Arquebusiers by feigning retreat. Giving the French force a beating, the Spanish then retired back into Barletta.

Having seen how the French reacted, and not having enough Heavy Cavalry to face the French Men-at-Arms, Cordoba trained his army in new tactics. Infantry firepower was centre stage combined with fieldworks, and the new artillery pieces being produced. These new formations were called a “ Coronelia”.  Blocks of Pikemen working in conjunction with groups of Arquebusiers armed with the new matchlock muskets.

The Arquebus was heavy, needing a rest to hold the barrel while it was fired. Although inaccurate and of limited range the lead ball could inflict terrible damage on an opponent, especially when fired in controlled volleys.

Note: The Arquebus was used by other armies but this was the first time it was used in large organised volleys with rotating lines of Infantry.

Having been trained in the new formations Cordoba marched his army from Barletta, westward to the small town of Cerignola which was situated on a hill. The town was surrounded by a ditch, which Cordoba had his men deepen in the area of the expected attack. 

The earth was used to make a parapet. Vine stakes were placed all along the front and the army was positioned behind it. The Light Cavalry  Jinetes. ( Pro: xi- neats) were sent out on raids in order to goad the French into attacking. On the afternoon of the 26th of April, their forays yielded results……….

THE SPANISH ARMY: 6,500 = 6.5pts x 10 = 65 points.

Mounted Men-At-Arms: 700 = 0.700 x 10 = 7pts = 2 stands @ 3pts + Prospero Colonna- 1 General @ 1point.

“Jinetes” Light Cavalry: 800 = 0.800pts x 10 = 8pts = 4 stands @ 2 points.

Arquebusier ( musket armed) Infantry: 2,000 = 2pts x 10 =  20pts = 10 stands of Muskets @ 2pts.

Landsknecht Infantry Pikemen: 1,000 = 1pt x 10 = 10pts = 3 stands @ 3pts = 9pts + Fabricio Zamudio @ 1pt.

600 Spanish Pikemen = 0.600 pts x 10 = 6pts = 2 stands @ 3pts = 6pts

400 Infantry Swordsmen ( Spanish: Roderleros): 0.400 x 10 = 4pts = 2 stands @  2 points.

18 cannon x 50 crew = 900 gunners = 0.900pts x 10 = 9pts = 8 guns @ 1pt + 1 General @ 1pt Pedro Navarro.

THE FRENCH ARMY: 8,750: 8.750pts x 10 = 88points r/u.

650 Men-At-Arms = 0.650pts x 10 = 7pts r/u = 2 stands of Heavy Cavalry @ 3pts + Louis d’Armagnac, Duke of Nemours  @ 1pt.

1,100 Light Stradiot Cavalry = 1.1pts x 10 = 11pts = 5 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts + Yves d,Alegro @ 1pt.

3.500 Swiss Pikemen = 3.5pts x 10 = 35 pts =

9 stands of Pikemen @ 3pts = 27pts.

2 stands of Arquebusier Infantry @ 2pts = 4pts.

2 stands of Crossbow Infantry @ 2pts = 4pts.

+ 1 General Tabien de Chandieu @ 1pt.

3,200 French Infantry = 3.2 x 10 = 32pts =

8 stands of Pikemen @ 3pts = 24pts

4 stands of Infantry Crossbows @ 2pts = 8pts.

1 General, Gaspard de Coligny @ 1pt.

2 Guns x 50 crew = 100 gunners = 0.100pts x 10 = 1 stand of Light Artillery @ 1pt.

Note: No one is sure as to whether the French had any artillery present on the battlefield or not. I have allowed one cannon which is at the back of the French Infantry.

THE HISTORY:

This battle is recognised as a turning point in the development and use of firearms, and a major stepping stone in the erosion of Cavalry supremacy. Despite that, not much actual detail is known about the events of that day. Even the exact location of the site is unknown.

Apparently Cerignola is situated on an eminence west of the city of Barletta in the “heel” of Italy. The town was surrounded by a dry ditch. The whole town is surrounded by rolling countryside which to the north, opens out onto a plain which contains a Saltmarsh. ( These days sea salt is mined on an organised industrial scale). 

To the South and West it seems to be enclosed countryside which was prone to flooding in the wet season. I’ve included a ridge facing west. I’m assuming ( wrongly maybe ) that the rolling ground and bushes etc restricted the field of vision.

The French were moving in the standard formation of Advance Guard, Main Battle and Rearguard. When arraigned for battle the Heavy Cavalry Gendarmes ( Men-at Arms, the Nobility) of the Advance Guard would be in the position of Honour on the right.

When the French Army arrived there was some debate amongst the Senior Generals as to how best to attack. It was late afternoon and the weather was hot and dry. Some, including Nemours wanted to wait until the following day. 

However Seigneur de Chandieu, the Commander of the Swiss Infantry threatened to withdraw his men. Gradually, the discussion between the French Commanders became more and more heated ultimately exploding in accusations of Cowardice leveled at Nemours himself!!.

That settled the issue. Nemours in a state of anger and hubris mounted his Warhorse and made ready. When all was set the Duke signaled the advance. The Heavy Cavalry cantered forward, self assured that this time, they would sweep any Spanish away. 

 I have participated in a cavalry charge of sorts. A dozen horses in a line at full gallop. Even the horses get caught up in the excitement.

So, it seems the French Cavalry, both men and horses heavily armoured, kept rolling forward until they were bought to a juddering halt. In the first instance, by the trench in front of the Spanish position. Secondly, and for the first time, a massive cloud of lead shot punching holes in armour and bringing the glorious charge to bloody ruin. Instead of retreating, the French cavalry milled around trying to work their way to the right but the arquebus volleys kept bringing them down.

Nemours himself was killed when a musket ball hit him in the head. With the Commander dead and the failure of the Heavy Cavalry, the attack continued with the advance of first,  the Swiss of the Main Battle, then the French Infantry of the Rearguard.

Therefore there must have been topographical restrictions not only in front of the Spanish position but also at both ends forcing this frontal attack. Also, if the Cavalry had seen the trench they may have been able to halt the charge. 

The fact that they didn’t suggests to me that they were at “full throttle” before the trench was spotted. You need a lot of “ stopping distance” to slow a horse with an Adrenalin rush!!. Added to that is the “ letterbox effect” of the closed helmet visor reducing the field of vision ( and anger clouding judgement)

In my version I’ve included part of the saltmarsh at the northern end and difficult hill country to the south. Accounts that I have read seem to vary on how the battle progressed so I’ve used my own judgment on certain parts.

THE BATTLE.

Some special rules for refighting the battle;

* The French move first on the first Game-Turn.

* The Spanish retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* French stands cannot be fired upon until they are in the forward squares of the ridge.

* The Duke of Nemours must be in an adjacent square to a French Heavy Cavalry stand at all times. If a French Heavy Cavalry stand is removed, the Duke of Nemours is also removed.

* Any stand positioned in the Trench while engaged in Close Combat will have 2 points deducted from its Close Combat die.

* Spanish stands win any ties.

* Spanish musketeers get one extra point on their Firing die roll.

* The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

VICTORY CONDITIONS;

By any stretch this is a tough call for the French Army and they can expect heavy casualties. Therefore, if the French can cause the loss of 10 stands from the Spanish army by the end of eight Game-Turns, the battle is classed as a draw.

CREDITS.

The figure illustrations were downloaded from Pete's Paperboys website [ The Renaissance range ]. I then had them printed out in A5.

I've enhanced the Heavy Cavalry blocks by putting the cocktail sticks into the block.

The 3ft [ 90cm ] x 2ft [60cm ] cloth is felt. The hills are made from the foamboard. The village is foamboard covered with illustrations printed from Pete's English Civil War book.