Don't Throw a 1: Guest post from Reject Richard

Part 4 of a Socially Distant Wargame

The Battle of Distanza, 15 June 1746

Phase 3, c.12:15pm

As a note I should say that I move the little metal men according to orders. Always aiming to play to their best interests according to who has initiative on the tabletop. Dice rolling is done by various members of the family – usually with a quizzical and often “understanding” smile.

The battle continues to be dominated by the cavalry struggle on the eastern flank of the battlefield with the Austrian regiment No3 Palffy (accompanied by No 4 Stampbach Regt) and the French Royal Roussillon/Orleans regiment moving into a position to charge each other.

But, as the French 2^nd brigade realigns itself the gunners fell some of the mounts from No 3 regiment.

Meanwhile, the rest of French 2nd brigade take punishment from a well-directed Austrian bombardment.

This exchange does not deter Marshal Ray ordering an aggressive advance with the 1^st brigade in the centre – the direction of travel shown by the arrow. However, this now starts bringing infantry into range and artillery into short/canister range. Who will this hurt the most?

As the action heats up in the centre and east, on the western flank French artillery is taking less than accurate pot shots at the Austrian cavalry.

In the east, No 3 regiment and Roussillon/Orleans regiment charge ferociously at each other. So starts another clash of sabres as cavalry seek mastery of this flank.

After a hard fought melee where both sides struggled to gain the upper hand, No3 Palffy eventually prevailed over Roussillon/Orleans Regt. Casualties now mounting on both sides. Perhaps with this in mind, the Austrians chose not to pursue their defeated foe, which leaves La Reine/Conde regiment to face the two threatening cuirassier units.

Thus, the situation at c.12.30pm is as shown below.

With new cavalry brigade generals having been assigned to the Austrian and French brigades, the commanders can now move to make their presence felt elsewhere.

The French 1^st brigade gain the initiative to direct withering musketry and canister fire on the Austrian infantry regiment (IR) 11 Wallis.

Consequently, IR11 Wallis is obliged to withdraw behind the farm and the hill. The arrow indicates the direction of travel.

However, the Austrians on the central heights can give as good as they take. As the French 1^st brigade draws closer, ripples of volley fire can be seen inflicting casualties on the regiments Champagne and Artois.

In the southeast. Now facing two Austrian cuirassier units, regiment La Reine/Conde chooses prudence over valour and moves out of charge range.

The fighting on this flank, though perhaps inconclusive (depending on what you want, I suppose) has been fearful with casualties from the four units involved enough to man at least another regiment and a half. Morale may be the deciding factor.

Austrian artillery fires on French artillery. Now you see it…

Now you don’t!

Excellent Austrian gunnery from 2^nd brigade wipes out the effectiveness of the French 1^st brigade artillery. However, a consolation for the French is that some redirected shot bounced through what is now identified as a grenadier unit at the eastern end of the infantry line.

Battle lines are forming while the Austrian dragoons try to swing wide of the farm.

As the fog of war starts to descend on the field of battle, the French 3^rd brigade begins to engage with the central heights. Should the Austrians be worried? Who knows, but he has certainly spotted the grenadier unit closest to Sociale.

More black powder fog on the central heights.

And so, the situation as it stands at a little after 12.45 in the afternoon.

Both sides may be realising that a frontal attack is always risky. Though from their depositions they have both recognised the value of turning flanks – and therefore protecting them. Casualties are starting to mount on both sides.

Will Lee’s cavalry advantage win him the day? or will Ray’s infantry numbers prevail?

I await their orders and how it plays with bated breath.

To be continued…