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 2nd 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 1st 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 1st 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 1st
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 2nd brigade wipes
out the effectiveness of the French 1st 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 3rd 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…
