Broadside 2026 - The Rejects on Tour - Crossing the Berezina

Last Saturday a mod of Red T-Shirted Posties Rejects gathered at Broadside Wargame Show, to play my and Lee's scenario Crossing the Berezina River in 1812's Retreat from Moscow.

We used Sharp Practice rules, but with a few amendments so we could have larger armies and they worked a treat. We used some of the idea's in a booklet from a Swedish website the booklet is called "Moscow 1812 There & Back Again.

So thanks have to go to the authors Jonas Svensen, Simon Alskans and Zacharius Bjorngren

https://krigetkommer.weebly.com/rules--downloads.html

It took us 2 years to get the game on the tabletop at Broadside and we both couldn't be any more happier with how the game and day both went!

Both Lee and myself we're reffing the game at different times and when not reffing we were talking explaining the game to the public, so the pics that follow are just that, pic I took during the game, when I remembered to take a photo.

The plan was simple, the French had to get 4 units of Stragglers over the bridge then they could retreat across with the rest of their army. The Russains had to do their best to stop this happening.

The semi ruined town of Studienka, it all the protection the French had, with all the troops squashed in place.

With one bridge already standing General Eble was tasked with building another bridge to quicken the crossing. But could they build it in time?

We had a small display of books and photos for the public to look at.

The Russian's entered the battle from three sides

Hidden bottom right of this photo was a Russain artillery piece, which was tasked with blowing up the bridges. But they forgot to shoot with it for a few turns!!

Don't leave anything on the table....I said!!!

The Russians cam out of the woods on the French right and the Wuttemburgers gave them a blast from their muskets.

General Eble's Dutch Pontooniers are in full flow building the second bridge, while the Hessain Chevau Leger and Baden Hussars r=try and get into a position to stop the Russian advance.

Some stragglers can be seen marching up the road towards the bridge.

The Russian advance to the town from the French left.

Loads of people asked about the ice in the river and how we made it, also asking where we bought the fleece mat?
Click this link about the ice.
Click this link about the mat.

A very confusing battle, just as it should have been.

The Russians break into Studienka!!

The first unit of Stragglers nears the bridge.

and the Pontonniers are close to finishing the second bridge too.

A unit of Cossacks arrives!

While the Russian Uhlans are sent packing!

The Cossacks emerge from the woods.

Battered and bloody the French are hanging on.

General Eble inspects the second bridge after the build is complete and some Stragglers reach the bridge and head for safety on the other side.

The French Guard are the only unit yet to shoot, hence the green marker. But they're surrounded by their own troops so couldn't shoot even if they wanted to.

The Russian line units advance through the town, heading for the flank of the second Guard unit.

But it was all too late, it was time to pack up.

As the French had built the second bridge and had troops on the bridge, the win was given to the French!!

And to top the day off, we only went an won the Best in Show Award!!!!

As you can see by our faces we were both chuffed to bits, especially as there was some stiff competition from other clubs.

Red v Yellow
Ray, Lee, Tony and Steve.

Team Red - Posties Rejects

Dan, Surj, Smiffy, Postie, Steve, Ray, Lee, Dave, Richard & Colin.