Christmas campaign 2024

[fsn]

Last weekend I fought the two semi finals - no photos unfortunately - but there is a new table which has a grand total of zero bridges.  My device has been replaced, and I'm fighting the final this weekend. 



Semi-Final 1: Sweden vs Austria
The Swedes stormed onto the table, the three infantry and one cavalry brigade entering the table at different but close points around the middle of the left side of the table (green 12-16). The infantry quickly took the high ground in the upper part of the table, and were able to form up in an almost leisurely fashion whist waiting for the Austrians. Meanwhile, the cavalry trotted to the southern hill to take control of that as well.

The Austrians (bless 'em) had only their light infantry appear on move 1,  at yellow 18, so they had to spend a bit of time working their way through the trees. Fortunately for the brigade, they also threw a "1", which is a "do not do anything" command, so they took off their packs and enjoyed the sunshine for a while.

By the time the Austrian infantry began to meander on, the Swedes were set to take them under artillery fire, and the Swedish cavalry, finding the Austrian light infantry apparently disinclined to move, came down like a wolf on the fold of the bemused Austrians and routed the first brigade.

Victory to the Swedes.

Semi Final 2: Britain vs Bavaria
The British army, if fully deployed would be nearly twice as large as the Bavarian, so I trimmed it to be about the same size.

The British infantry made it on fairly early, on Green 2 to Green 4, so quickly took the southern high ground. The two heavy cavalry brigades also were on the table by move 3, coming in a bit further north, either side of the buildings at Green 12.

Early signs of the Bavarians were the light cavalry at yellow 7 and yellow 4. As the cavalry made its way south, the infantry dripped in. The first brigade coming on move 4 at yellow 15 - right under the muskets of the prepared British infantry. Well, that didn't go well for the Cornflower Blues.

Meanwhile, the middle of the table saw a clash of cavalry. Despite being outnumbered, Somerset's Household Cavalry threw themselves at the first Bavarian brigade, and put it to flight, then were counter charged by the second Bavarian brigade and only saved by the timely intervention of Ponsonby's heavies.     

By now, the British Rocket Troop had made its way through the woods at Green 8, and into a position to begin a lethal fireworks display (mostly) against the Bavarian infantry, which was enough to discourage the Bavarian National Infantry (Militia) who suddenly remembered they had business elsewhere.

Victory to the British.   


The Final will be Sweden vs Britain

Hmmm. Both of these battles were dictated by the victor having plenty time to get on the table in a reasonably concentrated way, whilst the loser was late, and certainly for the Bavarians thrown in piecemeal. 

I am contemplating having all troops on the table for the final.

[fred.]

Perhaps allow each army to deploy half their troops at the start of the game, then roll for the rest? Avoids the no-one has turned up issue, but still gives some variability?

[paulr]

Fred's suggestion seems eminently sensible