The 5th Century in Britannia Part 6; Arthur The Warlord.

 As before, this is my interpretation of events in this era as a wargamer

484AD ; Ambrosius has been buried in the old amphitheatre at Caerleon. At the Winter Solstice, all the Nobles are gathered in the former headquarters building of the Legionary fortress. They are there to decide who will be the next Pendragon. Some of the Kings have been lost by feud or by natural death. The current leaders are;

Dumnonia ; Geraint Llyngesic [ 480 to 514AD ] " The Fleet Owner",his son Cadwy.

Gwynedd ; Einon [ 500AD ] with his sons Cadwallon and Owain.

Powys ; Cadell [ 500AD ] with his son Cyngen.

Alt Clut: Cinuit  [480 to 485AD ] who will be succeeded by his son Tutagual.

Gwent ; Iddon Ap Ynyr [480 to 490AD] with his son Caradog.

Note; Although Carleon is in Gwent, King Iddon has his own stronghold at Carwent. Carleon is regarded as an army base, as it was when the Legions were present.

As before, the asssembled Nobility cannot agree as to whom is to lead them. The one person who has any influence, Merlin Aurelianus is bought before the assembly. He is neither Druid or of the Church. However the 59 year old has deep knowledge. He was given his cognomen by Ambrosius. The question is put to Merlin. Who will be Pendragon?. After a moment of thought, he gives his answer;

ARTHUR.

The chamber explodes in a babble of angry voices. Merlin raises his hand and all goes quiet. Merlin reminds them that Arthur Ap Uthyr Ap Constantine was born out of Wedlock. He is not related by bloodline to any Royal House. If Arthur prevails against the Seaxons, the Dal and the Picts, all will share in his glory. If Arthur fails, no Royal House will be condemned.

The next question is of the Army. All Merlin will say is that the Army will be ready. In his mind Merlin knows the outcome of the battle between the Red and the White Dragon.

485AD; As this year progresses to April, a number of incidents happen which although not connected, will have a major influence on the future.

* In Gallaecia, Riothamus has a major problem. Hermeric, the elected High King is Aryan. He issues an Edict that all Catholics must convert or face exile. By April, 9,500 Suebians are crammed aboard 80 ships heading North to Totnes in Dumnonia.

*Hispania is almost a Visigothic Kingdom. Euric has died and has been succeeded by his son Alaric the 2nd.

* At the same time Clovis who has succeeded his father Childric the 1st, as King of the Franks moves to Paris ready to invade Soissons.

* At the end of March 485AD, at Caerleon, in front of the Army veterans the 18 year old Arthur is raised on a shield and proclaimed as Pendragon.

* In Amorica [ Brittany ] Budig the 2nd [ also known as Emyr Llydaw] is not only King of Cornouaille but also High King of Amorica. His son Riwal Mawr becomes one of Arthurs officers.

By the end of April 485, the ships carrying the Suebians reach Dumnonia. Geraint assembles his troops but the men are stood down when sprigs of leaves are seen tied to the prows of the approaching armada.

Soon Riothamus meets with Arthur, Merlin and King Iddon. The Suebians are allowed to settle around Glevum and along the River Severn with their families. The language of the Suebians is close to the Brythonic-Celtic spoken by the Britons. These new settlers become known as the "Hwicce" or "the friendly ones".

By May of 485AD, frontier raiding has been resumed between the Britons and Seaxons. Arthur wants to lead a major expedition into eastern Britannia to disrupt the continuing arrival of Seaxon settlers. However Merlin urges caution. The army is not confident in its new leader and the loyalty of the Kings is suspect.

From May to December 485AD, there are no major battles. The Navy of sixty ships commanded by Geraint patrol the West coast preventing raids by the Dal. There are still Briton communties in the south-east but they must survive on their own.

During this time,  the army is trained up with recruits from the Suebians. Riothamus is now to elderly to lead his people. He elects Rogatainus as a new leader. The Army that Arthur is to lead is of 5,000 men.

1,200 Veteran infantry in 4 cohorts of 300 men.

400 Light Archers in 2 cohorts of 200 men.

500 Elite Cavalry in one cohort.

400 Regular light Cavalry in one Cohort.

2,000 Hwicce infantry in 10 cohorts.

200 Hwicce light archers in one cohort.

300 Hwicce Light cavalry in one cohort.

The five Commanders are; Arthur [  The Pendragon], Medreut, Owain, Cadwy and Rogatainus.

note; 300 Suebians are given to Merlin as his Hearthguard.

March 486AD; The senior leaders of the Seaxons hold their Witan in Londene [London]. In the previous two years another 20,000 Jutes, Angles and Saxons have landed at points along the eastern and southern shoreline of Britannia. Food, shelter and donatives to pay their hearth troops were a priority for these leaders.

For Aelle,Bardulf, Colgrin and Osla there was only one option. Take the fight to the Wallisch. This time the Seaxons decide on different targets. Bardulf and Colgrin are taking their warbands North-west across the river Trent. Aelle and Osla want to attack westward along the Tamesis using the Akeman Street route.

Aelle has 3,800 warriors amongst the Jutes.

Bardulf and Colgrin can call upon 6,000 Saxons.

Osla has 4,800 Angles.

some of these warriors will be left to guard settlements.

April 486AD; A messenger gallops into Caerleon. The South Seaxons are on the move once more toward the Glyme. The horns are sounded. The army is assembled.

This time Aelle and Osla lead their Warbands further South from the site of the previous battle.

2nd Battle of the River Glyme, May 486AD.

The Seaxon Army; 6,500.

Aelle; 2,800 Jutes = 2.8 x 10 = 28 points.

1 General [Aelle] @ 2 points.

12 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 24 points.

2 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points.

Osla; 3,700 Angles = 3.7 x 10 = 37 points.

1 General [Osla ]  @ 1 point.

17 stands of Warriors  @ 2 points = 34 points.

2 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points.

The Briton Army; 5,000 = 5.0 pts X 10 = 50 points.

1,200 Regular Infantry = 1.2 pts x 10 = 4 stands @ 3 points each = 12 points.

400 Light Archer Infantry = 0.4 pts x 10 = 4 stands @ 1 point each = 4 points.

500 Elite Clibanarii Cavalry = 0.5pts  x 10 = 1 stand @ 3 points + 2 Generals [ Arthur and Medreut] @ 1 point = 2 points.

400 Regular Light Cavalry = 0.4 pts x 10 = 1 stand @ 2 points + 2  Generals [ Owain and Cadwy ]@ 1 point = 2 points.

2,000 Hwicce Infantry = 2.0 pts x 10 = 10 stands @ 2 points = 20 points.

200 Hwicce Light Archer Infantry = 0.2 pts x 10 = 2 stands @ 1 point = 2 points.

300 Light Tribal Cavalry = 0.3 pts x 10 = 1 stand @ 2 points + 1 General  [ Rogatainus ]@ 1 point.

Notes;

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

* The battle will last for eight Game-Turns.

* The Seaxons move first on the first two Game-Turns.

* From Game-Turn Three until Game-Turn eight, the Britons move first

* The Briton Army fires first on each Game-Turn.

* The Glyme is not very deep, so stands can move through with no penalty.

Once again both armies face each other  across the River Glyme. Aelle is contemptuous of the Britons, having been responsible for the death of Ambrosius. Confident that his warriors will easily beat the Britons again, he leads his men across the river.

Osla, seeing Aelle advancing, does not want the Jutes taking all the credit for this victory so he also leads his warriors forward.

This time , as the Jutes and Angles  attack,  they are stunned to hear Germanic voices within the Briton army.  The Wallisch are also putting up a stern resistance. As the battle went on the Seaxons start to tire. 

Arthur seeing the Seaxon line falter gives the signal. As the horns are sounded the Briton line parts and Owain brings the cavalry forward into the enemy. This is enough to break the Seaxons.

The cavalry are reformed as the infantry go forward to pursue the enemy through the trees. Nightfall brings an end to the slaughter. Three days later, Arthur leads his victorious army into Caerleon amid great rejoicing.

They do not have time to rest before another urgent message arrives at Arthur,s headquarters. More Seaxons are west of the Trent!

*Most of the figures are Hat Industries with some of the figures being Newline Designs.

*Arthurs horse is from Ceaser Miniatures.

* The hills were made by Brian at Essex Miniatures.

* Some of the tree bases are from S and A Scenics.

* The trees are from various manufacturers.

* The square 40mm stands are made of picture framing cardboard.

* The round 40mm bases are from Minibits.

Historical Note;

Nennius wrote that Arthurs first battle "was at the mouth of the River GLEIN".  I think he got the spelling wrong. I think it was GLEIM from the Anglo-Saxon GLOEM,which means "sparkle' or "glitter".

The current River Glyme gets its name from Old Brythonic, meaning " bright water", so thats  why I put the battle there.  I inadvertantly stumbled on this when I was trying to work out logically where Ambrosius would face the Seaxons.

The  mouth of the River GLYME joins the river EVENLODE near the village of Bladdon. The village got its name from the old name for the EVENLODE, which was the BLADE.

The River Glyme also marks the frontier of what I think ,was Briton territory at that time.

Finally, the river Glyme runs through the Blenheim estate at WOODSTOCK. It was partially dammed by the famous landscape gardener, Capability Brown to form shallow lakes.

The 5th Century in Britannia: Part 5. Ambrosius, Aelle, and the Seaxons.

As before, this blog is my “ best guess “ as a wargamer, of events in this era, and an attempt to bring some reality to a rather hazy history.

 473AD: By this time Ambrosius [ Emrys Wledig ] is 63 years old. His Wards Arthur and Medreut are 6 and 8 years old respectively. Arthurs sister Anna is also 6. In eastern Britannia there are still communities trying to scrape a living from the soil. However they were in constant fear of the "Seaxon" raiders from the sea.

Note; All warriors of Germanic or Scandanavian origin could have been known to the Britons as Seaxons because of the fighting knife, the "Seax" that they all carried. The Seax had a blade 12"  [ 30cm ] long which broadened at the point and had a single cutting edge.The grip was 4" [ 10cm ] long.

There is the possibility that in time the word “Seaxon” became”Saxon”. Therefore all Germanic invaders were Saxon and could be why the Angles and Jutes fade into the historical background.

These weapons were relatively easy to produce with better quality items reserved for upper class warriors and leaders.

474 to 476 AD; Despite his best efforts, Ambrosius cannot stop Britannia fragmenting into smaller Kingdoms. Merlin is still in the background. As a Briton-born individual, who can also speak Latin he is always with Ambrosius in Council meetings.

The Round-Table Council of Britannia is now held at Caerleon.There are many leaders present. However through marriage and feud five main Kings have become the most powerful and regard themselves as equals. These are;

Erbin of Alt Clut ( Dumbarton Castle).

Einon of Gwynedd.

Cadell of Powys.

Cador of Dumnonia.

Nynniaw of Gwent

The Allies of Ambrosius, Hoel and Riothamus have returned to their respective territories taking their troops with them. Amorica is under constant attack from Eurics Visigoths. Riothamus has problems not only with the Visigoths but also Geiserics Vandals.

Ambrosius has a hard time convincing the assembled Nobles that he needs a mobile army [ a Commitatenses], in order to stop any Seaxons settling in Britannia.  These new Kings do not trust each other and they regard Ambrosius as an Outsider, but they are in awe of Merlin. They grudgingly supply Ambrosius small numbers of men for the Field Army. His only Veterans are some of his Officers and his Cavalry.

Meanwhile, in Gaul the Saxons, Jutes and Angles are being forced out of Normandy and the Loire Estuary. there are also Germanic  warriors on Andum [ Jersey] and Lesia [ Guernsey].

476 AD; In Italy, the Western Roman Empire was in its final death throes. A barbarian Patrician by the name of Orestes had seized power. In turn he had promoted his son Romulus Augustulus [aged 16] to the position of Emperor. The centre of power in the waning Western Empire is Arelate ( Arles ) in south- eastern Gaul.

A Foederati General named Odoacer is the next to sieze power. Odoacer has Orestes killed. he then has Romulus exiled to Castelum Lucellum. Romulus is never heard of again.

Odoacer has the Imperial Regalia sent to the Emperor Leo in Constantinople with a message  saying that it was no longer required. With this act the Western Roman Empire ceased to be.

477 AD;  The incursions into Britannia begin in the Spring. Ambrosius at Caerleon gets a report that a large group of Seaxons with women and children have landed at Selsey. The leader of this group is called Aelle. he has three sons; Cymen, Wlencing and Cissa, along with 2000  Jutish people including 800 warriors in 20 ships.

Aelle moves north and attacks Chichester ( Noviomagus Reginorum). The town is in a poor state with dilapidated walls and there is only a small population. These people are killed or driven out with most making their way to Portus Aderni [ Portchester ].

As Ambrosius musters the army, more reports are coming in of Seaxon landings. Fifty ships have landed at Lundene on the Thamesis, carrying 5000 people including 2000 warriors. This is the Saxons under Bardulf and his brother Colgrin.

A third landing has taken place on the estuary of the river Welland. Another 2000 people including 700 warriors. This is Osla with his tribe of Angles.

477AD; Ambrosius decides that Aelle has to be dealt with first. Giving the army a victory would give them confidence. Ambrosius gives Medreut his first independent command.

In July Medreut sets out with his force taking seven days to reach the Chichester area via Glevum and Silchester. The force consists of;

3 cohorts of Auxilliary Infantry @ 200 men = 600.

600 = 0.6 x 40 = 24 points = 12 stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2pts.

1 Cohort of Light Archers @ 200 men;

200 = 0.2 x 40 = 8 points = 4 stands of Light Archers @ 1point = 4 points.

Medreut @ 1 point.

Owain @ 1 point.

2 stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points.

1 Cohort of Light Cavalry ( javelins, spear, sword, shield, helmet ) @ 200 men;

200 = 0.2 x 40 = 8 points = 4 stands @ 2 points.

Aelle has been told of the Britons approach and draws up 700 warriors on Dummer Hill just north of Chichester ;

700 = 0.700 x 40 = 28 points;

Aelle @ 1 point.

Cissa @ 1 point.

Cymen @ 1 point.

Wlencing @ 1 point.

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

10 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 20 points.

Some of the warriors under Cymen,s command are left within Chichester to protect the people. ( 2 stands of Warriors and 1 stand of Archers ).

Here are the opposing armies laid out for battle;

NOTE; There are two ways to fight this battle

1] Allow the Jutes to move first and fire first on every Game-Turn and to keep the Initiative Point on every Game-Turn.

This would stop the Briton army from being able to manouvre. Also, with no space to allow for "move-backs", the Briton army would start losing stands quite early in the game.

2] Play the game in the normal way.

The Watchtower can only be entered by Infantry.  One movement phase is required to move in. One movement phase out. Stands can Fire or engage in Close Combat after the Movement phase of the same Game-Turn.

Each game is played for 8 Game-Turns.

-------------------------“------------------------------

As Medreut forms his men Aelle leads an all-out charge downhill into the Britons. Before Medreut can react the men break! 

Some try to put up a fight but they are no match for Aelle,s seasoned warriors. Medreut joins Owains cavalry in fighting a rearguard action.

Having retreated, Medreuts force makes a weary journey back to Caerleon. Aelle now establishes his group in the area.

Noviomagus becomes Cissa-ceaster.  Modern Selsey becomes Cymensora at that time and the village of Lancing gets established.

The Winter Solstice of 477 brings a stormy meeting at Caerleon. Ambrosius asks the Kings for more support, pointing up the success of the Jutes and the possibility of the enemy tribes combining with the Scots-Irish. It is only a matter of time before the homelands are invaded.

After a series of angry meetings. Ambrosius gets the troops he needs. Towns on the frontier like Viroconium are repaired and manned. The fleet stays protecting the West coast.

478 to 483 AD; In this six year period, the Briton mounted troops continuously attack Seaxon terrritory. The infantry go out in small bands raiding where they can. Arthur and Medreut are 16 and 18 respectively and leading raids into enemy territory aided by experienced warriors

484 AD;  A pivotal point is reached. The Seaxons hold their first Witan ( a Council) at Lundene, which is now an Angle settlement.

The people are angry with their leaders because of the continued attacks by the “ Walisch “( the Britons ). A decision is made to attack into Gwent and on to Caerleon.

In May, 400 Jutes under Aelle, 500 Saxons under Bardulf, 500 Saxons, under Colgrin  and 800 Angles under Osla gather at Verulamium ( Saint Albans ). Bardulf is elected as leader. Three days later this army of 2,200 men commences the march westward on the old Roman road of Akemen Street toward Glevum.

Ambrosius, on hearing of this advance by the Seaxons, musters the army in the old amphitheatre at Caerleon. The army is expecting him to lead them. At 73 he can feel his body failing him but he knows he has to be there.

 Arthur is to lead the Elite Clibanarii,  Medreut, the  Infantry. Owain is to lead the Light Cavalry and assist Medreut. Morfael one of Nynniaw,s Veterans is to lead the Gwent Militia. The Briton Army of 2,600 men =2.6 x 20 = 52 points.

1,200 Auxilliary Infantry [ Javelins, Plumbata, Swords ] in 6 Cohorts; 1,200 = 1.2 points x 20 = 24 points = 12 stands @ 2 points each. 

200 Light Archers in 1 Cohort = 200 = 0.2 x 20 = 4 points = 3 stands of Archers @ 1 point + Owain @ 1 point.

200 Light Cavalry in 1 Cohort ( spear, javelins, helmet, sword and shield ).= 200 = 0.2 x 20 = 4 points = 1 stand @ 2 points + Arthur @ 1 point + Medreut @ 1 point.

300 Elite Clibanarii Cavalry in 1 Cohort = 300 = 0.3 x 20 = 6 points = 1 stand @ 3 points + Ambrosius @ 3 points.

500 Gwent Militia  [ javelins and spears] = 500 = 0.5 x 20 = 10 points = 5 stands @ 2 points each.

200 Gwent Light Archers = 200 = 0.2 x 20 = 4 points = 3 stands @ 1 point + Morfael @ 1 point.

A feeling runs through the Army that this is THE battle. weapons and armour are bought to their best. The Army takes the road leading East marching past Glevum. After three days, the Briton force reaches the valley of the River Glyme.

Ambrosius knows this is where he will fight his last battle so has donned his best armour. the Seaxon Army is also drawing near having arrived at the abandoned site of Alchester on the Akeman street route.

The next day, the two opposing armies draw up on opposite sides of the gently undulating valley.  The Seaxons facing West, the Britons East.

The Seaxon Army lines up in order;

Left Wing; 800 Angles = 800 = 0.8 x 20 =16 points= 7 stands of warriors @ 14 points + 1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point +Osla @ 1 point.

Left centre; 500 Saxons = 500 = 0.5 x 20 = 10 points= 4 stands of warriors @ 2 points + 1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point + Colgrin @ 1 point.

Right centre; 500 Saxons = 0.5 x 20 = 10 points = 4 stands of warriors @ 2 points + 1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point + Bardulf @ 1 point.

Right wing; 400 Jutes = 400 = 0.4 x 20 =8 points = 3 stands of warriors @ 2 points + 1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point + Aelle @ 1 point.

NOTE; All the warrior infantry carry throwing weapons. The River Glyme is very shallow so any stands can move and fire as normal while positioned in the river.

 However the Cavalry do not get the 3 points for attacking Infantry, if the Cavalry stand is itself positioned in the river.

The game is played for 8 Game-Turns.

Aelle and Ambrosius; 

 At the end of the 8th Game-Turn, if the stand representing Aelle is in an adjacent square to Ambrosius, one six sided die is thrown by the Seaxon Player. On a roll of 3,4,5 or 6 ; Ambrosius is removed from the board.

Ambrosius exhorts his men. Failure would mean the end for their families and country. Bardulf, being the elected leader of the Seaxon force tells the army that failure would see them and their families being swept into the sea!

After a brief moment of reflection, Ambrosius raises his sword with the battlecry; DUW A PRIDAIN!

Bardulf replies with WOTAN! 

After six hours of fighting both sides are exhausted with neither gaining an advantage. All the leaders are caught up in the fighting with the heaviest combat centred on Anbrosius’s position. Even the cavalry has been negated by the terrain. In a last ditch attempt Ambrosius launches his Clibanarii at the right wing of the Seaxon army where Aelle is positioned. This time Ambrosius with Arthur leads the attack. Aelles men lock shields as the horsemen approach uphill.

The horses can only trot at the enemy infantry and cannot force the line. As the fighting ebbs away, Aelle launches a spiculum which finds its mark. Ambrosius is mortally wounded! As the two sides draw apart the Seaxons withdraw behind locked shields. The Britons are to tired to pursue. The Britons claim a victory but it is phyrric.

The body of Ambrosius is carried back to Caerleon to be buried. The morale of the Army is low. the people are frightened. In the meantime the Seaxons have dispersed back to their settlements in high spirits. The Germanic settlers know they have won a great victory. Aelle,s status rises amongst the tribal leaders.

As the Winter Solstice of 484 arrives, the Kings gather to  bury Ambrosius, and to decide what to do next. Without the personal force  of Ambrosius, each King refuses to appear subservient to the others.  There is only one remaining character who has the Power and Mystery to exert any influence;

MERLIN.

As before, the table I use is 3 feet x 2 feet ( 60cm x 90cm). The figures are nearly all Hat Industries with some Newline Designs and Miliart..

The square bases are from picture framing card. The round bases are from Minibits.

The representation of Chichester is scratchbuilt. The Watchtower is an old model of a Saxon building with a scratcbuilt tower added.

The hills are from Brian at Essex miniatures. One hill is made from a garden kneeling pad from Wilkinson’s.

The wood bases are from S and A Scenics and the trees are from various manufactures

The river and road sections are cut from thin cardboard.

The Seax  or Scramasax 

The 5th Century in Britannia; Part 4. Uthyr, the Scots-Irish and the Battle of Deols.

As before,this is my interpretation as a wargamer, of events in this era.The numbers of troops involved are purely my own calculation. This is a long blog, mainly because there is a great deal going on. To leave anything out would disjoint the story.

In the story of the fifth century in Britannia,  events happened, but, because of the  lack of written testimony there is no accuracy in some the descriptions.   Therefore all of the battles written about in this blog are my " best  guess". 

 462AD found Octa and Ebissa and 900 of their battered and exhausted warriors taking refuge within the remains of Eboricum (York). After the battle of Conisborough, the Germanic warriors had been harassed by the Amorican cavalry during the retreat.That 700 Cavalry now took up position around the perimeter of the almost deserted town. Six days later Ambrosius arrives with 4000 infantryman. 

Realising the position they were in, the tribesmen petitioned Octa to ask for clemency from Ambrosius.This was granted. The warriors are  sent North to Tremontium as Foederati. The year ends with Ambrosius organising Garrisons north and south of Hadrians Wall. 

Einon Ap Cunnedda ( pro; Cunetha) is promoted to Dux Britannarium. He is given charge of Northern Britannia including Gwynedd. His famous father Cunedda Wledig ( Cunetha Wuledig) has previously been killed fighting Scots-Irish raiders. Ambrosius also visits Alt Clut (Dumbarton castle) which is at the western end of  what was the Antonine Wall.  He supplies the fortress and leaves a garrison of 500 men, 200 of which are cavalry. Five weeks later he is back at Caerleon.

There is a reason for the garrison at Alt Clut (Dumbarton Castle). The Del Riata or Scots-Irish have three major settlements on the west coast of Caledonia. Dunolli ( near Oban, mid Argyll ). Dunadd, the main settlement, near Kilmartin in mid Argyll. The third is Dunaverty , at the southern end of the Mull of Kintyre. Many of the Scots-Irish raids into Britannia started from these points.

Over the winter Ambrosius and Uthyr decide to strike back at the Scots-Irish homeland. Ambrosius knows that the Britons would not be enthusiastic about going to Hibernia. Therefore he asks Merlin to concoct a story. The army led by Uthyr is to travel to Dal Fiatach in Hibernia to recover some large stones with special magical properties.

 Really it is to attack the holdings of the young High King Gillomarius ( Lugaid Mac Loegairi ) and his father Loegaire. 

Ambrosius orders ships to be built at Caerleon and Menevia ( Cardiff ).

 In the Spring of 463AD, Uthyr takes 2000 Amorican regular infantry and 2000 Briton Militia infantry in 50 ships from Caerleon. When Uthyrs army arrives at Latharna, Gillomarius gathers 6000 warriors to oppose the landing.

Battle of  Coill Taobh.( fictional name).

Scots-Irish ; 6,000 ( 6 points x 6 = 36 points).

1 Chief ( Gillomarius ) @ 1 point.

3 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

12 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 24 points.

4  stands of chariots @ 2 points = 8 points.

The Briton Army. 4,000 ( 4 points x 6 = 24 points.)

Uthyr @ 2 points.

4 Stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 8 points.

2 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points

.

Alfric (fictional character) @ 1 point.

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

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

Note:

● The Briton army gets the Iniative Point every Game-Turn.

●The Briton army moves first every Game-Turn.

● The Briton army fires first every Game-Turn.

● Combat is simultaneous as described in the 2 player rules.

● The battle takes place over 8 Game-Turns.

 After a hard fought battle, Uthyrs army wins out, causing the Scots-Irish to retreat and fragment in the process. Ignoring the fortress of Knockdhu, Uthyrs army marches north, raiding as they go.

 Picking up some monolithic stones,Uthyrs army makes its way back to the ships. The Scots-Irish tribes are unable to unite against a common enemy. In sailing back to Carleon, Uthyr brings another 10 ships taken from the Scots-Irish. 

The result of this major incursion reduces the number of raids on the west coast of Britannia. However, small bands of Saxons, Angles, Jutes, Visigoths, Vandals and Picts are still raiding the south and east coast.

In Gaul in Soissons, The Visigoths make another attempt to invade the province. At the battle of Orleans, Childeric and Aegidius defeat the Visigoths led by Theodoric. In Hispania, The Visigoths are also skirmishing with the Suebians.

 464AD;  Pascent, Vortigerns surviving son appears at Dunadd in western Caledonia and eventually meets up with Octa and Ebissa.

 With their combined warbands they start raiding Briton settlements north of Hadrians Wall. Ambrosius with 600 cavalry and Einon with 1200 Infantry militia march from Deva to find Pascents army of 1500 Germanic and Scots-Irish warriors.

 Once again it is Ambrosius,s cavalry which tips the balance.In a series of skirmishes Pascents warband army is forced back to Dunolli. From there, the Warband Army takes ship to Hibernia, being welcomed by Gillomarius. 

 The late summer of 464AD finds Pascent with another raiding force of 800 Scots-Irish, Saxons, Angles and Jutes. This time it was a direct attack on Caerleon. The fleet sails up the Severn estuary and lands near Menevia ( Cardiff ). They launch their attack but Uthyr has 700 men to oppose them (500 regulars and 200 militia).

The two forces meet at Croes Carn Einon. ( The battle is fictional but the place is real ).

The forces involved;

Germano-Scots-Irish Warband; 800 = 8 points x 3 = 24 points.

Pascent   @ 1 point.

5 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 10 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

Logaire @ 1 point.

5 stands of Scots-Irish Warriors @ 2 points = 10 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

The Briton-Amorican Army; 700 = 7 points x 3 = 21 points.

Uthyr @ 2 points.

6 stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 12 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

Atgan (fictional) @ 2 points.

1 stand of Militia Infantry @ 1 point.

3 stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

Notes;

● The Britons get the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

● The Britons get to move first each Game Turn.

● The Britons get to fire first each Game Turn.

● Stands that fight or fire within the Ford of the river do not suffer penalties.

Any stand that is within any other part of the river when firing or fighting does suffer penalties.

● The battle is fought over 8 Game-Turns.

Uthyr and his men win the battle and once again Pascent and his mixed war band are driven back to their ships. Loegaire was leading the Scots -Irish but he looses his life in this battle. Pascent sails back to Hibernia taking the lifeless Loegaire with him.

On the Continent, Anthemius is made Emperor of the West by Leo ( Emperor of the East ). Anthemius has a Senior General, Ricimer and two others, Majorian and Aegidius. Majorian wages successful campaigns against the Germanic tribes. Fearing Majorians success, Ricimer has him assassinated.

Aegidius launches several campaigns against the Visigothic ( Roman Foederatii) army led by Theodric but controlled by Ricimer. Theodoric the leader of the Visigoths is related to Ricimer.

( note; Ricimer is a senior Patrician in Rome. He cannot become Emperor himself because he is Aryan Christian. However he controls Anthemius ).

Aegidius died suddenly in 465AD. Some say Ricimer was responsible. In this year Syagrius, the son of Aegidius takes over in Soissons, the last Roman Province of the Western Empire in Gaul.

Syagrius is allied to Childeric, the King of the Franks  in the north of Gaul. To the south of Soissons there is the Visigoths, now led by Euric,who has murdered his elder brother Theodoric. Euric is also a nephew of Ricimer.

 There are also the Vandals ( by now, on the west coast of Hispania) led by Geiseric. Groups of Saxons are now in Normandy as they are gradually being pushed out of their original territory by the Franks.

465AD. Pascent sends Octa and Ebissa on another raid; 500 German tribesmen and 500 Scots-Irish. They head along the river Ribble and attack Bremetennacium ( Ribchester). Next, they head south in a lightning strike on Mamucium ( Manchester ). 

Learning of the attack while at Deva, Ambrosius, Gorlois and Einon gather a scratch force of 300 regular Cavalry, 300 regular infantry and 500 militia infantry and head to Mamucium.

Realising that he had missed the enemy. Ambrosius leaves Einon and the Cavalry at Manucium while he and Gorlois head south with the infantry. Ambrosius,s force caught up with Octa and Ebissa,s Warband at Aquaeanemetiae ( Buxton). During this battle Ambrosius,s infantry are pushed back and surrounded at Mount Damen ( said to be Ramshaw Rocks on the A53 ).

Overnight, Ambrosius and Gorlois decide on a dawn  attack with swords drawn. Covered by an early morning mist Ambrosius, Gorlois and the men attack. Added to this was the arrival of Einon with the cavalry. This time it is an overwhelming victory. The war band was completely broken.

Octa  @ 1 point.

Ebissa @ 1 point.

500 Germanic warriors = 5 points x 4 = 20 points = 8 stands of Warriors @ 2 points =16 points. 

2 stands of Light Infantry Skirmishers @ 1 point = 2 points.

500 Scots-Irish = 5 points x 4 = 20 points = 9 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 18 points.

 2 stands of Light Skirmisher Archers. @ 1 point = 2 points. 

Ambrosius @ 2 points.

Gorlois @ 2 points.

9 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2 points = 18 points.

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

Einon @ 2 points.

5 stands of Auxilliary Cavalry ( javelins) @ 2 points = 10 points.

The Fog;

●At the beginning of each Game-Turn the Britons are moved first. 

●The only stands that can fire during the entire game are the Archers and the Cavalry. These stands can only commence firing when there is no Fog marker between them and their target.

●When a Briton stand is moved into the square containing a " Fog marker" that fog marker is removed and a combat takes place. 

●The fog marker is not replaced once it is removed.

●No Germanic or Scots-Irish stands can be moved until the Fog marker is removed from in front of the stand or, the stand is Moved Back as a result of Combat.

The Briton Cavalry;

●These are placed in the wood at the bottom left of the battlefield.

●At the beginning of Game-Turn 3 and for every Game-Turn thereafter the Briton Player rolls a 6 sided die. On the score of 5 or 6 the cavalry are moved  on to the table where the road is ( bottom right of the battle map ).

● Once the cavalry are on the table, they can be moved along with the Briton Infantry.

Note; The Briton cavalry cannot be fired upon or engaged in close combat until they appear on the road.

● The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

Octa and Ebissa were captured. There was no mercy. Having already taken their oath Ambrosius is in no mood for clemency. Both Octa and Ebissa are put to death.

466AD. Easter at Carleon. Ambrosius gathers his Officers and Nobles to celebrate the Festival. It is here that Gorlois discovers Uthyrs affair with his Wife Ygerna. Gorlois leaves the Festival vowing no further support for the Amoricans in Dumnonia. Ambrosius has no choice in supporting his brother and declaring Golois  a renegade.

Note; This could have been an arranged confrontation. Golois was a redoubtable and brave leader who was popular with his warriors and the Dumnonians looked to him rather than Ambrosius.

Ambrosius sends Uthyr into Dumnonia to attack Gorlois,s holdings. Eventually, during a sally from Damelioc hill fort Gorlois is killed. Uthyr takes Ygerna as his Wife. Ygerna has a two year old son  by Golois named Medreut ( Mordred).

467AD.  In the early part of this year Ygerna gives birth to a boy who is given the name  Artorius ( Arthwys Ap Uthyr Ap Constantine :( Ap meaning " son of" ) or Arthur. In September a girl,Anna. 

There are still raids across eastern Britannia but no major incursions. Londinium is all but abandoned as are a number of major posts in the north, east and south east.

468AD. Ambrosius has political connections with the Patrician Syagrius, and Childeric, King of the Franks  He also has contact with King Rechimund ( Riothamus ? ) of the Suebians on the North-western corner of Hispania in an area called Gallaecia. 

( In this year at the battle of Mecurium, the Vandals destroy a huge Roman invasion fleet off the coast of Africa. This battle is said to be the death-knell of the Roman Empire in the West.)

This is because there is a Briton colony there called Bretona. Riothamus is pro-Roman and has allowed groups of Briton refugees to settle in Gallaecia. The Suebians are enemies of the Visigoths. Now possessing a Navy, Ambrosius can keep in contact with the Gallaecian colony.

469AD. In this year Ambrosius receives a request from Syagrius as does Riothamus for troops to fight the Visigoths. Syagrius carries the remit of the Eastern Emperor, therefore the order must be acted on.

Ambrosius leaves Uthyr 4,800 regulars including 300 cavalry to hold Britannia, while he takes 4,000 regulars and 500 cavalry in sixty ships. Riothamus has 8,200 infantry warriors (including 2000 Britons )in 90 ships. These two fleets  carrying 12,700 soldiers and warriors make their way to the Loire  river, and then down the river Cher to Bourges.

In July, Riothamus and Ambrosius, following the River Indre on their right, move forward on foot to Deols, south of Bourges. Here they camp to wait the arrival of Syagrius.

 However, Syagrius was betrayed by Arvandas, who informed Euric of the impending attack. Euric attacked the position of Riothamus  and Ambrosius before Syagrius had arrived.

The Gallacio-Briton army; 12,700 = 12.7 points x 4 = 51 points r/u.

The Britons and Amoricans; 4,500 = 4.5 points x 4 = 18 points.

Ambrosius ( inc bodyguard )  @ 3 points.

1 stand of Auxilliary Light Cavalry  @  2 points.

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

3 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

The Gallaecians; 8,200 = 8.2 points x 4 = 33 points r/u.

Riothamus ( inc bodyguard )  @ 2 points.

3 stands of Light Archers / slings  @  1 point = 3 points.

14 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 28 points.

The Army of Syagrius ( not present but included for completeness ) ; 

8,000 infantry = 8 points  x 4 = 32 points,

2,000 cavalry = 2 points x4 = 8 points.

Syagrius @ 1 point.

4 stands of Light Cavalry ( javelin ) @ 2 points = 8 points.

7 stands of Regular Infantry = 3 points = 21 points.

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

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

The Visigoth Army; 18,000 = 18 points x 4 = 72 points.

Euric  @ 1 point.

Ardo (fictional)  @ 1 point.

Genderic ( fictional)  @ 1 point.

5 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 10 points

5 stands of Light Archers @ 1point = 5 points.

27 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 54 points.

Notes:

● This battle is played out as a normal two player game. At the start of each Game-Turn both sides throw a 12 sided die to determine which side gets the Initiative point for that Game-Turn.

● The battle is played out over 8 Game-Turns.

● Stands can only be moved in and out of the camp via the gate. Any stands within the camp can claim cover.

Note: It has been written that Arvandas, (a Praetorian Prefect ) under instruction from Syagrius, informed Euric of the impending attack hoping to wipe out Ambrosius and Riothamus and dismantle the  independant British Province.

 Ambrosius and Riothamus were forced to retreat back to Bourges with the remainder of their warriors  where the ships are moored. They had to reach open water before the Visigoths closed off the Loire.

Syagrius retreated back across the Loire at Orlean. Ambrosius and Riothamus return to their Provinces with their respective troops. Ambrosius now knows that the Roman hierarchy riven with political intrigue, cannot be trusted.

470AD,  Ambrosius returns to devastation. The army is down to 4,000 men commanded by Lott which has retreated to Silchester. The Picts led by Nechtan are raiding Northern Britain in strength. Pascent and the Scots- Irish are attacking the west coast. Dumnonia is in a Civil War between the supporters of Gorlais and the supporters of Uthyr, who has been killed by assassination.

Ambrosius contacts Lott to bring the army to Tintagel. Einon is to garrison all the forts along the frontier from north to south. He then rides with Cador, the new Dux of Dumnonia to Damelioc. 

Ambrosius threatens to put everyone in the fort to death if the leaders of the rebellion are not handed to him. The leaders are surrendered and put to death, whereupon the rest of the rebel Dumnonians swear allegiance.

Over the winter and into 471AD, Ambrosius with the help of his few senior officers trains up his army recruiting from amongst the young Britons. Eventually the army comes together at Carleon. The Army;

3,000 Regulars ( 2,500 infantry, 500 Cavalry in 6 Cohorts)

Cador, the Dux of Dumnonia ; ( 3,000 Infantry Militia, 500 Cavalry in 7 Cohorts.)

Einon of Gwynedd ; ( 5,000 Infantry Militia, 400 Cavalry.)

As Spring comes along Ambrosius finds out that a 500 strong warband of Germanic warriors mainly Saxons, have set up a settlement at Eboricum,( York) with new leaders, Colgrin and his Brother Baldulf. In May, the Briton army is assembled at Deva.

 Ambrosius has 2,000 regular Infantry and 500 regular cavalry. Cador brings in 1,500 infantry militia and 500 militia cavalry. He leaves 500 regular infantry to guard Carleon where Ygerna is living with the children. 

Einon,s troops are given the task of garrisoning the border.

Merlin the Sage is also there. Being part Druid his presence is resented by the Clergy but he is part of the Bucellarii of Ambrosius.

Ambrosius marches the army to Eboricum to confront the raiders. At first it was going to be another siege, because the Germanic tribesmen had cut trees to form a defensive perimeter.

 However,this time things were different! Word had come that a large fleet has anchored in the Humber estuary near Petuaria ( Brough). This army has 150 ships carrying 10/12,000 men, mostly Saxon led by a Chief called Cheldric.

This is a full scale invasion. Ambrosius is forced to retreat to Deva and back to Carleon. He needs food and troops. He sends a request to Hoel, High King of Amorica. The King arrives at Totnes three months later  with 8,000 men including 1,000 cavalry.

472AD; Ambrosius and Hoel set the army in motion toward Lindum. British scouts have located the main Saxon army in this area although there have been sporadic raids in the south-east. The British-Amorican army ;

Ambrosius ; 1,500 regulars = 1.5 points x 4 = 6 points.

1,500 Infantry Militia = 1.5 points x 4 = 6 points.

500 Regular Cavalry in 1 cohort. = 0.5 points x 4 = 2 points.

500 Militia Cavalry in 1 cohort. = 0.5 points x 4 = 2 points.

King Hoel; 7,000 Regular Infantry = 7 points x 4 = 28 points.

1,000 Regular Cavalry = 1 point x 4 = 4 points.

Ambrosius @ 3points.

1 stand of Regular infantry @ 3 points.

1 stand of Regular Cavalry @ 2 points.

2 stands of Militia infantry @ 2 points = 4 points.

1 stand of Militia Cavalry @  2 points.

2 stands of Light archers at 1 point = 2 points.

King Hoel @ 1 point.

8 stands of Regular Infantry @ 3 points = 24 points.

3 stands of Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

2 stands of Regular Cavalry ( javelin ) @ 2points = 4 points.

Nechtan and his Picts; 4,000 = 4 points x 4 = 16 points.

Nechtan @ 1 point.

9 stands of Light-Armed Warriors @ 1 point = 9 points.

4 stands of light Archers @ 1 point = 4 points.

1 stand of Light Cavalry @ 2 points.

The Saxon Army; 10,000 = 10 points x 4 = 40 points.

Cheldric @ 1 point.

Colgrin @ 1 point.

Bardulf @ 1 point.

18 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points =36 points.

1 stand of Light Infantry Archers @ 1 point.

Notes;

● The Romans retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

● The Romans move first on every Game-Turn.

● The Romans fire first during the firing phase.

● The battle is played out over 8 Game-Turns.

Ambrosius sends some of his cavalry in a sweep around the south-east to guard against any warbands coming ashore. The main army marches north past Lindum ( Lincoln ) and comes up on the Saxon army at Locodraco ( modern Dragonby, Yorkshire ).

Composed of 10,000 infantry led by Colgrin, Bardulf and Cheldric, who is the Bretwalda. They have also been joined by 4,000 Picts ( including 500 light cavalry) led by Nechtan.

The battle is hard but a charge by Hoels cavalry at the critical point decides the battle. The 6,000 Saxons retreat back to their ships on the Humber. As the Saxons move south and east out into open sea, Ambrosius and Hoel harass Nechtan and his remaining warriors back to Caledonia.

This time Ambrosius is caught out.  Instead of sailing to Normandy, Cheldric takes his fleet to Totnes!. Isca Dumnoniorum is devastated by the Saxons, who ravage the area eastward toward Lindinis ( Illchester ) where they make camp. For three weeks the Saxons continue to devastate the area. A message is sent  to Ambrosius who, four weeks later appears at Aquaesulis (Bath ).

Ambrosius has had to leave Hoel at Alt Clut with a garrison of 1,000 men because he is sick. The rest of the army marches with him. 

Cheldric, Colgrin and Bardulf have 8000 warrior infantry. When Cheldrics scouts inform him of the approaching Amoricans he knows he has to retreat to a defensive position because of the Cavalry. Cheldrics fleet has also been anchored at Lym Supra Mare ( Lyme Regis ) to take the baggage that had been looted.

Cheldric has his warriors take up position facing east on Ham Hill( Somerset ),which is  the site of an old hillfort. The ramparts have gone but there is a small village and the shell of a Roman villa.

Ambrosius and Cador along with Einon have 4,000 Amorican regular infantry and 800 cavalry. Ambrosius has 1,000 regular infantry, 900 militia infantry and 400 militia cavalry. 

Briton-Amorican Army.

Ambrosius; 7,100 = 7.1 x 5 = 36 points r/u.

4,000 Amorican Regulars = 4 points x 5 = 20 points =

5 stands of Amorican Regulars @ 3points = 15 points.

2 stands of Light Archers  @ 1 point = 2 points.

Ambrosius  @ 3 points.

800 Amorican Cavalry = 0.8 x 5 = 4 points =

2 stands of Amorican cavalry @ 2 points = 4 points ( javelin ).

1,000 Briton Auxilliary Infantry = 1 x 5 = 5 points =

2 stands of Briton Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 4 points.

Cador @  1 point.

900 Briton Militia Infantry = 0.9 points x 5 = 4.5 or 5 points r/u.

1 stand of Militia Infantry @ 2 points.

2 stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points.

Einon   @ 1 point.

400 Briton Militia Cavalry = 0.4 x 5 = 2 points.=

1 stand of Militia Cavalry  @ 2 points.

Germanic Tribal Army, 8,000 = 8 points x 5 = 40 points.

Cheldric @ 1 point.

Colgrin @ 1 point.

Bardulf @ 1 point.

17 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 34 points.

3 stands of Light Infantry @ 1point = 3 points.

Notes ;

● The Briton- Amorican army retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

● The Briton-Amorican army moves first on every Game-Turn.

● The Briton-Amorican army fires first on every Game-Turn.

The ruined villa;

Stands can only be moved in and out of the villa via the East entrance exit. No missile fire can take place from within to targets outside and vice versa.

The battle starts with Ambrosius directing an advance against the Saxon tribesmen. Neither side gains the upper hand. However, Ambrosius knows he has to return to Alt Clut. 

Ambrosius launches another attack uphill at the Saxon battle line. Ambrosius is in the front rank to encourage his men. This time the Saxons are broken.  Ambrosius leaves Cador to pursue the Saxons back to their ships at Lym Supra Mare. Ambrosius returns to Carleon. From there he takes 3000 Amorican infantry and 800 British regular Infantry along with 600 cavalry in 60 ships and sails to Caerleon..

Toward the end of 472AD Ambrosius is back at Alt Clut. when he is informed that a large army of Scots-Irish under Gillomarius and Pascent  has landed at Dunadd. This army is estimated to be of 5000 men,and is marching toward Alt Clut. Ambrosius realises this is his one chance to break the Scots-Irish threat.

Over a two day running battle, Ambrosius and Hoel with 4,800 regulars and the 600 cavalry beat the Scots-Irish army around Loch Lomond, driving the remainder back to Dunadd. Both Gillomarius and Pascent are killed.

Ambrosius decides to put Caledonia to the fire and sword. He devastates the area up to Loch Ness ending the Pict and Scots-Irish threat to Britannia for a long while to come.

In August of 472, Ricimer passes away.  Into 473 AD, Ambrosius, although Amorican is undisputed Warlord of Britannica. He was 50 years old when he came to the country and he has been fighting for twelve years.

 Artorius Constantine (Arthur ) and his sister Anna are 6 years old. Mordred is 8.

Well that is the end for the moment. All the battles are played out on my board which is 3 feet by 2 feet ( 90 centimetres by 60 centimetres ).

Nearly all the figures in the pictures are Hat Industries 1/72nd scale figures painted by myself. Some are from the Newline Designs range.

The maps are my own efforts. The hills are by Brian of Essex Miniatures. The green and brown ground bases are from S and A Scenics.

The Tents in the Deols scenario are from Bauda, the wagon is from Ceasar Miniatures Roman Train. The earth work is cold modelling clay with bits of cocktail stick.

Finally, the trees are from various manufacturers. The round 40mm Mdf bases are from Minibits, and the square bases are cut from picture-framing cardboard. The fog sections, roads and rivers are of thin card.

The Battle of Ooderen :The Spanish Netherlands, June 31st 1703

The details of this clash of arms is a bit sparse in English sources, so this is my interpretation of the events leading up to this battle. Some of the details could be wrong.

 This battle was one of many in what is known as The Malburian Wars or The War of the Spanish Succession. The British and Dutch were fighting the French. Louis the 14th had sent his army North, to invade the Spanish Netherlands, which roughly equates to the country of Belgium in present times.

The Dutch government had sent their army South  into the Netherlands to try and forestall the French army in its advance. The British General, The Duke of Marlborough had warned General Obdam the Dutch General not to advance to far.

Obdam disregarded the Dukes advise wanting to show that the Dutch did not need the British to give them instructions. At this time the country of Holland was known as The United Provinces.

The French C-in-C, the Duc De Boufflers was no fool and as the Dutch army advanced saw an opportunity to surround it. At Eckeren this manoeuvre came about.

Realising what was happening, Obdam with his army tried to fight his way out of the encirclement. First, he directed an attack against Eckeren  but the French forced the Dutch to retreat. Next, he directed an attack against Hoevenen, but this was not pushed home.

Hoevenen was where the majority of the French Cavalry was stationed. The area consisted of open country. The Dutch Generals realised that their mainly infantry army would be cut to pieces if caught in open country in marching column.

The Dutch Army was camped in enclosed territory ideal for defense but they were surrounded on three sides with their backs to the Scheldt river ( pro: Skeld ).

The Dutch Commander knew there was only one thing he could do; he deserted!!.

Disguising himself as a French Officer, Obdam went South, leaving his Officers and the army in a dire situation. Luckily for the Dutch troops, the second in command, General Slangenburg was made of sterner stuff,.

He realised that the only way out was through Ooderen. When the Scheldt river was at low ebb, the polder (a very large drainage gully ) near the village would be passable.

Even at low tide the drainage ditch and the dike further east would be an obstacle for cavalry so would provide some defence should the Duc De Merode become aware of the Dutch manouvres.

Having decided on a plan General Slangenburg and his fellow General Friesham got the army moving.

The Army of The United Provinces ( Holland)

8,500 foot ( inc; Generals and Artillery) = 8.5 points x  4 = 34 points.

1,500 Horse= 1.5 x 4= 6 points.

1 General ( Slangenburg) @ 2points.

1 General (Friesham) @ 1 point.

3 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 6 points.

3 stands of Light artillery @ 1 point = 3points.

2 stands of Grenadier infantry @ 4 points =8 points.

10 stands of Line Infantry @ 2 points = 20 points.

The French "Division" at Ooderen.

9,500 Foot = 9.5 x 4 = 38 points ( inc Generals and Artillery ).

2000 Horse = 2 points x 4 = 8 points.

1 General ( the Duc De Villaroi ) @ 1 point.

2 stands of Heavy Field Guns @ 2points = 4 points.

8 stands of Line Infantry @ 3 points = 24 points.

1 stand of Dismounted Dragoons @ 1 point.

2 Stands of Grenadier Infantry @ 4 points = 8 points.

4 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 8 points.

Here is a map of the battle;

The battlefield;

Notes;

The Dutch get the Initiative Point on every  Game-Turn. This is for their bravery born out of desperation and for the French not expecting the Dutch to attack!.

Any stands being forced into the water West of the village bridge will be lost. This was the flood plain of the Scheldt so very deep and soft mud. The left side of the board from the Dutch base edge is river so stands will be lost if they are forced to retire off that side.

Any Dutch stands retiring over the dike will be lost ( they would eventually be caught by the French troops to the East).

The polder East of the Bridge is treated as a river that under the rules can be crossed with penalties.

The winner of the battle after 8 Game-Turns will be the side with the least number of stands lost and/or the Dutch have stands on the bridge at the village. The Dutch have only one way to go. That is North.

The other parts of The French Army didn't take part in the battle. I'm surmising that either Generals Boufflers and Merode assumed that General Villeroi could defeat the Dutch ,or, the acoustics of the area muffled the sound of the battle.

General De Bedmar,s Spanish " Division" was at Wilmarsdonk to the South, but he did not move. I'm assuming that he also thought that Generals Villaroi and Merode would be able to stop the Dutch escaping.

For completeness, here is my interpretation of the remainder of the Franco/ Spanish Army;

The French "Division" at Hoevenen

6,500 horse = 6.5 points x 4 = 26 points.

1 General ( Merode) @ 1 point.

8 stands of Cavalry @ 3 points = 24 points.

1 stand of Mounted Dragoons @ 1 point.

The French "Division " at Eckeren.

11,000 Foot ( inc: Generals and Artillery)= 11 points x 4 = 44 points.

2,000 Horse = 2 points x 4 = 8 points.

1 General, C-in-C ( Boufflers) @1 point.

1 stand of Heavy Artillery @ 2points.

3 stands of Light Artillery @ 1 point = 3 points.

2 stands of Grenadier Infantry @ 4 points = 8 points.

10 stands of Line Infantry @ 3 points = 30 points.

4 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 8 points.

The Spanish "Division" at Wilmarsdonk.

8,500 Foot ( inc: Artillery and Generals = 8.5 points x 4 = 34 points. 

1,500 Horse = 1.5 x 4 = 6 points.

1 General ( De Bedmar) @ 1 point.

2 stands of Grenadier Infantry @ 4 points = 8 points.

7 stands of Line Infantry @ 3 points = 21 points.

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

3 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 6 points.

Credits;

I set this battle up on a 2 foot (60cm) x 2 foot (60cm) board as there seem to be very little manoeuvring space according to one Period map I have seen.

The figures are mostly Miniature Figurines with some from Peter Pig and Essex Miniatures. They represent the middle 18th century rather than the earlier Malburian era.

The buildings are from Total Battle Miniatures. The bridge at the village is scratchbuilt, as are the dike sections. The rivers and roads are thin card.

The bases of the figures are made from picture framing card and the round 40mm mdf  bases are from Minibits

 

The 5th Century in Britannia (401 to 500 AD) part 1.The Rise of Vortigern.

Many historians past and present, have done an immense amount of work in an attempt to make sense of the limited and sometimes jumbled history of the 5th century in Britain. All the information that they have collected is valid up to the present and has been made available to the public over the years.

Thanks to the hard work of these authors, wargamers like myself can make choices as to which thread of history to follow. The following article is my own interpretation of events presented by the historians.

This is the point in the history of Late Roman Britain where the situation really started to change for the people. As if the raiding and constant warfare was,nt enough to cope with, the taxes levied on the population were getting worse!
( some things in history never change!).

Basically, each city or town within the Roman Empire had a council called the Curiales. Being wealthy they were personally responsible for all bills incurred by the City. From the 4th Century onward membership of a City Council became more financially ruinous.
As a result, many counsellors try to escape this situation by joining the Army, the Government, the Church or by gaining the position of Senator.

In the 5th Century the governing of towns and provinces gradually fell to individuals who had managed to engineer the situation to their advantage. These were Senators, Magnates, Military Officers, Bishops and Imperial Office holders. A character by the name of Vortigern became a member of this group.

In 401AD, Hadrians Wall lost its garrison troops as General Stilicho ordered all troops back to Gaul. Having already suffered large scale incursions, the Rhine frontier finally collapsed in the winter of 406AD.

When the river Rhine froze completely, this allowed thousands of tribespeople to cross into Gaul. The tribes that crossed the Rhine were Vandals, Alans, Seubi, Quadi,Bergundians, Alemanni and Saxons, adding to the Franks who had already been settled by the Romans in Gaul. The sea trade to Britannia dwindled almost to nothing.

By 407AD, the supply of money from Rome to Britannia had stopped. For the last time, the regular troops in the Province rose in revolt. The troops declared Constantine ( a Roman Prefect ) as Emperor. He became Constantine the 3rd.

Constantine gathered virtually all the remaining troops including the federated Cohorts and, using the remaining ships of the Navy, heads to Gesoriacum ( Boulogne).

Apart from the personal troops of the Magnates, there are no regular forces to go up against the raiding parties of Picts, Scotti, Franks and Frisians who are now raiding freely into the countryside. The Picts and Scotti are now starting to settle in areas of Northern Brittania just South of the Wall and in areas of North-Western Wales. One of the largest forts on the Wall ( Banna ) becomes the main fortress of a Scottish King.

By 409AD, all the Roman magistrates loyal to Constantine had been expelled by the local councillors of the town's and cities. Those that remained still regarded themselves as Roman and still follow the Christian religion. However the Province was slowly fragmenting into small Kingdoms. Local leaders and their people were abandoning the towns, villages and villas and moving to the hill forts their ancestors were driven from by Roman invasion.

Londinium still just about functions as an administrative hub. Those with power try to come to an agreement as to how to function but power politics are in play and self interest is to the fore. An embassy is sent to the Emperor Honorius for aid but he tells the Britons that they must look to their own defence.

On the continent in 410AD, Rome is sacked by Alaric and his Visigoths. Then in 411AD Constantine is captured and killed by the Emperor Honorius.

If you draw a line from the head of the the Severn Estuary diagonally North- East across Britannia to the head of the river Humber, the area South of that line was becoming know as Lloegyr ( pronounced Low-ee-jer).

This area plus that on the South coast of Wales around Glevum was still controlled by the Britons. The area North of this line was now controlled by the Picts and Scots.

By 418AD the British treasury was empty so any money in circulation was controlled by the new Nobility. Food barter becomes the main currency of the population. Some who had lost lands and their property have taken ships from Dumnonia (Devon and Cornwall combined) and headed for Amorica (Brittany).

By 425AD Vortigern re-enters the story. He was a Prefect of Gloui ( Gloucester) or Glevum. As part of his rise to power, he married Savira the daughter of a previous usurper, Magnus Maximus by his second marriage. Vortigern inherited extensive lands. They had one daughter, Scothnoe, and three sons; Vortimer, Catigern and Pascent.

Vortigern himself is of  Hibernian descent ( Goidelic). In 436AD, he seals a pact with the High King of Hibernia by marrying his daughter Scothnoe to the High King,s son Federmid. By now Vortigern is the most powerful Noble ( Equites= Knight ) of the round table council of Britain.His personal hearth guard is composed of Scotts-Irish and Pictish warriors.

 Although resented by the Romano-Christian members of the council Vortigerns position is unassailable, as the Imperial Court is no longer sending any Officials to Britannia.

The raiding by Scots and Pictish warbands has lessened into Romano-British territory but the raids by Frankish and Frisian Pirates continued.
By 432AD, on the Continent the Magister Militum Aetius ( pro: A-E-shush) is in contention with Boniface as to who becomes leader of the Western Roman Empire.

In Amorica ( Brittany) The local Roman magistrates were gradually being ejected by the dispossessed Nobility arriving from Britannia who felt let down by the Roman Senate. Amorica has also become home to Bandits, deserters and peasants made homeless by the barbarian invasions.

 Many soldiers from the failed coup attempts are also there. Amongst them are two surviving sons of Constantine 3rd; Ambrosius and Uthyr. The eldest son Constans was killed when his father was taken. The Amorican inhabitants have many tribal links to South Western Britain going back to Pre-Roman times.

By 437AD, Aetius is in control of the Western Empire. He is not very happy about Amorica becoming an independent state, so he, with his General Litorius decides to invade the territory to bring it under his control. Amorica is ideal defensive territory, being heavily wooded hill country.

Soon the campaign gets bogged down and Aetius already having problems elsewhere gives King Goer and his Alannic troops the task

It is now 440AD. Back in Britannia the Round Table is desperate to solve the problem of the seaborne raids and convince Vortigern to send an embassy to the Jutes of Northern Denmark.
( Jutes=Gutes; Latin=Geuisse=Gewissi). These troops had been to Britain before and were well known for their seafaring abilities.

By now Vortigern has complete power but in order to be seen " as a council member" he acceded to the request. The next year ( 441AD), The Jutish leader Hengist arrives with his brother Horsa along with three ships of men (240 warriors?). They land at the isle of Thanet and make camp there.
At the start, the presence of the Jutes with their ships reduces the raids but not enough to stop them completely.

Hengist convinces Vortigern and the Council that he needs more more men. In the Spring of 442 another 16 ships of Jutes arrive at Thanet (1,280 men). For the next ten years from 443AD until 453AD the Jutes effectively end the Pirate raids.

With the Gewissi now employed as a private army by the Noble round table, life takes on a relative calmness but as the year 454 dawned this was all about to change------.