The Battle of Chalgrove Field June 18th 1643.

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

The Parliamentary General Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex was not having a good time. Having successfully taken Reading from the Royalists in April, his army had come to a halt. Lack of money and supplies had curtailed any further Operations around Oxford, the Royalist capital.

His lack of aggression was raising doubt amongst his Peers as to his enthusiasm for the Parliamentary ( Roundhead) cause. To add to his woes, one of his Generals, a Colonel Urry had gone over to the enemy.

Urry had information of a paychest being delivered to the Roundhead Garrison at Thame ( pro: Tame ). The Kings Nephew, Prince Rupert of the Rhine decided on a raid in order to capture the money. In the early hours of the 18th of June, as the sun was rising, Rupert led 2,000 men out of Oxford to attack various Roundhead garrisons around Windsor trying to locate the waggon.

Rupert achieved complete surprise but, apart from “ beating up of quarters” and the taking of a few prisoners not much else was gained. The Roundhead waggonmaster had spotted the Royalist forces and hidden the waggon with the paychest in a wood.

By 8am the alarm had been raised across the area and hastily raised Parliamentary forces were moving as fast as possible to intercept Prince Rupert’s group. At about nine in the morning Rupert had halted his force at Chalgrove Field to rest the Infantry, troopers and horses.

The Royalist forces were about to move on when shots rang out and bullets were flying through a large Boundary hedge in the direction of  Rupert’s men. The Roundhead force had caught up with  the Royalist column ……..

PARLIAMENT: 1000 men = 1pt x 20 = 20pts.

900 Cavalry = 0.900 pts x 20 = 18 pts.

= 7 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts = 14pts.

Colonel Dalbier ( Dragoons )  @ 1 pt.

John Gunter  @ 1pt.

John Hampden  @ 1pt.

Philip Stapleton  @ 1pt.

100 Dragoons = 0.100 pts x 20 = 2pts

= 2 stands of Dragoons @ 1pt =2 pts.

THE ROYALISTS: 2000 Men = 2pts x 20 = 40pts.

1,150 Cavalry = 1.150 pts x 20 = 23pts.

= 10 stands of Cavalry @ 2pts = 20pts.

Prince Rupert of the Rhine  @ 2pts.

Sargeant-Major William Legge  @ 1pt.

350 Dragoons = 0.350 pts x 20 = 7 pts.

= 3 stands of Dragoons @ 2pts = 6pts.

Lord Wentworth ( Dragoons ) @ 1pt.

INFANTRY: 500 = 0.500 pts x 20 = 10pts

Colonel Lunsford  @ 1pt.

2 stands of Pikemen @ 3pts = 6 pts.

3 stands of Muskets @ 1pt = 3pts.

 

THE BATTLE:

* MORALE:

* The Royalists have 20pts. The Parliamentary troops have  10pts. ( half of their respective totals.) This is then SWOPPED OVER. 

This is to reflect the tiredness of the Royalist force.

TO GAIN VICTORY:

* The Royalists must cause 8pts of the Parliamentarian stands to be removed before their morale drops to Zero. Otherwise they loose the battle.

* The Parliamentary forces must cause The Royalists to loose all their Morale Points in order to win the battle.

* The battle is played out for Eight Game-Turns maximum unless the above morale conditions are met at the end of any Game-Turn prior to the 8th Game-Turn.

* Colonel Hampton:

* If any Parliamentary stand adjacent to Colonel Hampton is lost, the Colonel is also removed from play with a loss of 2 pts to the Parliamentary morale total.

* The Parliamentary force has the Initiative Point on the first Game-Turn. They will move first and fire first.

* From Game-Turn two until Game-Turn eight both sides throw die for the Initiative Point.

* All Cavalry stands must move through the face of a square not a diagonal.

* Mounted and dismounted Dragoons can move in any direction

* FIRING:

All the Cavalry and Dragoons can fire while mounted. All firing is at pistol range of one Square. Generals DO NOT add their points to any firing die. ( firing is individual and not controlled).

DRAGOONS DISMOUNTED fire their short Muskets at 2 squares.

THE GATE: A cavalry stand can open the gate IF there are no enemy Cavalry  stands in an adjacent square.A stand must stop moving as it is positioned in the gate square.

* No stands can be moved onto squares containing trees.

THE HEDGEROW;

* Cavalry stands cannot be moved over Hedgerows. However the stand representing Prince Rupert CAN be moved over hedgerow ( He was a consummate Horseman). However he CANNOT jump the double hedgerow.

* Deduct 1 point from all firing die rolls if there is a hedgerow between the firing stand and the target stand.

* Dismounted Dragoons can move through a hedge if they are dismounted, but not their horses. Generals can add their points to the dismounted Dragoon fire.

THE HISTORY:

Chalgrove Field was one of many battles that could be classed as a skirmish. However in 1995 it was designated as a battle.

By the 17th century a large amount of common land was gradually being taken over by rich landowners. They in turn, were gradually enclosing their land with hedgerow, mostly to keep their grazing animals in place.

Double Hedgerows with a ditch between was also used to mark County and District boundaries.That made life really difficult for the Cavalry as they could not close with enemy infantry sheltering behind it.Therefore any gaps in the hedgerow became the centre of battle is each side tried to deny access to the enemy. Another reason why the Cavalry ( or “ The Horse” carried pistols, if they had access to them.)

This battle had special significance as John Hampton, a Parliamentary M.P lost his life in this battle. No one is sure if he was shot or his own pistol exploded. He passed away from his wounds soon after. He had not previously served in any military capacity.

A number of the Parliamentary horse were all Officers. They had been sent to Tame to pick up the wages for their troops. One puzzle for me is the Royalist Infantry.

One source says that the Royalist Infantry and The Dragoons under Major Lunsford and Lord Wentworth were sent on to keep the road open and to guard the booty looted from the raiding.

Another source said says that the Royalist infantry and Dragoons were kept in reserve to delay the pursuers. I have gone with the later and represented the Royalist Foot and Dragoons on the table.

CREDITS.

All the illustrations are from the English Civil War book by Peter Dennis. The hedgerow are made of panscrubbers on cardboard stands.

The villages are made from 5mm thick foamboard again with various parts of building illustrations glued on.

The pikes are made from cocktail sticks as are the flagstaffs. The flags are cut from self adhesive labels and hand painted.

The cloth is felt. 3feet x 2feet ( 90cm x 60cm ) with 2inch ( 50mm ) squares drawn on. 

The Start of The Seven Years War and the Battle of Lobositz: Bohemia: 1st October 1756.

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

As the year 1756 dawned, the political situation in Europe was once again becoming tense. Talks were taking place between Austria and its new Allies, France, Saxony and Russia. The focus of this group centered on Prussia, and its nominal Ally, Great Britain ( although King George detested Frederick!)

The Empress of Austria, Maria Theresa had every intention of regaining the lost Province of Silesia from Prussia. Minor clashes had already taken place between other potential belligerents. France had decided to take the island of Minorca in the Mediterranean from the British.

Admiral John Byng and his Fleet, were tasked with defending the Island but he failed to do so. The British Captains owned their ships. All costs for running the ship came from the Captains pocket. Therefore they were reluctant to risk them in combat.

The Captains would not follow Byng’s  orders for closing with the French Fleet, ultimately losing  the engagement. Although not entirely to blame for the debacle, Byng, after a Court Martial, payed for this defeat with his life. He was shot by firing squad on his own quarterdeck. ( This was also to put other Captains on notice that the Admiralty would no longer tolerate this behaviour, leading to more aggressive action in combat!)

( note: of the four Regiments defending Minorca,  at least 30 Officers were absent including all the Senior Commanders. The Garrison surrendered after a brief siege!)

Meanwhile, in the American Colonies, a young Militia Lieutenant in the British Service by the name of George Washington, leading a group of Native Americans, clashed with a French Patrol resulting in fatalities.

 ( Jumonville Glen was named after the French Ensign who lost his life there.The circumstances of this clash are still debated to this day.)

In Prussia, the King, Frederick the 2nd was also weighing his options. His spies had heard rumours of an attack but had no actual evidence. By September of 1756, Frederick had made his decision. He wasn’t going to wait on events.

Before any formal declaration of war, the  King marched his army of 60,000 into Saxony, taking the capital and besieging the Saxon army at their camp at Pirna. His troops ransacked the Royal Residence looking for proof of collusion between the Allied States. The Queen of Poland, Maria Josepha ( a relation to the Empress of Austria) was manhandled from her Chancellry while trying to stop the depredation..

This action caused outrage amongst the Nobility of Europe and labelled Frederick as a Vandal.

Frederick could not find any evidence of collusion, but that didn’t stop him from pillaging the Kingdom. He also found the dyes for the Polish coinage. ( The Saxon Elector Augustus 3rd was  also titular Monarch of Poland).

Having bottled up the Saxon Army at Pirna with part of his army, Frederick marched the rest of  his troops into the Austrian Province of Bohemia intending to spend the winter there, ( and loot it as much as he could!).

The Austrian Ministry issued orders to General Ulysses Von Browne ( one of the famous Irish Generals ( Wild Geese ) in Austrian service). His brief was to intercept the Prussians, using any means he saw fit. Browne had scouts out and knew where Frederick’s army would appear from the Mountain passes.

 At 7:30 in the morning of the 1st October 1756, Browne’s army was in position at Lobositz facing west as the Prussian army came out of the pass…..what would become known as the Seven Years War had started in ernest……

THE AUSTRIAN ARMY: 36,000 = 36pts x 2 = 72 points.

26,500 Infantry = 26.5pts x 2 = 53 points.

7,500 Cavalry = 7.5pts x 2 = 15 points.

74 Guns x 30 Gunners = 2220 gunners = 2.220pts x 2 = 4pts r/d.

11 stands of Line Infantry @  3pts  =  33pts.

3 Grenadier Infantry stands  @ 4pts  =  12pts.

4 stands of Light Infantry Grenzer  @ 1pt = 4 pts.

1 General Count Ulysses Von Browne @  2pts

1 General Moritz Von Lacy  @ 1pt.

1 General Karel Adam Felix Von Lobkowitz  @ 1pt.

( These three Generals are part of the Infantry tally.)

6 stands of Cavalry @ 2 pts  = 12 pts.

2 stands of Light Cavalry  @ 1pt = 2pts

1 Cavalry General: Joseph Count Lucchesi d’Averna @ 1 pt.

1 stand of Heavy Artillery  @ 2pts.

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

THE PRUSSIAN ARMY: 35,000 = 35 pts x 2 = 70pts.

21,000 Infantry = 21pts x 2 = 42 points.

10,800 Cavalry = 10.8pts x 2 = 22pts r/u.

97 guns = 97 x 30 gunners = 2,910 gunners = 2.910pts x 2 =6pt r/u.

3 stands of Grenadier Infantry @ 4pts =12pts.

9 stands of Line Infantry @ 3pts = 27points.

1 stand of Light Infantry Jagers @ 2pts.

1 General the Duke of Brunswick-Bevern @ 1pt.

( the above General is part of the Infantry total.)

9 stands of Cavalry @ 2 pts = 18 pts.

1 General: King Frederick the 2nd  @ 1pt

1 General: Field Marshal James Frances Edward Keith  @ 2pts.

1 General Friedrich Leopold Von Gessler @ 1pt.

( These three Generals are part of the Cavalry total. Keith was a Scottish Jacobite Emigre who had previously found service with the Russian army then left and joined the Prussian Army.)

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

2 stands of Light Artillery @ 1pt = 2pt

Note: I’ve given Frederick a value of 1 point because of his mistakes and his retirement from the field.

THE BATTLE:

* The battle will be played for 7 Game-Turns instead of the normal eight. ( 7:30 am until 2:30 pm ).

* On the 7th Game-Turn neither side can shoot. So much ammunition was used in the battle that both sides ran short.

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

* The Austrians also win any tied results.

* On the first Game-Turn, the Prussians MOVE first but the Austrians FIRE first.

* Both sides will roll as normal at the beginning of Game-Turn 2.  The higher score moves first,Fires first and decides order of close quarter combat.

* Any stand entering the Morellenbach must stop moving. Cavalry stands do not get the extra 3 points when in close quarters combat with Infantry and artillery whilst positioned in the stream.

* The sunken part of the road west of Lobositz counts as “ Trench”.

* The Bridge at Sullowitz can only be crossed from the west by entering the village.

VICTORY:

* If the Austrians are either driven from the field and/or suffer the greater number of stands lost, by the end of Game-Turn 7, the Prussians win.

* If the Austrians are still on the field by the end of Game-Turn 7, and/or the Prussians suffer a greater number of stands lost, the Austrians win the battle.

THE HISTORY:

When Frederick started his campaign, his low opinion of his erstwhile opponents had its roots in the previous war. On arriving at Lobositz, the fog hindered any proper reconnaissance. Frederick decided that the enemy troops he could see were part of a rearguard left behind by the main Austrian Army.

There were also Austrian  light troops in walled vineyards up on the Lobosch to the Prussian left. Having taken up position on the vacant Holmolka Mound to the right of his army, Frederick sent orders to his Generals to attack both groups. That’s when reality took a hand.

The Prussian cavalry thundered forward to sweep away the fragile Austrian rearguard……and galloped into a wall of shot and shell from front and flank.  Meanwhile, Bevern’s troops advanced uphill to deal with the Grenzer ( Austrian Militia Light Infantry )…..and into well-aimed fire, bringing the movement to a halt.

As the battle progressed it dawned on Frederick that he had marched into a trap. Whoever was in command of the Austrian army knew what they were doing, and that the Austrian Army had not retreated.

At one stage, as at Mollwitz,  Frederick left the field putting Keith in charge of a possible retreat. As before, it was the bravery of the Prussian rank and file making repeated attacks and suffering severe casualties that pulled Frederick’s backside out of the fire, ( again!).

 When the battle ended, Frederick returned to the front line and claimed a victory because the Austrians had retreated. However Browne had stopped the Prussian army from  invading Bohemia, achieving his main objective. Browne had also dispatched a Flying Column to aide the Saxons in escaping the siege. Unfortunately the Saxon Command had dithered and the opportunity was lost.

Frederick returned with his battered army to Saxony whereupon the Saxon troops in Pirna surrendered. The Prussian Monarch then press-ganged all 15,000 of the captive Saxon troops into his army to make up his losses!. His troops ordered to beat into submission any of those who protested.

Frederick had found out the hard way that his main protagonists were no longer the “ the same old Austrians”, and this war was going to be tougher than he thought…….

CREDITS :

The figures are a mix of Miniature Figurines, Peter Pig and Essex 15mm. The ships Captains are Minifigs and the ships guns and crew figures are from the Peter Pig “ Pieces of Eight range. The ships are scratchbuilt from foamboard and cardboard.

The scenery for the game is all nearly all scratchbuilt from cardboard. The hill sections are made from cork self adhesive tiles. The trees are from various manufacturers, Guagemaster being one. The “ flat-pack” villages are scratchbuilt from Foamboard and cardboard.

The tiny trees marking the edge of the sunken road are from The Square. The small hedge sections are from Pendraken Miniatures. The wall sections marking the Vineyard are from Debris Of War.

The round MDF stands are from Sarrisa Precision. The square 40 x 40 mm stands are cut from picture framing card ( although Sarrisa do these as well now).

The table mat is a custom 3ft x 2ft ( 90 cm x 60 cm ) overlayed with 2 inch ( 50 mm ) squares obtained from Deep Cut Studios. ( Their customer service is excellent).

The Sea cloth is also a custom cloth overlaid with 4 inch x 4 inch squares (100mm x 100mm) also from Deep Cut Studios.

The 5th Century in Britannia Part 13: Arthur’s 11th Battle: The Battle of Mount Agned: Alt Clut ( Dumbarton Castle) June 490AD.

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

Once again at the Winter Solstice of 489AD, the Briton Kings take their places at the Round Table at Caerleon.. In attendance are:

Tutagaul Ap Ervin Ap Cinuit of Alt Clut ( dispossessed).

Einon of Gwynedd.

Cadell of Powys.

Gereint Ap Cador ( “ Llyngesic” Navarch of the British Fleet) and King of Cernow.

Iddon Ap Ynyr of Gwent.

Arthur arrives with Merlin and they take their seats on one side of the hall. Although Magister Militum ( Pendragon) of the Briton Commitatus, and Caerleon is his headquarters, he is not Royal so does not have a seat at the table. Arthur is now 22 years old. A seasoned and successful Commander with many victories.

The Kings praise Arthur and his battlefield success.The conversation takes on a more serious tone as Cadell raises the notion of disbanding the Commitatus.

His reasoning is that now that the Picts and Riartans are defeated and the Seaxons are fighting each other, the threat to Cambria has diminished.

As before, it doesn’t take long for arguments to commence regarding Land Rights and Sovereignty. Looking at Arthur, Merlin rises and walks slowly to the table. With that movement all goes quiet.  The power of Merlin’s presence has never diminished. The Kings are still in awe of a senior representative of the Old Gods even with the rise of Christianity.

Merlin tells the assembled Monarchs that although the Seaxons are fighting like Crows over a carcass, another leader like Aelle will surface. Their arguments another powerful reason why Arthur has control of the Commitatus.

Arthur then speaks of his plans. Tutagaul and his troops will go with the Commitatus. He needs enough troops to invest Alt Clut and be able to fight off any enemy troops attempting to assist Caw.The army must move at the end of March after the crops have been sown. It will take 60 days to march to Alt Clut….

They then have four weeks to take or destroy Caw’s grip on Alt Clut. The Fortress must be taken by the end of June and Tutagaul reinstalled as King. The army must return by the end of August to reap the harvest.

Arthur is also taking most of the fleet with him in order to invest the Fortress. June is when the Irish Sea is at its calmest.

As Arthur finishes his speech there is uproar in the chamber. Some accuse Arthur of wishing to expand his army to conquer Cambria for himself! Merlin bangs his staff on the floor three times. As all goes quiet he utters one loud sentence:

Support the Pendragon…. or perish by fire and sword…..

THE BRITON COMMITATUS: 13,000 = 13pts x 5 = 65pts.

Arthur: Magister Militum ( The Pendragon)    @ 3pts.

1 stand of Mounted Bucellarii  @ 3pts.

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

4 stands of  Auxilliary Veteran Archers  @ 2pts = 8pts.

Owain:   @ 2pts.

Cadwy:  @ 2pts.

Rogatainus:  @ 2pts.

2 stands of Ballista @ 1 pt =2pts.

TUTAGAUL: @ 2pts

8 stands of Infantry  @ 2pts = 16pts.

4 stands of Light Infantry Archers @ 1pt =4pts.

1 stand of  mounted Bucellarii  @ 2pts.

KING IDDONS MILITIA:

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

1 stand of Light Infantry Archers @ 1pt.

THE SHIPS:

15 ships each with 100 men = 1,500 men = 1.5pts x 5 = 8pts r/u. = 6 ships :  4 ships each with one stand of Archers @ 1pt.

2 ships each with 1 stand of ballista @ 2pts each.

THE PICT ARMY: 12,000 = 12pts x 5 = 60pts.

Inside Alt Clut: 4,000 = 4pts x 5 = 20pts.

Niall ( fictional ) @ 1pt.

7 stands of Militia Infantry  @ 2pts = 14pts.

5 stands of missile troops  @ 1pt = 5pts.

RELIEVE FORCE: 8,000 = 8pts x 5 = 40pts.

Caw   @ 1pt.

15 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2pts = 30 pts.

5 stands of archers  @  1pt = 5pts.

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

THE BATTLE

* The battle will be played for eight Game-Turns unless one side suffers a Morale collapse before the 8th Game-Turn is played out.

* Each side will note their morale total:

The Pict army is 30 points.( the field army and the Garrison).

The Briton army is 33 points.

* As a stand is removed from the table its points are deducted from its respective total.

* The Briton Army retains the Initiative Point for the entire 8 Game-Turns.

* The Britons will move first on every Game Turn.

* The Britons will fire first in every Game-Turn.

* The Britons win any tied results.

* The trees block Line of sight. As you can see in the photo below. The archers on the left can fire at the Pict slingers. However the spearmen to the right cannot fire diagonally at the Pict slingers because there is a model tree on the front facing of the square.

* when moving through the trees, stands can only move one square.

* Any stand forced into the water will be lost.

THE PICT GARRISON:

* From the third Game-Turn onward, at the start of the Turn, a six sided dice is thrown for the Garrison: If a “1” or “2” is thrown the Garrison will leave the fortress in the following Game-Turns.

* Stands within the fortress ignore the “Move back” as a result of a die roll. However, the target stand must deduct 2 points if firing back within the same Game-Turn.

* The above rule also applies to ships archers and ballista crew.

* THE SHIPS BALLISTA: If the target rolls any lower score against the ships ballista shot. The target stand is removed from the board.

* The ships can only land at the jetty next to the castle. If they move into a square adjacent to the land next to the two armies, they cannot move for the rest of the battle. ( They are grounded.)

VICTORY;

* The side with the higher Morale tally wins the battle. If the Britons have the higher morale tally at the end of 8 Game-Turns, they have won regardless of whether they have taken Alt Clut.

* If one side ends up with a Zero morale tally at, or before the end of eight Game-Turns, they have lost the battle.

* If  Caw is removed from the table, the game finishes at the end of that Game-Turn

THE HISTORY:

Historians cannot agree as to the location of Mount Agned. Most dismiss it altogether as part of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s fictional account of King Arthur.

Nennius says that a battle was fought at this place. Those who have given serious study to the debate have suggested Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle. Nearly all are sure it took place in Scotland.  So, why have I chosen Dumbarton Castle??

To me, “ Ag” in“ Agned” sounds like “Alt” in “Alt Clut”. There could have been a misinterpretation of Alt Clut to Agned by Nennius. The “Mount” part of the name is also pertinent because Alt Clut, or Dumbarton Castle to give it its modern name sits on top of a natural volcanic plug of rock on the bank of the river Clyde. It’s not part of any range of hills. It is the oldest fortress in Scotland.

 I have been there with my Wife. ( In 2005, before I had any knowledge of Arthur’s story.)  It is indeed a formidable position. The Rock itself is unassailable , while those trying to break the doors of the entrance would face a storm of missiles from the twin peaks above.

One story has “King” Arthur in Scotland to combat a Scottish Noble. Caw did exist. He did usurp Tutagaul but the circumstances are not known. Caw managed to escape when Arthur took Alt Clut after a battle.

That’s how I came up with this scenario. Caw had to be outside of Alt Clut because he managed to escape during, or after the fighting. Arthur fought a battle and won at “ Mount Agned”. He couldn’t storm the fortress, knowing the casualties it would cause. He didn’t have time to besiege the place. Therefore he had to drive the Garrison out.

When the Romans left Britannia they left behind training manuals so that the Britons could defend themselves. Shipbuilding was still taking place. With Merlin’s knowledge of Latin, Ballista and/ or Catapults could be built and transported by ship. Smaller ones by the army.

The weather history for the 5th century swung wildly between flood and drought. The Irish Sea was relatively calm in June, which would give the fully laden ships a fairly safe passage from Cornwall to Alt Clut.

Alt Clut, was strategically important. The Saxons had infiltrated the East coast of Northern Britain and were moving slowly westward. The Dal Riata ( Scots-Irish ) were still active in the area and Alt Clut protected the Northern flank of the Briton Kingdoms.

Arthur also had unfinished business in the north, previously failing to pursue the enemy after the Battle of  the River Croquet. He needed to prove to his enemies that he was still powerful.

 After Arthur took the fortress, it became known as “ Dun Breatann”, the “ Fortress of the Britons” with Tutagaul restored as King. This naming of the fortress did happen in the 5th century.

As before, nearly all the above is conjectural. However, there are some historical instances which lend actuality to an otherwise fictional story. Personally, I am totally convinced that “ Mount Agned” is indeed Alt Clut, the modern Dumbarton Castle.

CREDITS:

Nearly all the Picts are from Redbox. Some are Hat Industries Saxons and Goths.  Tutagaul and his men are the Goths from Hat Industries. I had to combine my Picts and Scots-Irish in order to form the Pict army.

Iddon’s Militia are from the Hat Industries Roman Light Infantry as are the small Ballista. Arthur’s Veteran Infantry and Bucellarii are from Newline Designs.

The ships are scratchbuilt as are the large Ballista. All the Ballista crews are from Hat Industries Roman Light Infantry. Owain is from the Hat Industries Heavy Cavalry on a Ceaser Miniatures horse.

The boat crews are from Emhar Viking Crew figures.

The Light Cavalry are from the Hat Industries Goth Cavalry. The Pict Standards are sticky labels attached to North Star Miniatures Javelins and hand painted.

Arthur’s standards and shield decals are from Little Big Man Studios.

The tiles forming the castle and flat ground, are made of cork tiles with flock. ( not a concise model ) The wall and fence sections are from Alternative Armies. The gate section was scratchbuilt from cardboard. The road is from thin cardboard. The trees are from various manufacturers, Guagemaster being one. 

The huts are from Peter Pig (?).

The round stands are 40mm mdf from Sarissa Precision. The 40mm square stands are cut from picture-framing cardboard.

The sea section is an ocean cover with 4” squares. A custom mat from Deep Cut Studios. The table is 3 feet x 2 feet ( 90cm x 60cm).

ADDENDUM; 14th May 2026.

It appears I have inadvertently “ done a Nennius”. In all my blogs on Arthur I have referred to Dumbarton Castle as ALT CLUD, or “ ALCLUD”  when in fact it should be ALT CLUT.

I shall go back through my blogs and correct the situation as much as possible. My apologies to Historians everywhere.

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 Alt Clud).

* 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.